Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

, ,

Nkosinathi Sithole and Food Poverty in South Africa

Food Poverty in South AfricaFood poverty, depriving individuals of adequate nutrition, is a pressing issue affecting countless lives. Nkosinathi Sithole, a South African writer from the province of KwaZulu-Natal near Lesotho, sheds light on the harsh realities of food poverty in rural South African communities through his novel “Hunger Eats a Man.” Although a work of fiction, Sithole’s poignant narrative powerfully captures the stark truths of food poverty in South Africa, emphasizing the urgent need for change.

The Novel and Food Poverty in South Africa

The narrative takes place in a rural community in Lesotho. It follows the fictional character, Priest, who loses his job as a farmhand due to poor farming conditions. This situation highlights the widespread problem of food poverty. This scenario underscores the standard explanation of food poverty. Inadequate agricultural conditions in Lesotho make crop cultivation challenging, leading to repercussions like unemployment.

Sithole’s connection to Southern Africa, his birthplace and hometown, enriches the narrative with firsthand insights into food poverty and the urgent need for change. Despite awareness of this issue, the United Nations (U.N.) predicts that an estimated 27.4 million people in the region will face food insecurity in the next six months, indicating the persistent and unresolved nature of the problem for the future.

Evidence for Improvement in Lesotho

Given the significant implications of food poverty in South Africa, it is evident that efforts for increased food security are imperative. Hence, the work of the WFP comes into play. Established in 1961, the organization addresses hunger by offering food and cash assistance to nations grappling with food scarcity. As an international entity, the WFP endeavors to enhance food conditions across various countries and territories. Notably, the charity’s impact is substantial, with 20 million children receiving nutritious meals, snacks and takeaway rations in 2022, underscoring its success in providing food aid on a global scale.

The Future of Food Poverty in Lesotho

The WFP highlights chronic malnutrition as particularly severe among children under 3. This has often resulted in stunted development and potential growth impairment. Dedicated to fostering change and future prosperity, the WFP prioritizes babies, children and young people.

The organization supports the government’s school meal programs and provides food to 60,000 students in schools and Early Years centers. This critical initiative aims to build a brighter future for younger generations. It aims to ensure increased access to food and adequate nutrition.

Just as the poverty-stricken community in Sithole’s novel finds unity and hope, the WFP is committed to reversing food poverty in South Africa. The organization assists hungry communities, improving development, health and stability.

– Amelie Bunce
Photo: Unsplash

, ,

Possible Health Reducing Poverty in Rural Nepal

Rural NepalIn the rugged terrain of rural Nepal, where access to health care is out of reach for many, Possible Health has emerged as a ray of hope. Founded by Dr. Duncan Maru and his team, Possible Health is not just a healthcare organization but a catalyst for reducing poverty in rural Nepal. With a mission to provide comprehensive primary healthcare services and a commitment to sustainability and community empowerment, the initiative transforms lives in rural Nepal. 

Founding

Possible Health traces its roots back to 2008, when Maru, Dr. Sanjay Basu, Dr. Jason Andrews and public health expert Bibhav Acharya realized the dire need for accessible and affordable health care in rural Nepal. When confronted by the limitations of traditional aid models, these men envisioned a more holistic approach to health care delivery. 

This approach would address immediate medical needs and the underlying factors contributing to poor health outcomes and poverty in rural Nepal. Therefore, Possible Health was created with the fundamental vision that health care is a human right, regardless of one’s socioeconomic status or geographic location.  

Health Care For All

In remote rural Nepal, the initiative’s operations are strategically placed clinics managed by a dedicated team of local healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses and community health workers. These clinics serve as essential centers of health and healing, offering specialized medical care that meets the unique healthcare needs of the local population. In addition, these clinics also contribute to reducing poverty by improving the overall health and productivity of the community.

One fundamental aspect of Possible Health’s approach lies in its commitment to harnessing technology to overcome geographical barriers and enhance healthcare accessibility in rural Nepal. Through the implementation of mobile health solutions, for example, healthcare workers can easily communicate, gather data and coordinate patient care, even in the most isolated regions. This innovative use of technology increases the efficiency of health care delivery and ensures that every individual in rural Nepal, regardless of their remoteness, receives the care they urgently need.  

