Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

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Mental Health in Angola

Mental Health in AngolaAngola is a small country situated on the western-central coast of Southern Africa. Generous petroleum and mineral reserves support its fast-growing economy. Collectively, Angola shares a crucial concern for mental health with all 54 countries in Africa. However, the treatment of mental health in Angola has been neglected.

Angola’s Health Care Challenges

Limited funding, inadequate mental health care policies, shortages of health care personnel and deficient training of health care workers are some of the health care challenges in Angola. In terms of health care facilities, there are approximately 3,000 people per facility, indicating a strain on accessibility. Moreover, with only 1.01 beds available per 1,000 patients, there’s a concerning shortage of hospital beds.

The physician-to-patient ratio stands at 0.3 per 1,000 patients, equivalent to around 14,000 physicians, which falls below the World Health Organization’s recommended level. Similarly, the nurse-to-patient ratio is 1.1 per 1,000 patients, suggesting further strain on health care resources. These statistics highlight the urgent need to address funding limitations, reform mental health care policies and invest in health care personnel and training to ensure adequate health care provision for the population.

Further, Angola’s 2023 budget allocated 23% of all government expenditures to the social sector, with health care receiving approximately 7%. However, it falls short of supporting the health care needs of 34.5 million people. For the health development plan to be effective, current statistics and comprehensive data could be utilized to upgrade existing priorities. Comprehensive data would include current population growth, distribution of population, infrastructure needs, financial models and human resources that would upgrade priorities.

Programs Tackling Mental Health in Angola

  1. African Center for Disease Control (CDC): In March 2024, the CDC launched a new Mental Health Leadership Program (AMHLP) to address mental health challenges in several African countries, including Angola. Wellcome, whose mission is to “support discovery research into life, health and well-being,” funded the program. The program aims to “mobilize decision-makers to support countries in reforming services and advising on public health measures to promote and protect mental health and well-being.”
  2. Education: Doctor Alisha Moreland-Capuia is a leading trauma-informed care expert. Her nonprofit, The Capuia Foundation, is constructing the Institute for Trauma-Informed Systems Change in Angola. Counseling and educating the people of Angola about mental health will help them develop a realistic understanding of mental illnesses.
  3. Kassai: Kassai is an eLearning platform funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI). This program trains health care workers in malaria, family planning and maternal and child health. By the end of 2022, the Kassai platform had 6,600 unique users and 31,000 course enrollments.

Mental health illnesses are a present-day concern in Angola. However, several programs are being initiated by both the Angola government and nonprofits to address mental health challenges in Angola.

– Pamela Fenton
Photo: Unsplash

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How Mangroves in Pakistan Are Helping Local Communities

How Mangrove Expansion in Pakistan Is Helping Local Communities Sindh, the southeastern region of Pakistan, hosts up to 600,000 hectares of mangroves and tropical trees that primarily grow in saltwater. Over the past century, the country has lost up to three-quarters of its mangrove forests, but there have been significant efforts to restore and expand these areas. The current Prime Minister, Imran Khan, has committed to planting 10 billion trees by 2023. Expanding mangrove forests has yielded numerous benefits for local communities, including creating jobs, enhancing food security and protecting neighborhoods from natural disasters.

Mangroves as Natural Protectors

Before the mangrove expansion, severe flooding and monsoons in the Sindh region displaced 8 million people and caused financial losses of up to $30 billion. Fortunately, mangroves naturally function as protective barriers against storms, cyclones and floods. This trait inevitably adds a layer of protection, helping to mitigate serious destruction in many communities.

Economic and Ecological Benefits

In Sindh province, up to 100,000 people work in fisheries and the expansion of mangroves in Pakistan has led to a healthier and more diverse habitat for fish and shrimp, enhancing food and employment security. Many locals have seen improved seafood yields, attributing the increase in crab, shrimp and fish to the expansion of mangroves. This growth has also boosted community welfare by creating jobs and community projects. Locals find employment in planting and transporting mangrove saplings and protecting these planted areas from damage.

The proactive restoration of mangroves in Sindh, Pakistan, is set to bolster ecological resilience, with the expanded forests acting as vital carbon sinks. This initiative, aligning with global climate action goals, not only supports local biodiversity but also integrates community development with environmental conservation, thereby positioning the region as a leader in ecological restoration efforts.

