Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

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The Lack of Food Security in Zambia

Food Security in Zambia
 Zambia, situated in Southern Africa, is renowned for its abundant natural beauty and wildlife, showcased in its many national parks. Yet, one critical issue that often receives insufficient attention in Zambia is the ongoing lack of food security that its people confront daily.

Population and Food Poverty

Zambia has a large population of 17.4 million, 48% of whom suffer from an array of illnesses due to malnutrition and under-eating. Because of this, 35% of children have stunted growth, meaning that these children will not grow to their full capabilities and are already being restricted from a young age.

That being said, there has been an improvement in the income of Zambia. In 2011, it was recorded to have received a lower-middle income status. This shows how things may be improving for the country overall, but that does not mean that they have reached a comfortable point, nor does it mean that the entire population is experiencing this improvement. There are still parts of Zambia that are progressing more slowly than others. 

The COVID-19 Pandemic and Food Security

The COVID-19 pandemic worsened the lack of food security massively in Zambia. Alongside other factors like climate shocks, Knowledge For Poverty reports the country has experienced “prolonged dry spells, flooding, reduced livelihood opportunities due to restrictions linked to COVID-19, pests and diseases and high input and food prices.”

Although the pandemic had a knock-on effect globally, Zambia — a nation on its way out of poverty — is unfortunately back at square one. The rural areas were responsible for housing 60% of the population, which was affected the most. Furthermore, 54% of the Zambia population has been living on under $1.90 a day, which is significantly lower than the amount needed to live.

Malnutrition and Early Childhood

One of the main issues within Zambia is the effects of malnutrition. In a USAID report, the organization explored the cases of malnutrition among children and concluded: “Nationally, 40% of children under 5 years are stunted. Analysis by age group shows that stunting is highest (54%) in children 18–23 months and lowest (14%) in children under 6 months. Children in rural areas (42%) are more likely to be stunted than those in urban areas (36%).” This shows how severely the lack of food security within Zambia has and continues to affect children and highlights the importance of how people can help.

Feed The Hungry and African Vision of Hope

Feed The Hungry is a charity that works alongside the African Vision of Hope in order to reduce food poverty — particularly among children and young people — in Zambia. Together, these two charities are providing food for more than 5,000 children every day during school time to ensure that they at least have one sufficient meal and can focus on their studies in an attempt to break the poverty cycle. 

The work of charities such as these helps reduce the number of people affected by food poverty; however, it does not stop the issue itself. Children are one of the most vulnerable groups in relation to malnutrition, and this highlights the need for more charities and other support systems to direct efforts toward alleviating food poverty.  

Zambia’s experience with food security has been up and down for many years, marked by periods of both success and challenges. Recently, it has faced a difficult period due to various factors. These include the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and significant fluctuations between droughts and floods. While the recovery is gradual, efforts are underway to improve the situation.

– Ella Bushell
Photo: Flickr

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Empowering Women in India’s Informal Sector

Women in India’s Informal Sector
Informal employment compromises a large percentage of India’s labor force, with the size of India’s informal economy estimated to be 43.1% of its total GDP. Importantly, 88% of employed Indian women are working in the informal sector, mainly in small-scale farming. Other informal work includes domestic cleaners, street vendors and garment factory workers. 

As 9.5% of India’s employed population living below the poverty line are women, it is not hard to see that women bear a significant economic burden. Yet, empowering women in India’s informal sector will not only alleviate the symptoms of poverty for women and their families, but it will also benefit the global economy. 

Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were developed to create a better and more prosperous future for all. Goal 5 directly relates to achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls across the globe, whilst the other SDGs recognize gender poverty, women’s unequal access to education and health care, and women’s poor health and well-being as key issues going forward. 

According to UN Women, despite commitments to end gender inequality, the world has failed to make considerable progress and only 48% of the data needed to monitor SDG 5 is currently available. In fact, if the world does not take substantial action now, predictions have indicated that it will take another 286 years to enforce and monitor gender equality. 

The disproportionate number of women in India’s informal sector is hindering the ability of developing countries to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In the informal economy, workers do not receive contracts, lack the same level of social protection that the formal sector provides and earn lower wages. Not only this, but the nature of informal work is often more precarious, hindering women’s ability to gain social and economic security. 

