Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

Education for Punjabi Girls: Non-Formal Education Centers

Education for Punjabi GirlsIn Pakistan’s Punjab region, access to education has long been a challenge, particularly for girls. About 2 million more girls than boys are out of school in Pakistan, accounting for most of the out-of-school population, and many of these girls belong to poor families. The situation requires new approaches to fix the gender gap in education. Non-formal education centers (NFECs) are emerging in this context, offering educational opportunities for girls.

The establishment of programs like the Alternative Education Program Centers in Punjab is a result of collaborative efforts involving the Literacy and Non-Formal Basic Education Department of Punjab, UNICEF Pakistan and the Norwegian National Committee for UNICEF. These centers have been made possible through this support, addressing the educational needs of girls with limited access to formal education.

Understanding Non-Formal Education

Non-formal education is a structure of learning experiences that occurs outside the formal education system. Non-formal education plays a crucial role in addressing the educational needs of marginalized communities, especially for girls and women, non-formal education has gained prominence to expand education when the formal education system struggles to meet demand. This is particularly pertinent for girls who frequently encounter difficulties in accessing basic educational services. Non-formal education programs are designed to cater to an individual’s fundamental educational needs, including literacy, numeracy, health education, community development and technical skills. They equip individuals with essential skills and knowledge, contributing to broader socioeconomic development in their communities.

Expanding Educational Opportunities

A significant initiative to address educational challenges in Punjab involves the expansion of non-formal education centers. This initiative has a profound impact by granting access to education to those previously excluded from the formal education system. There are currently 240 Alternative Education Program Centers operating in six districts of Punjab, enrolling approximately 10,000 children, nearly 60% of whom are girls. Education is widely known to be a powerful means for improving economic and social well-being. Especially for girls, access to education through these NFECs is a life-changing opportunity that equips them with the knowledge and skills needed for better job prospects.

Transition to Secondary Education

A crucial component of the program is guiding students toward a seamless transition to secondary education. UNICEF has played a significant role in this transition by introducing a specialized curriculum known as Package D, spanning grades 6 to 8, with invaluable technical support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency. This program places a strong emphasis on post-primary education, particularly for girls, ensuring they can extend their educational journey beyond the primary level. These transitions are pivotal, as individuals with access to secondary education are better equipped to secure improved job opportunities and enhance their economic prospects. Consequently, they contribute to the overall development of their communities and regions.

Conclusion 

Non-formal education centers play an instrumental role in granting access to education for girls in Pakistan’s Punjab region. Collaborations with organizations such as UNICEF have enabled the Government of Punjab to take substantial steps in expanding non-formal education centers, thereby offering a brighter future for girls in the region. The success of these centers provides hope for addressing educational gender disparity and improving educational access, ultimately leading to a more prosperous future for the girls within the region and the overall development of their communities.

– Marnie Woodford-Venables
Photo: Flickr

The Integration of Agtech in India

Agetch in IndiaAgriculture has been the backbone of India’s economy for centuries. Providing livelihoods to millions of people and contributing more than half of the country’s GDP. However, the sector has faced numerous challenges, including unpredictable weather patterns, inadequate infrastructure and the need to meet the demands of a growing population. 

To overcome these challenges and ensure food security, India has been progressively integrating technology into farming practices, leading to the emergence of Agtech (Agricultural Technology) as a revolutionary force in the agricultural sector.

Agtech in India

Agtech refers to the use of technology and innovation to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability. In India, the integration of Agtech has ushered in a new era of farming, the number of agtech start-ups grew from under 50 to over 1,000 between 2013 and 2020. Thus transforming traditional practices into more efficient, data-driven and sustainable methods. 

Since Agtech was introduced into India’s agriculture it has boosted GDP by 16%, whilst providing 44% of employment from the national workforce. This integration has been driven by the increasing availability and affordability of technology, as well as the government’s efforts to promote digital agriculture.

Key Areas of Agtech Integration

One of the most significant advancements in Indian agriculture is the adoption of precision agriculture. Farmers are utilizing GPS technology, drones and sensors to collect data on soil quality, moisture levels and crop health. This data is used to make informed decisions about when and where to plant, irrigate and harvest, leading to reduced resource wastage and increased crop yields.