Community Empowerment

Local women and young people can also earn money by supplying, growing and providing their mangrove seeds to developers and government agencies, creating valuable income sources for many households living below the poverty line. The expansion of mangroves in Pakistan has proven successful, with the area of mangrove forests increasing from approximately 184 square miles in 1990 to 565 square miles in 2020. Moreover, this growth has helped local communities lessen the impact of natural disasters, secure sustainable income and employment and protect food sources.

Looking Forward

The expansion of mangrove forests in Sindh represents a beacon of environmental and economic renewal. As these ecosystems thrive, they continue to provide essential protection against natural disasters and bolster local economies through fisheries. Community engagement in mangrove restoration not only empowers residents but also instills a sense of stewardship over natural resources. The ongoing efforts to restore mangrove areas are expected to further enhance biodiversity and ecological stability in the region. Each new mangrove planted is a step toward a more sustainable and resilient future for the Sindh communities.

– Zaynab Yusuf

Zaynab is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Career Building Initiatives for Working Women in Kazakhstan

Working Women in KazakhstanKazakhstan has taken several steps to encourage and protect employed women, including implementing legal safeguards and diversifying political representation. Despite these efforts, there are still disparities between women and men in the workforce. On average, women are 10% less likely to participate in the paid workforce. Similarly, according to the World Bank, women are less likely to be business owners, with 71% of businesses run by men as opposed to 29% run by women. In addition, almost a quarter of working women in Kazakhstan are vulnerably employed, meaning that there are little to no protections in place to guard against economic shocks.

The most notable disparity for working women in Kazakhstan is their participation in domestic labor. A study by the World Bank notes that “women in Kazakhstan spent 19% of their day and men spent 6.3% of their day on unpaid work.” This means that working women in Kazakhstan spend approximately three times more energy and time on domestic tasks in addition to their paid jobs than their male counterparts.

Combating Gender Stereotypes in Kazakhstan

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) notes that gender stereotyping persists among Kazakh citizens. For instance, men are more likely to seek higher education, especially technical and vocational education, as women remain associated with the domestic sphere. Cultural norms in Kazakhstan are generally positive toward gender equality, however, women are less likely to be seen as political and business leaders. Instead, there is a widespread expectation of women to assume roles associated with family. 

The Kazakhstan Country Gender Assessment urges Kazakhstan to implement strategies to diversify the workforce and make jobs more accessible to women. It highlights gender equality in diverse sectors as an important theme to be mainstreamed into initiatives to build regional knowledge platforms. Furthermore, it encourages the country to implement initiatives such as raising awareness on gender equality, career or leadership advising services for female students and empowering female perspectives, especially on a government level. 

Operation Mercy’s Comprehensive Approach

Several initiatives aim to create opportunities for working women in Kazakhstan. A notable program that promotes female empowerment is Operation Mercy, founded in 1991. It advocates the Self Help Approach, which encourages women to cultivate self-worth on an individual and community level. In addition, it specifically focuses on impoverished communities and relationship building on an interpersonal, community and faith-based level, providing education services through academic establishments. The operation’s ongoing programs cover taboo topics, such as STDs, unwanted pregnancy and trafficking, all of which disproportionately affect young women. By providing this information, Operation Mercy motivates young Kazakh women to prioritize their well-being, enabling them to focus on their careers and futures. Each year, the organization serves more than 2,000 students.

Skill-Building for Women in STEM

In Astana, a skill-building marathon organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) specifically targeted women in STEM, hosting 37 women with science education backgrounds. The Skillathon aimed at demonstrating to participants how to develop soft skills for career advancement and promote research. The seminars began by raising awareness around the importance of dismantling prejudice and stereotypes in the STEM field and empowering women to showcase their knowledge and skills, leading by example for future generations. In addition, the initiative led sessions to sharpen technical skills, like communication, commercialization of scientific projects and systems thinking.

Gender Equity in Renewable Energy

Efforts by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to promote gender equity in Kazakhstan’s renewable energy sector addresses the low participation rate of women, which stands at a mere quarter of the workforce. Recognizing the historical gender imbalance, USAID has initiated training events, site visits and networking opportunities aimed at breaking down barriers for women in this field. Furthermore, USAID’s introduction of internship opportunities in 2019 is a strategic move to create more inclusive employment prospects within the energy sector.

