Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

The Work of the China Foundation for Rural Development

China Foundation for Rural DevelopmentIn China, 56 million people in rural areas live in poverty and almost 150.8 million are malnourished, according to the World Food Programme. Malnutrition is the consequence of a poor diet and can lead to stunted growth and weakened immunity. Further to this, schools in rural China lack access to vital equipment for the preparation of healthy meals. A great number of communities also lack sufficient nutritional education. One of the greatest social issues in China today is the “opportunity gap between rural and urban children,” an issue that organizations like the China Foundation for Rural Development (CFRD) work to alleviate. Founded in 1989 and based in Beijing, the CFRD is a non-governmental organization focusing on those living in China’s most secluded communities. Targeting the main causes of poverty, the CFRD works to “improve health, promote educational equality and improve rural livelihoods.”

Malnutrition in Rural China

Although China has made significant progress in improving the standard of living across some regions, there are still remote communities, particularly in mountainous areas, where great income disparities remain. Responsible for managing 95% of the cultivated land, more than 200 million smallholder farmers work across this vast rural landscape, producing most of the food consumed across China.

In 2014, UNICEF reported that 20 million Chinese children lived in poverty, based on the official poverty standard of $1.80 per person per day. Furthermore, just 10 years ago, 13 million children in China went unregistered and were unable to access basic but vital social services.

Malnutrition poses a significant threat to children growing up in rural communities. For almost half of them, three meals a day is a “luxury” and most have no choice but to survive on starch-based diets with little to no meat or vegetables. This results in deficiencies in energy, protein, calcium and vitamin A. Due to the enormous population size of China, statistics on child nutrition are nationally substantial.

The Work of the China Foundation for Rural Development

Having adopted the slogan “Persistence Brings Change,” the CFRD has the mission of helping “resource-deficient poor communities enhance their capacity for self-sustainability.” The organization aims to do this by improving basic conditions and standards of primary social service.

The CFRD has implemented numerous programs that address the issue of childhood malnutrition in rural communities across China. One of these is the Nutritious Meals Program, which improves nutrition in three stages: the production of nutritious meals, the establishment of “Love Kitchens” within rural schools and education in underdeveloped areas around the importance of nutrition.

The initiative includes a daily nutritional supplement for children during school hours, including one egg and one carton of milk. The standard Love Kitchen equipment is installed in schools and includes electric stoves, rice steamers, disinfection cabinets and exhaust fans. In addition, the program provides nutrition training and education regarding malnutrition.

The Nutritious Meals Program operates in 17 provinces across China, including Sichuan, Yunnan and Hubei. The program has also had an international influence, with similar food programs running in Cambodia and Ghana to aid students.

Impact of the China Foundation for Rural Development

Since 2008, the CFRD has provided more than 1 million students with around 57 million nutritious meals. The organization has also established 2,172 Love Kitchens in many provinces across China. Moreover, it has provided 762,000 nutritious meal packages for 605,000 people in 20 provinces.

The Give2Asia website tells the story of Alimunisa, one of the children who have benefited from the work of the organization. The fourth grader from Aktau County comes from a low-income household (yearly income equating to about $775) that is registered as one of the “poor households in China.” Alimunisa says the household meals rarely contain meat or vegetables. She, therefore, “looks forward to school where she eats meals she wouldn’t normally get at home. Her favorites are the marinated chicken eggs and milk donated by the Nutritious Meals Program.” The nutritious meals have made “school more enjoyable” and also improved Alimunisa’s academic performance.

Looking Ahead

In 2004, the CFRD began expanding its work to include other countries. In these nations, its work includes responses to natural disasters or extreme weather events. With CFRD programs, children across China and other nations have a better chance of escaping poverty and living a higher quality of life.

– Bethan Marsden
Photo: Flickr

A Look at Renewable Energy in African Countries

Renewable Energy in African Countries
According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and backed by statistics from the World Bank, Africa’s electrification rate as of 2020 sat at 55%. As the continent’s economies continue to expand, IRENA suggests that renewable energy in African countries will be instrumental in meeting growing demand.

Potential for Renewable Energy in African Countries

From country to country, the story remains the same though the percentages shift around slightly. In Ghana, for example, where the electrification rate is up to 87% in urban areas, there still remains a 10% demand growth rate year on year putting pressure on infrastructure.

In rural areas, where the electrification rate is lower at 74%, Ghana’s former minister of power Kwabena Donkor expressed the government’s goal to implement small-scale renewable projects aimed at improving productivity and reducing poverty under the Sustainable Energy for All Action Plan. Several such plans are in place for numerous countries on the continent that promise to accelerate the development of renewable energy in Africa.

