Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

Mars-Sourced Rice? Outer Space Farming Is More Likely Than Expected

The idea of living in outer space has always fascinated people. However, settling on planets other than Earth, meeting physical needs and living futuristic lives only exists in fiction. Plenty of obstacles currently make this vision more of a fantasy than one of the near future.

Challenges for Living on the Red Planet

Outer space soil is unfit for growing crops to nourish the human body. Perchlorate salts in the soil on Mars have high levels of toxicity for plants. Luckily, the University of Arkansas may have found a solution to this problem through continuous experiments that recently yielded remarkable results. On April 26, the University of Arkansas published an official statement announcing a new finding—that rice could survive on the Red Planet.

Experiments Reinforce Possibility of Outer Space Farming

The research team’s experiments consisted of growing both standard and gene-edited types of rice into basaltic-rich soil to simulate Martian soil’s conditions. The gene-edited rice turned out to fare better in situations of drought, salinity and sugar starvation. However, all the rice types grew more, in combinations of both simulations of Martian soil and regular potting soil. This research was executed by Peter James Gann, a doctoral student in cell and molecular biology, Abhilash Ramachandran, a post-doctoral fellow at the Arkansas Center for Space and Planetary Sciences, Yheni Dwiningsih, a post-doctoral associate in plant sciences and Dominic Dharwadker, an undergraduate student in the Honors College. These findings are yet another step toward making outer space farming a reality.

A recent study conducted by Iowa State University highlighted the potential of alfalfa as a viable plant for growth on Mars. Using Martian soil simulants similar to those employed by the University of Arkansas, the research focused on cultivating alfalfa without the use of genetically modified organisms or perchlorate. While the study suggested the feasibility of direct alfalfa cultivation on Mars, concerns were raised due to the omission of perchlorate salts, naturally present in Martian soil and known to hinder plant growth. In contrast, the University of Arkansas’s findings incorporated perchlorate salts in its Martian soil simulants, demonstrating the greater resilience of genetically modified rice compared to non-genetically modified rice through root development comparisons.

Looking Forward

Newly revealed insights into outer space farming hold promise for the future of agriculture. According to NASA, this innovative farming method has the potential to enhance crop yields, increase nutritional value, and reduce water and pesticide usage. Furthermore, the experiments conducted in challenging environments resembling salty or desert-like grounds can have practical applications in improving agriculture in arid regions on Earth. By enhancing crop resilience and ensuring food security, outer space farming can play a crucial role in mitigating instances of food shortage.

The recent findings from the University of Arkansas represent a significant step forward in the ongoing scientific exploration of outer space farming. As further studies and scientific breakthroughs unfold, both Earth’s agriculture and the potential for farming on other planets can reap the anticipated benefits.

– Luciana Mena

Photo: Flickr

Disability and Poverty in Colombia

Disability and Poverty in Colombia
Disability and poverty are often inextricably intertwined. While poverty can be the source of disabilities (for instance, malnutrition during childbirth causing deformities), disabilities can also force someone into poverty through various means. Physical and mental impairments can limit access to transportation, job opportunities and much more. Thus, one cannot fully address one issue without the other. In Colombia, the government has been moving in accordance with this knowledge to address the links between disability and poverty in Colombia.

The Situation

According to the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, as of 2020, about 1.3 million people in Colombia lived with disabilities, typically resulting from general sickness or accidents. About 15% of these disabilities have resulted from the armed conflict that has plagued parts of the country. A 2022 study by the National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE), found that only one in five persons with disabilities in Colombia are employed. The government and organizations are taking action to improve the lives of people with disabilities and safeguard their rights.

Disability Law in Colombia

The Colombian government passed comprehensive legislation protecting the rights of the disabled in 1997. Businesses may not discriminate against job applicants on the basis of how able-bodied they may be. Products and services must also accommodate the needs of the disabled when possible. These pieces of legislation are a crucial first step for any country in allowing the disabled to have access to resources and opportunities.

The Colombian government has also signed onto the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2011, which affirms its commitment to “[protecting] the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities,” on an international scale.

Current Challenges

Colombia has long struggled with internal conflict in the form of guerilla war. While recent peace accords have begun a process of reintegrating ex-combatants into society, this process has often overlooked the needs of those with disabilities. As a result, many former fighters are now facing disability and poverty in Colombia. This is particularly relevant in rural areas, where new infrastructure, medical assistance and economic opportunities have failed to reach those most in need.