Looking Forward

As Kazakhstan continues to address gender disparities in the workforce, initiatives like Operation Mercy, the UNDP Skillathon, and USAID’s focus on renewable energy offer promising pathways toward greater equality and empowerment for women. These efforts, aimed at breaking down barriers and promoting female participation across diverse sectors, lay the groundwork for a more inclusive and equitable future.

– Anna Williams

Anna is based in Burlington, VT, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Practical Action Addresses Youth Unemployment in Kenya

Practical Action Addresses Youth Unemployment in KenyaPractical Action, a development charity, works alongside communities to develop sustainable solutions to tackle youth poverty. It revolutionizes agricultural solutions, job opportunities and water management through teaching, training and supporting communities. Its volunteers work across Bangladesh, Kenya, Peru, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Sudan and Zimbabwe. The organization is tackling youth unemployment in Kenya through its ongoing project, Resilient Agriculture that Works for Young People (RAY). Launched in November 2022, the project aims to meet its key goals by October 2027.

RAY: A Beacon of Hope for Kenyan Youth

Centered in West Kenya, the RAY project seeks to provide young individuals with training in regenerative agriculture and business management, empowering them to pursue job opportunities. It aims to reduce the high rate of youth unemployment in Kenya. While the expansion of agricultural opportunities has great potential for creating dignified jobs and income, young people in the country face significant challenges due to limited access to land and the skills necessary for succeeding in agribusiness.

Practical Action reports that four out of 10 young Kenyans are unemployed. Of this, women comprise six out of every 10 unemployed youth. To fight this, Practical Action’s RAY project has partnered with the Mastercard Foundation to offer unemployed Kenyan youth employment opportunities. In addition, this partnership provides access to critical resources such as finance, land and markets, aiming to enhance job prospects and reduce poverty.

Collaborative Efforts

In its earlier project in Kenya, Transforming Rural Economies and Youth Livelihoods (TREYL) from 2019 to 2022, Practical Action helped 6,000 young people, 46% of whom were women, to enter agribusiness. Its main goal is to transform agriculture in Western Kenya into an appealing and sustainable source of employment for the youth. Practical Action seeks to offer unemployed Kenyan youth a new perspective on rural economics. It tackling the obstacles they encounter in accessing job opportunities. Beyond equipping young people with essential skills to boost their employment prospects, Practical Action is working to forge strong partnerships with county governments.

The ongoing collaborations aim to enhance opportunities and connections between employed youth and their suppliers. Furthermore, Practical Action’s partner, the Mastercard Foundation, offers vital networking opportunities for young people in Africa, to overcome socio-economic challenges. Since its launch in 2012, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has helped more than 45,000 young Africans gain access to education.

Reducing Poverty Through Agribusiness

Practical Action employs several key strategies to achieve its goal. The strategies are as follows:

  • Providing Mentorship to young entrepreneurs. A central aspect of the project is providing youth with transferable skills and knowledge. This is achieved through peer-to-peer learning to enhance their understanding of the agricultural business.
  • Planet-Friendly Methods. Practical Action’s eco-friendly methods give Kenyan youth a forward-thinking understanding of environmentally friendly practices that enhance productivity. This new knowledge not only helps in restoring degraded land but also shapes the youth into valuable, conscientious employees.
  • Youth Savings and Loans Associations (YSLA). The project aims to teach youth the importance of personal finance as a means to reduce youth unemployment in Kenya. It believes providing young people with access to affordable capital equips them with the essential knowledge to break the cycle of poverty.
  • Gender Transformative Actions. A major initiative of the project is changing gender attitudes to empower female youth. It enables them to seize opportunities in agribusiness and achieve employment equality.

Focused and Positive Future

Practical Action’s 2023 Annual Report states that by 2025, the charity aims to positively impact 20 million people by reducing poverty through various employability projects. In Kenya, the project involves current farmers as mentors. These mentors work to guide young people toward finding career paths in the agricultural sector. The objective is for trained youths to become the next generation of mentors, contributing to the reduction of youth unemployment in Kenya.