Across the continent, energy demand grows at more than twice the global average, and renewables seem to be a natural next step for developing economies. Over the past few decades, researchers have explored potential sites for solar, wind and hydropower plants in Ghana and many other African countries. Though some stakeholders and institutions need to ramp up their activity to meet fast-approaching electrification targets, there is visible interest and investment.

Renewable Energy in Mauritania

Though Mauritania has recovered well from the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the World Bank’s April 23 Macro Poverty Outlook report for the country, the recent war in Ukraine has caused major disruptions. The report cites Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as the cause of increasing food and energy costs as well as growing external debt.

Projections indicate a potential poverty increase to 28.8% by 2023 from 26.2% in 2022. Though the World Bank expects positive medium-term GDP growth, largely due to a joint oil and gas project in conjunction with the BP oil company and neighboring Senegal, there is real concern that volatile international markets for those commodities could render growth equally so.

Looking beyond current setbacks, renewable energy stands to transform Mauritania into one of Africa’s top economies. The AMAN project, a $40 billion renewable energy project in partnership with Australia’s CWP Global, will likely produce 110 TWh of electricity between solar and wind plants as well as 1.7 million tonnes per anum of green hydrogen or 10 million tonnes per annum of green ammonia for local use and export. In a statement, CWP cited estimates that the project could potentially increase Mauritania’s GDP by between 40% and 50% by 2030 and reduce unemployment across the country by about 33% by 2035.

Renewable Energy in Tanzania

A prolonged drought in 2022 led Tanzania’s government to begin rationing electricity in response to a drop in hydropower production. Despite its installed capacity of 1600 MW, the country faced a 300 to 350 MW shortage, according to Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited managing director Maharage Chande, in an article by Voice of America.

A reliable supply of energy has been crucial in reducing Tanzania’s poverty rate ($2.15 per person per day) from 84% in 2000 to 45% in 2018. Hydropower accounts for close to half of Tanzania’s energy mix at about 45%, a number that will grow with the completion of the Julius Nyerere hydroelectric dam. When the dam reaches completion, Tanzania’s energy output could more than double from about 1,600 MW to about 3,700 MW. Projections on electricity demand, however, indicate a fourfold increase by 2025 to about 4,000 MW.

While hydropower is promising and accounts for a large portion of Tanzania’s energy mix, the East African country is in a strong position for solar power. Tanzania receives 2,800 to 3,500 hours of sunshine per year, making it a prime candidate for developing grid-connected solar power. Off-grid solar power currently powers Tanzanian schools, hospitals, health centers and households.

Renewable Energy in Senegal

According to the World Food Programme (WFP), more than a third of Senegal’s population of 17 million lives in poverty while 75% of families endure chronic conditions of poverty. Though more than 95% of urban Senegal is estimated to be connected to the grid, access to electricity in rural areas remains limited at a little more than 47% in 2020. Agricultural exports, coming largely out of Senegal’s rural regions, account for about 17% of the nation’s GDP and employ 70% of its workers, according to a 2019 publication.

As recently as January 2023, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen visited the country as part of a trip to expand U.S.-Africa ties and launch a rural electrification initiative that will rely on renewables to bring electricity to 70 villages and 350,000 rural Senegalese people. Senegal is actively interested in a transition to renewable, with President Mackey Sall’s government pursuing universal energy access and 15% renewable energy targets by 2025.

The country’s dependence on agriculture tracks with its eagerness to transition to renewables. As extreme weather conditions continue to worsen agricultural prospects, a green and electrified Senegal could significantly propel the country toward self-sustainability and provide a chance to further expand the economy.

Looking Ahead

The transition to renewable energy in African countries has the potential to improve the quality of life across Africa while reducing poverty and ensuring sustainability. From Ghana to Mauritania, Tanzania to Senegal, various initiatives and partnerships are paving the way for a renewable energy transition. Despite challenges such as infrastructure pressure, disruptions from external factors and energy shortages, these countries are actively investing in solar, wind and hydropower projects to transform their economies, reduce poverty and increase access to electricity, particularly in rural areas. Overall, the pursuit of renewable energy offers a positive path toward increased energy stability across Africa.

– Nana Yaw Acheampong
Photo: Flickr

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Aid to Developing Countries Face Extreme Weather Conditions

Extreme Weather Conditions
Developing countries are set to receive $100 billion worth of funding from wealthy countries to combat extreme weather conditions. In 2009, wealthy countries pledged to commit $100 billion annually from 2020 onward to disadvantaged countries struggling with the impacts of changing weather patterns. However, only now, three years after the pledge, these countries are on track to fully meet this commitment. On May 2, 2023, more than 40 country representatives met in Berlin, Germany, to discuss effective ways to tackle harsh weather changes.