Empowering Female Workers 

In spite of these circumstances, women in India’s informal sector are demanding better treatment, health and protection in the workplace. Indeed, the COVID-19 pandemic has raised the urgency of having secure employment and health and well-being. 

Formed in 1984, The Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) has around 2.5 million workers and is empowering women in India’s informal sector to be self-reliant and take back ownership over their work. 

SEWA’s Punjab state co-ordinator Harsharan Kaur told Foreign Policy that it is important for the government to recognize that the informal sector is the largest contributor to India’s economy so that it takes social protection measures for women seriously.

Foremost, SEWA educates women about their rights before helping them to collaborate to demand better pay and lobby the government into action. Through the association, more than 300,000 women have joined collective enterprises where women are made equal shareholders, providing them with greater economic power. 

The association believes that asset ownership through cooperatives is the key to freeing women from poverty by ensuring that women have equal access to services such as health and childcare and financial, legal and housing services. 

Global Economic Benefits 

According to Oxfam, gender inequality results in a loss of $9 trillion a year in developing countries which is not only detrimental to women and their families, but the global economy. 

Between 2000 and 2010, a 30% reduction in poverty in Latin America was achieved by increasing the number of women in secure, paid employment showing how closing the gender gap in India could also help to reduce poverty. 

Achieving gender equality by securing women’s employment will have universal economic benefits, for which informal work accounts for 60% of all global employment. 

A study by the IMF showed that only 13% of women working in sectors that are more integrated into the global economy are employed informally compared to 20% of women in sectors that are less integrated. 

Integrating developing countries into the global market will therefore help women to access more secure employment opportunities. Boosts in the global market will help achieve gender equality by exposing women to better jobs and in turn, increase women’s spending power. 

Looking Ahead 

The World Bank’s International Development Association has already directed $93 billion toward low-income countries which should be appropriately channeled toward supporting and strengthening informal workers’ organizations, skills and empowerment. By recognizing that informal work constitutes a large proportion of India’s economy, investing in women’s futures will not only help developing nations meet their sustainability goals but benefit the global economy at the same time. 

– Tatum Richards
Photo: Flickr

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How Tanzania is improving Water Sanitation

Water Sanitation
Tanzania, situated on the coast of the Indian Ocean in Sub-Saharan Africa, is home to a growing population of more than 68 million people. As of 2019, almost 24 million of its people lacked access to safe drinking water, while a staggering 43 million did not have proper sanitation. Unfortunately, the absence of clean water and sanitation facilities increases the risk of diseases, which can particularly affect the health and well-being of children. Nevertheless, the Tanzanian government, in collaboration with aid organizations, is actively striving to enhance its water and sanitation infrastructure.

Clean Water Access 

Access to clean water is a crucial aspect of reducing global poverty and improving people’s lives. In Tanzania, the government has teamed up with various organizations to enhance water quality. The Tanzanian government partnered with Water.org to introduce the Water Credit system. Through this collaboration, Equity Bank is facilitating the process by providing small loans for households in need of clean water and larger loans for water and sanitation companies. This initiative aims to make safe water more accessible to underserved communities.

Tanzania has received direct aid from the World Bank, with a $300 million International Development Association credit for the Sustainable Water Supply and Sanitation Program (SRWSSP). This funding will facilitate the expansion of the SRWSSP to 137 districts around Tanzania. It will also be the building block for 206 new water schemes, all created to achieve drinking water for all Tanzanians. The World Bank’s work with the Tanzanian government can help up to 10 million citizens with improved water supply.

Hygiene and Sanitation

Another important tenet of WASH is hygiene and sanitation. UNICEF has partnered strategically with the Tanzanian government to transform and develop strategic WASH areas (sanitation, water and hygiene). Through a community-led sanitation approach, it seeks to ensure improved sanitation in rural and local communities. Hygiene lessons like instilling the importance of washing hands with soap can reduce bad-hygiene-related diseases by 47%. UNICEF also aids in providing WASH facilities in health and educational institutions and focuses on equitable access to these provisions for disadvantaged children, girls and women. 

