Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

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

Countries Near the Indian Ocean Are Preparing for Cyclone Season

Countries Surrounding the Indian Ocean Are Preparing for Cyclone SeasonTropical Cyclone Freddy wreaked havoc across the Southern Indian Ocean throughout March 2023, setting a new record for the longest-lasting cyclone at 34 days. Madagascar and Mozambique suffered irreversible damage, with unconfirmed reports revealing that around 190 people lost their lives. The national disaster management agency in Mozambique estimates that 1.75 million people were affected by Freddy, and over 8,000 people have been displaced due to flooding and housing collapses. Repairing the damages will require ample amounts of time and resources, and this fact further highlights the importance of cyclone season preparation.

U.N. Early Warning for All Action Plan Prepares Countries for Cyclone Season

Climate change is starting to impact the intensity of the damage that tropical hazardous weather causes. With rising sea levels and an increase in precipitation rates, there is extreme flooding in affected areas. In Mozambique, Cyclone Freddy contributed double the expected monthly rainfall in just a few days. The World Meteorological Organization advises the U.N. Early Warnings for All action plan, which includes a Global Multi-Hazard Alert System to strengthen and broaden the coverage of alerts and warnings. Due to increasingly affordable Information and Communication Technologies, countries can prepare for cyclone season by analyzing climate trends and raising awareness towards the Common Alerting Protocol approach. This allows emergency messages to spread instantly throughout various media and public alerting systems. The plan currently has $3.1 billion in investments as of the U.N. 2022 Climate Change Conference.

Case Study: Bangladesh

The World Bank, to help prepare Bangladesh for cyclone season, has helped sponsor and build 1,000 shelters, which serve as schools when not used during cyclones, and 550 km of paved roads for better access to different areas of the country. The floors of the shelters are built to support thousands of people and livestock. Additionally, the concrete walls surrounding the shelters serve to keep safe anyone who needs asylum. Solar panels also provide ample electricity for the shelters, and rainwater is a prominent resource.

Situated in the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh is a hotspot for cyclones and other hazardous tropical weather. The Cycle Preparedness Program is an early warning system, boasting 76,000 volunteers trained and ready for disaster prevention. Over half of the volunteers are women. In November 2021, Bangladesh initiated a Climate Prosperity Plan to strengthen its preparation for cyclone seasons. It promises to grow the economy and create jobs to alleviate some of the country’s poverty.

Looking Ahead

Despite the devastating impact of Tropical Cyclone Freddy in the Southern Indian Ocean, there is hope on the horizon for vulnerable communities facing similar threats. The U.N. Early Warnings for All action plan, supported by the World Meteorological Organization, is empowering countries to better prepare for cyclone seasons through advanced technology and global coordination. Bangladesh, a country frequently affected by cyclones, serves as a successful case study with its Cycle Preparedness Program and Climate Prosperity Plan, showcasing the effectiveness of long-term investments in adaptation and community mobilization. By implementing similar strategies, nations can potentially enhance their resilience and protect lives in the face of natural disasters.

– Olivia Maillet
Photo: Flickr

How a High-school Student is Removing Toxic Dyes from Wastewater

Removing toxic dyes from wastewaterDuring the last couple of years, the fast fashion and textile industry has been growing to become one of the most lucrative industries in the world. Unfortunately, it has also become one of the most polluting and detrimental to the environment and communities living in poverty and suffering water insecurity. Emily Kim, a 17-year-old from Jericho, New York has come up with an innovative solution for removing toxic dyes from wastewater. These toxins are the leading environmentally detrimental chemicals found in the textile industry.

According to the U.N. “The average person is buying 60% more clothing than 15 years ago, while each item is kept for only half as long.” Due to this increasing wardrobe turnover rate through the years, more textiles continue to end up as waste.

Toxic Dyes in the Water 

Around 3,000 liters of water is necessary to create just one cotton shirt and 10,000 liters to create one kilogram of cotton. According to Textile Exchange, cotton “…accounted for just under a quarter (22%) of all global fiber production in 2021.” With the textile industry growing at a 4% compounded annual rate, these numbers could grow hand in hand with the industry, generating more toxic wastewater and having a negative impact on communities struggling with water insecurity around the world.

