Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

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3 Key Facts About the Safe Schools Declaration

Safe Schools DeclarationOn the International Day to Protect Education from Attack 2023, UN Secretary-General António Guterres spoke to the General Assembly about maintaining education in communities affected by conflict. Citing a recent report by the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack (GCPEA), Guterres spoke on the increase in attacks on education (3,000 in 2022) and the need to “dramatically” improve support and increase investment for the 224 million children who require education support as a result of national conflict. In this call for action, Guterres urged all countries to endorse the Safe Schools Declaration, a political commitment to providing and protecting stable education across the globe. Here are three facts about the Safe Schools Declaration.

The Safe Schools Declaration Has 4 Central Commitments 

While the efforts of countries, charities and NGOs endorsing the Safe Schools Declaration cover a wide range of issues, all actions tend to fall under the four main commitments of the document. According to the GCPEA, these are:

  1. Every child has the right to an education free of violent threats.
  2. Every member of the teaching staff has the right to work under safe and secure conditions.
  3. Every school should be a place of protection and present students with the opportunity to achieve, even in times of war.
  4. Every university should be a place where students and academics can think critically and independently, widening their basis of knowledge. 

The Declaration Has Broad International Support

As of 2023, 118 countries have endorsed the Safe Schools Declaration. Since its conception in May 2015 at a conference in Oslo, Norway, many countries have signed the Declaration, committing themselves to its key aims. The list includes two permanent members of the UN Security Council — France and the United Kingdom. Upon signing, the government of a country publicly affirms its most significant message: any attack on schools — or use of schools for military purposes — is unethical. Alongside this agreement, several countries have also hosted the International Safe Schools Conference since 2015, including Argentina in 2017, Spain in 2019 and Nigeria in 2021. 

The Safe Schools Declaration Combats Global Poverty

In a humanitarian sense, the work of the Declaration contributes to the alleviation of poverty worldwide; poverty is not only monetary. In April 2021, the World Bank published a brief on “learning poverty,” which outlined how education deficiency poses a threat to countries looking to increase human capital and succeed in meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

The World Bank calculates a country’s official level of learning poverty by considering both learning deprivation (measured by reading proficiency levels) and schooling deprivation (measured by the number of out-of-school children). Before the COVID-19 pandemic had even set in, as much as 57% of 10-year-olds in low- and middle-income countries could not “read and understand a simple text,” the assessment for learning poverty, according to the World Bank. 

Without a doubt, both kinds of deprivation are heightened when military conflict and displacement disrupt education. A commitment to the Safe Schools Declaration represents a step in the right direction toward SDG 4 (quality education for all) and the wider aim of poverty alleviation and global equality. 

– Alice Weatherley
Photo: Unsplash

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Bringing Clean and Affordable Cooking Solutions to Rural Africa

Cooking SolutionsMore than 2.6 billion people are without access to clean cooking solutions worldwide. Pesitho is a Danish company committed to providing clean and affordable cooking solutions to those in need in rural, off-grid areas.

The Problem

Cooking is a necessary part of human existence and survival, but it should not threaten people’s health and livelihood. Access to clean, affordable and reliable cooking methods can be hard to come by in rural areas. Millions of people die each year due to insufficient cooking methods — 2 billion people rely on wood and fuel in order to cook in their homes. The journey to obtain suitable firewood can be long and hazardous and sometimes fatal. Locals run the risk of animals attacking them or stepping on landmines, and even experiencing assault or rape. Burning wood in a home can cause smoke inhalation which can lead to lung cancer, heart failure and other respiratory problems.

These problems mainly threaten women and girls because the burden of cooking meals usually falls upon them. Unfortunately for these women and girls, they have no other choice and are forced to expose themselves to the dangers that come with cooking. When fuel is not provided and food is left uncooked, arguments can erupt within the family household and can sometimes lead to violence.

