Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

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The Gender Wage Gap in Liberia and Its Impact on Poverty

The Gender Wage Gap in Liberia and Its Impact on Poverty The gender wage gap in Liberia continues to be a major barrier to poverty reduction, and the country’s labor market continues to face persistent gender inequality. Despite women playing a central role in the economy, especially in informal trade and agriculture, women consistently earn less than men. In addition to reducing access to education and health care, this income disparity limits household stability and reinforces cycles of poverty that disproportionately affect women and children.

Vulnerable Employment and Low Wages

The prevalence of vulnerable employment, which includes informal, low-paying jobs without job security or social protections, is significantly higher among women in Liberia than among men. More than 90% of employed women are in vulnerable employment, compared to roughly two-thirds of men, according to the World Bank. These positions often lack minimum wage standards or stable income, making it difficult for women to save money or escape poverty.

Education Gaps, Informal Work and Social Barriers

Educational inequality is another major driver of the gender wage gap in Liberia. According to national data, women are less likely than men to have completed formal education and have lower literacy rates. More than 40% of Liberian women have never attended school, compared to approximately one-third of men. Limited access to education increases the likelihood that women remain in low-wage, informal work and reduces opportunities to enter higher-paying sectors.

Women are overrepresented in Liberia’s informal economy, which accounts for the majority of the labor market. Small-scale farming, street vending and domestic work, which are typically excluded from labor protections, serve as the main sources of income for many women. This concentration in informal work restricts access to credit, legal protections and fair wages, exacerbating income inequality and economic instability, according to the Council on Foreign Relations.

Social norms and unpaid care responsibilities further widen the gender wage gap. Unpaid domestic work, such as childcare, cooking and water collection, is more frequently carried out by women than men. Even when legal frameworks promote gender equality, these responsibilities reduce the time women can spend in paid employment and limit their ability to pursue higher-paying opportunities.

Health Impacts of the Gender Wage Gap

Income inequality and health outcomes are closely linked, and women’s well-being is directly affected by the gender wage gap. Research published by the National Institutes of Health indicates that limited access to income, education and employment opportunities adversely affects women’s health and increases household vulnerability to poverty. Lower wages reduce women’s ability to afford adequate nutrition and medical care, worsening existing disparities.

Policies and Programs Addressing the Wage Gap

International development programs and policy reforms aimed at expanding women’s access to education, credit and formal employment form part of Liberia’s efforts to reduce the gender wage gap. According to the World Bank and the United Nations (U.N.) Women, reducing gender income disparities could significantly improve household incomes and national economic growth. Long-term poverty reduction depends on stronger enforcement of labor laws and the expansion of economic programs targeted at women.

A Case for Closing the Gender Wage Gap

Closing the gender wage gap in Liberia is critical to breaking cycles of poverty and advancing sustainable development. Investing in women’s education, expanding access to formal employment and supporting income-generating initiatives can help reduce economic inequality and improve outcomes for families and communities. Strengthening women’s economic participation would also enhance resilience and support broader poverty reduction efforts across the country.

– Honey Regev

Honey is based in Edinburgh, Scotland and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Agriculture in Afghanistan Helps Fight Poverty

Agriculture in AfghanistanAfghanistan is a country located between Central and South Asia. It has a tumultuous political history and returned to Taliban rule in August 2021. This seizure of power led to international funding for the country being cut. As instructed by donor governments, the World Bank canceled a payment of $2 billion that Afghanistan would have received through the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF). Previously, the country was almost fully dependent on foreign aid. As a result, this sudden cut in aid had devastating impacts on an already struggling population.

In 2019, only 52.9% of the population lived above the national poverty line. In 2023, 31% of the population faced severe food insecurity. In 2024, 13.7% of the labor force was unemployed, and nearly 70% of the population lacked access to safely managed drinking water services. Organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Afghanaid aim to improve agriculture in Afghanistan. Through these efforts, they seek to expand employment opportunities, improve food access and help empower local communities.

Agriculture as a Livelihood for Most Afghans

Climate change and natural disasters continue to harm food security and increase poverty in Afghanistan due to the country’s heavy reliance on agriculture. The sector serves as the main source of income for nearly 80% of the population. As a result, climate-related challenges such as drought can have significant economic consequences.

The ICRC and Afghanaid aim to mitigate these impacts by constructing and repairing irrigation systems. Irrigation, defined as the artificial application of water to land, is essential for agriculture in Afghanistan due to low rainfall and recurring drought conditions.