Empowering Communities for Sustainable Change 

Beyond providing these healthcare services, Possible Health is deeply committed to fostering sustainable change and empowering communities to take charge of their own health and well-being. By training and employing local healthcare workers, for example, Possible Health creates opportunities for economic prosperity and self-reliance to help individuals and families out of poverty. 

In addition, the foundation actively involves community members in decision-making processes, ensuring that all programs are responsive to local needs in rural Nepal. Possible Health’s efforts in reducing poverty in rural Nepal have had a significant impact beyond its clinics’ walls. The organization has initiated programs focused on education and community development, building a foundation for long-term prosperity and resilience. By addressing the root causes of poverty and inequality, Possible Health is improving health outcomes and creating opportunities for individuals and communities to thrive. 

Poverty Reduction 

By prioritizing preventive health care through services such as maternal and child health check-ups and immunizations, Possible Health empowers individuals with the knowledge and tools to maintain good health. This approach reduces the financial burden of preventable illnesses and helps lift households out of poverty. 

Additionally, by training and employing local healthcare workers and involving community members in decision-making processes, Possible Health creates economic opportunities and fosters self-reliance, contributing to long-term prosperity and reducing poverty in rural Nepal.

The Path Forward 

As Possible Health continues to expand its reach and impact, the organization remains committed to its founding principles. With a visionary team guiding the organization and a network of dedicated supporters, Possible Health can make even more significant steps toward reducing rural Nepal’s poverty. By utilizing the power of health care as a force for change, the program is paving the way for a brighter and healthier future for individuals in rural Nepal. 

– Olivia Pitrof 
Photo: Flickr

, ,

Che Hoon Khor Moral Uplifting Society: Impact in Malaysia

Che Hoon Khor Moral Uplifting SocietyLocated in Southeast Asia, Malaysia is one of the founding partners of the ASEAN Trade Bloc. It was created to boost economic coherence and fluidity within the region. Following the challenges posed by the aftermath of COVID-19, the trade bloc has witnessed a consistent resurgence in Gross domestic product (GDP) growth. With a population exceeding 34 million, Malaysia has emerged as a developing economic powerhouse in the region, emphasizing its strengths in agriculture, industrial processes and the service sector.

As a Commonwealth country, Malaysia boasts one of the most diverse population demographics. This article will delve into a small charity initiative, the Che Hoon Khor Moral Uplifting Society, within the Penang community on Malaysia’s west coast. Penang, a vibrant island, has long been recognized as a focal point for generations of Chinese migrant families who now consider Malaysia their home.

Malaysia’s Public Health Care System

Malaysia’s public health care system ranks third internationally in reliability, funded by citizens through tax, providing affordable services. However, long waiting lists have become the norm due to understaffing issues. The issue is still prominent despite government efforts to raise funding as of 2023 with $7.9 billion compared to $7.1 billion as of 2022. As a result, families with urgent medical issues often have to opt for private health care despite difficulties affording it. This is where organizations such as the “Che Sui Khor Moral Uplifting Society” come in to help families.

Through religion, the Moral Uplifting Society helps instill a sense of calmness amid uncertainty and change for struggling families. These families are dealing with various issues, such as not being sure if they will receive their paycheck next month. They are coping with the stress and guilt of being unable to provide their children with necessities so that they can have a normal childhood.

The Che Hoon Khor Moral Uplifting Society

The Che Hoon Khor Moral Uplifting Society was founded in China in 1954 and later expanded to Malaysia and Singapore, becoming a significant force in charitable activities. Countless volunteers aged 30 to 90 are the driving force behind the society’s charitable work. Many of them have dedicated their lives to donating their money and time to travel across different parts of Southeast Asia and help those in need.

Interview With Madame Ooi

Madame Ooi has spent more than a decade with the group and acknowledges how hard it is to sympathize with what people go through. “The fact is that none of us will know what they go through unless we had the same upbringing as them,” she stated.