– Kasia Flisiuk

Kasia is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Elderly Poverty in the United Arab Emirates 

Elderly Poverty in the United Arab Emirates The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has experienced an increase in life expectancy which means the mortality rate has reduced. This is a positive development with the growth of the elderly population reaching 32,433 in 2005 from 24,520 in 1995. However, this has meant an increase in the old-age dependency rate as the elderly population has grown faster than the working-age population after 2015. The rise of elderly poverty in the United Arab Emirates has become an issue. This could further increase between 2020 to 2050 from 311,000 – 3% of the population to 2 million – 19.7%. Unfortunately, there is no data on elderly poverty in the United Arab Emirates, according to the UNFPA report. But the literacy data can help with predictions. The illiterate population of men and women aged 60+ stands at 3.9% and 16.1% respectively, according to the same report, which puts them in a vulnerable state as during their working years they could earn less.

Lower Social Subsidy

Consequently, having a below pensionable income with lower social subsidy is financially constraining. These individuals are entitled to a subsidy of AED 1,095 which is less than their counterparts of average individuals who have a subsidy of AED 2,190, according to the Dubai School of Government 2013 policy brief. The recent governmental initiatives include the 2019 federal law. It grants the Emirati senior citizens rights such as the right to protection from violence and abuse, the right to social and medical care, the right to an enabling environment, housing, education and work, etc.

Additionally, the law covers penalties and fines for the mistreatment of the elderly and the social subsidy has been revised to AED 4,400. However, this excludes financially constrained individuals, according to the Dubai School of Government. To make matters worse, recently the pensionable salary has been increased, which further limits the benefits the elderly can access.

Under Family Care

Nevertheless, none of this prevents financial abuse. This abuse is more common than any other type of abuse and has resulted in elderly poverty in the United Arab Emirates. The older population lives a poorer quality of life than the normal standard, according to the Dubai School of Government. Inheritance issues prevail widely with children disputing over their parents’ wealth especially when the parents are illiterate or suffer from health conditions like dementia. Courts grant custody of the parents to the children which allows the children full access to their parents’ funds. Unfortunately, this occurs while the parents end up with no financial autonomy, the Dubai School of Government reports.

Furthermore, elderly abuse is common in poor families who cannot afford to take care of the elderly family members. They may also lack proper education in doing so. Moreover, due to work circumstances, the elderly members are home alone which leads to further negligence.

Reforms

Regarding financial abuse, more laws and procedures are necessary to protect the financial security of the elderly, says the Dubai School of Government. This could include improvements in the legal framework that limits guardians from accessing certain information about their wards. The Dubai School of Government states that enrolling in educational programs should be mandatory for the elderly to learn about self-reliance, vigilance and medical precautions that they need to adhere to.

With this in mind, a social startup Senior First has taken the initiative to cater to the elderly. It provides access to health and safety services that are cheap and offer discounts through a phone application. Many of these are government services that many elderly people do not know about. Among them is the TAMM Van. This is a transport service available at all locations with a 50% reduction in taxi fares.

Massarah Card offers discounts in the fields of medicine, banking and other services. In addition to the government entity, private enterprises like the telecommunication services of Du and Etisalat in collaboration with the government provide 50% and 60% discounts on phone plans.

Improving the Public Nursing Homes

The government can increase the number of public nursing homes by allocating one to every emirate instead of one for the whole country. On the other hand, it could subsidize private nursing homes, according to the Dubai School of Government. The government attempted to solve this in the form of the Thukher Card which provides discounts at private clinics, nursing homes and testing laboratories, according to Senior First.

Notably, elderly poverty in the United Arab Emirates is a concern despite the lack of coverage of the issue. A deficiency of coverage has led to a lack of public awareness which results in the persistence of this issue. Hence, prioritizing this age group is a must to not only eradicate their poverty but also prevent it from happening again.

  – Hafsa Dijoo 
Photo: Flickr

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Solidarity Economy an Effective Remedy for Poverty

Solidarity Economy an Effective Remedy for PovertyIn efforts to fight poverty, local organizations are turning to a solidarity economy, which at its core, prioritizes social gain over profit. These organizations integrate concepts of human development, equal participation and sustainability. In some cases, such as with the Deccan Development Society in India, solidarity economic models have addressed structural deficiencies and inequalities by focusing on individual well-being and sustainable production. Fundamentally, a solidarity or social economy aims to balance social and economic goals and address poverty. Organizations within this model emphasize the social impact of their output instead of profit maximization.