Pesitho’s pilot project and primary focus are refugee families from African countries like South Sudan or the DRC who were forced to flee their homes due to war, and now reside in rural locations in Uganda. The Bidibidi refugee settlement in Northwestern Uganda — home to more than 270,000 refugees and spanning an area of 250 square kilometers — is where Pesitho mainly operates. Pesitho also provides aid to locals in the nearby areas who have very low incomes and are in vulnerable situations. Pesitho has partnered with Mercy Corps, Caritas, the World Food Programme (WFP) and a number of other organizations to bring the ECOCA — an electric solar cooker — to these rural locations.

The ECOCA

The ECOCA is a small compact cooking device that solar energy powers. It can keep food warm for hours and power a house for an entire day. ECOCA units are assembled locally by hired locals who are trained as technicians, giving jobs to these vulnerable communities.

The ECOCA, which includes a battery pack, a solar panel array and a cooking pot, is easily installed in small spaces and easily portable due to its size. The stove can cook a family of five to seven members three meals a day and can work hours after dark. The ECOCA also includes two USB ports and two rechargeable lamps for cooking after dark. With this innovative design, families no longer have to bear the burden of collecting wood or buying fuel, and no longer become subject to smoke inhalation.

Pay-As-You-Cook System

In September 2020, Pesitho and Mercy Corps applied for the Elrha Journey 2 Scale Grant, which allowed it to expand its current productions and initiate the Pay-As-You-Cook system or PAYC. The PAYC system makes the ECOCA even more affordable and allows users to pay per usage over a maximum of five years rather than purchasing the ECOCA upfront.

Pesitho’s Impact

Pesitho has changed the lives of countless people through its innovative technology. Bajura, a local resident of the Bidibidi refugee camp, has created a phone repair and radio business since receiving his ECOCA in 2020. Bajura uses the solar panel from the ECOCA as his main power source. Using the USB ports on the electric cooker, he is able to charge a number of other devices such as mobile phones and radios. Bajura built his business around phone repair and charging, which generates enough income for him to support himself and his family. Barjura’s business is a great example of how the ECOCA improves the lives of these locals and how it can be used for more than just cooking.

Since Pesitho’s establishment in 2017, it has continued to bring clean and affordable cooking solutions to rural areas. Cooking is not only a fundamental part of human existence, but it also brings people and communities together. Pesitho has changed the lives of families in eastern Africa and will continue to do so in the future. Anyone can help bring more ECOCAs to people in need by donating on Pesitho’s website.

– Jack Wells
Photo: Flickr

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Improving the Lives of Palestinian Refugees in Lebanon

Palestinian Refugees in Lebanon
Unable to obtain citizenship or the right to work, Palestinian refugees living in Lebanon have faced many obstacles and restrictions. Forced into displacement by war since 1948, thousands of Palestinians have found refuge in their neighboring country, Lebanon. Through its many wars and conflicts, an increasingly corrupt government and a worsening economic situation since 2019, Lebanon has never been the most welcoming environment for refugees, particularly Palestinians. 

Problems Palestinian Refugees Face in Lebanon 

Lebanon is the country that hosts the largest number of refugees per capita, due to surrounding wars and conflicts in its neighboring countries of Syria and Palestine. According to UNICEF, there are around 210,000 Palestinian refugees living in Lebanon, all of whom are prohibited from working in 39 professions such as medicine, law and engineering. They are also unable to access health and education provided by the Lebanese government because a discriminatory Lebanese law means that Palestinians are unable to gain Lebanese citizenship, and thus unable to access essentials like work and education.

For many in Lebanon, particularly refugees, life has become unlivable. The United Nations Relief and Work Agency (UNRWA) reported that poverty levels reached 93% among Palestinian refugees living in Lebanon. Moreover, all 12 refugee camps in Lebanon suffer from mass crowding, poor conditions and increased risk of involvement in violence, all of which pose a significant threat to the camps’ youth and the livelihoods of families. 

The Role of UNRWA and UNICEF

However, there have been many efforts to improve their conditions including social initiatives and calls for aid and assistance. While UNRWA has assisted in providing education and school supplies, these are all based on donations, all of which have severely declined since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Accordingly, UNRWA has called for $13 million to provide crucial cash assistance to Palestinian refugees living in Lebanon as well as health care services and essential supplies.