USAID’s Water Resources Integration Development Initiative (WARIDI) has been designing better infrastructure for WASH  initiatives at various primary and secondary schools. This is particularly important as 40% of diarrhea cases in children get transmitted in schools. The provisions include providing separate toilets for boys and girls and easy access to sanitation facilities for students with disabilities.

The Tanzanian government has also implemented Vision 2025, which has plans to improve access to proper sanitation facilities by 95% by 2025. A secondary five-year plan is set to improve sanitation in rural areas by 85%. Massive undertakings such as these are pivotal steps to improving hygiene throughout Tanzania.

Looking Ahead

Overall, Tanzania’s efforts to enhance water and sanitation infrastructure are paving the way for a brighter future. Collaborations with organizations like Water.org and the support of the World Bank are expanding access to clean water, benefitting millions of Tanzanians. Initiatives promoting hygiene and sanitation, driven by UNICEF and USAID, are creating healthier environments, especially in schools, and helping to reduce the spread of diseases. With ambitious plans like Vision 2025, Tanzania is making significant strides toward improving the lives and well-being of its people.

– Atheeth Ravikrishnan
Photo: Flickr

Vaccinating Zero-Dose Children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Zero-Dose Children
Vaccination has historically been one of the most effective and widespread public health interventions, saving millions of lives each year globally. However, in many parts of the world, particularly developing nations, vaccination is not readily available, and many children have never received a single dose of any vaccine. These children are known as “zero-dose” children, and their lack of immunization is a great threat to their health and those around them.  

One example of a country with many zero-dose children is the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). But on the bright side, the DRC is working with organizations on several initiatives to help alleviate this issue.

The Situation

A study in 2021 revealed that one in five children between 12 and 23 months of age in the DRC could be considered zero-dose. One initiative for vaccinating zero-dose children is the Mashako Plan, an effort that began in 2018. The government planned to vaccinate a quarter of a million children as part of the immunization program, targeting vulnerable provinces in the country.

Increasing immunization is also a critical part of fighting global poverty. When children remain healthy and safe from common diseases through vaccination, families can avoid the financial burden of medical expenses and lost productivity. In low-income countries like the DRC, where health care resources are limited, preventing diseases through vaccination is a strategically strong economic choice.

Solutions

New funding from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, is accelerating efforts to vaccinate zero-dose children in the DRC. Gavi’s Equity Accelerator Fund (EAF) is helping provide the DRC with $59.7 million, working toward an ambitious goal to reach 35% of zero-dose children. This is the most money any country has received from the EAF and is an important step in both global health improvements and poverty reduction. Thabani Maphosa, a managing director at Gavi, spoke about ensuring “that the most marginalized communities are no longer left behind,” which relates to the goal of fighting global poverty.

Additionally, vaccines support the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs). Ensuring zero-dose children are immunized contributes to SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all, regardless of age or socioeconomic status. Vaccination also indirectly supports other SDGs related to education, equality and economic growth, as healthy children are more likely to attend school, contribute to their communities and break out of the cycle of poverty.

Looking Ahead

While several initiatives like these are working toward vaccinating zero-dose children in the DRC, challenges remain in the path toward full equity. The COVID-19 pandemic slowed the progress of the Mashako plan, resulting in a renewal of the plan with a second version, which had similar goals to the first. Political instability in the DRC prevents all of its people from receiving access to immunization, and the size of the country makes it difficult to maintain a supply chain for vaccines. 

However, vaccinating zero-dose children is an essential step toward improving public health and reducing poverty. Therefore, there is a need for sustained efforts to ensure the protection of the health and future of vulnerable children. In turn, this could lead to a healthier and more prosperous nation.

– Namit Agrawal
Photo: Flickr

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Limitations of Geography: Poverty in Madagascar

Poverty in MadagascarPoverty levels in Madagascar have remained persistently high for an extended period. In 2012, an alarming 80.7% of the population lived below the international extreme poverty line of $2.15 per day. A decade later, there has been only a slight decrease to an estimated 80.2%. While factors such as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine may have contributed to this, it’s evident that progress in reducing poverty in Madagascar has been remarkably slow. This article explores how geographic factors have played a crucial role in impeding Madagascar’s efforts to combat poverty and the strategies it has employed to address this challenge.

