Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

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The Struggle With Higher Education in Guatemala

Higher Education in GuatemalaGuatemala is a country in Central America with a population of 18.45 million people, of whom more than half are socioeconomically disadvantaged. Unfortunately, the one factor that could be leading them above poverty also has alarming data. It is a well-known fact that a good and complete education is vital for the eradication of poverty. In fact, every additional year of education increases a person’s income by 10% on average, contributing to the overall development and improvement of their life and their community.

However, in Guatemala, only 56.6% of 25-year-olds have completed elementary school, and 17.9% have completed upper secondary grades. When it comes to higher education in Guatemala, only 5.1% hold a bachelor’s degree and 0.4% hold a master’s degree. Some of the reasons for these low percentages are as follows.

A Weak Foundation for Higher Education 

Legally, education is free and compulsory for children up to the age of 14. However, due to the low number of educators, low quality of education and poor infrastructure, the basic education facilities are not satisfactory. Moreover, within socioeconomically challenged communities, due to family constraints and economic pressure, most children drop out and aim to contribute financially. Overall, a bottleneck exists at the base level, which leads to further declining number of students pursuing a higher education. To increase primary education among the underprivileged children, the government have created targeted scholarship programs and an early warning system, ENTRE, to identify and support students at-risk for dropping out. The long-term benefits of these measures are yet to be seen.

Diminished Access To Higher Education in Guatemala

Currently, Guatemala has only one public university, Universidad de San Carlos (USAC), and 15 private universities, such as Universidad Rafael Landívar, Universidad del Valle de Guatemala and Universidad Francisco Marroquín. For those in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities, real and holistic access to these few universities is limited. These universities are based in Guatemala City or larger towns, leading to restrictions for people all over the country, such as relocation, housing and transportation costs. These often hinder individuals from pursuing higher education. The small concentration of universities also provides fewer opportunities for these individuals. Programs and NGO funded scholarships, like PROGRESA, aim to target academically gifted, disadvantaged students, hoping to offset the access barrier.

Scarce Funding for Disadvantaged Students

Globally, governments allocate around 4.3% of gross domestic product to the education sector. Unfortunately, the Guatemalan government invests only approximately 3.1% of its GDP to education. The scholarships set aside for the socioeconomically disadvantaged community reflect this. Only 0.01% of the overall education spending goes toward scholarships for higher education. Moreover, scholarships are competitive, often targeting individuals with an excellent academic track record. Unfortunately, since the number of students who have completed both primary and secondary levels is quite low, there is a limited number of students who may obtain and benefit from these scholarships.

Language and Cultural Barriers 

Indigenous Guatemalans make up 43% of the overall population, of whom 80% live in extreme poverty conditions. These individuals face additional language and cultural barriers. A Spanish-centric and culturally non-inclusive education system leads to poor completion rates among indigenous students both at the basic and higher education levels. These students also face discrimination based on ethnicity, which leads to limited opportunities and unequal treatment and resources. Indigenous communities have created six Mayan universities, designed for their younger generations, but are yet to have their courses certified officially. Foundations, like the BFB Foundation, and programs, aim to support indigenous youth through scholarships and mentorships, so they go on to complete their higher education.

Looking Ahead

These factors are a few among many that have resulted in the poor educational levels in the country. Overall, the higher education system in Guatemala requires further investment, better policies and more refinement, such that the younger generations among socioeconomically challenged communities are empowered to rise above and uplift their communities. Steps are being taken in response, however, only time will tell how effective they are. 

– Nishtha Mahendra Kumar

Nishtha is based in London, UK and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Child Marriage in the DRC: Causes, Consequences and Solutions

Child Marriage in the DRCChild marriage consists of the formal union between two individuals where at least one of the two is under 18 years of age. Even if child marriage is illegal in most countries, it still persists worldwide. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is one of the countries with the highest prevalence of child marriage in the world. Nowadays, in the DRC, about 2.6 million girls marry before turning 15 and 8 million girls marry by age 18 which represent, respectively, 8% of and 29 % of the women’s population. This is a national average, because child marriage in the DRC is more present in certain regions, namely poorer and rural areas, especially when conflict and displacements impacts them. With 60% of the female population marrying before 18, Tanganyika is the province with the highest child marriage rate, while Kinshasa is the lowest, with an incidence of just above 18%.

The legal minimum age to marry in the DRC is 18 years old, but this does not necessarily mean that the law can be enforced everywhere, especially in areas where customary traditions usually prevail over state legislation. Men can also engage in child marriage, but to a lesser extent than women. Only 6% of men in the DRC marry by the age of 18. Child marriage can bring catastrophic consequences on women’s health, education and employment status, often increasing teenagers’ pregnancy and drastically limiting women’s economic empowerment.

Causes of Child Marriage in the DRC

There are multiple reasons why child marriage still persists in the DRC and ultimately, aspects such as education and economic background of families, as well as influence of local traditions play a role.

The first obvious consideration is the wealth factor: the poorer the girl, the sooner she will marry. In many circumstances when a family cannot provide for their daughter, they will send her away in marriage at the earliest opportunity. This fact is particularly emphasized in areas with high internal displacement rates, usually among the poorest in the country. Another factor to consider is the education status of individuals, the more educated the girls and the more likely they are exposed to informational media, the later they would marry. Even more importantly, child marriage is often a consequence of lack of reproductive rights and knowledge of safe sexual practices.

Often child marriage happens after an unwanted pregnancy, then the girl might be asked to marry the father of the child conceived. In some cases, people can use impromptu arranged marriage to settle a rape: often, the woman is forced to marry the man that raped her. Furthermore, it is important to consider the role of tradition and differences across religions and ethnic groups. In some areas of the country, especially rural areas where customary traditions are stronger, marrying young is more accepted, sometimes even encouraged, compared to more urbanized areas, such as in the capital Kinshasa.

Impacts of Child Marriage in the DRC

Child marriage has different and sometimes dramatic impacts on the life of individuals who engage in it. Marrying younger means higher fertility rates, including teenage pregnancies and all the associated health risks both in mothers and babies. With a ratio of 107 of every 1,000 girls aged 15-19 giving birth. The DRC has one of the highest fertility rates in adolescents in the world, as well as a very high mortality rate for infants, about 45 infant deaths every 1,000 individuals.

Marrying younger introduces another health concern, as it increases the chances of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV. In addition, after marriage, most girls stop pursuing education. In the DRC, only 50% of girls complete lower secondary school education, versus 61.8% of boys, a 12 percentage point gap, much more significant than the average gap of the Sub-Saharan region, 1.8.

It has also been observed that child marriage can be devastating for girls’ wellbeing. Not only do married girls in the DRC report lower self-esteem, they also are more likely to become victims of domestic violence. This could be physical violence, emotional violence or sexual violence, often perpetrated by their husband. Ultimately, child marriages usually are more likely to end in divorce or early widowhood, compared to marriage of people over 18.

Solutions for Child Marriage in the DRC

There are different solutions to reduce child marriage rates and ultimately eliminate the problem. Since child marriage in the DRC is a consequence of underlying social and economic factors, it is indispensable to address the root causes of the problem, such as poverty, armed conflict and local traditions. The African Union, which comprises 55 countries including the DRC, supports national strategies to create a social grassroot movement that would involve health and social workers as well as community and religious leaders. The aim is addressing and influencing all those cases where tradition and socio-economic background might suggest child marriage.

Girls should have access to education and health services and, more importantly, they should have the opportunity to understand that child marriage is illegal and dangerous. Radio Ondese is a successful example of a project that tries to inform girls of their rights. Radio Ondese is a radio station that David M. Munyaga founded in 2009.

Nowadays, Radio Ondese reaches an estimated 180,000 listeners in the South Kivu region, including listeners from rural areas. This radio tries to focus on raising awareness on the consequences of child marriage. It does so by inviting local experts on girls’ rights, such as lawyers or public administrators, on on-air debates where listeners can contribute by phone call or SMS text. According to Munyaga, it is quite common for girls to call the radio station and ask for further information. Considering that most child marriages in DRC occur in rural areas where cultural norms prevail over state laws, Radio Ondese is for many girls the first time they realize that child marriage is illegal. Furthermore, Radio Ondese organizes training workshops with community leaders and creates “listeners clubs,” discussion groups of women forced into child marriage.

Looking Ahead

Child marriage remains a persistent issue in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Research has shown that it is particularly widespread in rural regions with high poverty rates and greater exposure to armed conflict. In a country where 55% of population lives in rural areas, ending child marriage can be challenging in DRC, but the right set of policies and projects could limit the cases. Considering the catastrophic consequences that child marriage has on girls, it is more important than ever to start implementing effective solutions.

– Alice Girardi

Alice is based in Paris, France and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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Gender Pay Gap in Slovenia

Gender Pay Gap in SloveniaGender equality in Slovenia has been improved drastically over time, yet performance is considered lower than EU standards. Slovenia recorded a score of 58.0 points out of 100 in the gender equality index, holding 18th place in the EU. This is attributed to low performance in the domains of knowledge and power. The gender pay gap in Slovenia is regarded as one of the clearest signs that this progress has not yet been translated into an equal workplace.

Gender Disparities in Earnings and Why It Matters

 Gender disparities in earnings in Slovenia are considered among the lowest in the EU. Women who have a partner earn an average of 84% of their spouses’ earnings, while men who live with their partners earn an average of 27% more than their spouses. The European Institute for Gender Equality has reported that the gender pay gap is most pronounced for young people, foreign born individuals and couples that have children.

A small national average gap can still coexist with serious unfairness if women are overrepresented in low-paid roles or underpaid within the same jobs. Through strong transparency rules, enforcement and cultural change around caregiving and leadership, Slovenia will be crucial for Slovenia to move from a relatively small gap to genuine pay for equal work.

Improvements Over Time

The biggest improvement over time has taken place in the domain of power. Political power has increased, with a share of women on the board of the central bank. Slovenia’s score in the domain of money has also improved, which has improved the gender pay gap in terms of the distribution of earnings and income. Slovenia has recorded the third-highest score of the EU-28 in the sub-domain of economic situation, which deals with the risk of poverty and the distribution of wealth throughout the population.

Why the Gap Persists 

The gender pay gap persists in Slovenia both between employers and within the same employers. Women and men ending up in different jobs partly explains the rising job gaps. Slovenia has overtaken its regional peers’ gender pay gaps at 7.2%, alongside a high female labor force and stronger workplace equality measures. These figures are promising, but smaller gaps can sometimes reflect labor market structures where women are over-represented in low-paid sectors, rather than true career advancement or leadership roles. Persistent informal norms and expectations about gender roles keep inequality and the gender pay gap in place.

Consequences for Women in Slovenia

The gender pay gap has real consequences for women and their families. A woman who is consistently earning less than their male colleagues has less money to cover rising costs, save for emergencies or invest in housing. Over time, lower pay, as well as taking breaks for childcare, means women will have a smaller pension, leaving them at a greater risk of experiencing poverty at old age. The average man’s pension in Slovenia is 10% higher than women’s. Women who see their work as undervalued are often less likely to apply for promotions, which reinforces the idea that top positions are ‘for men.’ This cycle shows why even a relatively small national pay gap can cause huge inequalities. 

Solutions To Tackle the Gender Pay Gap

 Slovenia does not currently have a national mandatory gender pay gap reporting system for employers, but as an EU member, it will need to implement the EU Pay Transparency Directive by June 7, 2026. This will impose gender pay gap reporting and greater pay transparency in future years. These new rules will introduce structured obligations, more visibility for employees, and concrete enforcement measures, and workers will have the right to know the average pay for doing the same or equivalent work. For Slovenia, this is a huge turning point as greater transparency makes hidden gaps visible and allows women, unions and society to demand change, hence why detailed reporting is crucial.

Another initiative that the government introduced to tackle the gender pay gap is by introducing specific guidelines for gender mainstreaming in the work of ministries. This will help ministries in gender mainstreaming in their specific fields of work and specify the roles of Coordinators for Equal Opportunities of Men and Women. The goals of the resolution from 2023-2030 include reducing the gender pay gap in all areas of social life, achieving an equal division of care work between parents, and overcoming stereotypes and sexist and discriminatory practices that deepen gender inequality.

Looking to the Future

There have been huge improvements in the effort to resolve the gender pay gap in Slovenia. However, inequalities still prevail, through governments implementing a national mandatory gender pay gap reporting system as well as guidance for gender mainstreaming, Slovenia will be able to lessen the gender pay gap, ensuring a better quality of living for all people.

– Bonnie Parkinson

Bonnie is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Poverty Reduction in Romania

Poverty Reduction in RomaniaWhen talking about Romania, many people still associate the country with its communist past and its significant economic struggle, which lasted for 24 years under the rule of Nicolae Ceausescu. There are different perspectives regarding decades ago and current poverty in Romania. The communist regime fell in 1989, and Romania has changed considerably since. According to the World Bank Group, poverty reduction in Romania reached 6.9% in 2024. 

Minimum Wage in Romania and Most Affected Regions

As an European country since 2007, Romania is doing better than it did decades ago. Yet, the minimum wage of 795 euros per month may lead some to question the extent of its economic growth. This positions Romania at 43rd place among the 124 countries that have the lowest minimum wage, out of the 195 countries in the world.

Rural regions in Romania are the most affected, with rates three times higher than those in urban areas, where children never attend school, or they are forced to drop out of school at an early age so they can work various jobs in agriculture or construction, helping their family to stay afloat. People living in these poor rural regions endure hunger, malnutrition, limited access to health care and often live in homes without running water, sanitation or electricity. 

Projects Designed To Reduce Poverty in Romania

Given all of the above, there is hope on the horizon with promising news ahead. After decades of economic struggles, new developments and projects may signal a meaningful shift towards inclusion and opportunity, contributing to poverty reduction in Romania.

As a global development organization, The World Bank Group seeks to lower poverty levels below 3% of the global population by 2030 and Romania is one of the countries that benefits from its generosity. Elisabetta Capannelli, World Bank Country Manager for Romania, declares that the organization goal is “to reduce poverty and boost shared prosperity for the bottom 40 percent of the population.” The World Bank has contributed in Romania over the past two decades addressing policy and institutional constraints on poverty reduction. By promoting social inclusion and economic growth, this approach offers promise that vulnerable communities, especially in rural areas, will see real improvements.

In February 2016, the Government passed a comprehensive anti-poverty package of 47 measures to combat poverty in the country through 2020. Several key measures, including boosting employment and reducing early school leaving rates, are expected to play a crucial role in narrowing the urban-rural poverty gap.

Empowering Citizens

Another hopeful project comes from Real News for Romania’s Media Desert Regions, where “the funding helped the media to reach Romania’s three poorest regions (Moldova Southern Muntenia and Oltenia) to inform and raise awareness about corruption, misuse of public and EU funds.” This project demonstrates that addressing poverty is not just about money or jobs, but also involves informing and empowering citizens to hold authorities accountable. By reaching Romania’s three poorest regions, the project is helping people understand how public and EU funds are being used. The project used social media, guided by experts, to reach more people and set up a weekly newsletter. After doing so, those involved in the project now hope that audiences are more informed, more aware of their rights, and more engaged in improving public services for their communities.

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead, these initiatives and others yet to come, could bring lasting change by helping more families rise above poverty and improve their quality of life, ultimately contributing to poverty reduction in Romania.

Future generations of rural children may have access to education instead of working from a young age, and while challenges remain, both existing and new projects offer hope for poverty reduction.

– Elena Ghimis

Elena is based in Bournemouth, UK and focuses on Good News and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Gender Wage Gap in Panama

Gender Wage Gap in PanamaGender equality remains a vital issue in global development. However, many countries like Panama have made significant progress towards improving opportunities for women. Over the past decades, Panama has implemented various policies and initiatives in order to decrease gender equality in the political, social and economic landscapes. Despite these efforts, wage gaps, unequal political representation and disparities continue to pose problems for women.

Key Aspects of Gender Equality

An important aspect of gender equality is the legal framework that upholds women’s rights. Panama has initiated many laws and regulations surrounding gender equality and protecting women from violence and discrimination. According to a report from the UN Women organization, there are about 88.9% of legal frameworks surrounding gender equality and the protection of women from violence in the country. These frameworks in particular signify the country’s commitment to align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Another critical aspect of gender equality is economic participation. In Panama, there is an increase of women working in labor forces, leadership roles and business and institutions. The World Bank reports that the participation of women in the labor force has steadily increased over the previous years with 54.9% in 2025. In addition, small and medium women owned enterprises significantly contribute to the national economy.

A press release by the Ministry of Labour and Workforce Development of Panama states that as per a UN Women study, the gender wage gap in Panama is about 11.5%.

One of the biggest contributors to poverty is the gender wage gap in Panama. Due to the fact that women earn lower than men, their ability to lift themselves and their loved ones decreases. Higher gender wage gaps usually indicate that women-led households tend to have higher risk of poverty. 

According to the Panama Country Gender Scorecard by the World Bank Group, in 2010, a woman in the 25th percentile would earn 75 cents per every dollar a man earned. In 2019, this gap worsened with 59 cents for every dollar.

The World Economic Forum released a 2025 report on Gender Based Gap in which Panama ranks 107th in the world based on wage equality for similar work. In 2025, the estimated earned income difference between a male and a female was $12.04.

Political Representation and Social Challenges

Although women continue to be more involved in the country’s economy, they continue to remain unrepresented in the government. According to UN Women Data, women held 22.5% of parliamentary seats in Panama. Prioritizing women in politics will ensure that more of the population has representation.

Social expectations of women are often that women are expected to commit to domestic responsibilities more than men. As per UN Women Data, women spend almost 18% of their time on household chores and unpaid care whereas men only spend 7.6% of their time. The imbalance prevents women from being encouraged and pursuing education and employment.

Solutions Over the Years

In order to resolve these disparities. Panama has developed connections with international initiatives that work on reducing gender equality. For example, the Equal Pay International Coalition (EPIC) is a global partnership designed to close the gender wage gap. Through EPIC, Panama works with other international organizations and governments to advocate and promote economic opportunities and fair wages for women.

Post-Pandemic women had been facing significant disadvantages and lacked economic opportunities. In order to improve the economy, government representatives, specifically from the labor and employer sector created the National Plan for Equal Pay. This originated through collaboration between different government organizations as well as the support of UN Women and the International Labour Organization (ILO).

To address the gender wage gap in Panama, different ministries such as Labour and Workforce Development, Social Development and Foreign Affairs of the Republic contributed to the UNDP Gender Equality Seal for Private Sector which assists companies with addressing gender pay issues, sexual harassment and leadership opportunities for women.

Looking Ahead

Panama’s solutions to its problems regarding gender wage gaps sound promising, particularly when partnering with other reputable and impactful organizations. The country still has a long path ahead of itself to increase fairness amongst its people, but the desire for change is there and that is what is needed. 

– Hasini Muddapu

Hasini is based in Princeton, NJ, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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From Rally to Reform: Gen Z Fights Poverty in Madagascar

Poverty in MadagascarNationwide unrest has emerged from decades of instability, corruption and poverty in Madagascar, where three-quarters of the population lives below the poverty line. Youth-led protests over the lack of basic public services mirror global movements demanding a more prosperous future for the next generation. Since gaining independence in 1960, the African island nation of 32 million has continued to navigate volatile governments, neglected livelihoods and uncertainty about its future.

Poverty in Madagascar

Madagascar faces deeply rooted economic pressures that have left much of its population struggling to survive. With an average annual income of just $600, the Malagasy are among the world’s most impoverished people. The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) notes that, with “front-row seats to the lifestyles of elites,” the inequalities burdening the Malagasy have become increasingly visible.

Chronic underdevelopment has left basic services unreliable; water shortages, power cuts and limited sanitation affect millions daily. Rapid urbanization has further worsened living conditions, as 60% of urban residents live in informal settlements that lack essential services, including water and sanitation. The expansion of Madagascar’s urban centers has occurred alongside limited investment in education, health care and social infrastructure. 

As a result, weak human capital continues to limit opportunities to escape poverty in Madagascar. High tariffs imposed by the United States throughout 2025 have also affected major Malagasy exports, including vanilla. Coupled with the expiration of beneficial trade agreements between the two regions, these measures have heightened the economic turmoil already affecting tens of millions of people.

Gen Z Protests

Madagascar’s Gen Z community spearheaded nationwide protests over severe water and power shortages in September 2025. Protesters demanded greater job opportunities, humanitarian aid and accountability from elected officials, expressing frustration over what they see as neglected responsibilities and broken promises. CFR reports that the demonstrations quickly expanded to include broader demands for governmental reform.

Inspired by similar youth movements in Kenya and Nepal, the demonstrations were among the largest the Indian Ocean region has experienced in years. Disillusionment among Gen Z with autocratic rule, government inaction and visible inequalities continues to fuel worldwide concern about their futures—and, in turn, large-scale activism. Protesters from similar movements around the world offer one another support, energy and motivation, strengthening the push for a stronger youth generation.

The Corruption Perceptions Index ranks Madagascar 140th out of 180 countries for perceived corruption. Malagasy activist Shely Andriamihaja argues, “The youth are the first victims of corruption, especially in universities where the infrastructure is so bad.” The impact of corrupt, decentralized governance on Gen Z remains a key driver of growing global youth activism.

What the Future Holds

In response to the widespread protests, Malagasy President Andry Rajoelina fled the country and dissolved his government—a result similar to those achieved by other Gen Z–led movements. The president apologized to the protesters, acknowledging that his officials had failed to fulfill their responsibilities to their constituents.

While the protests reached some of their goals, there is still work to be done. CFR expects activists to seek a more concrete plan to alleviate poverty in Madagascar, which continues to burden the country’s youth.

– Jayhan Adhi

Jayhan is based in Chicago, IL, USA and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Improving Public Health Via Clean Water in Benin

Clean Water InitiativesBenin is a small country in West Africa with a 36.2% poverty rate. Despite its economic growth over the past years, clean water initiatives in Benin remain critical, as many communities still struggle to access safe drinking water and sanitation. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), lower respiratory infections are the second leading cause of death in Benin, while diarrheal diseases rank fourth. 

Many of these deaths are preventable with improved hygiene, sanitation and access to clean water. Access to clean water plays an important role in improving health in Benin, as it can foster economic opportunities and growth. Partnerships between the Beninese government and international organizations are working to help address this issue.

Join For Water

Join For Water is a nonprofit organization based in Belgium that has focused on reforestation and agroforestry since 1977 by planting trees and shrubs in rural areas. According to the organization, this approach improves water management and prevents sedimentation. It operates in eight countries, including Benin.

Join For Water also supports clean water access through environmental management, food production, drinking water and sanitation, as well as responsible consumption. In 2024, the organization expanded drinking water access to more than 16,485 households, improved access to latrines for more than 1,310 people and supported more than 6,949 farmer harvests. This demonstrates that environmental protection through reforestation and agroforestry can improve water management, leading to cleaner water, better hygiene and improved public health.

Institute of Cultural Affairs–Benin

With more than 35 member countries, the Institute of Cultural Affairs–Benin is part of a global network of nonprofits focused on advancing human development. It is affiliated with the Institute of Cultural Affairs International (ICA). Its mission is to support sustainable human development while fostering lasting change within communities and organizations. As a community, ICA partners with End Water Poverty to improve access to clean water and sanitation. 

End Water Poverty is an initiative in Benin that campaigns, advocates and mobilizes the government to protect, respect and fulfill people’s right to water and sanitation. Through its “Claim Your Water Rights” campaign, the coalition funds grassroots organizations and community-led advocacy efforts that push governments to uphold the human right to water and sanitation. This indicates that water access requires both environmental protection and policy advocacy. 

Together, these clean water initiatives in Benin ensure access to clean water and sanitation for rural and underserved communities across the country.

Final Thoughts

Many communities in Benin still face challenges accessing safe water and sanitation. However, nonprofit initiatives such as Join For Water, ICA and End Water Poverty address these issues through environmental restoration, advocacy and community campaigns. With continued support, these initiatives can improve public health, strengthen sanitation systems, expand economic opportunities and improve living conditions.

– Bianca P. Gunawan

Bianca is based in Jakarta, Indonesia and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Informal Economy in Uganda Supports Poverty Reduction

Informal Economy in UgandaThe informal economy in Uganda plays a significant role in employment and household income across the country. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), the majority of workers in Uganda operate in informal jobs, including street vendors, small-scale farmers, artisans and micro-entrepreneurs. While these activities provide income opportunities, many workers face challenges such as limited access to credit, training and legal protections. In response, the government and development partners have introduced initiatives designed to strengthen informal businesses and help individuals transition into more stable economic opportunities.

Parish Development Model

One policy initiative addressing the informal economy in Uganda is the Parish Development Model. Launched by the government of Uganda in 2022, the program aims to help subsistence households participate more actively in the country’s money economy.

The Parish Development Model focuses on delivering financial services, agricultural support and business development resources at the parish level. Through local savings groups and small business financing, the initiative encourages entrepreneurship among low-income households. By supporting small-scale economic activity within communities, the program aims to improve income stability and reduce rural poverty.

SENTE

Another initiative addressing the informal economy in Uganda is the Supporting Jua-Kali Enterprises to Transition into the Formal Economy (SENTE) Program. The SENTE Program provides tools, equipment and training to informal business groups such as mechanics, metalworkers and carpenters.

These programs focus on helping workers increase productivity and expand their operations. Access to improved equipment allows artisans to produce goods more efficiently and improve product quality. In turn, these changes help small enterprises increase income and create employment opportunities within their communities.

Affordable Empowerment Credit Program

Financial inclusion initiatives also play a role in supporting informal workers. The Affordable Empowerment Credit Program offers low-interest loans designed to help individuals start or expand small businesses.

Access to credit remains a barrier for many informal entrepreneurs who lack traditional banking relationships. Programs that provide affordable financing allow small business owners to purchase materials, invest in equipment and grow their enterprises. These financial tools can reduce economic vulnerability while encouraging long-term economic participation.

Skilling Uganda Program

Workforce training initiatives also contribute to strengthening the informal economy in Uganda. The Skilling Uganda Program focuses on vocational education and technical skills development for young people and unemployed workers.

Through training in trades such as construction, mechanics and tailoring, the program helps individuals gain practical skills that can support income generation. Many graduates use these skills to establish small businesses or secure employment in local industries. By expanding access to technical education, Skilling Uganda supports workforce development and economic mobility.

Looking Ahead 

Programs supporting the informal economy in Uganda demonstrate how policy initiatives can help strengthen small businesses and improve economic stability. Government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model, SENTE Program, Affordable Empowerment Credit Program and Skilling Uganda Program provide financial resources, training and equipment that support workers seeking to expand their economic opportunities.

As these initiatives continue to develop, they highlight the importance of supporting informal workers as part of broader poverty reduction strategies. Strengthening the informal economy in Uganda can help expand employment opportunities, increase household incomes and support long-term economic development across communities.

– Jason Hill

Jason is based in Fullerton, CA, USA and focuses on Business and Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Improvement in the Treatment of TB in Kenya

TB in KenyaTuberculosis (TB) is a condition that mostly affects a person’s lungs but can also spread to other parts of the body. TB is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which circulates through the air and spreads when inhaled. TB has been a persistent public health challenge in Kenya. According to the National Library of Medicine, TB is the fifth leading cause of death in the country. However, there has been a noticeable improvement in treating TB in Kenya. The director of the African region of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Diallo Abdourahmane, stated that Kenya reduced TB cases by 41% and TB-related deaths by 60%. This progress is attributed to treatments such as preventive therapy, the BPaL regimen and digital adherence technologies.

Tuberculosis Preventive Treatment

One treatment used today is tuberculosis preventive treatment (TPT). Its goal is to prevent certain individuals from developing active TB by administering anti-tuberculosis medicine. The treatment destroys bacteria that have infected the body before they can harm organs or spread the illness. TPT specifically targets people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV weakens the body’s ability to fight infections, making individuals more vulnerable to TB. It is recommended for HIV patients to undergo this treatment to reduce the chance of developing TB. The preferred course consists of three months (3HP), during which the antibiotics isoniazid and rifapentine are taken once a week. However, this prescription may interact with other medicines, so each patient’s case should be considered individually.

BPaL Regimen

The BPaL regimen is a treatment course lasting six months. The WHO has recommended it as an alternative to lengthier treatments. The regimen combines four antibiotic medications: bedaquiline, pretomanid, linezolid and moxifloxacin. It targets drug-resistant TB, a form of the disease that does not respond to some standard medications. This treatment is primarily for adult patients and teenagers older than 14. Studies have shown a success rate of 89%, making it more effective than previous regimens.

Digital Adherence Technology

TB treatment outcomes have also improved with digital adherence technology (DAT). DAT refers to digital tools that use technological devices to record a patient’s daily medication information. Examples include smart pill boxes and medication sleeves. Researchers believe DAT motivates individuals with TB to take their daily medication consistently.

A 2026 study evaluated whether certain digital interventions improved TB treatment outcomes. The study found that digital platforms such as Keheala reduced the percentage of failed TB treatments, supporting the use of digital tools in TB care. DAT offers several benefits. Patients can choose the most suitable time to take their medication, fitting it into their routine. Patients can receive SMS reminders. Health care providers can access their patients’ information, allowing them to monitor consistency and identify patients who need additional support.

Looking Ahead

Although TB remains a serious issue in Kenya, the treatments discussed have demonstrated their effectiveness. Kenya has earned recognition from the WHO for its progress. The country has set further goals to reduce TB death rates by 90% and TB cases by 80% by 2030. Efforts in Kenya to reduce the impact of TB continue to show measurable results.

– Lara Ibrahim

Lara is based in Créteil, France and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Everything You Need To Know About Hunger in Nepal

Hunger in NepalDespite improvements in recent years, hunger in Nepal remains a significant challenge. According to the World Food Programme (WFP), 16.5% of the population was food insecure in October 2024, and about 4.81 million people were consuming inadequate diets.

The country’s overall hunger level is classified as “moderate” by the Global Hunger Index, reflecting both progress and ongoing challenges. Malnutrition remains one of the most serious aspects of the problem. Limited dietary diversity and poor access to nutritious food contribute to long-term health issues, particularly among women and children.

The Geography of Hunger in Nepal

Geography plays a central role in shaping hunger in Nepal. Mountain regions are among the most isolated in South Asia, with limited road networks and difficult terrain. Transporting food to these areas is costly and time-consuming, which drives up the price of basic staples.

According to the World Food Programme, food prices are two to three times higher in mountain regions, even when national food prices remain relatively stable. Limited farmland, harsh weather conditions and seasonal isolation also make it difficult for many communities to produce enough food locally. As a result, households in remote regions are more vulnerable to shortages and price shocks.

What Drives Hunger in Nepal?

Several interconnected factors contribute to hunger in Nepal, with poverty remaining one of the most important drivers. In rural areas, employment opportunities are limited and many households depend on small-scale agriculture, but limited land and low productivity restrict income and food production. For example, the average farm size is only about 0.7 hectares, and more than half of farming households cultivate less than 0.5 hectares, making it difficult to produce enough food beyond subsistence levels.

Changing weather patterns and environmental hazards also intensify food insecurity. Natural disasters such as floods and landslides frequently damage crops and disrupt food systems, while many farmers rely on rainfall because only just over half of Nepal’s agricultural land has irrigation.

Geographic and infrastructural challenges further compound the problem. Food access is particularly limited in mountainous regions, and child stunting rates reach 46.8% in mountain areas compared with 36.7% in the Terai, highlighting regional inequalities in nutrition and food access. Poor infrastructure and limited market connectivity in remote areas make it more difficult for farmers to transport food and access markets, reinforcing existing food insecurity.

Progress Made in Reducing Hunger

Despite these challenges, Nepal has made notable progress in reducing hunger in Nepal over the past two decades. Economic recovery and steady development have helped improve household incomes and strengthen food access.

The country’s GDP growth increased from 1.9% in 2023 to 3.9% in 2024, with projections reaching around 5% in 2025. 

Food insecurity has also declined compared with recent years. While 16.5% of Nepalis were food insecure in 2024, this represents a 6.4-percentage-point drop from the peak recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Programs Tackling Food Insecurity

Several initiatives are working to address hunger in Nepal. The World Food Programme has been supporting food security programs in the country since 1963, assisting vulnerable communities and responding to disasters.

One key initiative is the national school feeding programme, which in January 2026 expanded when 1,039 schools in Sudurpaschim Province were integrated into Nepal’s Mid-Day Meals Programme.

Nutrition education programmes initiated by the World Food Programme are also helping communities improve diets. Cooking demonstrations and training sessions have taught thousands of caregivers how to prepare healthier meals using locally available ingredients.

However, experts note that most nutrition policies in Nepal have historically focused on undernutrition, with far less attention given to overnutrition and diet-related diseases. While undernutrition remains a major concern, Nepal is increasingly facing a “double burden” of malnutrition, where both undernutrition and obesity coexist. For instance, 35.8% of children under five were stunted and 11% suffered acute malnutrition in 2016, indicating persistent undernutrition. At the same time, rates of overweight and obesity are rising: 22.8% of women and 19.1% of men were classified as overweight, and overweight among women aged 15–49 increased from 13% in 2011 to 21% in 2016. 

Diet-related health risks are also growing, with noncommunicable diseases accounting for about 66% of total deaths in Nepal. These trends are linked to limited access to diverse, nutritious foods and changing dietary patterns, particularly in geographically isolated areas where access to fresh foods can be restricted.

Changing Weather and the Future of Food

Agriculture remains central to Nepal’s economy and food system, but changing weather patterns are increasingly shaping how farmers produce food. Changing rainfall patterns and extreme weather events threaten crops and rural livelihoods. To strengthen resilience, initiatives such as Farmer Nutrition Schools have trained about 4,000 smallholder farmers in climate-resilient and nutrition-sensitive agriculture. These programs promote techniques such as improved irrigation, composting and crop diversification to help farmers adapt to environmental pressures.

The Road Ahead

Nepal’s progress in addressing hunger in Nepal shows that sustained investment in nutrition, agriculture and social protection can make a difference. Yet geography, climate risks and persistent inequalities continue to shape who benefits most from that progress.

Experts say that while Nepal has adopted numerous food and nutrition policies, many lack clear implementation and monitoring mechanisms, limiting their long-term impact.

Strengthening these systems, alongside improving road networks, supporting climate-resilient agriculture and expanding nutrition programs, will be essential to ensuring that all Nepalis have reliable access to nutritious food.

– Sayanee Mandal

Sayanee is based in Glasgow, Scotland and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

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