Severe Weather Changes

Currently, the change in weather patterns is affecting people worldwide, from dried-up lakes in California and rising sea levels in Venice to mega-droughts in Somalia and floods in South Sudan. Extreme weather conditions most harshly affect impoverished people due to their dependence on vulnerable sectors such as agriculture.

In sub-Saharan Africa, 65% of the labor force works in agriculture. Floods and droughts not only destroy their source of income but also their sources of food. Extreme weather events also increase the risk and transmission of diseases such as cholera and malaria, especially among impoverished populations with high exposure to these diseases and limited access to health care.

Furthermore, impoverished people struggle to recover from extreme weather events due to a lack of access to insurance and credit. A lack of education and lack of access to information also stand as barriers to achieving climatic resilience.

The Situation in Somalia and South Sudan

Recent reports show that Somalia’s last rainfall season (October to December 2022) consisted of below-average rainfall for the fifth consecutive year, depleting water sources in the country and increasing droughts. The country is one of the worst drought-affected countries in sub-Saharan Africa. In 2011, after three back-to-back seasons without sufficient rain, the country experienced a famine that led to the deaths of about 250,000 people, with children accounting for half of this number.

Due to continuing extreme weather conditions, in the first quarter of 2023, the World Food Programme (WFP) forecasted that 6.3 million Somalis will face crisis levels of food insecurity or worse and more than 320,000 people will face catastrophic levels of food insecurity (the highest insecurity level) out of Somalia’s 17.1 million population.

South Sudan is currently facing its worst humanitarian crisis since 2011. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that at least 7.7 million people are experiencing food insecurity due to the ongoing conflict in the nation coupled with severe weather conditions.

With the conflict putting people’s lives on hold and keeping them from conducting any type of work to get money and food, alongside the increase in temperatures making the land in South Sudan barren, there is a need for aid from foreign countries and organizations like the U.N. now more than ever.

The WFP Takes Action

In December 2022, the WFP served 4.7 million people in Somalia with life-saving assistance, which came in the form of cash-based aid or food supplies. The WFP also provided aid to nearly 352,000 vulnerable people facing the effects of droughts in the country under the expansion of the national safety net program, which aims to support the poorest and most vulnerable families.

In South Sudan, the WFP handed out more than 13,880 metric tonnes of food and $3.6 million worth of cash-based aid. In February 2023 alone, the WFP assisted 1.6 million people impacted by climate effects and the nation’s internal conflict.

The WFP South Sudan director Mary-Ellen McGroarty announced that the organization needs an additional $567 million to continue covering the most severe needs in South Sudan alone, excluding the effects of the current conflict.

The WFP funding for South Sudan goes to a number of great causes. For instance, in 2022, the organization built irrigation systems in rural towns and helped local farmers gain access to larger markets. WFP programs not only provide food and cash-based assistance but also teach people how to prepare for potential extreme weather patterns and establish resilience by creating climate-smart food systems.

The Way Forward

A European Union study on changing weather effects predicted that by 2050, increased temperatures and higher demand could leave as many as 150 million people in the world severely affected by water stress. The 2023 climate pledge reaching the designated amount of $100 billion is good news for organizations helping those in need in developing countries.

Funding is essential for tackling extreme weather conditions. Hence, the $100 billion provision from developed countries will help to advance resilience and sustainability goals and address the humanitarian issues that arise from changing weather patterns.

– Sam Kalantzis
Photo: Flickr

Sustainable Fishing in Sri Lanka

Sustainable Fishing in Sri LankaFishing is a vital industry in Sri Lanka, both for its population’s livelihoods and its food source. However, issues surrounding economic and environmental crises have placed urgent demands on the sector to modernize.

The sight of traditional stilt fishing in Sri Lanka is eye-catching and unique. Fishers sit delicately poised atop wooden beams high above the Indian Ocean. Patience, balance and finesse are required for fishers to successfully pluck their catch from the waters beneath. The tradition originated from the post-World War II food shortages, but healthier food supplies mean it is now mostly performative. For this island nation of 22 million, fishing is woven into the fabric of its national identity.

Fishing in Sri Lanka

Not only is fishing in Sri Lanka significant because of its contribution to the diet of Sri Lankans, with 50% of its animal protein intake coming from seafood, but it is also an important part of its economy. Fishing provides a lucrative export market, valued at over $290m in 2022. In total fishing supports the livelihoods of around 3.6 million Sri Lankans.

For many years, environmental factors have threatened the livelihoods of fishing communities. A combination of overfishing and ecosystem damage has caused a decline in fish stocks. Furthermore, climate change has meant that destructive extreme weather events are now happening with increased regularity in Sri Lanka. Evidence from 1974 to 2004 shows floods and droughts are occurring more frequently, and projections have warned that the severity and regularity of cyclones could increase.