UNICEF has also called for aid to provide help to Palestinian children living in Lebanon. For instance, their efforts consist of solutions put forward by the Lebanese Palestinian Dialogue Committee (LPDC), such as ensuring that the Lebanese government implements the Lebanese working group on Palestinian Refugees Affairs in Labour and Social Security for Palestine Refugees, as well as a Youth Strategy for Palestinian Refugees 2019-2025. 

UNICEF’s achievements provide great hope for improving the lives of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, especially children. Some of these include: 

  • Encouraging employability opportunities through youth-led initiatives. 
  • Providing school supplies. 
  • Training to education personnel.
  • Intervention services to prevent gender-based violence.
  • Repair and maintenance of more than 500 water systems. 

Innovative Initiatives and Interactive Workshops 

There have been several inspiring workshop initiatives that provide Palestinian and Syrian refugees — particularly those living in Lebanon’s Shatila refugee camp — the opportunity to earn consistent wages through interactive workshops.

Tatreez is a Palestinian embroidery style, emblematic of Palestinian culture and endurance. In the Shatila refugee camp, Tatreez workshops are led by Palestinian women who teach the tradition to younger generations, preserving cultural traditions as well as providing a safe environment and community for women living in the Shatila refugee camp. The long-term goal is to provide women in the workshop with a consistent income to improve their livelihoods and make ends meet, as many of the women aspire to continue embroidering and selling their pieces.

Similarly, the Jiu-Jitsu boot camp for young children in Shatila has provided a safe haven and opportunity for “self-discipline, respect and self-defence” for young boys who are susceptible to a life of crime. In conjunction with the boot camp, organizers of the initiative, Saoud and Mohammed, were able to raise more than £15,000, all of which went towards establishing long-term initiatives as well as ensuring there was a long-lasting impact on the community at Shatila refugee camp. 

Looking Ahead 

As Palestinian refugees continue to face hardships and obstacles to a better future, there needs to be wider address and support, domestically and internationally, of their situation. Projects and workshop initiatives have increasingly provided hope for Palestinian refugees who have long struggled to access stable jobs and livelihoods while living in Lebanon. 

The impact of these creative and interactive workshops is significant in offering real work for Palestinian refugees who are unable to work because of discriminatory laws and a beneficial outlet for young boys in refugee camps. More funding of these projects by governments and organizations could widen the number of refugees reached and help to solve the problems that they face on a daily basis. 

– Amber Hamed
Photo: Flickr

How Housing Costs in the Philippines Impact Poverty

Housing Costs in the PhilippinesOver the last few years, inflation has been a consistently discussed topic worldwide. Not surprisingly, the world’s poor are facing the harshest effects of inflated prices and a struggling global economy. Specifically, the cost of housing has become a critical issue facing those trying to escape poverty. 

Background

In Asia and the Pacific, a severe crisis faces financially vulnerable families. Housing costs are continually rising, and as a result, more and more people cannot escape poverty or are falling back into it. The Asian Development Bank projects that around 80 million people live in poverty in the region as a direct result of inflation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This staggering number is alarming, and nations throughout Asia and the Pacific are impacted differently. 

Housing Storage

Housing costs in the Philippines are particularly concerning because of the existing issues within the nation. As mentioned above, inflation caused by the pandemic has been a driving factor in the housing crisis in the region. However, in the Philippines, the issue stems from before 2020. Real estate developers and contractors in the country are not building affordable homes. This policy has caused a massive shortage of available homes for struggling families. The homebuilders do not see developing affordable housing as a lucrative business opportunity. As a result, many families do not have the money to spend on the homes being built. This policy represents one negative aspect of the housing crisis in the nation. 

The other problem facing the Philippines is the poor implementation of government programs to provide aid for people and families struggling to find affordable housing. The Philippine government has a robust plan to subsidize the Filipino people for housing costs. However, only about a third of those who can’t afford housing receive the funds. Benchmarks to qualify for the housing subsidy need to be adjusted so more people can receive aid to provide stable housing for their children. If the government can improve this process, the housing costs in the Philippines will drive fewer people into poverty in the nation. 