Solidarity economies feature cooperative governance, democratic decision-making in economics, sustainable production methods and a commitment to human rights protection. Although solidarity economy primarily refers to a network of local cooperatives and fair trade companies operating under a strict ethical code, it also encompasses a broader economic model. Some organizations and governments have highlighted its potential for policy implementation. It is viewed as a response to 21st-century challenges and a means to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

A Response to Globalization and Inequality

Solidarity economic organizations emerged as a counterpoint to the shortcomings of globalization. They challenge its status as the sole path to development. These grassroots organizations, mainly in developing countries, have criticized the exploitation of natural resources for profit and the structural flaws that push people into low-skill, low-wage jobs. In addition, they lament the loss of cultural identity and knowledge due to the homogenization of society. The solidarity economy aims to address poverty and the inequalities driving it, such as regional disparities and social exclusion, by offering an alternative model that seeks to restore balance.

The Impact of COVID-19

Solidarity economies gained prominence after the COVID-19 pandemic. With businesses closing, billions were left without income, dependent on state initiatives or their savings. Solidarity economic organizations worldwide stepped up, showcasing the impact of a model centered on social needs. As the immediate effects of the pandemic receded, the long-term impact on global poverty emerged clearly. The pandemic also exacerbated inequalities; between 2019 and 2021, the income of the wealthiest quintile dropped by 0.9%, while that of the poorest quintile fell by 3%.

A Focus on India

India’s rapidly expanding economy contributed to a decrease in multidimensional poverty from 29% to 11% over nine years. While this appears as a significant achievement on paper, contrasting views question the authenticity of this impressive trajectory as the statistics suggest. Critics specifically target the methodology for calculating multidimensional poverty. They argue that the categories constituting the multidimensional aspect and the revenue baselines might have political motivations.

In India, high levels of inequality persist across the population. The wealthiest 10% control 80% of the country’s wealth. Structural inequalities continue, with rural areas nearly twice as likely to experience poverty as urban areas. Despite the official illegality of discrimination based on the caste system, it remains a significant factor in income distribution, along with the tribal system. The Dalit caste and Adivasis tribe, historically regarded as untouchables, live in marginalized rural communities and often hold low-paying jobs. Currently, members of lower castes and tribes represent five out of six people living in multidimensional poverty in India.

The Deccan Development Society

The Deccan Development Society was founded more than two decades ago, working in about 75 villages of Tanangala province, it aimed to unite 5,000 women from the Dalit caste living in extreme poverty to improve their living conditions. At the heart of their efforts lie solidarity economy principles and poverty alleviation through the communities’ self-reliant operations. These communities prioritize democratic processes, focusing on food and resource sustainability. They empower women from lower castes to engage in economic decision-making, incorporating permaculture, sustainable agriculture and education as key strategies for food security. The society’s autonomous yet collaborative approach to managing agricultural resources has enabled the production of an additional 1,000 meals per family annually.

The Deccan Development Society’s notable success has shown that solidarity economies are effective in mitigating poverty resulting from entrenched systems of inequality. Moreover, by focusing on sustainable and self-sufficient production that aims at well-being, society has reclaimed community agency against the backdrop of caste disparities. In 2019, the society received the United Nations (U.N.) Equator Award, is a distinguished recognition for organizations that combat poverty by sustainably utilizing biodiversity. While much of India faced production challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Deccan Development Society managed to donate 10 kilograms of grains to the region’s relief efforts.

The Future of Solidarity Economy

Organizations advocating for the solidarity economy model, aim to address critical 21st-century challenges in the developing world, such as inequality, poverty and the scarcity of natural resources. The U.N. has established a task force under the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) umbrella to promote and study SSE’s role in achieving the 17 SDGs. Furthermore, the U.N. views SSE as a transformative force with the potential to redefine the implementation of the SDGs, emphasizing self-determination and an economy based on social needs. SSE is considered capable of influencing policy at the national level. Looking ahead, the impact of solidarity economies on poverty reduction could evolve into a global network, amplifying their progressive agenda for broader visibility and support.