Farm management software applications have become essential tools for Indian farmers. These applications offer features like crop planning, real-time weather updates and market information. Farmers can now monitor their operations through their smartphones, making it easier to manage resources, expenses and revenue.

India’s agriculture heavily depends on irrigation, and smart irrigation systems have become a game-changer. These systems use data from various sources to optimize water usage, ensuring that crops receive the right amount of water at the right time. This not only conserves water but also minimizes the cost of irrigation.

Online agricultural marketplaces have become a platform for farmers to sell their produce directly to buyers. This reduces the reliance on middlemen and increases farmers’ income. These platforms also provide farmers with information on market demand and prices, helping them make informed decisions.

Lastly, biotechnology and genetically modified (GM) crops have gained ground in India. GM crops, such as Bt cotton and Bt brinjal, have shown increased resistance to pests and diseases, leading to higher yields and reduced pesticide use.

Challenges and Opportunities

While the integration of Agtech has brought about significant improvements in Indian agriculture, it also faces some challenges. The digital divide, where not all farmers have access to technology, remains a critical issue. In addition, the rapid pace of technological change can make it difficult for some farmers to keep up.

However, Agtech also presents immense opportunities. As the government continues to invest in rural digital infrastructure and awareness programs, more farmers are gaining access to technology. Furthermore, Agtech has the potential to make Indian agriculture more resilient in the face of climate change, reduce post-harvest losses and enhance food security.

Government Initiatives 

The Indian government has launched several initiatives to promote Agtech adoption among farmers. The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme provides direct income support to farmers, facilitating their investment in technology. The National e-Governance Plan in Agriculture (NeGPA) aims to create a common platform for all agriculture-related information and services.

Conclusion

The integration of Agtech in Indian farming practices is revolutionizing the agriculture sector. Through precision agriculture, farm management software, smart irrigation systems, online marketplaces and biotechnology, Indian farmers are reaping the benefits of increased productivity, reduced costs and improved livelihoods. While challenges persist, the government’s initiatives and the growing availability of technology offer hope for a brighter future for agriculture in India. The integration of Agtech is not just a modernization of Indian farming; it’s a pathway towards sustainable, efficient and resilient agriculture that can meet the needs of a growing population.

– Sophie Higham
Photo: Unsplash

Helping Farmers Through Solar-Powered Irrigation Pumps in Kenya

Solar-Powered Irrigation Pumps in KenyaFarming is a vital part of Kenya’s economy, and it provides livelihoods for a significant portion of the population. Increasing agricultural productivity could be a key strategy to reduce poverty, create jobs and ensure food security in Kenya, especially given the country’s growing population.

Irrigation is an important part of agri-food development, but diesel-operated irrigation pumps are highly polluting and carbon-intensive. However, the introduction of solar-powered irrigation pumps has revolutionized farming in Kenya. With solar-powered solutions, farmers now have the opportunity to irrigate their land more effectively thereby increasing productivity. Kenyan farmers, for years, had been using diesel pumps and manual methods for irrigation, which were not only labor-intensive but also economically draining due to rising fuel costs. Thankfully, numerous companies have suggested sustainable resolutions to this problem. 

Futurepump

One of the leading companies, Futurepump, founded in 2012, introduced solar-powered irrigation pumps to smallholder farmers of Kenya and they also provided a financing program to assist farmers with the costs, allowing for flexible payments. 

Futurepump provides solar-powered irrigation pumps as an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to petrol-fueled pumps. Their solar irrigation devices are engineered to combine solar power technology with remote monitoring systems, offering a robust solution for rural farmers to maintain their fields more easily.

The company emphasizes rigorous field testing, high efficiency and durability and offers a market-leading 10-year warranty on its products. Their solar-powered irrigation pumps are designed for efficiency and sustainability, catering to the needs of small-scale farming.