Irrigation Projects Improve Food Security and Employment

The work carried out by these organizations supports both crops and communities. In 2024, the ICRC supported more than 27,000 people through community-based initiatives focused on repairing irrigation systems. These efforts spanned 11 provinces and, while temporary, improved water supply for thousands of residents and made crops more viable, increasing food availability. A joint effort between the ICRC and the Afghan Red Crescent Society helped improve yields for up to 1,400 farmers. Increased production allowed farmers to sell crops beyond their immediate communities, generating broader economic benefits.

Afghanaid also worked to improve agriculture by supporting the construction of a 113-meter (approximately 370-foot) irrigation canal built by local residents. These canals help distribute water more effectively and reduce water loss through ground absorption. More than 2,000 people benefited from improved water access, which increased crop yields and household income. The project also created employment for 13 people during the construction phase.

Ensuring Long-Term Agricultural Sustainability

For these initiatives to have a lasting impact, agricultural practices in Afghanistan must be sustainable. The ICRC provides training to farmers on sustainable techniques. For example, 200 farmers in Kapisa province received training on reducing post-harvest crop loss and were provided with silos for improved storage. In Paryan district, 80 farmers were trained to promote good agronomic practices and raise awareness about climate and environmental risks.

Before these interventions, irrigation systems in Afghanistan often suffered damage due to ongoing conflict. As a result, Afghanaid also focuses on conflict resolution to help protect newly built canals. The organization established a Community Conflict Mitigation Committee made up of eight local residents trained in de-escalation and conflict prevention techniques. When disputes arise, committee members work to diffuse tensions and promote dialogue and cooperation.

– Ryan Cowen

Ryan is based in Brighton, UK and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Power Outage in Ukraine Affects Mothers and Children

How Power Outage in Ukraine Affects Mothers and ChildrenAs temperatures drop across Europe, including in Ukraine, the country continues to experience serious disruptions to its power infrastructure. These disruptions have ripple effects in Ukraine, particularly for mothers and children, including newborns. In January 2026, temperatures in Kyiv dropped as low as 5 degrees Fahrenheit.

As of January 2026, about 80% of Ukraine is experiencing emergency power cuts. These outages have left roughly 15% of residential buildings in Kyiv without heating. The power cuts are caused by damage to Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, worsening the country’s energy crisis throughout the winter. The severity of Ukraine’s winter, coupled with continued attacks on energy infrastructure, has increased the challenges families face in staying warm, particularly mothers and children.

Health Impacts of Power Outages

Ukraine’s winter conditions are difficult for most people, but for children and newborns, they can be especially dangerous. Without reliable power and heating due to outages, newborns and children face increased risks of hypothermia and respiratory distress.

For mothers and pregnant people, power outages create additional barriers to accessing adequate health care. Much medical equipment, including incubators and neonatal devices, has become unusable, resulting in a higher proportion of high-risk pregnancies and deliveries.

Power outages during winter also affect the mental health of children and mothers. Extended darkness, lack of heating and limited sunlight contribute to psychological strain. Social isolation caused by reliance on remote learning has further affected the mental health of children in Ukraine.

Man-Made Warmth

There are ways to mitigate extreme cold and address power outages in Ukraine. One approach is shifting aid efforts toward generating warmth. Providing emergency generators has helped offset energy shortages. For example, UNICEF has prevented complete shutdowns of essential services by supplying generators and solar power infrastructure, helping keep hospitals operational.

Man-made warmth also includes efforts to foster community and social interaction despite the cold. This is done through “warming tents,” which serve as community hubs where Ukraine’s State Emergency Service provides food and charging ports. These spaces also allow children to play with games and toys, offering psychological and social support.

While giving birth during power outages can be dangerous, donations that support emergency birth kits help reduce these risks.

Organizations such as the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) also provide mobile clinics to strengthen health care access in hard-to-reach communities. These emergency birth and sexual health kits, combined with mobile clinics, have helped reduce preventable maternal deaths.

Looking Ahead

Europe is known for harsh winters, but modern heating and electricity usually allow mothers to give birth safely and children to remain healthy. In Ukraine, widespread power outages have increased risks for mothers, newborns and children. However, with continued support from organizations such as the UNFPA, reproductive and sexual health services are expected to help reduce pregnancy-related deaths in 2026. Community spaces such as warming tents also help children experience a sense of normalcy during a difficult winter.