Working alongside the group, she has been able to help different families through various struggles. Her efforts span organizing impactful food drives and raising money through charity balls and auctions.

The charity of the society impacts the local community by financing essential needs like school equipment, rent and emergency operations. It provides free meals and medical services for those in need. Additionally, it donates to the retired elderly to support their necessities.

The Boy Who Never Walked

One of Ooi’s most memorable moments working for the society was when she got to know one of the families applying for free medical help. A young couple who grew up in Penang had brought their 3-year-old boy to her office to fill out paperwork. The boy, who was born with a congenital disability, was carried by his dad. The doctors said that the umbilical cord had caused complications with the growth of his leg. The boy had never walked or run; with school coming up, they wanted him to be able to play with the other children. The boy was eager to run around, much like he had seen others in his neighborhood do. His parents had requested help to afford a free prosthetic leg for him, which would have cost them around $1200.

The organization paid for the boy’s prosthetic legs. Ooi recalls how she and the other staff members crowded around him eagerly outside the same corridor where he first arrived on his father’s shoulder. The doctor helped him put it on, and with the help of his parents, he got up. She remembers seeing the massive smile across his face as his parents guided his first steps and how the staff around her shared happy tears with her as they saw the boy and his family in joy over an incredibly intimate moment.

Conclusion

Although policies, schemes and government investments are helpful against poverty, they often fail to address each family’s unique challenges. Poverty is often looked at as the lack of money, which carries an element of truth. But money isn’t the entire recipe for the cure for poverty.

It is often up to these organizations, such as the Che Sui Khor Moral Uplifting Society, to ensure that their basic needs are met, not just financially but also supporting their emotional distress amid the challenges.

The charity section of the Uplifting Society continues to impact the local community of Penang, Malaysia. It supports more than 300 amputees annually by covering their medical expenses. This support enables children like the boy Ooi met to take their first steps into their future. The organization also helps guide those in need out of poverty by offering support and assistance through their work.

– Matthew Fung
Photo: Wikimedia Commons

,

Internet Economy in Liberia

/Internet Economy in LiberiaCurrently, 1.05 billion people live in internet poverty and Africa has one of the highest populations of people without access to the internet. The internet is now ubiquitous to the economy, whether measuring the global economy or the more immediate economy of one’s home. Technology has infiltrated day-to-day life so that it is now nearly impossible to live without having access to the web. 

The benefits should quickly spread around. That was the case in Liberia until 2018, when political and economic opportunists sanctioned data liberties to benefit the producer over the consumer in the internet economy in Liberia. In developing countries like Liberia, where access to the web means the difference between struggle and survival, uncovering accessible routes for progress is crucial. The internet economy is vast, providing abundant resources, enough for everyone to benefit. 

Extended Economy

Extended Economy is a term used to denote factors not generally associated with one’s economic standing. Traditional factors include access to medical care, clean water, nutritious food, clothing and shelter. One’s extended economic standing contains items such as the state of war surrounding the individual, mental state, assistance for mental health and, yes, access to the internet.  

The internet economy is measured by a set of standards called the IPI (Internet Poverty Index). Three standard pillars are used to judge the health of internet access in any given area: Quantity or how much data a community needs to thrive; Quality, indicating the value of connection required to sustain access; and Affordability, how much it will cost the community member to gain access to the internet. 

How the Internet Benefits the Economy

A healthy internet economy increases job availability. This is because employers can find new employees in a larger pool than they would typically have access to and because the internet creates new job opportunities. Through the internet, citizens have opportunities to become technological support specialists, remote language tutors and much more. Of course, opportunities wouldn’t exist without proper education, which citizens also access through the internet. 

Another economic benefit is access to digital currency, which allows employees to receive payment quickly and in a form used in multiple economies. Digital currencies allow companies to broaden their scopes and interact in more varied trade arrangements. Furthermore, digital currency sets an easily converted standard and will enable countries with vastly different backgrounds to benefit from each other’s economies mutually.