Successes in Advocacy

Within Colombia and throughout Latin America, people with disabilities have been utilizing incluyeme.com, a website launched in 2013 that seeks to empower people with disabilities from both ends of the labor market: the employee and the employer. More than 20,000 Latin Americans with disabilities have found employment through the website. More than 600 companies that have endorsed the organization provide many of these jobs. Overall, the organization takes pride in its ability to connect people facing disability and poverty in Colombia with opportunities regardless of the withstanding handicaps.

On a more local scale, organizations such as Corfrodis (Corporation Frontineño for people with disabilities) have worked to provide economic resources to the disabled. According to ReliefWeb, in one instance, a woman by the name of Patricia Valderiama received 10 chickens to help kick-start a business, seeing as her disability prevented her from working. After making quite a profit, the money she made was donated back to the organization to fund the next batch of chickens for another person with disabilities. In general, Corfordis has helped the disabled in Frontino to manage money and become entrepreneurs.

Looking Ahead

These projects serve as great reminders of how simple and achievable it can be to improve the circumstances of those in need. Downsizing poverty can begin with just providing people with the right website (as is the case with incluyeme.com) or even a few chickens. While it appears that there is still room for much more progress in order to fully uphold the rights of people facing disability and poverty in Colombia, the path ahead seems promising.

– Sophia Cordoba
Photo: Flickr

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The Impact of COVID-19 on Barbados

Impact of COVID-19 on Barbados
Amid the global pandemic, nations faced numerous challenges in various areas such as the economy and public health. The impact of COVID-19 on Barbados was profound, affecting the lives of its citizens and causing significant economic setbacks. In June 2021, the World Bank approved a $100 million relief effort to address the economic downturn that the pandemic in Barbados caused.

Impact on the Economy

Due to Barbados having been a popular travel destination, it comes as no shock how the halt in tourism was one of the leading factors to the increase in poverty. Its heavy dependence on the tourism industry resulted in around 40% of the workforce becoming disadvantaged; mostly women dominated in this industry.

In 2020, there was an estimated 18% decrease in the economy, accompanied by a 4% inflation rate. This inflation impacted the prices of essentials like vegetables and fish, which increased by 4.5%. Prior to the pandemic, Barbados was already grappling with GDP issues. However, the impact of COVID-19 led Barbados to act quickly. The plan to contract the real GDP to 3% is what eventually helped Barbados bounce back from what could have been devastating to the economy. In June 2021, the World Bank gave a $100 million stimulus package to Barbados in response to the pandemic’s health-related, economic and social impacts. This package also included a vaccination strategy and a program to support employment in the tourism sector.

Equity in Education

Like many other countries, the rapid impact of COVID-19 led to school closures with some schools never opening up even after the end of the pandemic. Unfortunately, for developing countries such as Barbados, the lack of infrastructural resources did not even give students the chance to continue their education remotely. This is where the challenge of equity in education presents itself.

Estimates determined that in the Caribbean alone, school closures affected at least 1.7 billion children across 21 countries. Thankfully, through the help of private-public partnerships, it did help to support access to the internet to help continue the education for most students. Though not everyone in Barbados was easily able to access this resource, it ensured 100 schools got access.

Prices and Employment

In December 2019, the unemployment rate in Barbados stood at 10.1%. However, the pandemic caused a significant increase in unemployment, particularly in the tourism sector, which accounted for 26% of the labor force. The exact number of job losses in this sector has not been fully accounted for, indicating that the actual unemployment rate is higher than reported.

Prior to the impact of COVID-19 on Barbados, unemployment was averaging around a 10% rate but following the lockdowns this number skyrocketed to 24-26% from 2020 to 2021. Barbados took account of this percentage during the 23rd week of lockdown and tourism did not restart until 2022.

The impact of closing the tourism sector was significant, even if the economy opened back up; this is based on models predicting how the GDP would look after reopening. Experts predicted that the GDP would only move to 6% in 2021 from its previous decline of 7% in 2020 during the lockdown, showing that unemployment would remain high. They also predicted that unemployment would average 12% in 2020 and decrease to only 10% in 2021.

Positive Future

Despite the challenges, Barbados has shown resilience and received support from other nations. While it will take time for the country to fully recover from the impact of COVID-19, the government is dedicated to assisting its citizens during this difficult period. The tourism sector, which the pandemic halted, is a vital source of income for Barbados. To combat the pandemic’s impact on poverty, the DCI program collaborated with Barbados to introduce the “12-month Barbados Welcome Stamp” visa. Leveraging the remote work trend, this program became the world’s first remote work visa initiative, promoted through an aggressive earned media campaign.