The mission of Futurepump is to aid the approximately 500 million one-acre farmers around the globe by developing solar-powered irrigation technologies. Although initially focused on Kenya, the company has global ambitions to expand its reach and assist small farmers in East Africa and beyond with its solar-powered irrigation pumps.

SunCulture

SunCulture, founded in 2013 in Nairobi, Kenya, is a company dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by smallholder farmers, primarily by leveraging off-grid solar technology. Their mission is to alleviate the daily challenges faced by smallholder farmers by providing an array of solar-powered solutions giving farmers access to water, irrigation, lighting and mobile charging through a single system.

Utilizing the solar potential in Kenya, SunCulture has introduced solar-powered irrigation systems. This initiative supports the agricultural sector, particularly smallholder farms, by improving crop yields, productivity and farmer income, while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 

In addition to that, they combine their technological solutions with pay-as-you-go (PAYG) financing and additional value-added services, making their offerings more accessible and beneficial to the farmers.

SunCulture’s solar-powered drip irrigation systems have been reported to deliver significant benefits to farmers. By delivering water directly to crop roots, these systems can lead to yield gains of up to 300% and water savings of up to 80%. 

Impact

Before the adoption of solar pumps, Kenyan farmers were heavily reliant on diesel-powered pumps, which were not only expensive but also environmentally unfriendly. Solar pumps provide:

Conclusion

Through the adoption of solar-powered irrigation pumps and solar technology, Kenya is indeed showcasing the immense potential of solar energy in transforming not only the agricultural sector but also improving the lives of its citizens. This transition also stands as a beacon to other countries in the region, illustrating how technology and sustainability can be intertwined to foster a brighter and greener future.

– Laeticia Mbangue
Photo: Flickr

Blooming Prosperity: Floriculture in Ethiopia

Floriculture in EthiopiaEthiopia, often associated with its rich history, diverse culture and stunning landscapes, is also making a name for itself in the global floriculture industry. This emerging sector has not only created jobs and economic opportunities but has also played a significant role in poverty alleviation in Ethiopia. 

The Growth of Floriculture in Ethiopia

Floriculture, the cultivation of flowers and ornamental plants for commercial purposes, is a burgeoning industry in Ethiopia. The country’s favorable climate, with mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine, makes it an ideal location for year-round flower production. Ethiopia has become one of the leading African exporters of cut flowers, with roses being the primary export. The floriculture industry in Ethiopia has grown significantly over the past two decades. Between the years 2021 and 2022, Ethiopia exported $541 million worth of flowers. 

The nation’s proximity to Europe, one of the largest markets for cut flowers, has been a key advantage. Moreover, the Ethiopian government has actively promoted the sector by offering incentives to investors and flower growers, including tax breaks and land leases at competitive rates, providing a vital route to poverty alleviation in Ethiopia. 

Job Creation and Economic Impact 

One of the most notable impacts of the floriculture industry in Ethiopia has been the creation of employment opportunities. Thousands of people, particularly women and youth, have found jobs in flower farms across the country. These jobs range from farm laborers to skilled positions in flower production, grading, packaging and logistics. This influx of employment has provided a lifeline for many Ethiopians living in poverty, offering a source of stable income and the chance to improve their living conditions. 

In addition to job creation, the floriculture industry has contributed significantly to Ethiopia’s economic growth. It has become a major export earner, generating foreign exchange revenue that supports the country’s balance of payments. Floriculture generates about 80% of Ethiopia’s earnings from horticulture. 

This influx of foreign currency has allowed Ethiopia to finance vital imports and investment in other sectors, which, in turn, has a positive ripple effect on the economy and the livelihoods of its citizens. 

Smallholder Flower Farming 

While large commercial flower farms dominate the floriculture industry in Ethiopia, there is also room for smallholder participation. Small-scale flower farming has provided opportunities for rural households to supplement their income. These small-scale farmers, often women, cultivate flowers alongside traditional crops, helping diversify their sources of income and reduce their vulnerability to economic shocks and climate variability.

Challenges and Concerns 

Despite the positive impact of the floriculture industry on poverty alleviation, there are concerns that must be addressed. One of the main challenges is the potential environmental impact. The intensive cultivation of flowers requires significant amounts of water and energy, which could strain local resources and contribute to environmental degradation if not managed sustainably. 