These already vulnerable fishing villages have faced yet more strain in the previous few years. COVID-19 has dealt a heavy blow to the fishing industry. In 2020, fish harvests declined up to 20% and exports were down as much as 26%, according to the World Bank. This forced Sri Lanka to import $218 million of fish in 2020 just to satisfy national food demands. To make matters worse, a national crisis has followed the economic downturn of COVID-19.

Economic Crisis

A gradually deepening financial crisis, which COVID-19 had exacerbated, exploded in 2022. The result has been economic and political turmoil that has had dire humanitarian consequences. Deteriorating social conditions such as fuel, food and energy shortages and heightening inflation prompted mass anti-government protests in the spring of 2022.

All 26 cabinet members other than the President and Prime Minister resigned on April 3, 2022, and less than 10 days later, Sri Lanka defaulted on its $51 billion sovereign debt payments it owed to international creditors, The Guardian reports. Months of violent protests culminated on July 9, 2022, when protesters stormed President Rajapanka’s residence and set Prime Minister Wickremesinghe’s house ablaze. The President fled to the Maldives and resigned on July 13, 2022.

The stark reality of economic collapse in people’s lives is poverty. UNICEF estimated in June 2022 that 5,711,089 people were in need of humanitarian assistance in Sri Lanka. Figures from The World Bank show that between 2019 and 2022, poverty in Sri Lanka rose from 11.3% to 25%.

Sri Lankans are still struggling to access food. In September 2022, with food inflation at 94.9%, 30% of Sri Lankans faced acute food insecurity. Although beginning to ease, food inflation in April 2023 remained high at 30.6%. These numbers create more impetus to create efficient and sustainable fishing in Sri Lanka.

Growth Opportunities

In March 2023, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved a $3 billion loan to support Sri Lanka’s economic policies and reforms, targeted at the most vulnerable. This gives renewed hope for economic and social recovery.

Spoilage is an obstacle to greater revenues, especially with yellowfin tuna, one of Sri Lanka’s most popular and lucrative fish. Half of all yellowfin tuna caught is spoiled before it reaches the shore and many catches do not meet export standards, according to the World Bank. Modernizing fishing vessels to improve their refrigeration capacity and redesigning fishing routes to reduce the time boats spend at sea could both reduce instances of spoilage. This could increase revenues without the need to catch any more fish.

Making Changes

Ensuring fish stocks remain healthy is also key to achieving sustainable fishing in Sri Lanka. Protecting vulnerable species, like the yellowfin tuna, could require a commitment to conserving and even regenerating coastal ecosystems. Community involvement in assessing stock statuses to protect against overfishing could also hold significance. Achieving sustainable fishing in Sri Lanka can potentially provide an example of the kind of community-focused investment required to put the nation back on a path of stability and progress.

– Henry Jones

Peru’s Indigenous Economy: Entrepreneurship is on the Rise

Quechuas, Aymaras, Ashaninkas and many other Amazon Indigenous Peoples constitute Peru’s indigenous communities. These communities face particular economic challenges that are different from other non-indigenous demographics. In 2022, 38.5% of indigenous people were declared to be in poverty. Limited access to education, health care, discrimination and loss of lands and resources are some of the reasons leading to the increase in poverty among Peru’s native people.

Supporting Indigenous Businesses

Businesses in Peru’s indigenous economy mainly focus on agriculture, tourism and the selling of cosmetics and handicrafts like jewelry, ceramics, textiles, etc. In recent years, the Peruvian government has increased its efforts to put indigenous businesses in the spotlight. This is significant since native-owned businesses tend to be overshadowed by non-indigenous ones. For instance, in 2022 the government hosted a training program in partnership with the Australian Embassy called “Growing Indigenous Businesses Through Trade.” It was funded by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, in partnership with Treasury and the National Indigenous Australians Agency. The program covered topics such as exports, identifying markets, intellectual property rights, innovative business models and business pitches.

Funding Women-Led Entrepreneurship

In November 2022, the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation financed 15 different female-led organizations as a part of the “Rural and Indigenous Women Entrepreneurship Strategy” (RIWES). The money spent on each organization ranged from £12,844 to £31,467, and it came from the Rural and Indigenous Women Entrepreneurship Fund, which has been approved to continue on for 2023. A few of the winning organizations include Santa Rosa Moquegache Japo Women’s Association for Dairy Produce, Native Community Palma Real’s Association of Female Artisans and the Esperanza del Bosque Cooperative. These organizations are able to boost Peru’s Indigenous Economy by providing sustainable business opportunities for producers to increase their income.