The Barbados government announced this program in June 2020, resulting in more than 4.8 billion impressions and 2,000 applications. The official Visit Barbados website provides information on how to apply and highlights the benefits, including the option to reapply if individuals enjoyed their initial year. This program has been successful and the website offers resources for various categories, including families, individuals and even pets, showcasing why Barbados is an ideal destination.

Looking Ahead

The impact of COVID-19 on Barbados has been significant, affecting various aspects of the country’s economy and society. The heavy reliance on tourism led to a sharp increase in poverty, as two years prior to the pandemic it was at 15% and had a 2% increase afterward. However, with international support and the resilience of its people, Barbados is taking steps toward recovery. Initiatives such as the 12-month visa program and the country’s unique cultural offerings have helped revive the tourism industry and overall economy. While the road to full recovery may be long, Barbados remains committed to supporting its citizens and welcoming visitors from around the world. Through media campaigns and highlighting its distinctive experiences, Barbados aims to rebuild its tourism sector and regain economic strength in the post-COVID-19 era.

– Isabella Polo
Photo: Flickr

Creating a Digital Economy in Vietnam 

Digital Economy in Vietnam 
With Vietnam’s thriving economy, the country finds itself ready to take on digitalization to aid in smart rural development. Despite its transition from a low-income to a middle-income country and showcasing a shift in the global market arena, rural poverty remains a significant issue. Around 70% of the population resides in rural areas, with more than 14% belonging to ethnic minorities, facing economic vulnerabilities and unforeseen shocks. Here is how the country is creating a digital economy in Vietnam.

The Situation

Most of the rural communities are located in mountainous to highland and central coastal regions where people mainly generate income through agriculture production. Because of their geographic location, some resources such as water and health care, can be difficult to find. While Vietnam has made progress in gender equality, ethnic minority women still face disadvantages due to a lack of education and literacy.

The initiation of “The New Rural Development and Sustainable Poverty (NTPSP) Program-for-Results Project” in Vietnam aims to enhance economic opportunities and accelerate digital modernization in rural areas. The main idea for this digital transformation is to offer “service equality” to both rural and urban areas while bettering the livelihoods of rural communities. The program will officially carry out by 2025 in all rural communities.

Program Goals

The program aims to develop the rural economy by creating a digital economy in Vietnam. In other words, it will aim to create more attraction and concentration by applying technological advancements in all agricultural productions and rural infrastructure. For instance, in Bac Giang province, an e-commerce platform will support rural farmers and agricultural cooperatives, facilitating digitalization in agriculture. Around 70% of these communes will be able to access agriculture businesses online in order to provide a more efficient collaboration between the production and selling of farm products. Another important feature that will accelerate the rural economy is digitally showcasing the landscape and cultural aspects of communities to improve tourism in local areas.

By 2025, about 100% of all administrative processes and documentation at all district levels will operate electronically. This will improve communication efforts for people living in rural communities and participate in online meetings with other provincial and district actors. To acquire an accurate assessment of the program, the government will initiate citizen feedback regarding how they are adapting to this new digital platform and make improvements accordingly, for the period of 2026-2030.

Government Initiatives

The Vietnamese government has acknowledged the challenges that rural communities have in acquiring the necessary resources to acquire a better livelihood. Moreover, the prime minister recognized that digital modernization is beneficial for labor productivity and business in Vietnam. The development of “smart cities” will continue to prioritize better quality of living and offer efficient social services for rural communities.

Looking Ahead

While Vietnam progresses in creating a digital economy in Vietnam, effective management, funding and planning are crucial for achieving desired outcomes. Prioritizing and improving the rural economy is key to enhancing well-being and providing better social resources to rural communities.

– Alessandra Amati
Photo: Flickr

Women’s Rights in Kuwait

Women’s Rights in KuwaitAs of 2022, Kuwait ranked 130 out of 146 countries in the Global Gender Gap Report in terms of women’s rights, making it one of the most unequal countries in the world based on gender equality. Much of the country’s standards for women’s rights and role in society are based on Sunni Islam Doctrine, including the Kuwaiti personal status law. This act dictates how many Muslim citizens should behave in regard to issues such as gender roles, divorce, marriage and child custody.