– Felix Stephens

Felix is based in London, UK and focuses on Business and New Markets and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Spotlight on Danceaid

DanceaidDanceaid is a charity based in the United Kingdom (U.K.) that uses the energy of dance to transform the lives of children. Using dance-based activities, the charity raises funds to alleviate certain hardships that are often experienced by orphaned, poor and disabled children, both in the U.K. and abroad. The programs it runs focus on things such as food insecurity and education, with the aim of helping children in need reach their full potential.

Founded in 2009, Danceaid uses slogans such as “dance a little, live a little, save a life” and wants to get everyone involved, from “tiny tots to groovy grannies shaking a leg to make a difference.” DanceAid runs a whole range of dance-based events and activities to raise funds. For example, it runs dance competitions and shows, a “design your own medal hanger” scheme, triathlons and danceathons and has celebrity endorsement from JLS star Aston Merrygold.

The Main Aim of the Charity

The main aims of the charity are education and training, the prevention and relief of poverty, overseas aid and famine relief. It does this by providing finance, human resources, buildings, facilities, open space and aid services. The charity primarily operates throughout England and Wales, the Philippines, South Africa, Syria, Turkey and Ukraine.

Impacts

A key example of Danceaid’s work is in the city of Manila, the capital of the Philippines. In Manila, children are forced to live and work in the streets from as young as 3 years old and face serious problems such as food insecurity. In August 2013, Danceaid launched a “feeding program,” just after the city had been hit by monsoon floods, leaving the community without food. The charity currently feeds 100 children every day in Manila. A year later, in 2014, it launched a feeding and support program for Manila entitled Mama and Me. This program is for mothers who are so malnourished that they cannot produce breast milk and for babies who are malnourished, underweight and unwell.

Danceaid also runs projects in rural South Africa, with a focus on young people affected by HIV and AIDS. Its preschool for children aged 3 to 6 provides children with food, toys, books, education on topics such as colors, numbers and patterns and language education in both local languages and English. The charity also runs a drop-in center for affected families, which not only provides cooking utensils and food but also basic fuel to cook.

Also in South Africa, Danceaid currently runs a football program for 100 young boys, with under 13, under 15 and senior teams. The funds Danceaid raises get to put toward footballs, football boots, registration fees for players, transport to games and a healthy meal before engaging in the sport. Since Danceaid initiated this program, one of its players has subsequently been elevated to the South African Premiership, indicating its significant success.

– Eva McMonigle
Photo: Pexels

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Hydropower in Namibia

Hydropower in NamibiaNamibia, a small nation in Southern Africa, has begun making strides toward renewable energy, which has dominated its market. The country has a demand of 600 MW but only a generation capacity of 486.5 MW, which is expected to grow as the population increases year after year. The government of Namibia wishes to boost its generation to fulfill its requirements and provide electricity to all educational institutions and health care facilities by 2020. However, in 2024, the country still doesn’t generate even half of what it consumes.

Additionally, Namibia has an electrification rate of 50%. However, this doesn’t display the full picture as there is a huge disparity between urban and rural areas. Urban areas have an electrification rate of 72% and the rural regions only have a rate of 21%. With more than 46% of people living in rural areas, many citizens lack options. At the time, there was truly no hope for the Namibia population. However, all hope is not lost. The International Renewable Energy Agency researched the situation of South Africa and Namibia in particular and found that focusing on renewable energy could be the solution to Namibia’s energy poverty. With nearly 21.6% of Namibians unemployed, equipping these workers with the training required could also ease the unemployment rate.

Namibia’s Renewable Energy Initiative

In 2021, the government of Namibia passed the Second Harambee Prosperity Plan (HPPII). The HPPII is a government-powered group of targeted policies aimed at providing enhanced services, boosting the economy, combatting poverty and engendering inclusive growth. The push for this campaign came after the country was found struggling after the pandemic.

This initiative was intended to completely reform the country from how it handled conflict with other countries to how to deliver electricity to its people. The initiative also builds on Namibia’s current energy production while ensuring that the country prioritizes clean, renewable energy.

Currently, Namibia produces most of its energy in a renewable fashion through hydropower. Roughly two-thirds of the country’s energy production comes from hydropower. Specifically, four power stations produce approximately 60% of the country’s energy, leaving the population vulnerable if one shuts down. The current plan is to slowly build more solar and hydropower projects to boost the country’s production and decrease the reliance on any project and other countries for energy. 