The effects of inflation, poorly implemented government programs and housing shortages create extremely high housing costs in the Philippines. However, some work being done makes a significant impact. Habitat for Humanity has done an incredible job addressing Filipino people’s housing crisis for 25 years. Through working with other nonprofits and the local government, they have been able to help over 100,000 families gain access to housing. According to its website, Habitat for Humanity strives to develop strong communities to create a support system and move people out of poverty. 

Final Thoughts

Housing costs in the Philippines are still a serious issue, and this issue will not be solved overnight. This part of the world is struggling in numerous ways. Still, as the fight to create affordable housing continues, families will be able to work their way out of poverty and significantly improve their standard of living. 

– Dylan Lyons
Photo: Unsplash

Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan

Nigeria’s Energy TransitionIn 2022, Nigeria launched its Energy Transition Plan (ETP) with the goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2060. This plan aims to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty by providing solar electrical grids in rural communities, giving crucial technological access.

Nigeria is home to 12% of the global population of people living in extreme poverty, with energy poverty affecting 45% of Nigerians. The ETP plans to tackle energy poverty in Nigeria, and while previous energy solutions have been lacking, government and organizational groups may be able to help combat climate change and poverty together.

The Road to Renewable Energy

The 2022 Energy Transition Plan is an addendum to Nigeria’s Renewable Energy Master Plan (REMP) launched in 2005, which aimed for 23% of Nigeria’s energy to be renewable. As of 2022, Nigeria only has 16.4% of its energy coming from renewable sources, with a decrease over the past few years. While renewable energy may have stagnated, overall electrification in Rural Nigerian communities has skyrocketed.

In 2020, the Nigerian government introduced the Mass Rural Electrification Act, which aimed to provide power to rural communities’ schools and health care facilities. Between 2020 and 2022, more thanz 2,000 electrification projects managed to supply electricity to an estimated 5 million Nigerians. Electrifying these communities has led to improved health care and job security.

Impediments to Progress

Because of high poverty rates, Nigeria’s Energy Transition plan faces significant challenges. While electrifying rural areas aids in the reduction of poverty, many Nigerians still struggle to meet other financial needs. This makes renewable energy a secondary issue for rural communities and is only exacerbated by Nigeria’s low economic development.

An interview with Nigeria’s Director General of Energy Commission, Professor Eli Jidere Bala, in February of 2023 shed some light on issues with the Energy Transition Plan. Professor Bala stated that while the ETP is achievable, the lack of proper implementation has obstructed development. This coupled with a lack of funding and a reliance on imports, makes installing domestic infrastructure near impossible.

Enabling private sector investment and emphasizing innovation that makes climate-friendly technology more accessible for Nigerians are crucial if Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan hopes to achieve its goals.

Making Renewable Energy a Reality

Support for funding Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan isn’t absent. In May of 2023, Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), a nonprofit founded in 1982, collaborated with the Lagos Energy Academy to host a fellowship program to discuss the future of renewable energy in Nigeria. RMI hopes that with leadership and innovation, they can work towards helping communities shift towards renewable energy sources. With proper implementation, Nigeria’s Energy Transition plan will provide 340,000 jobs to Nigerians by 2030, and help reduce energy poverty for countless more.

The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) is another nonprofit, which provides support and funding for renewable energy. Using solar-powered “mini-grids,” which connect to existing low-function electricity grids, assists energy-impoverished communities in having access to a consistent electrical connection.

Poverty, especially energy poverty, is startlingly high in Nigeria. While the government pushes for more renewable energy development to satisfy Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan, without funding and implementation, the barriers that prevent Nigerians from rural electrification will not be broken. Hopefully, the government will utilize local innovation and assistance from nonprofits such as RMI and GEAPP to assist poverty-stricken communities and achieve the goals set by the ETP at the same time.