Divorce, for instance, is easier for men to file than for women. Men may divorce their wives for any reason, while women must file on specific grounds, such as a lack of financial support or mental illness. Many women also need permission for marriage from a male relative and the laws allow men to take up to four wives without needing the consent of prior spouses. While Kuwait may still have barriers to overcome to achieve gender equality, many organizations are working to advance women’s rights in Kuwait.

Women’s Place in Society

Women’s lack of autonomy in marriage likely contributes to the high prevalence of domestic violence in the country, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW). There were no laws outlawing domestic violence or intramarital rape and sexual abuse prior to 2020. According to a 2020 Soroptimist survey, 62.9% of those surveyed admitted to having experienced domestic violence, with 83.5% being women. It is also likely that domestic violence is largely underreported in the country. The issue of domestic violence is expected to be dealt with within the family rather than by law enforcement.

There is also a severe lack of women’s representation in government and women in the country only received the right to vote in 2006, according to a World Economic Forum report. Furthermore, Kuwait swore in the first female judges in the country’s history in 2020.

Progress

One organization currently working to advance women’s rights in Kuwait is Abolish Article 153. The organization aims to remove Article 153 from the Penal Code in Kuwait. This article stipulates that any man who kills a female family member after finding them engaged in an “unsavory” sexual act will receive no more than three years of jail time. These acts are “honor killings” and are common in the Middle East.

About 47,000 women and girls worldwide were murdered in 2020 by their families or intimate partners. Abolish Article 153 group’s advocacy includes advocacy meetings with committees in the National Assembly as well as working with civil society organizations to spread awareness and educate the public on violence against women. The organization has had successes in the past, such as conducting the first survey on the topic of determining the public’s opinion on laws such as Article 153. The report indicated that 63% of those surveyed condemned such laws.

Looking Ahead

Although women in Kuwaiti society still experience many obstacles related to their gender, recent progress in gender equality in the country shows that the nation is undergoing improvements. Women’s rights groups such as Abolish Article 153 are helping to make strides in the right direction.

– Emma Glas
Photo: Wikimedia

Increasing Access to Renewable Energy in Malta Can Help Reduce Poverty 

Renewable Energy in MaltaMalta, one of the smallest countries in the European Union, has a unique identity. As of December 2022, the poverty rate in Malta stands at 16.7%. Reports indicate that in 2018, 7.6% of households in Malta could not afford to keep their houses warm, in line with the European Union’s average of 7.3%. Energy poverty is one of the contributing factors to this situation. Malta’s energy consumption rates are remarkably low, a consequence of the high energy prices. Approximately 16.7% of households in Malta spend less on energy compared to the European Union average, further emphasizing this point. However, Malta must achieve the EU’s climate neutrality goal by 2050 while ensuring affordable and accessible energy. Therefore, increasing access to renewable energy in Malta is crucial. 

Malta faces challenges in reaching its energy goals due to high prices and limited options. The biggest is that most of Malta’s energy is imported, primarily from non-renewable sources, with only a small amount, approximately 4% as of 2021, coming from solar power. Additionally, Malta relies on a single electricity distributor and lacks a natural gas and district heating and cooling network. These limitations pose challenges, particularly in terms of expanding renewable energy production in Malta, as they restrict the available options to meet the 2050 energy-saving standards. 

These issues further perpetuate poverty in the country, amplifying high energy prices due to the small market and the fact that the tiny nation is an island. Every household in the nation, especially the most vulnerable, experiences both direct and indirect effects as a result. Moreover, the cost of living increases as acquiring and performing products and services becomes more expensive. Therefore, increasing renewable energy in Malta would not only benefit the energy industry as a whole but individual households, especially those most vulnerable.

Renewable Energy Options in Malta

Resources for powering renewable energy endeavors are plentiful in and around Malta. The island receives abundant sun, enabling the establishment of large solar arrays. Furthermore, the implementation of offshore wind farming is not a new concept within the European Union and could be achieved easily off the shores of Malta. Additionally, Malta serves as a testing ground for innovative technologies that harness the power of the ocean and convert it into electricity. Harnessing wave energy alone would contribute significantly to Malta’s achievement of national energy targets, further highlighting the untapped potential of relying on renewable energy in Malta.