Obstacles to Internet Inclusion

One of the major obstacles to internet inclusion is access and the major barrier to access is the price of that access. In Liberia, where those in extreme poverty survive on less than $2 a day, the internet is not within the scope of reality. As of 2023, the average cost for 1G (gigabyte) of data in Liberia varies depending on the internet service provider, but it is generally estimated to be around $2.63. For comparison, the average American will blow through a gigabyte of data in less than an hour, streaming music and video and playing mobile games.

In some cases, political policy can be a challenge to accessing the internet. For example, in 2019, during protests against government corruption, policymakers in Liberia blocked internet access. They specifically blocked access to popular social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp and X to control the narrative of the events happening in the country then. 

The Good News & What Can You Do

Some individuals and organizations are striving to bring about positive change in places such as Liberia and one of their goals is to improve its internet economy. “The Alliance for Affordable Internet” is working to pressure companies to lower their internet costs and encourage competition among them by supporting those offering services at more affordable rates. Similarly, “The Business and Human Rights Resource Center” and “Access Now” work to publicize and prevent unfair governmental actions against Liberians and protect their digital liberties.

– Antonio Muhs
Photo: Flickr

, ,

Tearfund’s Impact in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Tearfund's Impact in the Democratic Republic of CongoTearfund’s impact in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) significantly contributes to alleviating the country’s enduring challenges. Amidst the wealth of natural resources and a population exceeding 95 million as of 2021, the DRC faces severe trials such as prolonged civil unrest and poverty affecting nearly 60 million people. These issues have led to violence, societal rifts and extensive displacement. As a leading charity, Tearfund plays a crucial role in offering vital aid to those most affected by these difficulties.

Tearfund’s Initiatives for Change

Since 1986, Tearfund has been active in the DRC, engaging in peacebuilding, humanitarian aid and community development efforts. The organization’s on-the-ground efforts include providing supplies and practical support, along with disaster risk reduction activities to strengthen community resilience. Key funding sources for Tearfund include the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and U.K. Aid Match, among others.

Addressing Water Scarcity and Sanitation Needs

Nearly 8 million people in the DRC lack access to clean water and sanitation. Tearfund’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) projects provide sustainable access to safe water and sanitation, which is crucial to rural communities. The organization has undertaken various projects, encompassing initiatives such as constructing 10 drinking water points and training local volunteers to oversee its management.

In addition, 6,195 households have been equipped with water kits, enabling them to treat drinking water while awaiting the functionality of the new points. The organization has also directed financial resources toward impactful endeavors, exemplified by a £100,000 (about $128,000) grant from the Scottish Government directed to Maniema. This allocation of funds has played a pivotal role in extending access to clean and safe water, benefitting nearly 45,000 individuals in the region.

Innovative Waste Management and Sustainability Efforts

There are no proper waste collection points in Kinshasa, the capital city, with locals dumping rubbish into the river. This plastic is also used as flood defense as the river often floods. In response, Tearfund’s local partner in Kinshasa runs a program reusing plastic waste, which cleans up the city and provides job opportunities for locals who collect and transform plastic into government-approved tiles.

In addition, this initiative has enabled turning discarded plastic into marketable goods such as paving stones, bricks, brooms and bags. Another way it helps deal with waste is by supporting sustainable farming, offering seeds, tools and training to reduce dependency on external aid. Through government funding and donations, Tearfund’s work in DRC has been a lifeline for those who live there.

Through three decades of commitment, the nonprofit has actively engaged in peacebuilding, humanitarian aid and community development, playing a crucial role in a country marked by decades of civil war and instability.

Looking Forward

Tearfund’s impact in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) illuminates a path of hope and resilience amidst challenges. Through innovative water sanitation projects and waste management initiatives, it is not just improving immediate living conditions but also laying the groundwork for sustainable development. Above all, as Tearfund continues its dedicated efforts, the future holds promise for enhanced community well-being and environmental stewardship in the DRC.

– Jack Timmins
Photo: Flickr

,

The International Black Women’s Institute of Public Policy

International Black Women’s Institute of Public Policy

Global aid is crucial for all communities, with a particular emphasis on those facing marginalization. A survey conducted in 2021 by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in conjunction with the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative revealed that 109 countries are grappling with extreme poverty. Among them, Sub-Saharan Africa contains 42 countries, a region frequently marginalized globally. When problems such as poverty arise, policymakers implement specific initiatives to eradicate them through public policy implementation.