It is crucial for the Ethiopian government and the industry to prioritize environmentally friendly practices. Moreover, labor conditions and workers’ rights have been a subject of concern in some flower farms. There have been reports of long working hours and inadequate wages, particularly for women laborers. Ensuring fair labor practices and protecting the rights of workers must remain a priority for the floriculture industry’s sustainable development.

Conclusion

Ethiopia’s floriculture industry is a shining example of how agriculture-based economic sectors can be a catalyst for poverty alleviation in Ethiopia. The growth of this industry has created jobs, boosted exports and contributed to economic development. However, it is essential to strike a balance between economic growth and sustainability, ensuring that the industry benefits both investors and the communities it operates in. 

As the floriculture sector in Ethiopia continues to expand, it presents an opportunity for the government, investors and stakeholders to collaborate on building a robust and sustainable industry that not only enhances the country’s economic prosperity but also helps lift more Ethiopians out of poverty. By addressing environmental concerns and labor issues while promoting inclusive growth, Ethiopia can make the most of its floral bounty in the years to come.

– Genevieve Martin
Photo: Flickr

Bridging the Gap with Edtech in Uganda

Edtech in Uganda According to the World Bank, disability is one of the main barriers to education for children worldwide. In Africa, less than 10% of disabled children under the age of fourteen are attending school. Some studies argue that disability has an even more significant impact on access to education than factors such as gender, economic status and the rural-urban divide. High levels of poverty mean classrooms often lack the resources required to accommodate disabled students. This problem also exists in education in Uganda.

Edtech in Uganda 

In Uganda, about 2.5 million children (around 16%) live with one form of disability, yet less than 250,000 have access to some form of education. The government’s Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) is working with support from UNICEF and the Norwegian Government to develop and distribute the assistive device technology schools need. This project has begun as a pilot across 20 schools to help improve disabled education in Uganda.

The technology includes converting existing learning materials into accessible formats. Three of the four subjects taught in Primary School (Mathematics, English and Science) have been transcribed this way. These formats include the DAISY format, which provides a comprehensive audio substitute for print material, and sign language. 

The project also introduced braille machines, laptops with text-to-speech functionality and victor readers. Each school in the pilot has three teachers fully trained in the technology, allowing students to pick up the necessary skills quickly. 

The Impact

The results speak for themselves. In one of the trial schools, 11% of the students from the pilot schools who previously faced barriers because of their disabilities have been integrated into the classroom. In another, half of the students receiving the highest grades in Uganda’s PLE exams had a disability. 

At the individual level, the project’s impact is immense. UNICEF caught up with 13-year-old Suzan, a pupil at St. Bernadette’s, one of the schools selected in the pilot. After having an allergic reaction in 2020, which made her blind, Suzan lost a whole year of schooling, on top of all the education in Uganda disrupted by the pandemic. When the schools local to her reopened, most could not meet her educational needs.

Suzan ultimately enrolled in St. Bernadette’s Model Primary school, which is supplied with the resources from the pilot scheme to accommodate blind pupils in their teaching. The school hosts 154 children with special needs, giving them opportunities they could not access in the existing system. 

Future Success for Edtech in Uganda

After implementing reforms to the pilot scheme, the MoES intends to roll the project out across the whole of Uganda. The success it has already seen offers hope that it will be able to break down the barriers to learning for the country’s more than 2 million disabled children who are currently without access to any form of education in Uganda.

– Jack Arrowsmith
Photo: Unsplash

Addressing the Digital Divide To Improve Higher Education in Paraguay

Higher Education in ParaguayIn November 2023, Paraguay will host a meeting to address higher education challenges and promote digital learning in Latin America and the Caribbean. This event, bringing together Higher Education Networks and the Council of Rectors, spotlights the region’s education system struggles, specifically emphasizing higher education in Paraguay as the host country.

X Meeting of Higher Education Networks and Councils of Rectors

University Networks and Rector’s Councils share the goal of accelerating technology integration in higher education. A digital divide exists within and between countries, manifesting as disparities between rural and urban areas regarding education and technology access. Socioeconomic differences also play a role, with higher-income families having greater access to further education and technology. Additionally, countries in the region have varying economic strengths and education systems. 

Digital and Educational Divide in Paraguay

Examining the digital divide within Paraguay, systemic educational issues start in secondary school. Notably, 21% of children aged 12-17 in rural areas are out of school, compared to 11% in urban areas. Similarly, 31% of children from the poorest quintile in the same age group are out of school, while only 4% of children from the wealthiest quintile face this challenge. This data shows how socioeconomic status influences access to education. Specifically, children born into families within the poorest quintile, or in other words, born into poverty, are at a disadvantage. This applies to students at all levels of education but is especially apparent in higher education in Paraguay, such as secondary and tertiary levels.

Paraguay’s Higher Education System

In addition to these systemic barriers, Paraguay’s examination system restricts access to higher education, with only a small percentage of students making it into one of two colleges. As a result, holders of university degrees comprise less than 1% of the total population due to the structure of Paraguay’s university system. Students from poverty are not set up to succeed at these examinations, primarily due to previously discussed access issues. 

There are two significant institutions of higher education in Paraguay, both located in Asunción—one Catholic and the other public. Private support for higher education is nearly nonexistent, except for contributions from the Catholic Church, making state funding essential but often inadequate. Consequently, public, tuition-free universities often suffer from limited funding and underpaid professors. As the public university does not have the funding to provide sufficient resources for students and staff, those with higher socioeconomic status may be able to provide for themselves, while students coming from poverty will need to rely on inadequate public resources and services.

Technology’s Role in Tertiary Education

The COVID-19 pandemic forced significant changes in education, introducing online university education and technology integration into schools. The heightened reliance on technology showed that distance learning can make education accessible, offering potential solutions to bridge the digital divide and tackle inequalities in Paraguay’s tertiary education system. Rapid adoption of infrastructure for distance learning underscores the feasibility of prioritizing technology in schools.

Technology integration might need to begin earlier in the education pipeline to address systemic access issues in Paraguay’s education system, given that inequalities emerge in secondary school. A possible solution could involve government support to provide students, especially those in rural areas and lower socioeconomic backgrounds, including students living in poverty, with access to technology, thereby addressing the digital divide. Given the funding challenges in Paraguay, particularly at the university level, the government should establish dedicated national budgets and expenditures for education support and technology solutions.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, the upcoming X Meeting of Higher Education Networks and Councils of Rectors in Paraguay promises to address the pressing challenges facing higher education and advancing digital learning across Latin America and the Caribbean. As described, the collaboration between University Networks and Rector’s Councils reflects a shared commitment to accelerating technology integration in higher education. The existence of a digital divide within countries, coupled with socioeconomic disparities, highlights the need for comprehensive solutions. 

In Paraguay, where systemic issues begin in secondary school, addressing the digital and educational divide is of significant importance. Advocating for early technology integration in the education system, especially in underserved areas, is essential. Government support for providing technology access to students in rural and low-income backgrounds is crucial. Additionally, addressing funding challenges in Paraguay’s higher education system is imperative to ensure equal opportunities for all.

As leaders convene in Paraguay in November 2023, a collective effort will be underway to build a more equitable and technologically enabled higher education landscape in the region, acknowledging that this endeavor is central to the future of international societies.

– Kailey Schwinghammer
Photo: Flickr

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Vertical Farming Elevates Food Security in Singapore

Vertical Farming in SingaporeVertical farming, an innovative approach to agriculture, is offering new hope for food security in Singapore. The city-state, with limited land for traditional agriculture, has embraced the concept of growing crops vertically within controlled environments. As the global demand for sustainable food sources rises, vertical farming in Singapore is a typical example of how cities can feed their populations without relying heavily on imports.

Ambitious Local Goals

In 2019, the Singaporean government, through the Singapore Food Authority (SFA), set a target to produce 30% of its nutritional needs locally by 2030, a significant increase from the less than 10% produced locally at the time the goal was set. This initiative, named “30 by 30,” pushed local enterprises to think creatively about urban farming solutions. Vertical farming quickly became a frontrunner in the quest to meet these targets. 

Sky Greens’ Innovations

One of the leading companies in this space is Sky Greens. Established in 2012, Sky Greens created the world’s first low-carbon hydraulic water-driven vertical farming system. This marked a significant stride in utilizing green urban solutions to enhance food supply security in Singapore. 

The vertical farming system is a tall A-frame structure with rotating shelves, which allows plants to receive uniform sunlight. This system uses just 0.5 liters of water to rotate a 1.7-ton vertical structure, with the water being recycled and reused within an enclosed underground reservoir system. The structures use gravity to rotate the rows of plants, ensuring equal distribution of nutrients and sunlight to each row. These towers are highly productive, producing ten times the yield compared to traditional soil-based farms covering the same area. Since its inception, Sky Greens has played a crucial role in Singapore’s urban farming scene, contributing to the local food supply and providing a model for sustainable agriculture in urban settings.

ComCrop’s Rooftop Farming and Aquaponics

Founded in 2011, ComCrop, another leading example in this sector, operates Singapore’s largest rooftop farm. ComCrop’s farm has 6,000 square feet on the rooftop of Scape, along Orchard Road. They also launched a new 36,000-square-foot rooftop farm complex in Woodlands in October 2018. 

The farm grows a variety of crops using advanced hydroponic technology which enables them to grow produce using less resources while achieving a greater harvest. This technology also uses 90% less water compared to traditional farming. ComCrop’s innovative system produces 150 kg of vegetables monthly and has the capacity to produce over 25,000 kg of produce in the first full year of production at their new farm complex in Woodland.

ComCrop directly supplies its produce to various food and beverage outlets within the vicinity of Scape, ensuring fresh delivery on the same day they are harvested. They emphasize sustainable farming practices and aim to reduce Singapore’s dependence on imported vegetables, and in doing so, they contribute to local food security.

Governmental Support and Global Implications

Singapore’s vertical farming success has been further bolstered by governmental support. The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has been actively encouraging local enterprises to venture into high-tech farming through grants and funding. These incentives, combined with private sector creativity, have put Singapore at the forefront of urban farming globally.

Yet, vertical farming is more than just a technological spectacle, it is a testament to Singapore’s resilience and forward-thinking. As the climate crisis intensifies and land becomes more scarce, innovative solutions like vertical farming will be critical in addressing global food security concerns.

For countries or cities with limited agricultural spaces, Singapore’s story provides a beacon of hope and a blueprint to follow. By integrating technology with agriculture and combining private initiative with governmental support, it is evident that cities can indeed become self-reliant in food production. The future of farming is not just on the ground, it is in the sky too.

– Laeticia Mbangue
Photo: Unsplash

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Key Program Boost Economic Empowerment for Women in Guatemala

Economic Empowerment for Women in GuatemalaMore focus has been placed on economic empowerment for women in Guatemala, particularly the women of Puente Viejo, a small village along the Polochic and Malazas rivers in the Polochic valley of Guatemala. These women have taken charge of their livelihoods and forged a path towards prosperity. Many women in Puente Viejo now stand shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts, emphasizing a profound shift within the community.

The Benefits of Economic Empowerment for Women in Guatemala

Investing in women within communities yields extreme benefits such as “higher productivity and faster economic growth, reduced poverty and provided returns for decades by reducing maternal and child mortality, and improving schooling and health care for children.” Gender equality is a consistent indicator of economic growth and development, according to the IMF. 

According to U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon in 2008, “When women have access to finances, credit, technologies, and markets, they are likely to expand their businesses and contribute effectively to sustained economic growth and development.” Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon’s statement proved true in Guatemala after a coordinated effort of investing in the women of Puente Viejo drastically increased living standards and overall well-being.

The Story of Success for the Women of Puente Viejo

The incredible women of Puente Viejo have worked in coordination with the U.N. Women, World Food Programme (WFP), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to increase economic self-reliance for rural women. Many women in Puente Viejo joined the program because they felt their household conditions needed improvement, they desired a shift in the gender norms in their community, and they hoped for financial independence and stability for themselves and their families. 

The Puente Viejo program started “with only 12 women farmers, providing them with seeds and fertilizers, as well as training on agricultural techniques.” Efforts of the program in Puente Viejo had a turbulent start due to disastrous flooding, which destroyed crops, and ultimately, the project had to switch gears, offering a more diversified skill set to the women of Puente Viejo. In 2017, the program began to focus on teaching women to make and market organic shampoo, using ingredients such as aloe, cacao, avocado and honey, all grown on their farms and personal gardens. The program taught the women to sell their products in local markets.

The Long-Term Effects of Investing in the Women of Puente Viejo

The homemade shampoo companies multiplied and established a success story for the development program and its participants. Through becoming business owners with the assistance of Programa de Desarrollo Rural para la Región Norte (PRODENORTE), the women of Puente Viejo have learned imperative financial skills, such as the ability to save and invest money. Through their financial success, the women of Puente Viejo have established a loan program to empower other community members financially. The loan program provided the daughter of a program member, Carlotta Sam Pac, with funding for her education. 

Despite frequent and devastating floods yearly, the community can remain stable and prosperous due to the resilience of the women of Puente Viejo. The program and the women involved have also established food security for the community. With consistent income, the community grows fresh food. Independence for the women of Puente Viejo has led to equal treatment of men and women within the community. Carlotta Sam Pac reported, “Our husbands now understand that we can also be managers of our own money…They know we are now aware of our economic rights and they do not mistreat us anymore.”

Lessons From the Joint Program 

Through the efforts of the joint program in Puente Viejo, the community has seen increased quality of life, increased overall savings and financial success and increased gender equality. The U.N. Women’s Economic Empowerment Coordinator in Guatemala reported that the program’s tremendous success is the empowerment the women involved have experienced and the unique connections local partners in Guatemala have created with U.N. agencies. With the inability to change the environment Puente Viejo experiences, including torrential rain and flooding, the program has prepared the community’s women for success regardless of external factors. 

– Marisa Kole
Photo: Flickr

Improving Access To Clean Water and Sanitation in the Gambia

Clean Water and Sanitation in the GambiaMillions of people lack access to clean water worldwide and millions become infected with unclean water-related diseases each year. Despite this, access to clean water and sanitation in The Gambia has seen an improvement with 90% of the population that began to access cleaner water sources in 2018, up from 86% in 2010, yet only 34% of households have access to safe water systems. Access to clean water and safe sanitation processes are crucial for the people of The Gambia to maintain good health and welfare because unclean water can lead to disease and sometimes death.

The Problem

Clean water and sanitation in The Gambia is not yet widely accessible, but access is improving throughout the country. The most recent Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey was conducted by The Gambian Bureau of Statistics in 2018 and released in 2019. The survey found that e.coli was present in 45.3% of the country’s water sources and 73.2% of the population’s household drinking water. Drinking water sources become contaminated by humans or animals that defecate in nearby areas allowing the transfer of harmful bacteria to get into water. Only 1% of the population is still practicing open defecation; however, harmful bacteria are still found in much of the drinking water. 

The study found that more E. coli was present in household drinking water than in water at the source. This suggests that the transfer and storage of water from the water source to the household plays a role in contamination. E. coli can be a serious illness and can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps and urinary tract infections. In some cases, specifically in young children and the elderly, E. coli can become deadly. 

Disease can be spread in ways other than drinking contaminated water. Unsafe sanitation and hand washing systems are responsible for the spread of diseases like E. coli as well. Similarly to improved clean water systems, 62% of Gambians gained access to improved sanitation systems in 2018, however, only 30.9% of the population is practicing hand washing with soap.​​ Despite less than half of the country’s population practicing hand washing, 84% of primary schools had washing facilities that met standards in 2018. 

Women and young girls in The Gambia face further challenges when it comes to drinking water. The Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey found that in urban areas, 77.8% of women ages 15 and up are mostly responsible for collecting drinking water. In rural areas, the percentage increases to 90.5%. 