– Inaya Lala
Photo: Flickr

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The Doctors Helping Those in Need Amid Health Care Collapse in Sudan

Health Care CollapseOn April 15, 2023, conflict erupted again between the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces, resulting in more than 400 deaths and a further 3,700 injured. The health care system in Sudan is under immense strain and could collapse as it tries to cope with the casualties.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 11 million people require health care assistance in Sudan, and 80% of hospitals in conflict-affected areas are no longer functional due to the violence, destruction and interruption to access deliveries and essential resources. Since April, the WHO has found more than 50 attacks targeting health facilities, transport, health workers and patients.

To help with this health care collapse and to relieve the pressure on the health care system in Sudan, Doctors and humanitarian aid organizations have come forward to offer their critical skills and help with the crisis.

The Doctorbase App Helps Those in Need of Urgent Care

Ahmed Mujtaba runs the innovative health app y. It was created to provide health care advice to address existing issues such as poverty, with the poverty rate steadily rising from 32.2% in 2022 in Sudan. When war broke out, the app had an influx of people seeking desperate help as the violence escalated and more people were displaced. In response, dozens of doctors worldwide have signed up to advise those needing medical help, teach essential medical aid, offer potential diagnoses and direct people to the nearest functional medical facility. 

Doctors Without Borders Rapidly Respond to the Crisis

Doctors Without Borders, also known as Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), has worked relentlessly across Sudan to help those in need by providing emergency trauma care to those wounded. It created mobile clinics as hospitals were destroyed and provided clean drinking water to those displaced all over the country. The logistics team delivered fuel and critical supplies to the remaining hospitals.

The organization deployed a specialist surgical team to Bashair Teaching Hospital, performing 587 essential procedures in July. It also treated thousands of children for malnutrition. Since April, around 50,000 children with acute malnutrition have had their treatment disrupted due to the conflict, aggravated by a sharp decline in international aid.

WHO’s Public Health Expert Stays Behind to Offer Critical Assistance

The World Health Organization’s Sudanese public health expert, Dr. Nader Makki, stayed behind voluntarily amid the crisis to offer his critically needed specialist support. Political insecurity, fuel shortages and a lack of internet access have exacerbated the strain on the health care system in Sudan. Still, Makki has been facing these challenges with more than 18 years of experience in humanitarian settings behind him.

After relocating his family to a safe place, he helped set up the World Health Organization Emergency Hub in Gezira. He coordinated emergency response, negotiated, led supply distribution and provided technical and strategic support.

While the future of the health care system in Sudan remains uncertain and many remain at risk, these doctors and organizations will continue to work tirelessly to provide desperately needed health care.

– Maia Winter 
Photo: Flickr

4 Countries that have Successfully Reduced Poverty in Africa

Poverty in Africa
The Sub-Saharan region of Africa is home to more than 50% of the world’s population living in extreme poverty. That is a region of just one continent housing the most people who lack access to basic survival necessities. In recent years, nations have made a difference in the fight against global poverty including poverty in Africa. This is due to several efforts that people have implemented all over the world fighting for the same thing; ending global poverty.

 Progress in Reducing Global Poverty

Several efforts have been proven to reduce poverty rates throughout the world. These are just some of the most important efforts that the United States and other organizations have implemented.

  • Providing children with free access to education.
  • Ensuring that everyone has access to health care.
  • Providing food and clean water to communities in need.
  • Creating jobs for communities to help boost economies.

In Africa, the total poverty rate has decreased in recent decades with progress expected to continue over the next 40 years. Poverty in Africa is typically much higher in rural areas than in urban areas, but poverty has reduced tremendously in several African countries. Here are four African countries that have reduced poverty in Africa.