The Geographic Poverty Trap

Madagascar is an island nation off the coast of Southern Africa and is one of the biggest islands in the world. However, Madagascar’s terrain is varied, with most of the country’s surface covered in dense forests, arid highlands or relatively short mountain ranges. This rough terrain, combined with the fact that around 60% of the population lives in rural areas, offers insight into the slow poverty reduction rate in Madagascar.

As economist Jeffrey Sachs has identified, this terrain makes transportation and infrastructure development costs much more expensive. This, in turn, creates more difficulties when looking to reduce poverty in these areas, as trade is fully dependent on challenging and costly transportation. 

Madagascar, however, faces an exacerbated version of this geographic burden, as most of this rural population lives under the extreme poverty line of $2.15 a day. Furthermore, Madagascar mostly depends on subsistence farming techniques that are vulnerable to the extreme climates that have become so characteristic of the island. 

Madagascar faces recurring challenges such as droughts, floods, and cyclones each year. These natural disasters often devastate the crops of subsistence farmers, who make up a significant portion of the population. As a result, many Malagasy people live in isolated areas, trapped in a cycle of poverty. The level of poverty is so severe that the people struggle to save money for investments in transportation, trade or increased productivity. The combination of geographical isolation, reliance on subsistence farming, and the frequent impact of natural disasters has made poverty in Madagascar incredibly resilient. This has made it difficult to achieve meaningful progress in poverty alleviation efforts.

Solutions

These issues have not gone unnoticed. Madagascar received more than $1 billion in Official Development Aid in 2021, and a flourishing NGO sector works in Madagascar to turn the tide and help accelerate poverty reduction in the country. Madagascar receives a relatively small share of GDP compared to other island nations. However, there is room for improvement in the assistance provided to the country.

Despite this, there are increasing efforts on the side of NGOs striving to reduce poverty in Madagascar. Most of these center around teaching improved farming methods, natural disaster recovery and boosting education programs all over the country. Noticeable among these is SEED Madagascar, a U.K.-based NGO that is active in tackling all aspects of poverty through health, education, productivity and cultural programs.

Looking to The Future

While Madagascar’s persistent poverty challenges may be rooted in its geographic factors and economic limitations, there is hope on the horizon. The recognition of these obstacles has led to increased international aid and the dedicated efforts of NGOs like SEED Madagascar, working on multiple fronts to empower communities with improved farming techniques, disaster recovery strategies and education programs. With these ongoing initiatives and a growing commitment to combating poverty, Madagascar could well be on a path toward a brighter future.

– Daniel Pereda
Photo: Flickr

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Instability in Ghana’s Economy Impacts Poverty

Ghana's Economy
Ghana is a western African country situated on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea. More than half of the country’s GDP comes from the services sector, one-fifth comes from agriculture, and about one-fourth lies in industry. Though the nation possesses many major resources, like coal and gold, Ghana’s economy is suffering from a high debt burden and inflation. Thus, working-class individuals and those in poverty suffer as the prices of common goods rise, making it difficult for people to purchase necessities. According to the World Bank, “Simulations suggest that, in 2022, nearly 850,000 Ghanaians were pushed into poverty due to rising prices and the loss in purchasing power.”

Inflation in Ghana

In July 2023, Ghana experienced a significant inflation rate of 43.1%, marking an increase from the previous four months. The primary driver of this inflation was the soaring food prices, with food inflation rising from 54.2% to 55%. Additionally, non-food prices also saw an increase.

Furthermore, Ghana is grappling with a historically high level of public debt, nearly equivalent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In response to these pressing economic challenges, Ghana sought and secured a $3 billion bailout loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in December 2022.

Despite Ghana’s economic struggles, inflation has improved slightly since last year’s peak. In 2022, the cedi, Ghana’s local currency, lost more than half its value compared to the U.S. dollar. To cope with inflation, the Bank of Ghana increased interest rates, which hurt businesses and households that relied on borrowed funds. Consumers and businesses are still suffering from the ramifications of last year’s economic catastrophe.