How it Directly Affects Poverty Rates

It is valid to inquire about the direct impact of increasing renewable energy in Malta on reducing the national poverty rate. One significant aspect to consider is that increasing renewable energy, both in Malta and elsewhere, contributes to mitigating the effects of changing weather patterns. This, in turn, reduces the severity of flooding and storm surges, which undoubtedly affect the island country. The impact of natural disasters tends to be more severe on individuals living in extreme poverty, making the most vulnerable population in Malta more susceptible.

Increasing renewable energy in Malta not only brings national benefits but also contributes to economic growth. Implementing renewable energy methods such as solar, wave and wind farming would diversify Malta’s sources and suppliers. This not only helps reduce direct and indirect energy costs for those living in poverty through economic competition but also enhances energy security by relying on multiple sources. It provides flexibility and reliability in the energy system, particularly during times of need. Moreover, increasing renewable energy in Malta does not solely bring national benefits. As Malta expands its solar fields and adopts new renewable energy technologies, it stimulates and positively impacts global trade. This further benefits individuals living in poverty in Malta by boosting national economic welfare, which historically leads to direct increases in wages.

Wave Energy Harvesting

As aforementioned, wave energy harvesting stands out as a particularly promising technology in Malta. Studies have been conducted by Researchers at the University of Malta, Institute for Environmental Protection and Research in Rome and they concluded wave energy harvesting is most suitable for the winter months. Additionally, the researchers noted that during the summer months, wind and solar power could compensate for the decrease in wave power. This further underscores the importance of diversification to guarantee an adequate energy supply for all.

The Maltese government has already taken steps to promote renewable energy. Incentives such as feed-in tariffs and grants encourage the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, resulting in rapid growth in solar PV capacity. This growth is expected to continue as the costs of solar technology become more affordable. Furthermore, Malta is actively pursuing wind energy through projects like the Montenegro Wind Farm, increasing its wind energy capacity. In addition, offshore wind energy exploration further enhances Malta’s renewable energy portfolio. Alongside these efforts, Malta is actively working on energy efficiency measures and aims to reduce primary energy consumption. This is being achieved through initiatives such as energy-efficient buildings, smart grid technologies and the promotion of energy-efficient appliances. These endeavors contribute to Malta’s overall energy transition and diversification, making energy in the country more reliable and affordable for those in need.

Ultimately, increasing renewable energy in Malta will lead to greater energy independence, positioning the country as a stronger member of the EU and the international community. If energy availability and consumption are no longer major concerns then more funding could be allocated toward poverty alleviation efforts in a nation where 16.9% of the population lives below the poverty line. Individuals in poverty will gain the energy security they deserve, paving the way for a brighter future.

– Ada Rose Wagar
Photo: Flickr

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Using the Internet to Combat Rural Poverty in China

Combat Rural Poverty in ChinaChina is the world’s largest developing economy. In 1978, 97.5% of the rural population lived in absolute poverty. Since then, the Chinese government has considered the issue of mass poverty, particularly in the rural regions of southern and western China, to be one of its central focuses. To combat rural poverty in China, the government has adopted the Targeted Poverty Alleviation Strategy (TPA) (i.e. industrialization, social security, education, housing and government compensation for the neediest families). From 2012-2019, rural poverty’s average annual reduction rate reached 51.06%. Finally, in 2020, the government announced the elimination of absolute poverty. Despite these successes, relative poverty remains extremely prevalent in China’s rural south and west, especially in ethnic minority areas. As things stand, the democratization of the Internet appears to be the next challenge to overcome in the fight against rural poverty in China.

Digital Finance in China

In 2021, China had 1.011 billion Internet users, comprising 71.6% of its total population. As smartphones and the Chinese Internet spread, so do digital finance services such as mobile payment, online banking, online insurance and online investment tools. All of these increase the accessibility of formal financial services for impoverished people who previously lacked access to them, according to PLOS ONE.

China leads the world in the ubiquitous use of digital financial services. According to PLOS ONE, for each point increase in China’s digital finance aggregation index (DFAI), the probability of rural absolute poverty decreases by 10.27% while the probability of rural relative poverty decreases by 18.31%. Specifically, digital finance alleviates rural poverty in China by spurring four developments: the decrease of credit constraints, the increase of access to information, the expansion of social networks and the promotion of entrepreneurship.

The rural poor often struggle with the high cost of agricultural loans from traditional banks. Digital finance solves this issue by compiling massive amounts of online user information to grant loans much more liberally than traditional banks ever could. Easier access to loans and capital has the effect of promoting rural entrepreneurship. Next, digital financial services offer the rural poor timely information about agricultural production, employment opportunities, etc. which help them remain economically stable. Finally, these services also provide social capital, allowing the rural poor to network with friends and family. One example is WeChat Pay, which applies the Chinese tradition of gifting red envelopes to the digital market. This increases the circulation of online money and raises income for the rural poor.