– Bernice Attawia

Bernice is based in London, UK and focuses on Global Health, Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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New Boreholes: Hope for Women in the Central African Republic

BoreholesRosalie, a 17-year-old girl, is now free to go to school and pursue her dream of becoming a midwife. She no longer has to collect unsafe water from the river to use for drinking and washing. Rosalie and her community have access to clean water for the very first time because NGOs, along with the government of the Central African Republic (CAR), completed a new borehole in her village in 2020. “It’s like a miracle to see drinking water in this village,” she said.

Far Reaching Impacts

Access to clean water in the CAR has a far-reaching impact, particularly for women and children. In fact, World Vision donors in Canada funded this project with the intention of improving community health, increasing incomes and reducing gender-based violence in the CAR. Reports show that 97% of women experienced gender-based violence.

Other impacts of access to clean water in the CAR include a drastic reduction in typhoid fever and diarrhea, the leading causes of child and infant mortality in the western part of the CAR. For context, only 36% of people in the area had access to clean water and just 14% had access to sanitation before these projects began. Madeleine, a 56-year-old mother of eight, lost two of her children due to waterborne illnesses.

Before these new boreholes, they used river water contaminated with farm waste and soil runoff. “Dirty water has been the cause of too many of our children’s deaths and miscarriages in many pregnant women,” she said.

Government and Agency Collaboration

The World Vision project, now in its sixth year, has built or renovated 15 boreholes near Bozoum. It also marked the first time any NGO or governmental organization made improvements in the local villages. Residents are grateful that their long wait for safe water is over.

With more than one million people served by these boreholes, Jean-Marc Dewerpe, head of Cooperation and Trust Fund Manager of the Bêkou Fund at the European Union Delegation, referred to this partnership as “an alliance serving the people.” Because only 37% of the CAR’s total population has access to clean water, the European Union funded a UNICEF project. The project aims to increase the operational capacity of the National Agency for Water and Sanitation, a government agency in the CAR, to enable the creation of new sources of clean drinking water.

Not Just Equipment

To this end, a donor provided the agency with a high-capacity drilling rig, which will significantly increase its ability to drill boreholes and develop other clean water sources. Felix Ackebo, UNICEF’s representative to the CAR, commented on the rig’s importance and impact: “It’s not just a piece of technical equipment. It is a beacon of hope for rural communities, a tool for dignity, health and lasting peace for every child and every family,” he said.

The task of water collection no longer governs the lives of women like Rosalie and Madeline. Access to clean, safe drinking water increases village autonomy and empowers women and young people. The current projects are expected to continue and expand to other villages.

– Caleb Dueck

Caleb is based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Cash Transfers to Women in India are Changing Lives

Cash Transfers to Women in IndiaCleaning, tidying, cooking, looking after children and managing family finances are part of the daily lives of many women across India. There are approximately 160 million female homemakers throughout the country, who spend about 297 minutes each day completing domestic work, compared with a significantly lower 31 minutes spent by men. This inequality in time spent on what many scholars argue is “unpaid work” has led the Indian government to introduce a welfare scheme involving cash transfers to women.

Across India, unconditional cash transfers to women are becoming increasingly common, with transfers ranging from 1,000 to 2,500 rupees ($12 to $30) a month. These payments account for roughly 5% to 12% of household income. The money typically goes toward household and family needs such as children’s education, groceries and cooking gas.

Impacts on Women and Households

Research indicates that these small, regular transfers are having a positive effect on the lives of women, with the majority of the money being spent on their own immediate needs and those of their households. Additionally, the transfers have given women a sense of financial security and a newfound confidence, allowed them to become more financially independent from their husbands and reduced marital conflict.

Prabha Kotiwswaran, a professor of law and social justice at King’s College London, told the BBC in December that: “The unconditional cash transfers signal a significant expansion of Indian states’ welfare regimes in favor of women.”

The idea of cash transfers for women was first introduced in 2013 in the state of Goa but only gained momentum before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when the northern state of Assam implemented a scheme for vulnerable women. As of 2025, nearly 15 states run such programs.

Politics and Public Debate

Since then, cash transfers have gained political power, with both government and opposition parties introducing them as a strategy to mobilize female voters. The result of this can be seen in the 2025 Delhi assembly election, where the female voter turnout reached 60.92%, exceeding the male turnout for the first time in the country’s history. Critics have called this “blatant vote-buying,” highlighting how financial support can easily be used as political leverage.