Impact on Civilians

Citizens are facing heightened financial challenges as essential commodity prices continue to rise. Lower-income families grapple with the increasing costs of rent, school fees and food. Businesses, too, encounter difficulties as fluctuating prices for goods make investments more uncertain. This economic instability impacts various aspects of people’s lives.

Poor government spending has also resulted in mounds of debt. Government entities now owe thousands of contractors money, which puts those workers at a loss. For example, many teachers face months of back pay, making it even more difficult to purchase everyday goods. Inflation has also diminished consumers’ purchasing power, shown through the prices of goods like maize: 159 kg cost 300 cedis in 2021, compared with the current price of 650 cedis. Maize is a prime example of a staple grain in Ghana that has increased significantly in price.

Causes of Economic Struggles

There are many contributing factors to Ghana’s economy, but the nation was not always struggling. When President Nana Akufo took power in 2017, inflation decreased significantly from 15.4% to 7.9%. By 2019, Ghana had the world’s fastest-growing economy and was described by the World Bank as “Africa’s shining star.” That same year, Ghana’s budget deficit was reduced to 5% of the GDP.

Some argue that the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine drove inflation. However, many economists attribute much of the issue to poor government decisions, including excessive borrowing from the Bank of Ghana.

Hope for the Future

Numerous organizations are actively engaged in addressing Ghana’s economic challenges. More than 24 aid groups, which include Oxfam, Christian Aid, Caritas Ghana, ActionAid and Debt Justice, have collaboratively called on international creditors to reduce a portion of Ghana’s debt. In a joint letter signed by these organizations, they highlight the direct impact of the debt crisis on the people of Ghana. Ghana’s substantial debt burden has led to inflated prices, which, in turn, have made it increasingly challenging for many families to meet their basic needs.

The U.S. is also doing its part to assist Ghana. In March 2023, Kamala Harris announced that the U.S. pledged $100 million in assistance. The government has also requested another $139 million from Congress for aid to Ghanaians. The aim is to put these donations into efforts to lower some of the costs of commodities like food and fuel.

While Ghana’s economy is still suffering, the fact that inflation is lower this year than last gives hope for the future.

– Lindsey Osit
Photo: Pexels

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How Gerando Falcões Is Transforming Communities in Brazilian Favelas

Brazilian Favelas
In Brazil, more than 11 million people live in poverty in a record number of 6,329 favelas. Brazilian favelas are densely packed areas of poorly planned urban housing on the outskirts of cities across Brazil. Job opportunities in favelas are limited, and clean water and sanitation systems can be hard to come by. For many favela residents, Gerando Falcões is a way for them to break through the cycle of poverty. It aims to “put poverty in favelas in a museum before Elon Musk colonizes Mars.” 

Gerando Falcões (Generating Falcons)

The number of people living in favelas increased 108% from 2010 to 2019 and has only worsened in recent years due to the pandemic. When Edu Lyra started Gerando Falcões in 2012, it was a small organization helping kids in favelas build brighter futures. Today, Gerando Falcões has grown to impact more than 6,000 favelas in 26 states across Brazil and works with 1,280 NGOs. Gerando Falcões is a Brazilian social development organization aiming to end favelas’ poverty. It brings education, economic development and citizenship services to impoverished people stuck in a cycle of poverty. Gerando Falcões works with favela leaders and locals who all dream of ending poverty in the Brazilian favelas. 

Favela 3D

Favela 3D is Gerando Falcões’ largest project. The three Ds stand for dignify, digitize and develop. Favela 3D is designed to transform favelas and give the residents a better quality of life. Under the Favela 3D project, favela residents work directly with Gerando Falcões to create urban interventions and affordable housing units. Gerando Falcões believes that the locals should completely control their community development. Favela 3D then promotes innovative technology solutions that allow favela residents to generate income through entrepreneurial projects. Within the first six months of urban intervention, favelas see a rise in income. 

The Favela 3D project implements various solutions and opportunities that lead to social development. Favela 3D gives residents access to health care, citizenship, children’s education, women’s autonomy and sport. Favela 3D tailors family-specific needs through The Family Take-Off Plan. All of these things that Favela 3D offers can lead to long-term stability and a culture of peace within the Brazilian favelas. 