Namibia has a unique geographical advantage that makes it perfect for solar projects. With a lack of dense areas and an abundance of flat land that receives a lot of sunlight, Namibia can drastically increase its production through the use of solar farms. Additionally, this can bring in many new high-skilled jobs.

Conclusion

While renewable energy in Namibia is still an emerging market, it has the potential to completely shift the narrative of the country. It can provide millions of jobs and lift many people out of poverty while providing clean electricity to the population. By harnessing its unique hydropower and solar advantage, Namibia can meet its energy needs and achieve much more.

– Aman Chaudhary
Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Papatoetoe Food Hub Fights Food Insecurity in South Auckland

Papatoetoe Food Hub Fights Food Insecurity in South AucklandSouth Auckland, a highly diverse region of New Zealand, is home to numerous Māori communities like mana whenua and Pacific, Asian and European ethnic groups. Each of these groups holds significant food traditions that currently face the risk of increasing food insecurity. Data from the area reveal that one in seven children come from families facing moderate to severe food insecurity, with 30% of Māori children affected. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated food insecurity in South Auckland, with a local food bank reporting that most of its food parcel recipients were individuals who lost their jobs due to the pandemic.

Traditional Food Practices

Land ownership, or the lack thereof, has severely affected indigenous communities’ ability to access and cultivate food. This is especially true for Māori communities, where colonization and urbanization have hindered their ability to gather and prepare traditional kai (food). In addition, the respectful use of whenua (land) is central to food cultivation in these communities. However, maintaining these values is becoming more challenging in the context of contemporary food systems. Consequently, the struggle of indigenous communities to engage in environmentally friendly farming practices is a major factor in escalating food insecurity.

The Papatoetoe Food Hub

The Papatoetoe Food Hub set up shop in South Auckland to provide sustainable and affordable meals to the community while embracing traditional values of community and environmental stewardship. A key focus, as reported by the Food Hub, is promoting knowledge exchange on growing, harvesting and maintaining crops. To this end, it conducts on-site lessons about indigenous cooking methods. The hub also prioritizes sustainable food practices aligned with Māori values, rescuing and repurposing 18.6 tons of food between September 2019 and May 2021.

A Community-Led Success Story

The Papatoetoe Food Hub adopts a community-led strategy, working in close collaboration with local schools, universities and government agencies to benefit its local community. Knowledge Auckland conducted interviews with 30 individuals about the hub, seeking to understand its impact. The study revealed the value generated by every dollar spent at the hub:

  • $0.55 goes to the team, comprised of people hired from local communities.
  • $0.38 goes to the local economy, including the purchase of ingredients from local suppliers.
  • $0.07 goes toward government infrastructure.

Julio Bin of the Southern Initiative observed, “The Food Hub is a tangible demonstration of how we can do things differently.” Meanwhile, a local mom emphasized, “They base the menu on what the community wants.” The Papatoetoe Food Hub continues to thrive, attracting an increasing number of patrons and even received endorsement from former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. The hub aims to build on this success, with local stakeholder Gael Surgenor noting, “The biggest impact is yet to come.”

Looking Forward

The Papatoetoe Food Hub exemplifies the power of community-driven solutions in combating food insecurity while preserving cultural heritage. Addressing food insecurity in South Auckland, the hub intertwines traditional values with modern sustainable practices. It offers a beacon of hope for diverse communities, showcasing a scalable model for others to follow.

– Kayleigh O’Brien

Kayleigh is based in Leeds, UK and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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From Pond to Plate: Aquaculture in Zambia Is Transforming Lives

Aquaculture in ZambiaIn Zambia, a landlocked country in southern Africa, fish serve as more than just sustenance; they are the very foundation of livelihoods. More than  30% of the country’s animal protein is derived from fish. As the population grows, the imperative of cultivating aquaculture in Zambia grows ever more pronounced, emerging as a pivotal conduit for securing food security and economic stability, especially within rural communities.

With the strategic interventions of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the collaborative efforts of government initiatives, Zambia is poised to harness the potential of its growing aquaculture sector. The nation aims not only to meet the nutritional needs of its populace but also to drive sustainable development while safeguarding its resources for generations.