NGOs Supporting Entrepreneurs

Besides the funding of entrepreneurship, the RIWES will develop programs on business plans, technical assistance and agricultural technology management. It is estimated that 4,700 rural and indigenous female entrepreneurs will benefit from the RIWES’s continuation in 2023. Several NGOs support indigenous entrepreneurship as well. Additionally, Awamaki partnered with eight women-led, Andean artisan cooperatives to help them launch their products successfully in the global market. They offer these cooperatives training on quality control, product development, financial management and business leadership.

Peruvian NGO AIDER stresses the importance of entrepreneurship for Peru’s indigenous economy, stating that it leads to social inclusion, economic security and quality improvement. Besides, indigenous leadership can help ensure the preservation of the environment’s natural resources and sustainable development. Many communities such as Callería, Roya, Junín Pablo, Buenos Aires, Nuevo Loreto and Pueblo Nuevo have officially committed to environment-friendly practices and obtained certification from the Forest Stewardship Council. Finally, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is an organization focused on improving the economic conditions of small-scale producers located in Peru’s northern and southern highlands region. With a total of 12 projects and an investment of 244.36 million dollars, the IFAD is estimated to have a reach of over 180,000 Peruvian households.

What’s Next?

The sustained expansion of indigenous businesses could translate into a major source of economic progress for Peru’s indigenous communities. Also, the fact that both national and international organizations, from governments to non-profits, are working to provide the necessary resources to help indigenous entrepreneurship grow suggests hope for more positive things to come.

– Luciana Mena

Photo: Pixabay

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Stronger Women, Stronger Nations Program Empowers Women Survivors

Women Survivors
Recovering from the destruction and horror of war remains an inconceivably difficult task for survivors worldwide. For women especially, getting back on their feet in an already disadvantaged world can seem impossible. Women for Women International is a nonprofit supporting women survivors of war by providing them access to connections, resources and educational programs. Its Stronger Women, Stronger Nations program specifically works to not only aid recovery but also advance women’s place in society in developing countries where many conflicts occur.

Women for Women International

Since its founding in 1993, Women for Women International has helped more than 500,000 women recover from war and reach self-sufficiency. Zainab Salbi was only 23 years old when she founded the organization, eventually distributing more than $100 million in aid during her time as the CEO. Foreign Policy Magazine has since named her one of the 100 Leading Global Thinkers.

However, she is not doing her work alone. Women for Women International has representatives working in affected countries across the globe, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Afghanistan, Germany, Iraq, the United Kingdom, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, South Sudan, Rwanda and Nigeria. Each country director distributes funds and facilitates necessary workshops to help survivors support themselves. Much of this work occurs through the nonprofit’s educational program, Stronger Women, Stronger Nations.

Stronger Women, Stronger Nations

Women for Women International is a self-described “learning organization” that goes “beyond charity to innovation.” As such, representatives for Stronger Women, Stronger Nations facilitate courses customized to every country’s specific social and economic profile. Throughout the year-long program, survivors are provided with a monthly stipend of $10, relevant vocational training, financial education and lifelong connections that leave them feeling stronger than ever.

The program begins with placement into a class of 24 fellow female survivors. Each class includes five social empowerment modules (Women’s Solidarity, Value of Women’s Work, Health and Wellness, Gender Equality, Rights and Decision Making and Women Influencing Decisions in their Community). A social empowerment trainer from Women for Women International leads it. The first month focuses on social networking and numeracy training, both in the local language and English. The next two months give the women time to reflect on their war-inflicted trauma as they begin to consider the value of women’s work. By the fourth month of the program, the women are learning to set and pursue financial goals. The fifth month begins a module on health and wellness, educating the women on hygiene, sanitation and local concerns like malaria. After that, they learn vocational skills of their choosing like tailoring and poultry-keeping.

The rest of the program continues this vocational education while additionally sparking discussion on gender equality, domestic abuse, motherhood and societal change. Women also learn business skills like budgeting, bookkeeping and organizational leadership. By the time their Stronger Women, Stronger Nations class concludes, they are fully equipped to start a business, impart change in their community and create more opportunities for their families.

Lasting Impact

This innovative program continues to catch the attention of international corporate partners including Bloomberg Philanthropies, Slip®, Hyatt Hotels, Charlotte Tilbury and Jimmy Choo. Aside from donating to the Stronger Women, Stronger Nations program, several companies have expanded their reach even further. In 2012, Hyatt created jobs for 50 program members in Iraq by having them sew laundry bags for its boutique Andaz Hotels. Cosmetics brand Charlotte Tilbury donated $2 from every sale of its Hot Lips collection in 2016. It later pledged $1 million alongside the release of the Hot Lips 2 collection in 2019. Jimmy Choo has sponsored 50 women from programs in Iraq, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The effects of war remain long after a conflict resolves. Women for Women International believes that women survivors of war experience the most negative impacts, given the compounding societal factors that come with being a woman. Through its Stronger Women, Stronger Nations program, the nonprofit not only helps female survivors recover from the trauma of war but ensures that they become stronger mothers, entrepreneurs and community leaders.