International Black Women’s Institute of Public Policy

The nonprofit International Black Women’s Institute of Public Policy is in Washington. The group aims to assist marginalized groups, especially Black communities worldwide. Established in 2009 by two experienced professionals in aid and development, Barbara A. Perkins and Ka Flewellen, the initiative operates under the belief that even small-scale efforts can have far-reaching impacts worldwide.

Perkins was a member of the National Council of Negro Women in 1995 and participated in the Beijing Conference on Women. Flewellen collaborated with women in Cairo on issues such as natural disasters and influencing United States (U.S.) immigration policy affecting women departing from Cairo. The primary purpose of this group is to help Black women and others through public policy efforts and external support.

What Types of Public Policy Do They Focus On 

The nonprofit organization centers its efforts on five key policy areas: economics, education, health and wellness, human trafficking and violence against women. In 2015, the group raised concerns about equitable pay for women during a policy forum held over a Congressional meeting weekend for the Congressional Black Caucus. The organization hosts an annual public policy gathering as part of the Congressional Black Caucus conference. Attendees include women leaders from the Caribbean, Africa and other nations.

The objective of these gatherings is to generate policy papers addressing relevant issues. In October 2021, the organization published three policy papers, one of which focused on “Achieving Economic Security and Inclusion for Black Women.”

Programs and Initiatives

The International Black Women’s Institute of Public Policy has sponsored and collaborated on numerous programs to assist Black women and other marginalized groups. The organization has established a robust network to support individuals affected by natural disasters. In 2010, the “Boots on the Ground Initiative” to aid those in need.

The program aims to provide footwear, including shoes and boots, to countries afflicted by natural disasters such as floods, enabling individuals to navigate muddy and waterlogged terrain. Additionally, during the 2019 hurricane season, particularly Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas, the organization facilitated humanitarian aid efforts. In collaboration with Med Share, it donated assistance to 200 affected families in the region.

The nonprofit is also involved in a program addressing the water crisis in Haiti. Despite many water systems in the country, a World Bank report from 2022 reveals that approximately 90% of them are not functioning correctly.

The International Black Women’s Institute of Public Policy collaborates with another nonprofit organization called “Community2Community” (C2C), established in 2010, to assist Haiti in building a sustainable and thriving community in their region. The nonprofit is working with C2C to raise and allocate funds for them to complete the third and fourth phases of its Health and Sanitation initiative, which started around the Mountainside Partner Community.

A primary objective is to establish a water distribution system in the region. The project is currently in its third phase, with plans to construct a pump house powered by solar energy to facilitate water pumping to the mountaintop. The organization also established the Dorothy I Height Global Leadership Academy (DIHGLA) to uplift disenfranchised Black women. Named after the esteemed Black activist Dorothy I Height, the program equips Black women with the skills and knowledge to become global advocates and leaders. Emphasizing character development, cultural competence and gender diplomacy, the program empowers participants to make meaningful contributions worldwide.

– Madison McCray
Photo: Flickr

,

HelpAge International Assists Seniors in Ukraine

Seniors in UkraineThe United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs released a report which focused on the prevalence of poverty among adults aged more than 60. The report states, “In most countries, the risk of poverty increases with age.” This is especially the case for older women and older people with disabilities.

Elderly poverty affects many seniors. War intensifies this in Ukraine. Since the beginning of Ukraine’s conflict with Russia, the rights of older people have been threatened. Seniors in Ukraine have been struggling to gain access to necessities such as food, water and hygienic facilities, all the while coping with the loss of their homes and loved ones. While temporary shelters dedicated to the care of elders have been opened, many of them are inaccessible to those with disabilities, causing many to be turned away. Now, more than ever, older people in Ukraine need aid and “HelpAge International” has made helping them its priority.