Women can become eligible for this financial support simply due to the fact that they do not have a paying job but instead stay at home, keep households running and bear the burden of unpaid care work. Although the amount received can vary due to several factors — such as age thresholds, income caps and exclusions for families with government employees or owners of large plots of land — the government has not put in place conditions similar to those enforced by other countries with large cash transfer schemes. For example, Bolsa Familia, the world’s largest cash transfer scheme in Brazil, requires school attendance for teenagers, immunization of children and prenatal monitoring for pregnant women, among others.

Limits of Cash Transfers

Although these cash transfers to women in India have allowed steps forward, cash transfers cannot substitute for employment opportunities, with many women stating they would still prefer work that pays and respect that endures. It is important that the fight for women’s rights and equal rights is neither forgotten nor lost, and that unconditional cash transfers are a means of raising awareness of the equality that is yet to be achieved.

As cash transfer programs continue across India, they are providing women with greater financial stability and decision-making power within their households. Together with broader social and economic efforts, these initiatives highlight continued progress toward improving the lives of women and families.

– Jenna O’Flynn

Jenna is based in London, UK and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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From Scholar to Baker: Gaza’s Education System

Gaza’s education systemYears of war and restricted access to humanitarian aid have disrupted food systems and education across the Gaza Strip, forcing residents to rely on informal survival strategies as basic services collapse. As bakeries shut down and supply routes falter, families increasingly depend on community-level solutions. One such effort comes from Bader Slaih, a Palestinian academic who now bakes bread to help feed his family and neighbors.

Gaza’s Education System Disrupted by Conflict

Before the current war, Bader Slaih earned master’s and doctoral degrees in education while studying in Egypt. He returned to Gaza, intending to teach at local universities, according to an Al Jazeera report published in January 2026. Fighting interrupted those plans.

Airstrikes and ground operations forced Slaih and his family to flee their home in the Bureij refugee camp multiple times, the report said. The destruction of Gaza’s education system has been extensive. According to Save the Children, nearly 90% of school buildings in Gaza have sustained damage, leaving hundreds of thousands of children without access to formal education.

UNICEF also reported that all universities in Gaza suffered damage during the conflict, halting higher education for students and faculty. Despite these conditions, Slaih has continued to express a commitment to education. He told Al Jazeera that he intends to teach whenever possible, even in informal or temporary learning spaces.

Turning to Bread for Survival

As food supplies declined, Slaih and his relatives built a small brick oven using salvaged materials to bake bread for their children and nearby families, Al Jazeera reported. Food insecurity across Gaza has intensified as fuel shortages and access restrictions disrupt production and distribution. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported repeated interruptions to food supply routes throughout 2025.

During periods when flour and cooking gas ran out, all subsidized bakeries in Gaza closed temporarily, OCHA reported. The World Food Program (WFP) previously supported dozens of bakeries producing hundreds of thousands of loaves daily. However, those operations depended on consistent fuel deliveries, according to U.N. humanitarian updates.

As bakery closures increased, families turned to community kitchens and shared ovens. OCHA reported that community kitchens provided close to one million cooked meals per day during periods of severe aid disruption. Slaih’s oven became part of that informal food network, supplying bread when commercial options disappeared.

Feeding the Present While Preserving the Future

Although baking bread now occupies his daily routine, Bader Slaih continues to view education as central to recovery. He told Al Jazeera that meeting children’s nutritional needs supports their ability to learn when schooling resumes. UNICEF has linked hunger directly to learning outcomes, reporting that malnutrition undermines concentration, memory and school attendance.

Across Gaza, professionals from various fields have taken on emergency roles as institutions collapse. The U.N. has noted that community-driven responses often provide the most immediate relief during prolonged crises. Slaih’s experience reflects that shift.

Baking bread does not replace humanitarian assistance or rebuild schools, but it helps sustain families while broader recovery remains uncertain. In Gaza, survival increasingly depends on adaptation. For one academic turned baker, feeding his community now remains closely tied to the goal of returning to education when conditions allow.

– Angela ‘Phoenix’ Garrett

Angela is based in Chicago, IL, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Energizing the Environment: Red Bull Creating a Better World

Energizing the EnvironmentRed Bull humbly began in the ‘80s in Thailand as an uncarbonated beverage that utilized natural caffeine remedies. Today, the company has a strong international presence and dominates the energy drink market. Red Bull makes it clear that its marketing success is not based on having the best-tasting energy drink.

Instead, it focuses on offering a product that fuels the energy and excitement consumers associate with once-in-a-lifetime experiences. In other words, Red Bull primarily targets athletes, especially those involved in extreme sports. However, this does not mean that only professional competitors can benefit from the brand’s offerings.

Red Bull is also widely known for creating once-in-a-lifetime experiences through its international charitable initiatives and sponsored events.

Giving Life to the Night

Ho Chi Minh City is working to revitalize urban spaces and create community recreational centers. However, the budget is small, so community spaces are dimly lit and look unapproachable. Red Bull is helping revive the community by repurposing its aluminum cans to create illuminating, solar-powered billboards.

Each billboard is made of 2,475 Red Bull cans. The project, which is called “Giving Life to the Night,” utilizes solar energy explicitly, which naturally converts into electricity. Indeed, the project may seem small and subtle; however, the reliable energy is bringing communities together.

The project has had its greatest impact on young people. Red Bull has consistently worked to engage youth by providing recreational and sports activities, health check-ups and employment opportunities. As a result, Ho Chi Minh City has become a city full of life and energy, with Red Bull’s initiatives helping create job opportunities for more than 70,000 young adults.

Energizing the Environment

The company that owns Red Bull is called TCP Group. The group is constantly organizing events and collaborations that will enhance the global community. For example, TCP Group is reducing its carbon footprint and practicing water sustainability.

Red Bull has set a goal to use 100% recycled packaging in the next few years. Currently, 70% of packaging is recyclable aluminum. Commonly misunderstood, TCP is not just interested in growing the Red Bull brand; one of its core principles is “Energizing the Environment.” As part of this commitment, TCP Group has reduced its water usage by more than 20%.

The company has made significant progress in improving water efficiency and is now setting an example for other Thai companies by encouraging greater water resilience amid growing scarcity. Currently, the company is supporting Thailand’s River Basin Project, which focuses on replenishing water in the Bang Pakong, Yom and Mekong rivers. As the initiative continues, it has achieved net water–positive status, reinforcing TCP’s role in promoting long-term environmental sustainability.

Furthermore, TCP has also been contributing to the WEnergy world campaign, a global initiative to reuse resources and reduce gas emissions. In 2024, the company got creative and organized a running event in which every participant had to donate recyclable cans or packaging.

The Red Bull U-Project

The Red Bull U-Project is a volunteer-based initiative that mobilizes undergraduate students interested in public service. Launched in Thailand in 2013, the program aims to promote social development by supporting projects in key areas, including agriculture, education, health care and technology. Notable initiatives include the Ambulance for Children with Care project and the Herbs for Healthy Life and Self-Sufficiency Economy project, both of which reflect the program’s focus on community well-being and sustainable impact.

Final Remarks

Red Bull’s U-Project and Energizing the Environment initiative, among others, have ensured philanthropic and civic engagement across Asia continues to support community-driven initiatives that address local development challenges and strengthen social infrastructure.

– Mireya Aguilar

Mireya is based in Layton, UT, USA and focuses on Good News and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Gender Inequality and Women’s Rights in Ghana

Women’s Rights in GhanaGhana is a beautiful country in Africa, full of life, located on the coast, rich in history and known for its delicious cuisine. All of these desirable factors make it a location worth visiting, as it attracts many tourists. Many tour websites go into detail about the friendliness, hospitality and use of English as a main language, all of which are intriguing and important to know about a location, whether traveling or not.

However, what is also important is understanding a place beyond the surface and the infrastructure set up for tourists to see. Here’s something to know about women in Ghana.

Women’s Rights in Ghana

Being a woman living in Ghana has not always been sunshine and rainbows. Women’s rights in Ghana started strongly, as pre-colonial society showed more optimistic outcomes. Women were central to agriculture, excelling in farming and trading.

They were also seen as leaders and, in some cases, ruled over others, including men. However, in the ‘50s, when the British colonized Ghana, there was a drastic shift in how women were perceived. They were pushed to the bottom of the social hierarchy, marginalized and excluded from many job opportunities.

After Ghana gained its independence, the fight for women’s rights continued. Violence against women remains common and job scarcity is still something they struggle with. In the ’90s, equal rights laws were passed to address these issues. However, because these reforms are relatively recent, women are still pushing for better representation and stronger policies.

Gender Inequality in Ghana

Women’s rights in Ghana go hand-in-hand with the poverty the country faces. According to the Human Rights Index, Ghana still has a significant gap in gender equality compared to global figures, with a GII value of 0.514, while the world average is 0.455. With the gender social norms score at 98.97% and with higher scores indicating worse outcomes, the data shows how deep the problem runs.

Gender gaps and inequality can directly worsen poverty because they exclude a whole group of people from economic rights, resources and education. When women are unable to help provide for their families, this creates broader insecurity that extends beyond the marginalized group itself.

Women’s Groups Addressing the Gender Gap in Ghana

People in Ghana recognize these issues and have established many organizations to address and change them. These include MamaCare Ghana, which helps educate and support women in marginalized communities and the Alliance for African Women Initiative, which supports women financially by helping them access credit and business education. They also include Women’s Trust, which promotes economic independence and Global Mamas, which provides jobs for women who need to support their families.

These groups have created a meaningful shift in how equality is advancing. There are now job opportunities to pursue, educational gaps to close and a stronger sense of belonging within communities. Global Mamas has made a significant impact by providing training to 62 apprentices and helping its members earn 2.5 times the minimum wage.

Final Remarks

Women’s rights in Ghana have followed a long and emotional journey. Women have been leaders, fighters and now advocates. This struggle does not diminish the country’s beauty, which remains known for its joy, hospitality and strong sense of community, even amid ongoing challenges. People continue to come together through it all, making that beauty even more apparent.

– Danielle Johnson

Danielle is based in Knoxville, TN, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Hazelnut Farms and Child Labor in Turkey

Child Labor in TurkeyTurkey is an upper-middle-income country located in Western Asia, specifically in Anatolia. It borders both the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. With a population of  over 87 million as of 2023, according to the World Health Organization, child labor rates remain evident across the country, particularly on hazelnut farms. Many young children are forced to work long, strenuous and dangerous hours to earn a living. However, solutions such as funded programs, addressing child rights through well-being summer schools and strict government laws aim to limit the scale of child labor. 

Hazelnut Production – The Black Sea Region

Turkey produces the majority of the world’s hazelnuts, which are exported globally. The country supplies approximately 75% of the global market, according to the International Society for Horticultural Science. The Black Sea region of Turkey has cultivated hazelnuts since around 1500 B.C. The region’s damp, temperate climate enables hazelnut production to flourish and contributes significantly to Turkey’s export revenue. Its mountain slopes and steep land are well-suited for growing hazelnuts.

Giresun is a city located in the Black Sea region of Turkey and is widely known as the hazelnut capital of the world. Ongoing demand has led producers to rely on young children to work in the agricultural sector. This has contributed to the continued use of child labor on hazelnut farms in Turkey.

Child Labor in the Agriculture Sector in Turkey

Across the Black Sea region, most production is carried out through manual labor. Internal migrants who settle in small communities often rely on their children to work in agricultural industries, including hazelnut farming. As a result, children are forced to work long, strenuous hours in challenging climate conditions.

According to the Rainforest Alliance, agricultural work is classified under Turkish law as hazardous for anyone younger than 18. However, some children working on hazelnut farms are between the ages of 15 and 18.

Manual Labor and Dangers Across Hazelnut Farms

Children in Turkey experience some of the most severe forms of child labor, particularly in agriculture. Farm work remains common due to high demand for hazelnuts. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 57.1% of working children in Turkey are employed in the agriculture sector.

Common dangers and conditions include:

  • Lack of protective gear while working in fields
  • Long and physically demanding work hours
  • Exposure to harsh climate conditions, including high temperatures
  • Contact with chemicals and pesticides due to limited protective equipment
  • Lifting heavy loads after harvesting
  • Internal migration during school holidays, which exposes children to labor instead of education programs or school

Solutions and Laws

  • Summer Schools for Children. Children across Turkey who are out of school during holidays often work on agricultural farms. According to the Rainforest Alliance, two of its company partners have established summer school programs for these children. Teaching modules include math, science, photography, music and drama. These subjects are organized by the Turkish Ministry of National Education.
  • Funded Programs. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, from 2012 to 2020, an eight-year program was implemented by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and Turkey’s Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MOLSS). The program was funded by the Association of Chocolate, Biscuit and Confectionery Industries of Europe (CAOBISCO). The initiative aimed to reduce child labor by expanding access to education and improving living conditions for families involved in hazelnut farming. As a result, 1,022 children were prevented from working on farms, and $879,000 was allocated during the final two years.
  • Government Laws. Turkish law prohibits employing anyone younger than 18 in hazardous work. However, children as young as 14 who have completed compulsory education may perform light work that does not harm their physical or mental well-being, according to Arnold Stanley.

Looking Ahead

Child labor in Turkey continues to place children in dangerous working conditions on hazelnut farms. However, progress through government laws, summer school initiatives and funded programs has contributed to a reduction in child labor in the agricultural sector. On March 30, 2012, the Turkish government increased the compulsory education age from eight to 12 years, helping ensure children can remain in school rather than enter the workforce at an early age.

– Zara Ashraf

Zara is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Tourism Recovery and Poverty Reduction in East Africa

Poverty Reduction in East AfricaTourism has long played a central role in the economies of East African nations, and its recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic is contributing to job creation, foreign exchange earnings and pathways out of poverty for many communities. As international travel rebounds, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda are seeing increased visitor numbers, diversified tourism products and government strategies that link tourism growth to broader economic inclusion.

Background

According to recent data, Kenya’s travel and tourism sector is projected to contribute significantly to the national economy, supporting more than 1.7 million jobs and generating billions of dollars in visitor spending.  In Tanzania, tourism contributes a substantial share of GDP and employment, while in Uganda and Rwanda the rebound toward and beyond pre-pandemic visitor arrivals is generating increased demand for services and local goods.

Tourism’s economic impact in East Africa extends beyond park gates and resorts. Tourists who visit national parks, historical sites and coastal destinations create demand for accommodation, transportation, food, crafts and local entertainment, which in turn supports small-business owners, guides, artisans and farmers. In Kenya alone, tourism supports more than 1.2 million jobs directly and indirectly, helping households earn a steady income and community members pursue entrepreneurial opportunities.

Tourism and Poverty Reduction in East Africa

Tourism can reduce poverty by creating jobs, expanding incomes and increasing demand for locally produced goods and services. Studies indicate that tourism’s contribution to GDP in East African Community countries averaged nearly 10% before the pandemic, with higher shares in countries such as Tanzania and Rwanda. This economic activity generates important spillover effects beyond the travel sector, encouraging investment in infrastructure, agriculture, and small-enterprise development.

In Uganda, tourism’s share of GDP has increased since the pandemic, reflecting rising international arrivals and targeted marketing efforts.  Similarly, Kenya has embraced regional tourism strategies that encourage travel within East Africa, creating new opportunities for cross-border economic activity and community-level benefits.

Yet tourism’s poverty-reducing potential depends on how benefits are distributed. In many places, earnings from large lodges and luxury travel accrue primarily to foreign-owned companies or national revenue streams rather than directly to local communities.  A balanced approach must ensure that job quality, wages and local ownership are part of the sector’s growth, rather than just visitor numbers.

Government and Stakeholder Responses

East African governments are pursuing a range of strategies to ensure tourism supports broader economic well-being. Kenya is expanding air connectivity, digital visa systems and regional promotion to attract more visitors while encouraging spending in local enterprises.  Rwanda has diversified its tourism offer with conferences and business events alongside wildlife and nature tourism to boost revenues and create year-round employment.  Uganda is enhancing road infrastructure and e-visa platforms to make travel easier and more attractive for regional and international visitors.

Non-government stakeholders also contribute to inclusive growth through community-based tourism and eco-tourism initiatives. These models link conservation with economic benefits, enabling local populations to earn income from guiding, hospitality and cultural experiences while conserving natural resources.

Challenges and Considerations

While tourism offers important economic opportunities, it also presents challenges that can affect poverty outcomes. Many tourism jobs remain seasonal or low-wage, and without supportive policies, the sector’s growth can fail to uplift the poorest households. Infrastructure gaps, environmental pressures and competition from luxury tourism can also limit local benefit flows.  To maximize impact, governments and development partners must plan for workforce training, community ownership and equitable revenue sharing.

Conclusion

The recovery of tourism in East Africa offers a pathway to economic growth and poverty reduction when integrated with inclusive policy and community engagement. By focusing on employment creation, diversification of tourism products and regional cooperation, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda are leveraging tourism not just as a source of foreign exchange but as a tool for more resilient and inclusive development. Continued investment in skills training, infrastructure and equitable benefit-sharing will be key to ensuring that tourism’s rebound translates into real, sustainable economic gains for communities across the region.

– Sean Leung

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

Photo: Flickr