– Rachel Rebecca Smith
Photo: Flickr

Sustainable Solutions for Energy Poverty in Uganda

Energy Poverty in UgandaSanga Moses is a social entrepreneur who founded Eco-Fuel Africa (EFA). This Ugandan-based company produces clean, sustainable cooking fuel from agricultural waste to tackle energy poverty in Uganda. Moses’ mission is to empower African communities while promoting sustainable development and reducing the negative impacts of deforestation and indoor air pollution.

Energy Sources in Uganda

In Uganda, most households use charcoal or firewood for cooking. Unfortunately, this practice is not only inefficient but also causes air pollution, which is bad for the environment and the health of people. According to the World Health Organization, indoor air pollution from solid fuels is responsible for about 3.2 million deaths globally each year, many of whom are children. Moreover, deforestation is a significant environmental issue in Uganda, as forests cover only about 12% of the country’s land area.

Moses recognized that agricultural waste, such as maize cobs and sugarcane bagasse, could be transformed into clean and efficient cooking fuel. He started Eco-Fuel Africa in 2010 with the goal of promoting a circular economy that would create value from waste while reducing environmental degradation and improving livelihoods.

Utilizing Agricultural Waste

Eco-Fuel Africa’s process involves collecting agricultural waste from farms and markets, transporting it to the company’s processing facility and transforming it into briquettes through a carbonization process. The briquettes are then sold to households, institutions and businesses as an alternative to charcoal and firewood. The fuel burns longer and hotter than traditional fuels. It produces less smoke, reducing indoor air pollution and respiratory diseases and creating a sustainable solution for energy poverty in Uganda.

EFA has helped disadvantaged women in Africa become micro-retailers of eco-friendly charcoal. Its approach involves visiting villages, identifying these marginalized women and providing them with training. EFA also constructs basic kiosks for each of them to use as retail shops for selling green charcoal within their local communities. To date, EFA has established hundreds of female retailers in Uganda, each earning a minimum of $152 monthly from selling eco-friendly charcoal.

Looking Ahead

Eco-Fuel Africa’s impact has been significant. The company has displaced thousands 0f tons of charcoal and firewood, reduced deforestation and improved the health and livelihoods of thousands of households. Moses’ innovative approach to waste management and sustainable energy has inspired other entrepreneurs and organizations to adopt similar models in Uganda and beyond.

Sanga Moses and Eco-Fuel Africa’s work exemplifies how social entrepreneurship can address pressing environmental and social challenges while promoting sustainable development and economic empowerment.

– Nino Basaria
Photo: Flickr

Poverty in Rural Eastern Asia 

Poverty in Rural Eastern Asia Around 75% of the rural Eastern Asian population struggles to afford food, with an estimated 320 million living on less than $2.15 a day. The employed population in the region largely works in the agriculture sector where three out of four people in rural communities are poor. Families cannot afford to relocate to well-paid urban jobs. As a result, they continue to live in a poverty cycle. Countries such as Vietnam and Cambodia have up to 90% of their rural population living in poverty. Factors such as hunger issues, natural disasters and health care impact poverty in rural Eastern Asia greatly.

Poverty in Rural Eastern Asia

  • Mongolia: Rural areas of Mongolia have a poverty rate of 30.8% according to the World Bank, with two out of every five children living in poverty. Education heavily impacts poverty in Mongolia, as only 10% of Mongolians are able to complete university-level education. A lack of education and skills affects the jobs people can send in applications for, and this impacts Mongolians as it’s harder for many of them to enter urban employment for better-paid jobs.
  • Philippines: Half of the 100 million people in the Philippines live in rural areas with the main source of income consisting of agricultural employment such as fishing and farming. Illiteracy, unemployment and poverty are more common in Indigenous people and people living in upland areas. With an overall poverty rate of 25%, a decrease in agricultural productivity and unprofitable farming businesses stand as leading causes due to limited access to technology and knowledge.
  • Thailand: Despite major efforts to reduce poverty in Thailand, its rural sector, including agricultural households, remains poor with a poverty rate of 79%. Impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic affected the rural economy much greater than the urban, with the World Bank reporting that 70% of rural households reported decreased income levels since March 2020. The average monthly income is 68% of urban households. With the highest income inequality rate in Eastern Asia and the Pacific as well as the impacts of droughts, Thailand’s agricultural sector has been impacted heavily by economic and environmental factors. These recent droughts have caused dried-up land/soil impacting the production and quality of farming in these areas.