The textile industry uses large amounts of water throughout the production process that becomes wastewater by the end of the cycle due to the number of toxic dyes used, according to Textile Exchange. The main polluting dyes are azo dyes. Though there are different types of dyes, azo dyes make up 50% of the synthetic dyes produced in the world. Science Direct studies prove that some azo dyes are “…directly carcinogenic to the liver and bladder after feeding.” When ingested, or released into the environment, azo dyes are hazardous and life-threatening. Hence, removing toxic dyes from wastewater is a key step to making an impact on the environment and on society.

Impact on Poverty

Every year the fashion industry uses 93 billion cubic meters of water. And with the expected growth rate of the industry and lack of regulations, it could rise. Major textile players operate in countries where land, labor and raw materials are cheaper such as Bangladesh, India or Pakistan. These countries have higher poverty rates and are the main victims of wastewater pollution. And though this boosts economic development and decreases unemployment, many communities are getting the other side of the coin; pollution, death, disease and even downside effects on agriculture, fishing and livestock. According to CNN, “European Union, China, Japan, India and Vietnam have all banned their use and import,” taking the first step towards a sustainable fashion revolution.

Emily Kim and Her Solution

According to the World Bank, “Around 20 % of wastewater worldwide comes from fabric dyeing and treatment.” When high school student Emily Kim noticed this, she decided to base her Regeneron Science Talent Search environmental science project on finding a solution. Emily decided to study two common yet differently behaving azo dyes, MO1 (Mordant Orange 1) and RB5 (Reactive Black 5). “Rather than finding just one treatment that targets a specific kind of dye removal, it’s much more important to have a general treatment that can universally be used in order to treat a wide range of azo dyes,” explained Emily in her project. A general treatment will be more accessible and effective when treating wastewater than a specific treatment that only tackles a specific dye.

Emily began experimenting with activated carbon and realized that the adsorptive properties of the AC removed 99% of the MO1 molecules easily but only 22% of the RB5 molecules. She continued experimenting with the activated carbon and its photocatalytic properties until finding out that when she added ultraviolet light she was able to remove 92% of the RB5 without affecting the removal results for MO1. Her method appears to be effective, accessible and available for textile industries worldwide.

Making a Change

Innovative ideas like Kim’s could have an impact on poverty around the world, reducing the water insecurity and pollution that many communities from underdeveloped countries have to live through. Some countries have already taken the initiative to ban certain types of azo dyes to keep water pollution to a minimum. Following Emily’s example and solution, removing toxic dyes from wastewater could be done in an affordable and effective way to save the environment and the vast number of people that depend on it to get the basic living necessities.

– Sebastián Garcés 
Photo: Flickr

Shortage of Health Care workers in Developing countries

Health Care workers in Developing countriesThe COVID-19 pandemic has exposed a global shortage of health care workers. While some countries have been hit harder than others, developing nations suffer the most severe shortages despite facing the worst health problems. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that by 2030, an additional 10 million health care workers will be needed, primarily in developing countries. However, the pandemic has magnified this issue, resulting in declining life spans and quality of life for people around the world.

The Importance of Health Care Workers

Health care workers are essential to maintaining not only individual well-being but also the nation’s economy. Without them, countries are vulnerable to childhood undernutrition, transmissible diseases, maternal death and other ailments. Unfortunately, low-income and middle-income countries face a shortage of health care workers, exacerbating an already fragile economy.

International recruitment of medical personnel from poor to rich countries is a major contributor to this shortage, leaving the health care system in developing countries severely understaffed. Some foreign policies were changed to promote an influx of health care workers such as extending visas or work authorization for workers without official qualifications.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused massive burnout among health care workers, with approximately 50% of the field experiencing symptoms. Burnout leads to emotional exhaustion and poor professional effectiveness, leaving sufferers unable to perform their job or quit the industry entirely. This chronic problem is particularly acute in lower-middle-income countries where health care systems are understaffed and challenging community health issues persist.

Where are Health Care Workers Needed?

The WHO identified 55 countries with critical health workforce shortages based on data from the health workforce support and safeguards list. Among those listed, 67% are from the African region followed by the Western Pacific region with 15%.  The list gained eight additional countries since the first publication in 2020. While it may seem like the situation is getting worse, there are initiatives currently underway to bring solutions.

Looking Forward

After the WHO’s 75th World Health Assembly, the organization released the Working for Health 2022-2030 Action Plan. This plan is committed to investing in the education, safety, skills and employment of care workers. The proposition represents member states and stakeholders of the WHO including 194 countries.