4 African Countries That Have Reduced Poverty in Africa

  1. Tanzania: In Tanzania, the government has made extensive efforts to reduce poverty throughout the population. Improving living conditions and increasing employment opportunities are both ways that the country has improved the overall quality of life. The number of poor people in Tanzania remains high, and the country will need to continue to implement ways to reduce poverty.
  2. Chad: Chad is home to some of the highest levels of hunger in the world, however, throughout the past decade, the government has worked hard to reduce poverty levels. By working to improve water scarcity and enhancing the economic industry, the country has made extensive progress regarding the reduction of poverty.
  3. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC): With several different projects being created in recent years, and the help of the World Bank, the country has drastically reduced poverty. In general, economic growth picked up in 2022 and has continued steadily. The country currently faces high inflation, but the poverty rate remains lower than it has in recent decades.
  4. Burkina Faso: Burkina Faso experienced a major increase in economic growth in 2021. This country focuses on staying persistent with economic growth in hopes that poverty rates will continue to decline.

Looking Ahead

Poverty in Africa continues to be a worldwide issue that still needs a lot of attention. With continuous efforts from countries around the world, much of Africa has made major progress in improving living conditions for the population. While these four African countries have experienced the strongest improvements in poverty in Africa, most countries in Africa have experienced a decrease in the overall poverty rates. What is also important is the awareness that has been brought to people all over the world about what can be done to help developing countries succeed. 

– Alesandra Cowardin
Photo: Flickr

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Policy Reform Needed for Bidoon Children in Kuwait

Bidoon ChildrenKuwait is known for its wealth, hovering around the top five wealthiest countries. Kuwait’s geographic location and access to oil reserves have boasted Kuwait to be one of the highest per capita GDPs globally, at roughly $43,000. However, not all residents within Kuwait enjoy the same privileges as its citizens. As a developing country with a fast-paced, growing market, many people residing in Kuwait have been less fortunate.

Citizens in Kuwait are allowed many freedoms, but not all those who live in Kuwait are citizens. A group of people known as “Bidoon,” short for Bidoon Jinsiya, meaning in Arabic “without nationality.” In Kuwait, this means those of Bidoon descent are stateless and illegal residents of the government. About 110,000 stateless people are living in Kuwait. Many of those who are Bidoon come from generations of Nomad families who were there before Kuwait declared independence in 1961. Some Bidoon didn’t understand the concept of registering for citizenship in 1961.

In the 1980s, a change happened in legislative terms where Bidoon were considered ‘illegal residents’ and lost further rights such as free public health care, education and housing. Others labeled Bidoon are those of families who served in the Gulf War and are from neighboring countries such as Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Syria. The government rejects Bidoon who have tried to gain citizenship.

The Hardship of Being Bidoon

Bidoon individuals face significant hardships due to their stateless status. They lack political rights, access to land, business registration, employment, public health care and public education. Bidoon people experience many hardships as they are technically illegal and have temporary identification cards. These cards are vital as they are necessary for employment. Many Bidoon face the challenge of acquiring a job, resulting in many Bidoon individuals living in poverty compared to Kuwait citizens. From being illegal persons in Kuwait, they have been discriminated against, harassed and exploited. Bidoon people face job discrimination because they are not deemed legal residents; job security and salary are significantly lower.

Education Policy Currently in Kuwait for Bidoons

Those of Bidoon descent face many obstacles, such as access to education being a significant prevailing problem. Education is a pillar of Kuwait and its citizens, but in the 1980s, Bidoon children could not attend public schools. Now, Bidoon children struggle to find a private school that most families cannot afford, and these private schools provide a lower quality of education.

Parents must pay up to 30% of the Private school tuition; the state financial assistance covers the rest for Bidoons. Those privileged Bidoons can afford this, but many children end up not going to school and skipping years to save money. Boy children will go more to school than girls as boys’ education is a higher priority and because Bidoon families cannot afford to send all of their children to school.

Journey of Policy Reform

The lack of education is enormous as it impacts their lives daily. Access to quality education would uplift many Bidoon and their children from impoverished lifestyles. The private schools are known to be inferior places of learning — much of the policy reform movement is from the human rights efforts. Having the denial of citizenship creates a loop where they cannot gain proper education because of no citizenship, which inhibits their life further. Policy reform for the Bidoon people would include desegregation of education and allowing Bidoon children to gain an equal public education.

In 2019, the speaker of the Kuwait National Assembly announced a proposed law amendment for Bidoons to gain proper education, medical care and ID papers. Yet, three months after the proposal, the jurisdiction committee denied the new amendment, which would have made non-Kuwaiti citizens eligible for more rights.

Advocating for a new amendment is to help the people and Bidoon children gain a quality education and better their lives from the risk of impoverishment. Prosecution is a reality for protesters who advocate for Bidoon’s rights, as many have been fined or jailed. To end the fight for the Bidoon people, the National Assembly must enforce and uphold the amendment for naturalization rights.

Looking Ahead

Many still need citizenship due to the history of the independence of Kuwait and the movement of other peoples from other countries to Kuwait. Even if generations of these people lived in Kuwait, they must be considered legal citizens with proper documentation. This status of statehood has disproportionately affected their lives and has restricted their access to resources. Bidoon children do not have naturalization rights in practice. The education disparity for Bidoon people is vast as they have no access to public schools, looking towards private schools that require tuition and have worse quality. Advocating will help end this disparity as policy reform for an amendment or the naturalization amendment will help save the Bidoon people from impoverishment.

– Ariana Wauer
Photo: Flickr

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How Fashionomics Africa Is Driving Development

Fashionomics AfricaFashionomics Africa is a platform enabling African creators and designers to connect with consumers, allowing them to sell their goods to a broader consumer base and receive investment and funding. The initiative can potentially become a major driver in economic development and industrialization in Africa by generating new jobs and creating global supply chains.

Fashionomics Africa aims to develop the African textile industry through several methods. For instance, it has attempted to increase access to finance by connecting TA&A (African Textile, Apparel and Accessories) entrepreneurs with commercial banks, thus facilitating investment and allowing further funding to reach entrepreneurs, enabling them to expand their business activities. Other contributions have included helping TA&A entrepreneurs access markets through e-commerce and creating jobs for both skilled and unskilled labor. Its ultimate goal is to increase access to markets and finance and develop workers’ skills through mentoring and other networking opportunities.

Job Creation

Fashionomics Africa is currently under the leadership of the Gender, Women and Civil Society (AHGC). AHGC aims to target gender-based disparities and women’s empowerment. Fashionomics Africa’s mission will contribute to improving human capital, specifically that of women and children, through its efforts to make jobs and training more easily accessible.

Allowing women and children to have increased access to wages encourages the empowerment of these groups, providing them with higher disposable incomes. This increased access allows them to alleviate themselves from poverty, increase their living standards and become established members of any household, potentially protecting them from power imbalances in which they would be otherwise trapped due to a lack of financial freedom. This change supports poverty reduction in groups where the issue is especially prevalent, allowing women and children to afford an improved standard of living for themselves.

Sustainability

As well as promoting job creation and sustainable development, Fashionomics Africa contributes to many fair trade organizations, including promoting sustainability through discouraging fast fashion. Their repurposing and recycling of garments is a net positive towards reducing emissions, which have detrimental impacts on changing weather patterns. While fast fashion does not directly contribute to poverty levels, warmer climates have severe implications for underdeveloped nations, often causing droughts and famine, further exacerbating the levels of absolute poverty already present.

Poverty Reduction

While the mission of Fashionomics Africa is not directly a poverty reduction one, there will be many by-products of the organization that contribute to poverty reduction. Job creation and climate change counteraction will significantly alleviate poverty and allow many to live above the threshold of $2.15 a day. On a wider scale, this initiative is likely to drive development and industrialization throughout Africa, strengthening supply chains and alleviating African economies. This improvement will allow many to overcome poverty as domestic economies begin to thrive, enabling more state provision and welfare for those trapped in poverty.

– Hannah Bugeja
Photo: Flickr

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The Fiavota Cash Transfer Program: Alleviating Poverty in Madagascar

Fiavota Cash Transfer ProgramMadagascar’s Grand Sud region, the country’s poorest area, faced severe hardship due to a devastating drought spanning from 2013 to 2015, followed by a 75% drop in rainfall in 2016, leading to a loss of 95% of crops, pushing more than a million people into food insecurity. Rainfall gaps in 2018, 2019 and 2020, compounded by the impact of COVID-19, have exacerbated this crisis.