Seniors in Ukraine Lack Access to Necessities

It was reported that 56% of older people in Ukraine could not cover the cost of their basic needs, such as food, water, clothes and health care expenses. The cost of living in Ukraine has increased by 27% since the beginning of the conflict. This has only exacerbated the constraints of elderly poverty on Ukraine’s older demographic.

HelpAge International, a nonprofit organization that works to improve the lives of older people worldwide, has sprung into action to combat these issues. More than 14,000 older adults in Ukraine have received monetary assistance from HelpAge. The distributed funds were enough to cover the cost of necessities for three months. On top of this, HelpAge distributed 20,000 hygiene kits and 39,000 food kits to people in Ukraine, which helped alleviate some of the stress brought on by the war and elderly poverty.

Assistance for Seniors With Disabilities in Ukraine

Many Ukrainian seniors with disabilities are facing unique challenges. Due to transportation difficulties, it has become harder for them to evacuate during emergencies. Even after they have been relocated to safer areas of Ukraine, older people with disabilities still struggle to access housing and health care services. There have been reports that many refugee shelters lack ramps, making them inaccessible to individuals who use wheelchairs and thus, they have to be turned away.

HelpAge International has taken the steps to mitigate these issues. Nearly 7,600 older people with disabilities have received assistive products such as canes, toilet chairs, walkers and crutches through the organization. The nonprofit also helped initiate the conversation about the importance of accessible environments. Victoriia Panchenko, a leader within the organization, said HelpAge was happy “to contribute to long-term solutions that will make the environment accessible and age-inclusive and services more adapted to (older people’s) diverse needs.”

Mental Health

The mental impacts of war are difficult to cope with, especially for older people. About 55% of older people in Ukraine reported that the war had an emotional effect on them. They cite reasons such as loneliness, isolation and the loss of loved ones. To provide older people in Ukraine with mental health support, HelpAge International supports numerous community safe spaces across Ukraine. These safe spaces help older people come together and get support for their unique circumstances. They receive psychosocial and legal counseling as well as socialization services.

Conclusion

Elderly poverty can be difficult to navigate, especially during a time of conflict. Right now, older people in Ukraine desperately need humanitarian aid. Thankfully, HelpAge International has provided them with various assistance, from financial to mental health support. There is still a lot to be done as the conflict in Ukraine continues.

– Kimber Peters
Photo: Pexels

,

Mercy Corps in Kyrgyzstan

Mercy Corps in KyrgyzstanMore than 30% of the population in Kyrgyzstan lives in poverty, of which 750,000 are just children. Known officially also as the Kyrgyz Republic, Kyrgyzstan is a central Asian country that gained independence in 1991. Constituting many highlands, the geography of Kyrgyzstan allows for livestock raising, farming and production of crops and commodities. Products like meat, dairy and fruit drive the country’s agriculture, which comprises a huge sector of the national economy.

Mercy Corps Efforts in Kyrgyzstan

In 1994, Mercy Corps began its poverty-alleviating efforts in Kyrgyzstan, becoming one of the first nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to work there. An international organization that operates in more than 40 countries, Mercy Corps focuses on helping people in conflict and disaster areas by providing emergency relief, improving child nutrition and building secure communities among the most vulnerable members of a country’s population. In 2023 alone, it reached 30 million people worldwide.

In Kyrgyzstan, Mercy Corps has cooperated with the United Kingdom (U.K.), the United States (U.S.) and the European Union (EU) Governments, as well as donor organizations and private foundations. They aim to address child poverty, provide disaster relief, improve access to clean water and sanitation and more. Here are all the significant strives Mercy Corps has made to support poverty-alleviating efforts in Kyrgyzstan:

  • In 2004, a “micro-finance institution” named “Kompanion” was established. It focuses on group lending and has now become the largest of its kind in Kyrgyzstan. Kompanion provided credit and emergency relief assistance to roughly 4000 of its clients and their families in the Osh and Jalal-Abad provinces following a conflict eruption in 2010 that made them suffer significant losses.
  • In 2012, the “McGovern-Dole Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program” was implemented. Over the next nine years, the program successfully aided in poverty alleviation efforts in Kyrgyzstan. It provided nutrition-based feeding in 510 schools. Additionally, more than 10,000 kindergarten and primary school children were supplied with commodities such as rice, peas and oil. In 2021, the program supported more than 80,000 children across 400 schools by distributing free hot meals.
  • In 2023, it supported four village schools in repairing their indoor toilets in accordance with government-mandated sanitary regulations.
  • On March 1, 2024, with the support of the Ministry of Education and Science, Mercy Corps launched Kyrgyzstan’s first online professional training course for chefs. The course is the latest extension of the McGovern-Dole Program. It aims to increase school cafeteria chefs’ qualifications and make training more accessible nationwide. After completing the course, participants will receive diplomas and certifications. They are then able to go on to complete a one-week internship at a vocational training center.

Conclusion

Though one-fifth of the Kyrgyz population still lives on less than $1.3 a day, Mercy Corps poverty-alleviating efforts in Kyrgyzstan since 1994 have been monumental. Its approach of integrating a mix of advocacy, capacity building and resource distribution through its programs helps tackle poverty, nutrition and sanitation issues. Additionally, it helps provide emergency relief to the most vulnerable parts of the population in times of crisis.

– Jay Kosumi
Photo: Wikimedia Commons

,

Irrigation Farming in Nepal

Irrigation Farming in NepalThe ability to produce food for oneself and others is a cornerstone of human survival. It is the most crucial factor in maintaining a healthy population. The food production industry operates worldwide. Different countries have varying amounts of arable land and resources, leading to differences in their ability to feed growing populations well. Food needs are significant, but it is hard to raise enough. Farmers are experimenting with new techniques, such as irrigation farming in Nepal.

Nepal and the Land

Nestled in the heart of South Asia, Nepal boasts a population of more than 30 million people. Within its borders, the vibrant capital city of Kathmandu accommodates 1.5 million residents, representing a significant portion of the 21.9% of the population dwelling in urban settings.

Nepal boasts a diverse geographical landscape, encompassing the towering heights of Mount Everest, the highest point on Earth. Despite its stunning natural features, Nepal is landlocked, without direct access to water bodies. Instead, the country relies on its intricate river system for water access, yet this reliance has translated into only 28.8% of its land being arable.

Despite the limited arable land available, agriculture is a cornerstone of Nepal’s economy, occupying a prominent position within the nation’s economic framework. Approximately two-thirds of Nepal’s workforce is engaged in agricultural activities, with maize, rice and wheat emerging as the primary crops cultivated. However, with the country’s population on the rise and urbanization expanding, the pressure on arable land intensifies, necessitating the adoption of farming practices that can adapt to these evolving conditions.

Irrigation Farming

Given these considerations, irrigation farming has emerged as a viable solution to Nepal’s challenges. Irrigation farming involves the artificial delivery of water to the soil using various methods such as pipes, sprays and tubes. This technique is invaluable in areas with insufficient rainfall or constrained water access. Typically, water is sourced from alternative reservoirs like groundwater, rivers or wells. It is then meticulously distributed across the land, ensuring uniform coverage.

Nepal tailors its approach to irrigation farming to fit its unique environmental conditions. It results in diverse methods across its varied geography. Among the prevalent techniques is using Farmer Managed Irrigation Systems (FMIS), where farmers independently construct, operate and maintain the irrigation infrastructure with minimal external intervention. Although Nepalese farmers have passed down this practice through generations, the government formally acknowledged its immense value in expanding irrigation farming nationwide in 1980. The system operates through a surface irrigation system, recognized globally as the most prevalent irrigation method. In this system, water is evenly dispersed across the land, relying on gravity to permeate the soil as it flows downhill.

The irrigation system has proven to be remarkably effective in bolstering food production in Nepal. Farmers manage approximately 70% of all irrigated farmland in the country through the FMIS. Furthermore, a substantial 40% of the domestically cultivated food in Nepal stems from the multitude of operational FMIS. Notably, the Terai region, renowned for its extensive arable land, hosts 1,700 irrigation systems managed by the organization’s farmers. Meanwhile, the hill regions boast a staggering 15,000 in operation.