The organization hopes to aid 60 countries with the most vulnerable health systems by 2030 through the implementation of investment plans and development strategies. The WHO is offering catalytic funding, technical assistance and advisory services to member states struggling to recover their health workforce. Implementing the plan is made a reality through the Working for Health Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MPTF) which accepts donations from individuals and member states’ governments.

The shortage of health care workers in developing countries is a problem that crosses multiple borders and affects more than hospitals. According to a WHO report, achieving economic prosperity and overall well-being in lower-income regions necessitates more investments to support health care systems and workers.

– Emma Ferschweiler
Photo: Flickr

Blueberry Farming in Peru

Blueberry Farming in PeruBlueberry farming in Peru has seen remarkable development in recent years. In 2022, the South American country became the world’s largest exporter of blueberries for the fourth year in a row, with overseas blueberry sales generating more than $1.3 billion in national income that year alone. With the rapid development of blueberry plantations in the south of Peru, the country is experiencing an agricultural boom that is expected to continue as the global demand for blueberries rises. Here’s why Peru’s thriving blueberry industry, which took shape in less than a decade, is promising for poverty reduction and equitable economic growth.

Agricultural Poverty in Peru

Peru’s economic growth has already significantly helped to reduce poverty and promote development. In 2018, the country’s poverty rate decreased to 20.5% and extreme poverty fell from 11.2% in 2007 to 2.8%. However, there is still significant agricultural poverty in Peru, with many smallholder farmers facing more challenges to life and livelihood than urban dwellers. These include food insecurity, reduced life expectancy and socioeconomic inequalities that limit access to income and health care. Underscoring the disparity, poverty impacts 44% of Peru’s rural population yet only 15.1% of the urban population. High poverty levels in Peru’s rural regions have resulted in widespread “migration to urban centres, where market activity offers greater livelihood options.” Consequently, about 75% of Peruvians now live in or near urban centers hoping to secure a better standard of living.

Peru’s Blueberry Plantations

The agricultural sector has been critical for the country’s economic growth. Seasonal exports such as avocados, grapes, asparagus and more recently, blueberries have helped Peru develop one of Latin America’s strongest economies. With the ability to now cultivate an estimated 50 varieties of blueberries, with some specifically developed to thrive in the Peruvian climate, blueberry farming in Peru has seen great success. And this success is due to the country’s long growing days, large areas of arable land and the ability to export to markets in Asia and the Americas. Applying proven crop management practices, many of the new blueberry varieties developed and grown in Peru have longer harvesting periods and classify as better-quality fruit. Furthermore, innovations have been made to develop varieties that can withstand longer shipping times and guarantee longer shelf lives without increased costs for producers.

Highlighting the rapid progress of blueberry farming in Peru, the country had only about 70 hectares of blueberry plantations in 2012, which had grown to about 14,000 hectares by 2020. The Peruvian Blueberry Growers’ Association estimated that Peru’s blueberry exports could reach 285,000 metric tons for the 2022-2023 season, marking a 28% increase from the previous year. Peruvian blueberry farmers are now beginning to invest in sustainable practices to ensure the longevity of blueberry farming in Peru.

Employment and Blueberry Farming in Peru

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, “Peru’s blueberry harvests are labor intensive,” as “all fruits are hand-picked to avoid fruit damage.” Given this demand for labor, blueberry farming in Peru accounted for approximately 135,000 jobs in 2023, with 60% of those positions belonging to women. The U.S.-Peru Free Trade Agreement (PTPA) has strengthened the potential of Peru’s blueberry industry to create jobs and help lift rural Peruvians out of poverty. By allowing Peru to export blueberries to the United States (which accounts for more than 50% of Peru’s blueberry exports) without tariffs, the PTPA is helping to ensure that more income from blueberries remains in Peru, where it can help promote industry growth and create more jobs in the future.

Looking Ahead

Blueberry farming in Peru has helped many rural families gain access to secure employment, a steady source of income and the basic resources needed to lead a healthy, fulfilling life. The South American country continues to reap the economic benefits of being the world’s top exporter of blueberries, with hopes that the growth of this lucrative industry can help reduce poverty and alleviate the social and economic disparities between Peru’s rural and urban populations.

– Jennifer Preece
Photo: Flickr