Falcons University

Gerando Falcões started Falcons University in 2020, intending to help favela residents break through the cycle of poverty. Falcons University educates children, young adults and favela leaders on skills and techniques necessary for overcoming poverty.

Favela leaders receive training on various subjects, including favela expertise, public policies and technological and innovation skills. These skills set them on a path toward community development. Falcons University has already trained more than 100 favela leaders on community development strategies and hopes to continue training more. 

Falcons University’s youth program teaches kids core competencies and socio-economic skills. Children can learn basic technological skills and specific skills that interest them. Children are taught the 10 National Common Curriculum (BNCC) competencies. Through education, children in favelas can take control of their lives and begin to see a brighter future for themselves. Falcons University also offers young adults the chance to learn professional skills that they can use to benefit themselves and their community. 

– Jack Wells
Photo: Flickr

Kerala’s Revolutionary Approach to Poverty Alleviation

Kerala’s Revolutionary Approach
Though India’s overall poverty rate was 14.96% in 2019–21, in the state of Kerala, the poverty rate was only 0.55% in the same period. Although it has a low per-capita income like other developing states, Kerala has managed to maintain a quality of life comparable to developed nations, as indicated by high literacy, few infant mortalities and a low birth rate. This has been achieved thanks to the Kerala government’s unique approach to poverty alleviation, which scholars have termed “the Kerala model of development.” Here is some information about Kerala’s revolutionary approach to poverty alleviation.

Successes of Kerala’s Revolutionary Approach to Poverty Alleviation

Specifically, the Kerala model emphasizes local wealth redistribution programs amidst a political culture of fiery anti-poverty activism. Since 2016, the Left Democratic Front has led the state. Consider its Five-Year Plan 2022–2027, which emphasizes spending on housing, job creation and other progressive policies to tackle remaining poverty. One recent policy has relieved all the living expenses (health care, shelter, food, welfare) of the 64,000 remaining impoverished families in Kerala. The plan emphasizes “health, education, housing, social welfare, social justice, and gender justice.”

It is clear from this that the Left government prioritizes the needs and civil liberties of lower-income and marginalized people, thus integrating them more fully into the economy and creating productive forces. Some scholars have argued that Kerala’s success testifies to the effectiveness of Keynesianism, a school of economic thought that asserts that government intervention in the economy (via social programs, regulations, etc.) spurs growth. 

During the COVID-19 crisis, international organizations and media lauded Kerala for its vigilance in mitigating COVID-induced hardships. Initiatives included tracking and tracing, increased pension benefits, subsidized loans and food rations. In May 2020, the Kerala government disbursed seven months’ worth of pension to 4.4 million households. In times of economic crisis, the people need bread; and the state of Kerala needs no reminder. It gave 15 kg of free grain to all families regardless of income status. Every month, it distributed food kits with essential staples to people eligible for rations.

Kerala’s Support for Agrarian Workers

Whereas the Kerala model emphasizes wealth redistribution and welfare programs, other states have undergone a shift toward deregulation and neoliberalism since economic reforms in 1991. The changing economic situation has negatively impacted the livelihoods of India’s small farmers, who comprise 60% of the subcontinent’s population. In order to corporatize the agricultural sector, the government has increased trade liberalization, cut down agricultural subsidies for small farmers, and — more recently under Prime Minister Modi — withdrawn credit banknotes that favored local markets. As a result, prices and small farmers’ incomes have plummeted. 

Labor laws have also changed. Striking has lost its efficacy due to a 2020 law requiring 60-day notices; working duration has risen from 8 to 12 hours per day in Karnataka, which will perhaps set a precedent for other states; and unionization has become more difficult. India’s farm-dependent population has fallen from 59% in 1991 to 45.6% in 2019–20.

The crisis is so severe that 30 farm-dependent people commit suicide daily, in many cases due to unpayable debts. Ever since the Indian agrarian crisis began, Kerala has been at the forefront of the fight to protect small farmers’ interests. In 1999, multiple groups convened in Kerala, including a farmers’ union and the Communist Party of India (Marxist), or CPI(M), to form the Brahmagiri Development Society (BDS). The BDS provides livestock farms, veterinary services and mortality insurance for farmers in Kerala and neighboring states. By bypassing corporate intermediaries, it offers livestock at fair prices and thus increases farmers’ incomes.