The Prospects of Aquaculture in Zambia

Zambia is a prominent figure in Sub-Saharan Africa’s aquaculture landscape, standing as one of the continent’s leading producers of farmed fish. Within the agricultural sector, fisheries contribute significantly, constituting 3.2% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). The nation boasts an annual production of 75,500 tons of tilapia, marking a nearly 10,000% increase since 1986. Despite this impressive growth trajectory, the demand for fish shows no signs of abating. Projections indicate a need for an additional 71,591 tons of fish by 2030 to meet the country’s surging population demand.

Zambia remains a net importer of fish, highlighting the persistent challenge of bridging the supply-demand gap in this vital sector. Therefore, the country stands to reap substantial macroeconomic benefits from expanding its aquaculture industry. By fostering growth in fisheries and enhancing common practices, the nation is primed not only to attain agricultural independence but also to address the pressing challenge of food insecurity, which affects 48% of the population. Recent research by the University of Stirling demonstrates the pivotal role aquaculture plays in bolstering food security in Zambia.

However, the expansion of the aquaculture industry holds promise beyond enhancing food production; it has the potential to alleviate poverty by creating employment opportunities and increasing incomes directly. Moreover, it facilitates coherent community development measures, offering a new avenue for revenue generation for entire lakeside towns. Aquaculture in Zambia often synergizes with crop agriculture, leveraging the fertile conditions and irrigation opportunities provided by lakes, fostering income diversification and growth. To ensure that farmers and fishermen can fully harness the benefits of aquaculture, various domestic and international initiatives are in place to provide support and assistance.

Zambian Government Initiatives

For decades, the Zambian government has played a pivotal role in fostering the growth of the aquaculture industry. In 2004, the introduction of the National Aquaculture Development Strategy (NADS) signaled a concerted effort to provide guidelines and support for private sector-led growth aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and bolstering production. Additionally, the establishment of the centralized Department of Fisheries underscores the government’s commitment to the sector, with five aquaculture centers positioned across the country.

These centers are tasked with conducting feasibility studies and research, particularly concerning fish nutrition and species selection, to drive innovation and sustainable development. Moreover, the Agriculture Commercialization Programme (ACP) offers low-risk financial services to farmers and fishermen, as well as provides a gateway to access relevant technologies.

Ultimately, the Zambian government’s commitment to empowering its fisheries and rural population is not only a testament to its dedication to food security but also to uplifting its most vulnerable citizens. By providing entrepreneurial and employment opportunities, initiatives like the ACP contribute significantly to poverty alleviation in Zambia.

Foreign Investment in Aquaculture

Foreign aid, particularly from USAID, plays a crucial role in fortifying aquaculture in Zambia as well. Through initiatives like feasibility tests, USAID provides invaluable insights into the profitability of aquaculture ventures, demonstrating that even modest investments can yield substantial returns.

For example, one such test revealed that the input costs for a 500 square meter pond, approximately $1,000, offer an impressive 42.38% internal rate of return.

USAID’s aquaculture initiatives in Zambia extend beyond research. For instance, the Farmer-to-Farmer (F2F) program facilitates access to emerging technologies, enhancing the quality and quantity of fish and produce available in local markets.

Similarly, FishFirst! Zambia and the USAID-Mississippi State University partnership at Zambia’s Feed The Future Innovation Lab for Fish prioritize research on fish nutrition and the development of fish-based products, such as instant porridge, which has notable potential for both domestic consumption and international export. These efforts not only promote entrepreneurship but also contribute directly to improved nutritional outcomes for rural communities.

Additionally, USAID programs equip rural Zambians with educational resources, imparting knowledge on the nutritional benefits of various fish species and offering practical guidance through recipe handbooks. Ultimately, foreign investment plays a pivotal role in augmenting food security and reducing poverty in Zambia by fostering innovation, education and economic opportunities.

Final Remark

Aquaculture in Zambia offers a promising avenue for sustainable economic growth and poverty alleviation as the country moves into the future. With support from domestic and international channels, there is immense potential for the expansion of the vital industry. With continued investment and collaboration, Zambia’s fisheries can play a pivotal role in achieving broader development goals and alleviating poverty through the creation of long-term, sustainable and profitable employment opportunities.

– Matthew Candau

Matthew is based in St. Andrews, Scotland and focuses on Business and New Markets and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr