Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

,

How US Aid in Ghana is Helping Address Food Insecurity

US Aid in GhanaU.S. foreign aid is helping farmers in Ghana produce more crops during the country’s lean season. These efforts and contributions are helping to address food insecurity and grow the agriculture-based economy. Here is how U.S. aid in Ghana is helping to create measurable results for the country’s farmers. 

Ghana’s Agricultural Industry

Agriculture remains a major source of income for much of the Ghanaian population. In Ghana’s northern region, 90% of families rely on agricultural production as a means of support. However, inefficiencies and a lack of investment in the industry have led to limited production of food. 

The programs outlined below seek to reduce poverty in Ghana through improving technology and trade for Ghanaian farmers. So far, U.S. aid in Ghana has shown to be effective and impactful.

USAID Initiative

In June of 2023, USAID announced a $7 million donation to help farmers continue producing food during the lean season. This project would provide funding to more than 17,000 farmers between June and August. 

In partnering with both the World Food Program and Ghana’s government, USAID aims to promote the country’s agriculture industry and enhance the livelihoods of farmers. Alongside this initiative, USAID is working to help Ghana accomplish self-sufficiency through agricultural means. 

Feed the Future

USAID’s Feed the Future initiative focuses on boosting economic activity and growth in Ghana, providing resources and investment into the country’s agriculture industry. Feed the Future also aims to combat malnutrition, promoting the physical development of both the country and its people. 

Several goals of Feed the Future include raising profits for small farmers, facilitating agricultural trade on a regional and international level and providing nutrition for Ghana’s vulnerable populations. So far, Feed the Future has been able to provide technology and resources for more than 798,000 farmers in Ghana. 

World Food Program USA

In partnering with local farmers, the World Food Program USA (WFP) works to improve the efficiency and availability of food production technology in Ghana. WFP’s operations in Ghana also help to increase accessibility for essential staple foods, such as soybeans and corn. 

Along with this, WFP is also helping to open doors for economic development through agricultural trade. The program has been able to provide financial support for small farmers in Ghana through private-sector companies.

USDA and Agromovil

USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service helps Ghanaian farmers connect with local and international buyers and sellers. These efforts have boosted Ghana’s economy and improved the lives of small farmers within the country. 

In June of 2023, USDA announced a partnership that would help to break down trade barriers and facilitate economic activity for Ghanaian farmers: Collaboration with an app called Agromovil would allow farmers to enter into a wider range of local and international markets. 

The app connects farmers with potential buyers, creating countless opportunities for agricultural workers. Agromovil increases the visibility of small farmers and ensures the increased trade of agricultural products. So far, the app has generated more than $3.5 million in sales for its users.

Agromovil has also helped close the gap between male and female farmers, providing equal access and opportunity to all farmers in Ghana. More than half the app’s users are young or female, providing a platform for underrepresented, diverse populations. 

What’s Ahead?

Looking at the success of these programs, it is clear that U.S. aid in Ghana is helping to build a self-sufficient, agriculturally-driven economy by creating opportunities for small farmers. The impacts of these programs directly benefit Ghana’s population as a whole, addressing issues of poverty and food insecurity. With these initiatives and investments in the country’s most important sector, the future looks brighter for Ghana’s economic development. 

– Mary Burke
Photo: Flickr

, , ,

3 charities helping refugees in the UK

Refugees in the UKWith multiple crises currently affecting the world, more and more people find themselves needing assistance. According to the U.N., 6.1 million people have been forced to flee from Ukraine since Russia’s invasion, with a further 1.5 million people fleeing from Afghanistan since the Taliban take over in 2021. Additionally, climate-related disasters cause people to flee to safer areas. In 2019 alone, 25 million people sought refuge in other countries as a result of weather events, such as fires, floods and droughts.

Refugees fleeing from extreme weather events will become more common as the climate crisis intensifies, according to the U.N.  Charities that seek to offer assistance to refugees are essential. The following are charities that are helping refugees in the U.K.

Refugee Action 

Refugee Action, founded in 1981, is a charity that provides refugees in the U.K. with the basic support that they need to survive. For instance, in 2019-2020 alone, 3,000 refugees were given accommodation and access to financial support. This support ensures that refugees in the U.K. have a stable foundation that they can build on. 

Ahmed’s story best exemplifies the work of Refugee Action. After fleeing Egypt in fear for his life, Ahmed was greeted with nothing but a place on the streets. He was homeless, with no hope of securing stable accommodations, due to the Home Office withholding access to identification. Fortunately, Refugee Action was able to intervene and help Ahmed secure long-term accommodation and provide him with official identification, so he could gain stable employment.

Refugee Council 

Refugee Council was founded in 1951, after the creation of the U.N. refugee convention. It is an organization that not only seeks to support refugees in the U.K. but also campaigns for a fairer and more just asylum system.

Each year, this organization provides several forms of assistance for 13,000 refugees in the U.K. This includes offering to support them while they integrate into their new society, along with supplying aid to children who have arrived without parents. Since the majority of refugees are fleeing from dangerous situations, it is likely that they have experienced some form of trauma. Because of this, Refugee Council offers mental health support to every refugee that they come into contact with. 

Additionally, this organization works to highlight and change the inequities in the U.K.’s asylum system. For example, 25% of asylum seekers wait four to six weeks for official documents. These documents enable them to gain official employment or accommodation.

Without these documents, refugees either cannot work or are forced to work in dangerous, low-paid and unregulated jobs. Furthermore, refugees in the U.K. are only permitted to stay in government accommodation for 28 days, so many refugees are forced into homelessness, while they wait for their documents. Refugee Council campaigns to bring an end to this policy, as it causes countless vulnerable refugees to become homeless.

Other campaigning work by this organization includes a successful effort to improve the protections offered to women who are fleeing abusive situations. Before Refugee Council’s campaign, adequate protections were not in place, and female refugees were still left vulnerable to the same kind of abuse that they had fled from.

Young Roots 

Young Roots, founded by Rachel Yarrow, Roz Evans and Kathy Brook in 2004, is a charity that works directly with refugees in the U.K. to improve their life chances. This organization employs refugees at all levels to ensure that the charity is driven by people with personal experience of the plight of refugees in the U.K. 

Focusing their efforts in Croydon and Brent, Young Roots provided casework services and advice hubs for 873 people in 2019 alone. These services provide refugees with legal support and offer therapy for those who need it. 

In addition, Young Roots seeks to increase the confidence of young refugees in the U.K. by offering different classes, such as dance and drama. 

Raena, who arrived in the U.K. in 2018, has benefited greatly from these classes. Upon arriving in the U.K., Raena was very shy and was also apprehensive about becoming a part of her new community. Fortunately, Young Roots reached out to her, and she began attending the young women’s group, where she could mix with other young, female refugees. Over time, her confidence grew, so she was now able to volunteer for the organization, offering interview classes for fellow young refugees. This improved Raena’s life chances, as holding the classes imparted her with valuable experience for taking part in interviews to get a job of her own. 

What’s Next?

While these three organizations are doing fantastic and much-needed work, there is still more to be done. Refugees in the U.K. are an incredibly vulnerable group, and they are only going to become increasingly common as the climate crisis intensifies.

– Tom Eccles
Photo: Flickr

, , ,

The IFAD’s Plans for Eradicating Rural Poverty in Eritrea

Rural Poverty in EritreaEritrea, a small country in East Africa, had a staggering poverty rate of 38.9% in 2019, which is expected to decrease by only 13% by 2043. Affecting mostly rural communities, this situation is partly due to the young nation’s recent independence from Ethiopia in 1993, which led to recurrent wars, in conjunction with famine and drought. The heavy reliance on subsistence agriculture is one factor responsible for rural poverty in Eritrea. Despite the government’s efforts to address rural poverty, a shortage of resources and poorly implemented poverty alleviation programs have hindered progress. 

In 2006, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), an agency within the United Nations that combats poverty through low-interest loans and grants, released a plan to tackle rural poverty in Eritrea. This plan was further improved and updated in 2020, aiming to create sustainable solutions by providing finance programs and projects that empower those living in poverty to overcome it.

IFAD’s 2006 Plan

The IFAD initially planned to eradicate rural poverty in Eritrea, focusing on various areas related to economic development and food security. The plan included developing export markets for livestock, fruit, vegetables and flowers, re-establishing port activities, strengthening public services for small-scale farmers to increase agricultural productivity, promoting a supportive private sector, attracting private sector investments, privatizing state-owned enterprises and developing a robust financial system. 

The strategy prioritized decentralization to improve access to services and emphasized gender equality as a crucial element in poverty reduction efforts, recognizing that households headed by women are the most vulnerable. Additionally, implementing programs that encourage wealthier households to provide loans and assistance during difficult times through asset and labor sharing has also contributed to the reduction of rural poverty in Eritrea.

Issues to Implementation

Although this plan appeared to present a solid push to eradicate rural poverty in Eritrea, many barriers hindered the application of these plans. Conflict deeply affected the country, exacerbating constraints on institutional capacity and human resources. This resulted in a scarcity of human capital to initiate and sustain new projects in these regions, despite the knowledge that these programs would offer relief. The eastern and western lowlands of Eritrea, in particular, faced severe rural poverty due to these conflicts, making social and economic improvement in these areas a top priority. Additionally, Eritrea grappled with challenges in natural resource management and lacked readily transferable technologies that could facilitate investments, management and maintenance implementation.

IFAD’s 2022 Improved Plan

The 2020-2025 plan for eradicating rural poverty in Eritrea aims to address these issues actively, maximizing the effectiveness of poverty reduction solutions. The Country’s Strategic Opportunities Programme will ensure that IFAD’s lending and non-lending support aligns with the government’s priorities, focusing on three strategic objectives: enhancing climate resilience, improving technology and infrastructure access for smallholder systems and building capacities for food security and sustainable livelihoods. These objectives are in line with IFAD’s Strategic Framework 2016-2025. 

To further alleviate rural poverty, the plan emphasizes various aspects in the agriculture and fishery sector, such as establishing a resource base, strengthening producers’ organizations, improving input delivery systems, enhancing intensification and value addition, developing institutional capacity and managing aquatic ecosystems. Additionally, IFAD’s investment portfolio in Eritrea will prioritize gender, youth, nutrition and employment opportunities for those most at risk.

Looking Ahead

The IFAD’s programs will actively contribute to reducing rural poverty in Eritrea by assisting local communities in becoming more commercial, competitive, resilient and sustainable. Sustainable development becomes achievable through the establishment of strong institutions and systems, effective policy and regulatory frameworks, enhanced production capacities and robust partnerships. Eritrea is progressing toward the goal of eliminating rural poverty, and with investments in plans like these, a poverty-free future appears to be within reach.

– Ada Rose Waga
Photo: Flickr

,

Rural Development in the Azores Helps Farmers in Need

Rural Development in The AzoresThe Azores are an autonomous group of islands owned by Portugal. In this mid-Atlantic archipelago, dairy farming is an economic staple. In recent years, however, Azorean farmers have faced financial difficulties due to rising costs of production. Given the economic need for rural development in the Azores, recent projects like PRORURAL+ provide hope.

How Poverty Takes Shape in the Azores

Despite being a group of islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, the Azores are part of the European Union. A 2022 case study by ESPON and the European Union names the Azores as one of the poorest regions of the EU since 1986 when Portugal gained membership.

Nearly one in four citizens of the Azores are at risk of poverty. A 2022 report by the European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN) calculates the at-risk-of-poverty rate in the Azores as 24.1%.

The Azores’ Agrarian Economy

Agriculture is a major player in the economy of the Azores. A 2017 briefing by the European Parliament indicates that roughly 10% of those employed in the Azores work in “agriculture, forestry and fisheries.” Additionally, roughly one in four Azorean employees occupy other food-related service positions. To this end, rural development in the Azores lays the groundwork for reliable economic activity.

Livestock farming is the main occupation of Azorean farmers. On that front, a 2023 news release from the Azores’ government highlights the growing need for developmental funding for rural areas. Recently, heightened costs of production resources like fertilizer and animal food have necessitated funding for rural development in the Azores.

Rising Costs of Living and Farming

As a municipality of Portugal, the Azores Archipelago has suffered from recent increases in living costs like mainland Portugal has. EAPN’s 2022 report shows that inflation in Portugal reached 9% in June 2022.

The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has had an economic ripple effect extending as far as this cluster of islands in the middle of the Atlantic. Some farmers have taken a substantial financial hit from this conflict, as the Azores Government’s 2023 news release reports.

PRORURAL+: Support for Rural Development in the Azores

Recent years have seen significant strides in supporting rural development in the Azores. One such program is PRORURAL+, jointly developed by the Azores Agricultural Federation and the Azores Government, aimed at providing aid to both individual and collective farmers in the region.

The Azores Government’s 2023 news release delves into the specifics of this plan. The financial support is a collaborative effort, funded by the Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the Azores’ budget, contributing 85% and 15% respectively. Depending on the farm’s land area, the allocated funding ranges from €600 to €1,050.

With the twin objectives of assisting farmers in improving their business operations and mitigating the impact of production cost spikes caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, PRORURAL+ accepted applications from January 5 to February 5 of the current year. Given the significance of livestock farming to the Azorean economy, this initiative aims to bring back a degree of stability during these challenging times.

– Noel Teter
Photo: Flickr

,

Singakwenza: Early Childhood Development in South Africa

Early Childhood Development in South AfricaSingakwenza, derived from the isiZulu for “We can do it,” is a truly inspiring organization that has been making a significant impact on early childhood development in South Africa since its establishment in 2010. By training parents, educators and caregivers, Singakwenza is empowering the lives of underserved children and fostering hope for a brighter future. 

In the first five years of life, the human brain develops over a million neural connections each second, more than at any other phase. These crucial early years lay the foundation for essential learning skills that shape a child’s success in school and beyond. This is why UNICEF calls early childhood development “one of the most powerful and cost-effective equalizers we have at our disposal.”

Background

Tragically, an estimated two-thirds of the 1.2 million South African children between zero and 5 years old live in poverty. Of these, less than a quarter are enrolled in a meaningful early learning program. Even among those enrolled, only 44.7% will meet the necessary emotional, physical and mental development markers by the age of 5. In the province of Kwa-Zulu Natal, where Singakwenza operates, this number is below 30%, the worst rate in South Africa.

Despite the urgent need for resources and curriculum development, early learning programs make up only 1-2% of the South African government’s education budget. Recognizing this gap, Singakwenza’s founders started the organization with a mission to change these disheartening statistics and improve early childhood development in South Africa.

Shaping the Future With Training and Mentorship 

Singakwenza’s Training and Mentorship Program teaches practitioners in underserved communities a play-based philosophy of early childhood development. As of 2023, Singakwenza is mentoring 22 preschools and 61 caregivers, impacting over 700 students annually. By training dozens of teachers, each responsible for several hundred students throughout their careers, Singakwenza significantly multiplies its positive influence. 

An offshoot of the Training and Mentorship Program, the Basic Bookkeeping Program equips preschool owners with the tools to develop sustainable businesses. By providing a coach to work closely with owners for several weeks, Singakwenza assists them in managing their expenses, income, invoicing and other essential tasks. This ensures that practitioners mentored by Singakwenza will remain a crucial part of Kwa-Zulu Natal’s education network.

Waste 2 Toys Making for Sustainable Play

The inability to access expensive toys creates obstacles to early childhood education in underserved areas. That’s why Singakwenza’s Waste 2 Toys program teaches practitioners and donors how to make developmentally appropriate toys from recycled materials. In their 511 workshops, Singakwenza has trained almost 12,000 people to make toys. It estimates that over 200,000 children have benefitted from this training.

Not only is making toys from recycled materials environmentally sustainable, but it is also economically viable for South Africa’s poor families. If a toy gets lost or broken in play, parents and teachers can replace it for free, making Singakwenza’s program far more impactful than a one-off toy donation. 

Singakwenza provides hope for early childhood development in South Africa. In doing so, it contributes to breaking the cycle of poverty and invests in the country’s future leaders.

– Faye Crawford
Photo: Unsplash

HIV/AIDS in Indonesia

HIV/AIDS in IndonesiaHIV/AIDS is an ongoing challenge in Indonesia. An estimated 540,000 people are living with HIV in the country. On average, there are 25,000-28,000 new HIV infection cases each year. The prevalence of HIV is increasing, with an estimated HIV prevalence of approximately 0.3% in the country. The age group most affected by HIV comprises individuals between 25 and 49 years old, while young people under the age of 19 make up approximately 5.8% of HIV cases. Alarmingly, only 64% of those living with HIV in Indonesia are aware of their positive status. 

Prevention Efforts and Treatment

Indonesia has implemented various strategies to prevent new infections, including education campaigns, condom distribution, harm reduction programs and targeted interventions for key affected populations. Specifically, an organization by the name of AHF Indonesia has been implementing HIV testing and treatment programs in Indonesia since 2016. It provides laboratory tests, free ART drugs and capacity building for hospital staff. Advocacy programs aim to revise community testing and early treatment strategies. Efforts focus on preventing HIV transmission through education, especially among key populations in urban areas. 

One of the most common methods of treatment is the ART drug. Consistency is vital in ensuring effectiveness. However, despite the importance of treatment adherence, it has been a significant challenge in Indonesia. Previous studies have highlighted numerous barriers and facilitators to adherence, such as stigma, discrimination and limited resources. This is why continued investments in prevention, early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment approaches are essential to reduce new infections and improve the quality of life for individuals living with HIV/AIDS in Indonesia.

Collaborative Efforts

The National AIDS Commission (KPA) and the Ministry of Health are key institutions responsible for developing and implementing policies related to prevention, treatment and care. These policies aim to address the challenges of the epidemic, promote awareness, reduce stigma and discrimination and ensure access to quality services. Additionally, collaboration between government agencies, civil society organizations and international partners is essential for effective policy implementation. The Indonesia HIV/AIDS Prevention and Care Project (IHPCP) is a collaborative initiative working in partnership with the Government of Indonesia. IHPCP has played a pivotal role in the country’s response to HIV/AIDS, making significant contributions in various areas. 

One notable achievement has been its pioneering work in implementing Needle and Syringe Programs (NSP) to prevent the transmission of HIV among people who inject drugs. Additionally, IHPCP has been instrumental in promoting and supporting methadone programs, which have proven effective in harm reduction efforts. The project operates through collaboration with both the public health system and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), ensuring a comprehensive and multi-sectoral approach to HIV/AIDS prevention and care in Indonesia.

Looking Ahead

As the fight against HIV/AIDS in Indonesia continues, there are promising prospects for the future. Strengthening prevention efforts, enhancing access to treatment and care and reducing stigma and discrimination are key areas that demand attention. Intensifying education and awareness campaigns, implementing innovative prevention strategies and expanding targeted interventions for key populations can contribute to reducing new infections. By prioritizing these areas, Indonesia can forge a path toward a future where new infections are minimized, quality care is accessible to all, and the impact of HIV/AIDS is significantly reduced.

– Elizabeth Watters
Photo: Flickr

, , ,

Stanford’s New Powder Disinfects Contaminated Drinking Water

Stanford's New PowderWith more than 2 billion people lacking access to safe drinking water, the challenge of water scarcity looms large. According to UNICEF, nearly half of the global population could face water scarcity by 2025. To address this impending crisis, researchers at Stanford University are pioneering a novel approach: a powder that swiftly purifies contaminated water. Unlike conventional methods, this innovative solution utilizes sunlight to eliminate bacteria within a minute. The introduction of innovative solutions like Stanford’s powder presents a pathway toward achieving widespread and enduring access to clean drinking water.

The Study

On May 18, 2023, Stanford University published results from their study about a powder that disinfects contaminated drinking water. The technology is unique because it reacts with the sun’s UV rays and “high-energy visible light.” It then creates chemicals that attack bacteria’s cell membranes to kill them. Scientists found that the powder is so effective it can disinfect drinking water in just 60 seconds.

Stanford’s new powder is made from metallic “nano-sized flakes of copper, iron oxide, aluminum oxide and molybdenum sulfide” that are cost-effective and readily available. The product is sustainable because the metals are easy to make and reuse. A magnet collects the metallic “nanoflakes” from clean water, then places them in new contaminated water. The water is safe to drink immediately after decontamination due to the chemical byproducts breaking down into water and oxygen. In the study, one dose of recycled powder disinfected 30 water samples. Since water treatments are scarce, reusing the product allows people to have longer access to clean water.

This is great progress because current treatments add chemicals that leave behind toxic byproducts and utilize ultraviolet light, which requires electricity. And these constraints make it difficult to implement water treatments on a large scale. 

Water Scarcity

In areas where water is scarce, there are few opportunities to find a source of safe drinking water. Consuming contaminated water exposes people to preventable diseases such as diarrhea, typhoid and cholera. Diarrhea causes an estimated 446,000 deaths per year among children younger than 5 years old, or 9% of all deaths for children in that age range. Adequate access to clean water allows for better hygiene and sanitation practices.

The scientists used E. coli in their study, which is a widespread contaminant that causes fecal-oral diseases. With 1.7 billion children younger than 5 years old suffering from diarrhea, this technology could provide relief from preventable waterborne illnesses. 

Looking Toward the Future

Stanford University’s groundbreaking powder has the potential to revolutionize clean drinking water access for the approximately 2 billion individuals worldwide who lack it. Furthermore, the wide distribution of this powder could enable those already using water treatments to embrace improved hygiene and sanitation practices. Notably, gaining access to a consistent and safe water source significantly enhances individuals’ health and overall quality of life.

Tong Wu, the co-lead author of the project, expressed, “We believe that our novel technology will facilitate revolutionary changes in water disinfection and inspire more innovations.” This recyclable and nontoxic powder represents a pioneering development. The powder’s scalability and distribution potential render it a viable and practical solution for individuals facing restricted access to safe water sources.

– Diana Grant
Photo: Flickr

The Links Between Poverty and Diabetes in Fiji

Diabetes in Fiji
In Fiji, diabetes is very common and the numbers continue to grow. Type 2 diabetes mellitus, which is common in Fiji, is a major mortality cause across the world. In 2022, the Fiji Bureau of Statistics reported the population number at 884,887 and according to the Fiji Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MoHMS), one in every three Fijians is diagnosed with diabetes, equating to 30% of the population. Moreover, the health care sector in Fiji suffers from underfunding—health care spending ranks lowest among all Pacific Island countries. In 2020, Fijian expenditure on health care goods and services dropped by 18.39% to $186, down from $228 in 2019. Underfunded health care contributes to the prevalence of diabetes in Fiji as a lack of access to quality health care services and professionals means the early signs of a person developing diabetes in the future are missed.

As of 2019, 24.1% of Fiji’s population lives on or below the national poverty line, as per the World Bank. Impoverished families often resort to purchasing inexpensive but unhealthy and non-nutritious foods. While the typical Fijian meal includes fresh fish, seaweed, shellfish and crustaceans, due to high prices, many Fijians can only afford processed foods. In June 2020, the International Diabetes Federation estimated that it costs the Fijian government up to $24.4 million a year to respond to diabetes. These high costs mean less funding for social programs to improve the lives of those living in poverty. 

Diabetes Fiji

Diabetes Fiji, previously called the National Diabetes Foundation in Fiji, originated in 1981. It became Diabetes Fiji in July 2012. Its overall goal is to encourage policymakers to help create proactive environments for controlling diabetes, empowering people with diabetes with the knowledge to understand the risks of unmanaged diabetes and the resources to treat the condition. The organization also looks to strengthen the health care system so that health care centers can provide affordable and sustainable services to people diagnosed with diabetes.

Telemedicine Help Line

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, lockdowns, disruptions in the supply chain and redirection of resources and funding resulted in hindered access to medication, resources, services and other aids for managing conditions among people with diabetes. With support from other organizations, Diabetes Fiji established the Telemedicine Help Line to ensure uninterrupted care for individuals with chronic ailments, including diabetes. Alongside providing advice, guidance and referrals, the group of organizations responsible for initiating the helpline facilitated the delivery of essential medication to the residents of individuals who couldn’t travel due to lockdowns or isolation.

The Alliance for Healthy Living

Diabetes Fiji, the Consumer Council of Fiji and the National Food and Nutrition Centre have collaborated to establish the Alliance for Healthy Living. This coalition aims to promote healthier beverage options through Sugar-Sweetened Beverages workshops, which the Core Group organizes. The alliance also takes measures to limit the accessibility of sugary and nutrient-deficient foods to children in sports and recreational facilities. By ceasing sponsorships and advertisements, the coalition seeks to challenge the prevailing corporate culture and diminish the consumption of sugar.

Since its establishment, Diabetes Fiji has participated in the production of a set of comprehensive Diabetes Management Guidelines for Fiji to help reduce the number of diabetes cases.

Continued Support

In the face of growing diabetes rates and health care challenges in Fiji, organizations like Diabetes Fiji are leading the way toward positive change. Efforts such as the Telemedicine Help Line have provided crucial care to individuals with chronic conditions, ensuring uninterrupted access to medication and support, even during the pandemic. Collaborative initiatives like the Alliance for Healthy Living are addressing the root causes of diabetes through workshops and advocacy, promoting healthier options and challenging prevailing norms. Despite the obstacles, these concerted efforts offer hope for a healthier future for the Fijian population.

– Abigail DiCarlo
Photo: Flickr

Closing the Barrier: Economic Growth for Women in Africa

Economic Growth for Women in AfricaFrom 2000 to 2019, Africa experienced a surge in population growth, adding a total of 505 million people to the landmass. Although the continent saw a decline in its poverty rate from 48% in 2000 to 34% in 2019, the massive growth in population ultimately beset this figure, making Africa home to the world’s most disadvantaged countries. In sub-Saharan Africa specifically, women continuously face a lack of access to technology, resources, services and opportunities, limiting economic growth for women in Africa. 

While women control 80% of food production, they do not usually hold ownership tiles to land or assets. A lack of financial freedom, which includes the fact that men are typically the breadwinners, often means women must shoulder the burden of household responsibilities and have little to no say in important decisions. Since women are routinely disadvantaged, Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Women’s Economic Development Initiative seeks to rectify this inequity and bolster economic growth for women in Africa. 

The Origins 

Bloomberg Philanthropies seeks to increase female autonomy by creating direct opportunities for women to act on their own financial endeavors. Beginning in 2007 in Rwanda, the program worked to provide women with the skills to earn a sustainable income. As the program got its start, women enrolled in the initiative became participants in a series of classes relating to health, hygiene, nutrition, maternal health and financial savings. These classes, which taught essential life skills, only served as a preliminary step. The second round of classes, specialized and tailored to specific regions, focused on vocational practices, including culinary arts, agrotourism, hospitality and health care. 

As more women received access to individual training, they also received personal lessons relating to their health and financial independence. With guaranteed training and further investment into the initiative, women in Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Nigeria and Sudan began to organize and control their own businesses and become economically empowered and independent.

The program continued to grow in Rwanda, with more women able to access individualized training for the growth and processing of coffee. Although conflict in Sudan and Nigeria led to the elimination of the program in those countries, the success of Rwandan women in their coffee growing and export practices demonstrated the initiative’s continued investment in expanding economic growth for women in Africa. 

Financial Success 

The Women’s Economic Development Initiative has operated for the past 16 years, with more than 724,000 women receiving access to educational and vocational programs. The program received funding and support from Women for Women International and Sustainable Growers Rwanda — two organizations that raised awareness about Bloomberg Philanthropies’ project and attracted 360,000 women to the cause. A commitment to growing this initiative will continue to expand economic growth for women in Africa. 

Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) evaluated the success of Bloomberg Philanthropies’ initiative from 2008-2018, noting the various improvements and developments rippling throughout the African continent. In general, the Women’s Economic Development Initiative provided women with essential skills, including how to earn an income and access financial networks. With this, women were also able to exact control in their households and have a say in financial decisions. 

In fact, as more women participated in the program, their individual incomes greatly increased. Rwandan women earned a monthly income $4.17 greater than before. Similarly, in the DRC, women’s monthly income rose by $16.47.

As women came to earn their own money, without help from their husbands, some felt inspired to work on their own and invest. Some graduates ended up opening largely successful businesses, running for political leadership roles and advocating for female financial health. 

A program graduate from the DRC noted that she “underestimated [herself]…but for the moment [she] is recognized as a member in the AFDC political party…involved in promoting the activities of the youth and faithful mothers of the party.” 

Looking Ahead

Michael Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg Philanthropies, reflected on the success of the program, noting that “As women’s income and assets increase, so does their decision-making power and their ability to invest in themselves and their families.” Echoing this sentiment, as the program continues to expand throughout the continent, there will be more opportunities available to increase economic growth for women in Africa and bolster women’s rights. 

– Maddy Grieco
Photo: Flickr

What is Blue Carbon?

Blue Carbon
The world’s oceans and coastlines play a crucial role in regulating the planet’s climate. Yet, the ecosystems responsible for this vital function are vanishing at an alarming rate. Fortunately, efforts to conserve and rejuvenate coastal habitats are not only preserving the environment but also improving the well-being of local communities. In this context, understanding blue carbon and its potential benefits for coastline communities is essential.

What is Blue Carbon?

Since 1850, the world’s oceans and coastlines have absorbed approximately 40% of the carbon dioxide that humans have emitted. The term blue carbon refers to carbon that ocean and coastal ecosystems store and sequester. These ecosystems extract carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and store it as plant matter, which eventually breaks down and becomes locked away in the mud and sediments below.

Although most carbon storage solutions and schemes have focused on terrestrial forests, coastal ecosystems actually have a greater carbon storage potential than terrestrial ones. Incredibly, coastal ecosystems can sequester up to five times more carbon than terrestrial forests per hectare. The majority of this blue carbon is in coastal mangroves, seagrass beds and salt marshes. These three habitats have also received the most scientific attention out of all ocean-cased carbon storage and many consider them proven carbon stocks and sinks.  

The concept of blue carbon storage is still in its infancy compared to the well-developed terrestrial carbon storage programs and carbon credit schemes. This is because calculating the amount of carbon stored by coastal and marine ecosystems is extremely complex. Despite this, blue carbon is steadily emerging as a facet of global climate management and local community resilience.  

How Can Blue Carbon Benefit Coastal Communities?

Developing countries already benefit from the financial mechanisms set up around terrestrial carbon storage. For example, the United Nations (U.N.) has created the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) program under which developing countries receive compensation for protecting the carbon sequestration functions of their forests. 

No similar program yet exists for blue carbon. However, it is already a feature of voluntary carbon markets (VCMs), where private companies purchase carbon credits to offset their emissions. One carbon credit is the equivalent of the removal of one metric ton of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. The carbon credits that they buy originate from large and small carbon storage initiatives, and this is where the benefit to local communities emerges.

Blue carbon protection and restoration initiatives offer the potential for small, locally managed and self-sustaining conservation projects in the coastal communities of developing countries. These projects hold a wealth of benefits for the communities not only in the funds received from selling carbon credits but in the many co-benefits to the community and the environment. Mangroves can act as carbon sinks and protection from tsunamis, natural water filtration systems and nursery habitats for fish species and other marine life. 

The Mikoko Pamoja Project in Kenya

The Mikoko Pamoja Project, Swahili for ‘mangroves together’ was one of the first blue carbon projects in the world. The project originated in 2012 with the aim of reforesting mangroves in Gazi Bay, Kenya, to protect local villages from coastal erosion, fish population decline and the effects of changing weather patterns. As the first community-based blue carbon project to sell carbon credits from mangrove conservation and restoration, it was a huge success. More than 117 hectares of mangroves were reforested. The money earned from carbon credits went into the community of 5,400 residents in the form of education, health and water sanitation projects. 

The Delta Blue Carbon Project in Pakistan

The Delta Blue Carbon Project, based in Sindh, Pakistan, is the world’s largest mangrove restoration project. The aim is to protect and restore 350,000 hectares of mangrove and intertidal areas, which should generate 128 million carbon credits over the project’s 60-year lifetime. These carbon credits could go toward benefitting more than 42,000 people in local communities, and the project has already created 21,000 jobs. A recent auction resulted in the sale of 250,000 of these high-quality, nature-based blue carbon credits, each sold at a price of $27.80 per tonne. 

The Vida Manglar Mangrove Project in Colombia

A more recent blue carbon initiative has roots in the mangrove forests of Cispata, Colombia. The 110,000-hectare mangrove forest in Cispata is the first mangrove system to have had its carbon-sequestration power fully calculated. This includes measurements for its roots, trunks, leaves and the carbon stored in the sediment. Tech giant Apple partly funded the carbon sequestration calculations. All of Vida Manglar’s available carbon credits have been sold and 92% of these funds are going back into the conservation of the mangroves. 

Looking Forward

Most blue carbon projects to date have been centered around mangrove ecosystems. This is because they are the easiest blue carbon ecosystem to access and create accurate carbon sequestration estimates for. However, ongoing work continues to create a scientific basis for using other types of ocean-based carbon storage such as seagrass and kelp to generate carbon credits. This expansion will enable the opportunities and benefits of various projects to reach countries beyond those with mangrove habitats. Additionally, considering the current higher demand for blue carbon credits compared to supply, more projects are expected to emerge. These initiatives, like the ones mentioned, offer a nature-based solution for promoting sustainable development in coastal and ocean communities.

 – Amy McAlpine
Photo: Flickr