Even in the midst of the Indian agrarian crisis, Kerala’s social democratic style of development offers its farmers the ability to live healthy, plentiful lives. Through the BDS, Kerala has consistently challenged the Indian State’s attempted corporatization of the agricultural sector. 

Lessons from Kerala’s Revolutionary Approach

From 2020 to 2021, three unpopular bills passed by Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) prompted a national farmers’ protest and strike that garnered 250 million people, breaking the record for the largest demonstration in human history. The bills effectively allow big agribusinesses to hoard produce and decide prices. 

It is in such a context that Kerala’s social policies inspire the new generation, who are increasingly understanding the power held by the masses. But Kerala’s current leaders know that they must maintain a balance between social welfare and infrastructure. They wish to avoid the three traps of high welfare/low growth; low welfare/high growth, as shown by the Gujarat Model; and low welfare/low growth, as shown by the Uttar Pradesh Model. Since 1999, the Kerala Infrastructure Fund Board has invested $1.85 billion USD into various sectors, including IT development and electricity. The Left government demonstrates to India that high welfare and high growth are not mutually exclusive. 

Kerala’s Finance Minister T. M. Thomas Isaac, a Central Committee member of the CPI(M), said in an interview with The Tricontinental that Kerala plans to build the “Kerala-Fibre Optic Network.” This will be “a superhighway of internet owned by the state” that will ensure free Internet for every Keralan citizen.

“We are not a socialist country”, says Isaac, “we are part of Indian capitalism. But in this part, within the limitations, we shall design a society that will inspire all progressive-thinking people in India. Yes, it is possible to build something different. That’s the idea of Kerala.”

– Eric Huang
Photo: Pixabay

The Constellation Coalition: Empowering Women Globally

Constellation CoalitionWhen it comes to the issue of poverty, people from all races, creeds and religions can be affected. However, one group is affected a disproportionate amount. The number of women in poverty is much greater than that of men. According to the U.N., the number of men in extreme poverty in 2022 was around 372 million, while the number of women in poverty was about 388 million.

According to the U.N., the poverty rate of women in developing nations is on track to increase significantly in the next seven years. Their numbers will increase from 388 million to almost 450 million by 2030. That is also nearly 20 million more than the projected number of men in poverty by 2030.

There may seem to be little hope in curbing this increase in women’s poverty. However, organizations are working to address this exact issue. One organization, in particular, would be The Constellation Coalition. The Constellation Coalition is based out of Ohio in the United States. Founder Ashley Johnson was inspired to create this organization after the birth of her son and after considering what an impoverished mother could do if she had difficulty providing food for her newborn. In 2020, The Constellation Coalition launched but was quickly forced to scale back operations due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

What Do They Do?

The goals of The Constellation Coalition are to connect and empower women. They do this by sponsoring a female entrepreneur in a developing nation and giving her what she needs to “lift themselves, their families, and their communities out of poverty,” according to their website. Providing sponsors is not the only strategy that they employ. The organization has smaller goals that tie into entrepreneurship as a whole. 

Vocational Skills

One strategy the organization uses in addition to entrepreneurship is teaching women vocational skills. One of the essential aspects of entrepreneurship is having specific skills that a person can use in a business setting. The Constellation Coalition teaches women in developing nations proper vocational skills based on their desired fields. They can design their own business and help lift their communities out of poverty. For example, being adept at fixing electronics would serve someone who wants to start their own technology repair business.

Building Relationships 

The crux of what The Constellation Coalition stands for is building relationships. They believe that building relationships among women can help change the world. Whether through entrepreneurship or any other venue, they know that the key to fighting poverty in developing nations is to work together to achieve goals.

The Effect of the Organization and Women’s Entrepreneurship on Poverty

Women who pursue opportunities in entrepreneurship have an unquestionably positive effect on poverty as a whole. Studies from the U.S. State Department show that having economically successful women in an area translates to protecting natural resources and increasing the quality of health and education. That is what The Constellation Coalition is aiming to do. In 2021, they provided over 15 entrepreneurs in developing nations with the sponsorship they needed to help alleviate the effects of poverty on their communities while also collecting over $10,000 in sponsorship funds. In total, they raised close to $20,000 for various costs. In 2022, The Constellation Coalition provided scholarships to 15 women from Guatemala for an entrepreneurship class.