By March 2023, more than 2 million people in Madagascar will likely face acute food insecurity. The Fiavota cash transfer program, with support from the World Bank and UNICEF, emerged as a lifeline for those affected by the drought by providing cash transfers disbursed by the government in combination with nutrition services and recovery funding.

Aiding Hundreds of Thousands and Alleviating Poverty

The Fiavota cash transfer program has made a monumental impact in Madagascar, benefiting more than 450,000 individuals, a significant portion of whom are women. These women, often the most vulnerable to poverty, have found opportunities to improve their families’ living conditions. The impact on poverty is profound, as families struggling with finances have witnessed a remarkable transformation.

The financial support provided by Fiavota has allowed households to increase their income, leading to beneficiary households now enjoying an average income 40% higher than non-beneficiary households. This substantial boost in income directly contributes to the alleviation of poverty.

Furthermore, Fiavota has played a pivotal role in empowering women and facilitating the establishment of small family enterprises, exemplified by businesses. In 2018, nearly two-thirds of recipient households engaged in a minimum of two small, family-operated income-generating ventures, typically led by women, directly contributing to poverty reduction.

Enhancing Food Security and Nutrition To Tackle Poverty

Amid the drought aftermath, one of the most pressing concerns was food security, a direct link to poverty alleviation. Fiavota swiftly addressed this issue by providing food and nutrition workshops and introducing households to a more diversified diet. This initiative has played a pivotal role in reducing cases of acute childhood malnutrition, ultimately enhancing overall food security in the region.

There have been significant improvements in food insecurity among beneficiaries. These improvements include a reduction in households skipping meals due to lack of money (3% reduction), having no food in the household due to a lack of money (9% reduction) and going to bed hungry (11% reduction). By mitigating food insecurity, Fiavota takes substantial strides in the battle against poverty.

Investing in Education

In Madagascar, 40% of children have no access to education, and 70% of students drop out before the final grade of primary school. Education is a powerful means to break the cycle of poverty, and the program’s positive effects on educational outcomes are well-documented, with evidence suggesting substantial improvements in school enrollment and attendance.

Beneficiary children have experienced a remarkable 29% increase in school enrollment, reaching an impressive 72% enrollment rate. Additionally, these children attend school more regularly, with an average increase of 0.34 days per week compared to their peers. The program has had massive success in increasing access to education and helping break the cycles of poverty.

Improving Child Health

Children in Madagascar often suffer from serious malnourishment, with more than one-fourth of children being severely malnourished. Fiavota has demonstrated its effectiveness in improving child health, a critical factor in the fight against poverty, as spending levels, particularly basic spending needs for food and necessities, influence health, nutrition and well-being. Children’s health improved significantly, with almost a 10% difference compared to non-recipients.

Furthermore, beneficiary households were 26% more likely to visit health centers, representing a nearly 100% increase over non-beneficiary households, further underscoring the program’s contribution to poverty alleviation by enhancing the health and well-being of children.

Continued Impact on Poverty Reduction

The impact of the Fiavota cash transfer program extends far beyond immediate relief. By addressing multiple dimensions of poverty, including food security, economic empowerment, education and child health, Fiavota improves the lives of individuals and families and contributes to the broader development of the Grand Sud region in Madagascar. This holistic approach offers a promising path toward sustainable poverty reduction.

Conclusion

The Fiavota cash transfer program in Madagascar is a powerful tool for alleviating poverty. Through its multifaceted interventions, Fiavota directly addresses the root causes of poverty, providing essential support to the most vulnerable populations in the Grand Sud region. As Madagascar continues to grapple with its unique challenges, programs like Fiavota exemplify the transformative impact that targeted interventions can have on those living in poverty.

 – Marnie Woodford-Venables 
Photo: Flickr