Conclusion

While it serves as a remedy for the escalating food demand, Nepal faces mounting challenges amid population growth and dwindling natural water reservoirs due to rising temperatures and the changing climate. Nevertheless, irrigation farming in Nepal stands poised to mitigate food insecurity by introducing innovative cultivation methods. As farmers contend for water resources, it becomes imperative to sustainably manage FMIS systems, thereby facilitating the establishment of irrigation systems without depleting land resources.

– Alexandra Straumann
Photo: Flickr

,

Street Child: A Dive Into Helping Kuwait

Street ChildStreet Child, established in 2008, is one of the world’s fastest-growing international children’s charities. The mission of it is to safeguard children, prioritizing well-being and security. Street Child collaborates closely with local organizations to ensure every child has unfettered access to education. Its interventions integrate with existing challenges to prioritize safety while facilitating educational access. By amalgamating immediate benefits for children with sustained capacity-building initiatives for caregivers, communities and educational institutions, Street Child ensures a holistic approach to fostering safety, school attendance and academic advancement. Its initiatives span regions across Asia, Africa and the Middle East, including Kuwait. Kuwait’s resources would bolster educational efforts by providing essential support systems and tools to enhance the educational landscape.

COVID-19’s Impact on Education in Kuwait

Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted the educational systems of numerous nations. In early February 2020, Kuwait began its battle with the virus as it reported its inaugural COVID-19 case. In response, the government swiftly enacted stringent measures to curb transmission. Lockdowns, travel bans, cessation of in-person classes and shuttering borders and public spaces comprised the initial arsenal deployed by Kuwaiti authorities to mitigate the pandemic’s rampant spread.

After confirming initial COVID-19 cases, educational institutions promptly shuttered their doors. The Minister of Education (MOE) initially anticipated these closures as a short-term measure, expecting a swift return to normalcy once the Ministry of Health devised appropriate safety protocols. However, within days, the government mandated a blanket suspension of all in-person instruction for two weeks.

The Main Problem

At this juncture, education in Kuwait became increasingly complex. Many educators realized that the reopening of traditional learning institutions was not imminent. Amid the outbreak, online learning emerged as a temporary solution for Kuwait’s educational system, yet it encountered two significant hindrances. Firstly, the absence of digital infrastructure in public schools hindered the MOE from swiftly implementing e-learning. Secondly, most of Kuwait’s public schools needed more functional digital infrastructure, including official websites, email accounts and internet connectivity.

This deficiency underscored the detrimental impact of inadequate digital infrastructure on the rapid adoption of e-learning in public schools. Additionally, educators needed to gain the requisite skills to deliver instruction through digital platforms. Collectively, these factors prolonged the Minister of Education’s adoption of online learning models for several months following the government’s official closure of educational institutions.

Street Child’s Middle East Crisis Fund

Street Child operates a Middle East Crisis Fund to aid families enduring intense regional conflict. Due to its complexity and severe constraints, many charities need help engaging in such crises. Once assistance channels open, local organizations significantly influence children and families affected by the crisis.

They maintain regular communication with various local and regional stakeholders to ensure preparedness to assist those most in need. This fund stands poised to support education in Kuwait amid the global COVID-19 crisis, which has profoundly impacted public health, economies, societies and daily life worldwide. The crisis exacerbated existing disparities, with many students needing more reliable internet connections or suitable online learning devices impeding their educational progress. Donations to the fund would address these challenges related to technology access and more.

Conclusion

Street Child plays a significant role in improving Kuwait’s schools. They ensure every child receives an opportunity to learn, provide thorough training for teachers, utilize technology and encourage family involvement. Street Child’s approach to school improvement instills hope for a brighter future where every Kuwaiti child excels academically.

By collaborating with local groups and schools, Street Child shares innovative ideas and strategies to enhance learning. Additionally, they facilitate securing financial resources, materials and support from donors and businesses to fortify schools. Furthermore, they engage with families and communities to ensure active participation in fostering excellence in education throughout Kuwait. With Street Child’s assistance, Kuwait can embrace new ideas and technologies to make learning more enjoyable and accessible for children.

– AuiCha Conley
Photo: Flickr