The Gambia is a very small country, with 57% of Gambians living in urban or peri-urban areas. It is one of the most densely packed countries in Africa. The Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey of 2018 found that 66.8% of Gambians in rural areas must travel up to 30 minutes to get clean drinking water and 12.9% must travel more than 30 minutes. Traveling 30 minutes or more to get drinking water and carrying it back can be a nuisance, especially if the water is contaminated with E. coli. 

The Solution

The Gambia Government has input several SDGs to improve the country’s health and welfare. One of these goals — SDG 6 is to “Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.” With the support of UNICEF, SDG 6 aims to achieve universal access to clean drinking water by the year 2030. SDG 6 also focuses on improving sanitation for all, with a goal to end open defecation and have adequate hygiene and sanitation facilities for all, by the year 2030. 

With UNICEF’s support to the WASH sector (water, sanitation and hygiene), drinking water in The Gambia has become more widely accessible. 180,627 people gained access to clean drinking water and sanitation facilities in 2018 which contributed to 90% of improved water access. Clean water and sanitation in The Gambia decreases the likelihood of waterborne illnesses and increases the likelihood of children going to school. 

– Jack Wells
Photo: Flickr

Blockchain-Driven Water Management in Tunisia

Water Management in Tunisia
Amid the bustle and expansion of modern cities, the ancient challenge of water management is becoming an acute concern, particularly in countries like Tunisia, where it is scarce. But as technology evolves, old problems are meeting new solutions. The latest player to enter this arena is blockchain, promising a new dawn for water management in Tunisia and potentially setting a precedent for the world.

A Thirsty Nation

Tunisia, a historically rich nation situated along the Mediterranean in North Africa, grapples with significant water scarcity challenges. While the land boasts a potential water reserve of about 4.9 billion cubic meters, roughly 4.6 billion cubic meters are regularly accessible, resulting in a 74% utilization rate. The varied climate, characterized by more rainfall in the north and arid conditions in the south, contributes to the country’s water woes. The annual rainfall averages 230 mm, though this figure can fluctuate significantly. Tunisia’s water resources comprise approximately 2,700 cubic meters of surface water annually and an estimated 2,000 cubic meters of groundwater, with a significant portion in the south being nonrenewable. With each individual receiving a scant 450 cubic meters annually and agriculture consuming 84% of the total water demand, one cannot overstate the importance of water quality.

Blockchain: The Modern Aqueduct

Enter blockchain, a technology that promises to do for information what Roman aqueducts did for water — transport it efficiently, transparently and reliably. Blockchain’s decentralized nature stands in stark contrast to the centralized systems of the past. It offers unparalleled transparency, ensuring that every drop of water, and every dinar spent on it, is accounted for. The inherent traceability of blockchain means that errors, once entered, can be traced back to their source, vastly reducing the scope for manual errors or deliberate misreporting.

From Theory to Tap

But how does this all work in practice? Two initiatives in Tunisia provide a glimpse.

  1. SONEDE’s Blockchain Endeavour: In collaboration with the national water management entity, a system emerged that allows agents to document meter readings via GSM. Instead of these readings being logged on cumbersome and often unreliable central servers, they are now recorded on a blockchain. This not only ensures data integrity but also optimizes the process for the prevalent 4G infrastructure in Tunisia.
  2. The Watermeter Platform: Going a step further, the Watermeter Platform aims to put the power of monitoring water consumption in the hands of the consumers. Using just their smartphones, Tunisians can take pictures of their water meters. These images, when processed through advanced yet lightweight deep learning algorithms, yield accurate water consumption data. This data is then stored on the Ethereum Blockchain, with the heavy computational lifting done by Raspberry Pis — small computers — ensuring efficiency and reducing costs.

Conclusion

Tunisia’s foray into blockchain-driven water management is more than just a technological upgrade; it is also a hope for arid regions worldwide. It shows that with the right mix of technology and governance, even the most pressing challenges can be met head-on. As the world watches, Tunisia’s blockchain experiment could very well set the blueprint for the future of water management.

– Yudi Zhang
Photo: Flickr