The Benefit of Internet Policies in Rural Areas

The ethnic minority areas of Aba, Ganzi and Liangshan in Sichuan Province are the most economically underdeveloped in Southwest China. It would be appropriate to use those areas as a case study of how government investments in the Internet have produced positive economic effects. Central and municipal governments have put money toward a Communication Infrastructure Investment (CII) with the intention of developing the Internet in underdeveloped regions, thus facilitating e-commerce and other economic activity.

Indeed, in recent years, villagers in ethnic minority areas have begun selling agricultural products on popular e-business sites like Taobao, Alibaba, Amazon and Jingdong, which have helped lift sellers out of poverty. The Internet also provides platforms and venues for industries like health and tourism. Data analysis from the years 2000-2018 indicates that pro-Internet investments and policies in Aba, Ganzi and Liangshan are positively correlated with local GDP for years one to four years and per capita income for the entire time.

Playing a Crucial Role

The Internet proved especially useful during the COVID-19 crisis. According to the China Internet Network Information Center, 98% of people in rural areas living in poverty had access to fiber-optic Internet in 2020, compared to only 70% in 2017. Users sold their agricultural products online to maintain a stable income amidst COVID-19 layoffs and the slowing of business. The Internet also allowed them to donate money, fostering a community-based financial support system in rural regions.

Overall, it appears that the Internet plays a vital role in combating rural poverty in China. It provides new platforms that allow people to receive financial capital while enabling entrepreneurs to market and sell their products.

– Eric Huang
Photo: Unsplash

4 Groups Making Innovation in Malawi a Reality

Innovation in Malawi
Malawi is a country that has long struggled with poverty and under-development — around 70% of the native population lives on $2.15 a day as of 2019. Many struggle without necessary resources such as clean water and food, even with an extensive agricultural sector in the country. In light of these issues, many groups work to improve the lives of the people and actively look to bring new, beneficial developments to the country. The following four groups are making innovation in Malawi a reality.

The Centre For Youth and Development’s Promotion of the SDGs

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) form the bedrock for many poverty-reduction movements in the world. Eliminating poverty, eliminating world hunger and providing clean water and sanitation are just some examples of these development goals. Malawi has struggled to fulfill these sustainable development goals for many years, with clean water proving the most difficult to address. The Centre for Youth and Development (CYD) seeks to make SDGs a major focus for Malawi while inspiring people to improve and empower their communities.

Based in Mzuzu, the CYD is a non-governmental organization that drives people, most prominently women and youth, to lead others in developing SDGs and innovation in Malawi. The CYD commits to this through a series of projects such as its Water is Life program. The Water is Life project seeks to overhaul the local irrigation of the Rumphi district for agricultural purposes and develop hydroelectric power for the area, which will affect 824 lives for the better. Its most recent successes in this project include building a water canal for water transport and farming.

How Converged Technology Networks is Connecting Malawi

Lack of internet access troubles Malawi. At most, 24% of individuals in Malawi had access to the Internet by 2021. This is an issue since many services, such as online banking, are available on the internet. The lack of internet also limits the availability of outside markets to reach the people, which hurts economic investment and limits the number of available jobs. Converged Technology Networks seeks to alleviate this issue by providing broadband internet to the country.

Beginning commercial operations in 2019, Converged is an internet service provider that is working to bring broadband internet to Malawi. The organization seeks to develop Malawi’s digital infrastructure and ensure that even people from more impoverished communities have access to the internet. In 2021, Converged joined forces with the U.S. Trade and Development Agency to provide a grant for a feasibility study in Malawi to provide service to underserved groups in the country.

How mHub Helps Entrepreneurs

As many people live on $2.15 a day, struggles to become financially stable in Malawi are frequent. People need employment to pay for necessities, as well as develop skills in the business and technology sectors to make better, stronger systems for the economy. mHub, based in Lilongwe, works toward providing others with these skills, further facilitating innovation in Malawi.

mHub works as a hub for innovation, seeking to finance aspiring entrepreneurs working in the fields of business and technology. mHub’s work has assisted in creating more than 950 jobs for people within Malawi and has trained more than 40,000 youths in the skills necessary for these two major fields. Like the CYD, mHub uses numerous programs that help to develop communities such as the Jobs for Youth program. This project trains the youth in the tech and business fields to prepare them for future employment, which has helped in making 120 jobs for students after graduation.