Improving the Socioeconomic Impacts in Mongolia

Asian Development Bank (ADB) donated $73 million toward easing Mongolia’s socioeconomic impacts from COVID-19. It also provided a $30 million loan to improve livestock production in central Mongolia. These donations have been effective in strengthening food security and traceability for communities.

Agricultural Development Projects in the Philippines

Since 1978 the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has donated $243.7 million to fund 15 agricultural development projects in the Philippines, directly benefiting 1,742,000 households and enabling poverty-ridden rural communities to improve their income and food security as well as education and health care. IFAD also supported technology operations to improve soil and water management through the use of micro-catchment techniques that will support local fishermen.

The Baan Mankong Program in Thailand

The Baan Mankong program was one of many that transformed Thailand’s poverty rates. The program focused on improving housing, communication between citizens and the government and improving drainage systems. With $191 million, it supported 320 cities/districts, many of whom reside in the city.

Looking Ahead 

Despite negative outlooks on rural poverty in Eastern Asia, its rapid economic progress has been notable, lifting millions out of poverty. Between 2008 to 2018, GDP per capita grew at a rate of 6.7% each year, beating the global rate of 1.5%.

Organizations like ADB have contributed massively throughout COVID-19 and afterward to continue to improve rural communities through better health care, sustainable equipment, improved technology and food security. East Asia has contributed to the global reduction of extreme poverty with countries such as China, Thailand and Malaysia securing poverty rates below 1%. However, with many people still not economically stable in Eastern Asian countries, there appears to be room for more progress.

– Joshua Rogers

Photo: Flickr

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Addressing the Syrian Refugee Crisis

Syrian Refugee Crisis
More than 10 years of conflict in the Middle Eastern country of Syria has led to the world’s largest refugee crisis. Since the onset of the crisis in March 2011, more than 14 million Syrians have had to flee their home country in hopes of finding refuge elsewhere, according to the U.N. Refugee Agency. Addressing the Syrian refugee crisis is a priority for Syria’s neighboring countries and humanitarian organizations.

Tension at the Border

Syria has approximately a 100-mile-long coastline on the Mediterranean Sea and is bordered to the north by Turkey, to the east by Iraq, to the south by Jordan and Israel and to the west by Lebanon. Militias, smuggling, the return of refugees and Syria’s 11-year war are the primary issues that the nation’s neighbors, like Jordan, are hoping to resolve for the safety of the region. Jordan has welcomed around 675,000 Syrian refugees since the conflict began but lacks the resources to adequately accommodate this high number of people.

In 2021, the Jordanian government opened a crucial border crossing and now hopes to strike a deal with Syria to declare a general amnesty that will allow Syrian refugees to return to their homeland and live in security and dignity. This will benefit surrounding countries that are struggling to care for refugees and face economic setbacks due to the ongoing war in Syria.

Important Statistics

According to the World Bank, Syria’s GDP decreased by more than half between 2010 and 2020 due to destruction in Damascus, forced relocation, casualties and economic strain — a situation that the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated.

On the other hand, Jordan’s economy is recovering from the impacts of the pandemic, with its real GDP growing by 2.2% in 2021. However, labor force participation, especially among women, is among the lowest in the world and the recent inflation problem has harshly hit already impoverished households.

According to the U.N. Refugee Agency, roughly 92% of refugees who have sought refuge in neighboring countries reside in both urban and rural settings while only about 5% live in refugee camps. However, the U.N. Refugee Agency states that “living outside refugee camps does not necessarily mean success or stability” as “more than 70% of Syrian refugees are living in poverty, with limited access to basic services, education or job opportunities and few prospects of returning home.” These statistics serve as an important reminder that efforts to combat the Syrian refugee crisis are crucial for the Middle East.

Assisting Syrian Refugees

Established in 2011 by two Syrian Americans, Syria Relief and Development (SRD) is a nonprofit organization that offers humanitarian relief to Syrians who have been affected by hunger, injury, poverty, violence and mass displacement. The instability in Syria has prompted an urgent need for resources to meet shelter, food and medical needs. SRD is based in the U.S. but also has offices in Amman, Jordan, and Gaziantep, Turkey. From 2018 until 2023, SRD has provided more than $50 million worth of humanitarian aid to more than 3.3 million Syrians.