It is no secret that women are affected by poverty at a higher rate than men are. The numbers show that. The Constellation Coalition aims to curb that trend and give women opportunities through business to thrive and support their communities. Their impact may not necessarily be as far-reaching as that of other organizations, but that does not mean they are not making a difference.

– Calder Miller
Photo: Flickr

Progress on Poverty Reduction in Kenya

Poverty Reduction in Kenya
In the fight against global poverty, there is a lot of talk about problems and less about progress and good news. Kenya is one nation that has been making progress in improving the health and well-being of its society, something in which it takes great pride. One can attribute the progress on poverty reduction in Kenya to the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in 2015. The work towards achieving the goals of this agenda, combined with other strategies, has resulted in a significant decrease in poverty.

What is the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development?

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is an initiative that began in 2015 and was agreed upon by all member states that make up the United Nations. The project serves as a roadmap of what needs to be accomplished in order for all people to have the opportunity for peace and prosperity in the future. There are 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), representing challenges and opportunities for all member states of the U.N. to act on, including issues that cause poverty, food insecurity and low wages. The goal is to recognize that economic growth goes hand-in-hand with reducing poverty, hunger and income inequality.

What Steps Has Kenya Made Towards Achieving Progress?

Kenya has made huge strides in improving the health and well-being of its citizens on multiple fronts. Several accomplishments were made between January 2016 and January 2017 that helped to reduce hunger and poverty. According to InDepthNews, poverty levels decreased from 46.8% in 2007 to 45.2%. The Kenyan government also instituted the Equalization Fund, which provides funding that has resulted in free primary and secondary schooling. In addition, the fund expanded technical and vocational educational training institutions at the grassroots level. The fund also includes provisions that help women, young people and people with disabilities procure preferences and reservations through an affirmative action policy. All these things together serve to help the most vulnerable of society while simultaneously achieving progress on poverty reduction in Kenya and promoting equity.

Further Accomplishments and Progress Made

The Kenyan government has been committed to improving the lives and conditions of its people, as well as promoting economic growth, and there are milestones to show for that effort. According to the 17th edition of the Kenya Economic Update, in 2005 and 2006, the proportion of Kenyans who were living below the international poverty line was 46.8%. Fast forward to 2015/2016, and that number decreased to 36.1%. The economic update also shows that Kenya is performing better than most sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries when it comes to both monetary and non-monetary poverty indicators. If one were to step back and look at the overall picture involving the poverty rate and income levels, one would see that human development indicators for Kenya are high. This means that Kenya performs highly compared to other SSA countries when it comes to the non-monetary aspects of poverty.

Kenya’s Strategies

The Economic Recovery Strategy (ERS) is a Kenyan government program with a number of medium-term objectives. One is strengthening the macroeconomic framework, as well as fully embracing both private sector participation and investment. According to imf.org, in terms of improving equity and poverty reduction, the program seeks to focus on some very specific issues: “…universal primary education, improved access to basic health, expanded productive capacity in agriculture and upgrading the living conditions for urban dwellers that have suffered from poor urban infrastructure and social services mainly due to high urbanization rates.” Also, part of the program involves the Kenyan government working towards meeting Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). 

Conclusion

Kenya has made tremendous progress on poverty reduction in Kenya while working to meet the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Millenium Development Goals. The commitment to working to improve the well-being of citizens while promoting economic growth has produced a number of milestones that fight food insecurity and increase sanitation services and access to education, all of which play a role in reducing poverty. However, this is only the beginning. Kenya still lags behind other lower-middle-income countries. 

The progress made so far is vulnerable to climate disasters such as droughts, which can drive poverty back up. Additionally, though Kenya has made tremendous strides in poverty reduction, it is not on track to eliminate poverty by 2030. To achieve that goal, they will have to accelerate the pace of poverty reduction. This is just a further reminder that the effort and progress towards fighting poverty, hunger and food insecurity in Kenya and around the world is a steady and ongoing process that will not be achieved overnight. It takes constant effort, work and attention.

– Gary Williams
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