The African Drone and Data Academy in Malawi

Keeping people relatively healthy is a difficult task in Malawi, especially due to the lack of sanitation and the need for proper health care facilities. Disease can run rampant if left unchecked in a community, which can put a strain on services to provide for the sick. A way to combat this problem is to collect data on the issues at hand to better prepare a response. The Malawi University of Science and Technology, in partnership with UNICEF, seeks to do this with the African Drone and Data Academy (ADDA).

The ADDA trains around 140 students in how to design and pilot drones, all to apply them to development, humanitarian efforts and innovation in Malawi. This will allow Malawi to employ drones to respond to sudden developments and for data analysis, as well as simpler things such as medical deliveries. Data can be mapped to identify key areas for disease outbreaks, which in turn can help health care standards for people across Malawi.

Bringing Innovation to the People

Institutions such as these can help to inspire others in improving their home and make life better for the country. In the years to come, Malawi can lead the way for its people to innovate in new, unique and creative ways.

– Kenneth Berends
Photo: Flickr

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Share The Meal – The App Eliminating Food Insecurity in Haiti

Eliminating Food Insecurity in Haiti
In an age where technology and electronic devices are at many people’s fingertips, global inequities can appear even starker — as William Gibson stated, “The future is already here, it’s just not evenly distributed.” The world’s 2 billion smartphones outnumber its hungry children by 20 to one. But apps such as Share The Meal are pioneering new ways to use the power of our smartphones to help those living in poverty and food insecurity.

Food Insecurity in Haiti

As the poorest country in Latin America and the Caribbean, Haiti’s poverty rate reached almost 60% in 2020, and it is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world with regard to food insecurity. According to the World Food Programme (WFP), almost half of the Haitian population — 4.9 million people — are underfed, and 1.8 million are at dangerous levels of food insecurity. Because of this, children are malnourished and underweight, and 66% of children under the age of 5 are anemic, affecting their early-stage development.

One of the main reasons for food insecurity in Haiti is poor agricultural performance. Although roughly two in three people in the Haitian workforce have employment within the agricultural sector, agriculture only actually accounts for 25% of Haiti’s gross domestic product.

More than 40% of Haitian land is under cultivation although only 20% of its land is even suitable for agriculture. Poor soil quality and soil erosion are among the leading problems with the land, and environmental issues such as droughts and lack of irrigation make it difficult to grow crops on land which does not have soil issues.

Haiti, therefore, relies heavily on importing food, which exposes its food market to price rises and inflation from the international market. The food insecurity situation has been desperate in recent years, but this could all change due to the development of an app eliminating food insecurity in Haiti.

Share The Meal App

The United Nations World Food Programme is helping people connect with the fight to end world hunger via a smartphone application called Share The Meal. Users of the app can support relief campaigns in poverty-stricken places all over the world at the touch of a button, whether they give one meal or one year’s worth. One meal that the WFP supplies costs only $0.80 (USD) or £0.65 (GBP), and according to WFP data, more than 150 million meals have been shared since the launch of the app in 2015.

The WFP aims to reach and support 512 million people via Share The Meal in 2023. The app allows users to choose a campaign or “goal” to donate to, which gives recipients nutrition support, agricultural support, school meals and emergency assistance depending on their needs.

Eliminating Food Insecurity in Haiti

Many people are choosing to support eliminating food insecurity in Haiti through Share The Meal’s “Improve Food Security for Families in Haiti” campaign. Haitians taking part in this poverty-fighting initiative receive cash support from the WFP donations to build protective measures for their agricultural sector, such as restoring local ecosystems to act as barriers to the climate, soil and water conservation efforts and providing local farmers with essential training on how to boost agriculture.

The WFP, with Share The Meal, is building more long-term solutions in Limbé in the Nord Department of Haiti, so people have better access to food and water, and food production is more steady and sustained. Repairing irrigation canals and planting trees such as pineapple and elephant grass are helping to reduce flooding and protect existing crops, allowing for the successful cultivation of more crops. This has promoted more sustainable ecosystems and facilitated a better standard of nutrition and is gradually eliminating food insecurity in Haiti. Funds that Share The Meal raise have also allowed for a 6,000-gallon reservoir to be built, which is providing locals with access to clean drinking water, as well as a reliable source of water to tend their crops.

The Haitian government is also working with WFP to provide school meals from local agricultural produce. This system involves the procurement of rice, fruit and vegetables from smallholder farmers, which gives them not only a more stable market for their goods but allows them to contribute to the nourishment of local children and help with eliminating food insecurity.

Overall, Share the Meal is working not only to improve food security, but it is equipping Haitians with the tools they need to strengthen their agricultural knowledge and resources, which is eliminating food insecurity in Haiti due to the shortcomings of the agricultural sector. The success of this Share The Meal campaign is a reminder of how impactful our decisions as smartphone users can be, and how technology can help in the fight against global poverty.

– Molly Wallace
Photo: Flickr

How Doctors Without Borders is Helping People in Turkey

Doctors Without Borders
Doctors Without Borders, also known as Médecins Sans Frontiers (MSF), is a global organization dedicated to providing essential medical care worldwide. The program collaborates with countries in need of emergency medical assistance. As reported by The Guardian, the devastating Turkey-Syria earthquakes of February 2023 resulted in the loss of 47,000 lives, with thousands of people missing and millions displaced from their homes. Doctors Without Borders has been actively involved in providing aid and support to the affected areas. Here is how Doctors Without Borders has been helping people in Turkey during the recent crisis.

6 Ways That Doctors Without Borders is Helping the People in Turkey

  1. Rapid Assessment: The medical teams from MSF in northern Syria immediately provided urgent medical care to patients following the disaster. In Idlib, the organization successfully treated more than 200 patients within the first hour of the crisis. Due to the extensive damage, numerous hospitals, including MSF’s two maternity centers in Northwestern Syria, became unusable.
  2. Medical Assistance: MSF provided medical assistance to 3,465 injured individuals in Syria, ensuring they received the necessary care. It also supplied medical kits to hospitals and clinics. In Idlib, MSF established mobile clinics to offer ambulance services, facilitating the transfer of critically ill patients for proper treatment. Although MSF was not initially present in Turkey during the earthquake, it swiftly intervened to provide aid.
  3. Mental Health Support: In the aftermath of the disasters, the destruction of numerous buildings and homes posed significant challenges for the survivors, making it exceedingly difficult for them to cope with the immense devastation and its repercussions. In response, MSF initiated efforts to offer psychological assistance to those who had lost their loved ones and residences. The fear of earthquakes left people feeling unsafe even indoors, leading to a range of mental health issues, including sleep disturbances, aftershock-related anxiety, nightmares and high levels of stress. To address these concerns, MSF volunteers collaborated with local non-governmental organizations to provide specialized psychological support, particularly for children, through the implementation of various therapeutic activities such as drawing, dancing and music.
  4. Water and Sanitation: In the affected areas, while the urgency for rapid assessment has diminished, crucial future needs still require attention. These include the provision of clean water, sanitation, hygiene and education, among others. As of April 2023, MSF has made significant progress in meeting these needs. The organization installed 61 water tanks, 312 toilets and 160 showers, and has provided over 2.5 million cubic meters of water to the crisis-affected population. Additionally, the NGO has donated substantial amounts of firewood, fruits, vegetables, hygiene kits, tents and other essential materials. MSF’s efforts have also resulted in the implementation of clean running water in the camps, effectively safeguarding the people from waterborne diseases.
  5. Collaborations: In collaboration with local partners, MSF in Turkey teams provided 38,154 hygiene kits, 2,624,721 liters of water, served 390,500 meals and distributed more than 50 tons of firewood by April 25, 2023. Generous donations from individuals around the world have greatly contributed to MSF’s efforts in assisting those who the disaster affected. All MSF operations partner with local organizations, such as Imece Inisiyatifi, Yardım Konvoyu, Maya Vakfı and others. These partnerships have been instrumental in providing aid to affected people in Turkey located in Adıyaman, Gaziantep, Hatay, Kahramanmaraş, Kilis and Malatya provinces.

Looking Ahead

The efforts of MSF teams were vital in providing essential aid and medical assistance to the earthquake survivors in Turkey and Syria. They worked diligently to assess medical needs quickly and offer psychological and hygiene support, ensuring that the affected communities had access to basic facilities. Additionally, MSF teams provided training to local staff to ensure the sustainability of their efforts. Their primary focus was on enhancing the capacity of health care and relief services for those facing crises.

– Gurjot Kaur
Photo: Flickr