The U.N. Refugee Agency, noting that the crisis in Syria has now reached year 13 and the earthquakes occurring in February 2023 have exacerbated the crisis, is providing relief to Syrians in need.  By the end of March 2023, the U.N. Refugee Agency had provided “core relief items,” such as sleeping bags, thermal blankets and solar lamps, to 168,000 Syrians affected by the recent earthquakes. Furthermore, under the Agency’s usual winterization initiative, more than 560,000 Syrians received “winter core relief items” from November 2022 to March 2023. During this period, about 17,700 Syrian refugees and asylum-seekers received cash-based assistance to make it through the harsh winter.

With continued support from Syria’s neighbors as well as organizations like the SRD and the U.N. Refugee Agency, there could be visible regional economic and social shifts in the near future and the Syrian refugee crisis may see relief.

– Stella Tirone
Photo: Flickr

Deforestation in Bolivia: How is it affecting the people?

Deforestation in BoliviaAccording to Global Forest Watch, Bolivia has one of the highest forest cover rates in the world. Wildlife, water sources and indigenous communities depend on the Bolivian ecosystem, which suffers greatly from deforestation. It reduced the humid primary forest by 3.35 Mha between 2001 and 2021.

Deforestation in Bolivia, along with soil erosion, biodiversity loss and changing weather patterns, also affects indigenous communities whose livelihoods depend on forests. Deforestation in the Amazon region makes it more susceptible to flooding than other regions.

Overconsumption Of Natural Resources and Machine-Based Agriculture

Excessive use of natural resources negatively impacts natural resources’ regeneration ability in Bolivia, causing deforestation. People use many resources at unsustainable rates while failing to work out corresponding resource replacement plans. This has caused the loss of vast forest areas, leaving the land barren and unable to support animal or plant life.

To increase efficiency and productivity, Bolivian farmers depend on machinery and technology. With heavy machinery, farmers can quickly cultivate and harvest crops on a large scale. The downside, however, is that it can cause soil erosion. This method has also contributed to soil degradation and water pollution due to its excessive use of chemicals. Additionally, it contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.

Cattle Ranching and Forest Fires

Bolivia is also heavily dependent on cattle ranching for its deforestation problems. It is necessary to clear large parts of forests to graze cattle, which destroys habitat. Additionally, producing cattle feed can result in the pollution of waterways and soil degradation due to pesticides and fertilizers.

Another major factor contributing to Bolivia’s deforestation is forest fires. Small-scale production of soya, timber and cattle is causing forest areas to become agricultural. Every year from 1990 until 2005, farmers cut down 270,000 hectares of forest, according to an Oxfam report. Between 2001 and 2021, fires accounted for 24% of tree cover loss in Bolivia, according to Global Forest Watch’s study.

What Are The Effects On The Bolivian People?

Bolivia suffers from floods caused by deforestation, which affects the country’s agricultural production, predominantly indigenous populations. As a result of high food prices and limited availability, the people in this country experience food insecurity.

There is a disproportionate impact on Bolivian women due to this. Lacking alternative income sources, women are more vulnerable to poverty due to the loss of agriculture and subsistence farming. Meanwhile, men migrate to the city in order to work in industrial settings.

Glacial retreat reduces water sources from mountain rivers and lakes, leading to water shortages, according to an Oxfam report. Additionally, Bolivians face more frequent extreme weather events, leading to increased natural disasters. Finally, rising temperatures create more suitable conditions for mosquito-borne diseases to spread.

Ongoing Efforts

To combat deforestation in Bolivia, the Rainforest Trust has raised over $2.3 million in partnership with Fundación Natura Bolivia. The organizations’ trained and equipped local partners, who manage the public and private nature reserves, aim to conserve nearly 2 million acres of rainforest in the lowlands.

Similarly, as part of the Bolivian Andes Conservation Project, Nature and Culture has partnered with Fundación Natura Bolivia and some local authorities to save around 300,000 acres of land. By protecting and preserving the ground, the project helps to ensure that the local communities have access to clean and safe water sources and provides a safe and secure habitat for endangered species. Additionally, this project will help preserve the local people’s traditional cultures and knowledge by protecting the land important to their way of life.

Asociación Armonia and Faunagua teamed up with Global Forest Generation and Peruvian NGO ECOAN to form Acción Andina. In addition to protecting and restoring forests under glaciers and protected areas, Acción Andina plans to restore a half million acres of Polylepis forest.

Looking Ahead

Bolivia’s forest preservation efforts include various policies and programs that have gone into effect. These include sustainable forest management practices, reforestation initiatives and land-use planning. NGOs and other organizations are also working to raise awareness about forests’ importance and protection. In Bolivia, many initiatives are already underway to prevent deforestation, and there is hope that Bolivia will be able to turn things around.

– Simran Raghav
Photo: Flickr