Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

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Remittance to Afghanistan

Remittance to AfghanistanAbout half of the population in Afghanistan faces food insecurity. With food and fertilizer costs on the rise, organizations such as The World Food Programme (WFP) and the World Bank are dedicating themselves to sending remittances to Afghanistan by boosting crop production for local farmers with a budget of over $200 million.

The Situation

According to a recent Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) study, around 19.7 million people, about half of the population in Afghanistan are food insecure. This means that they are unable to provide food for themselves on a day-to-day basis. These people are suffering mainly due to food prices reaching new highs and an increase in the cost of producing agricultural materials, especially fertilizer.

The IPC dates back to January and February 2022. In actuality, “the report predicts that the outlook of June-November 2022 sees a slight improvement in the food security situation, with a reduction in the number of people facing acute food security to 18.9 million.”

To combat this, The Afghanistan Emergency Food Security Project plans to boost the production of crops in order to benefit local farmers in Afghanistan. With help from the Food and Agricultural Organization, (FAO) and The World Bank, a $195 million emergency project has emerged, according to U.N. News.

This project plans to ensure “critical life-saving and livelihood assistance to smallholder farmers.” This reduction is largely thanks to the upcoming wheat harvest that will take place from May to August.

Planned Project

There is hope regarding the current remittance to Afghanistan. According to Mary-Ellen McGroarty, the country Director Representative in Afghanistan of the WFP, the largest food operation was established in August 2021 and assisted over 16 million people. “We are working with farmers, millers and bakeries, training women and creating jobs to support the local economy…Allowing the economy to function normally is the surest way out of the crisis, otherwise suffering will grow where crops can not,” she said to WFP.

According to U.N. News, “It is a historic moment for poor farmers in Afghanistan, and it represents an important milestone in our collective efforts to deliver results at scale… and make real transformative differences in the lives of vulnerable people,” said QU Dongyu, the director of FAO. FAO’s funding for remittance to Afghanistan is supporting about 2 million people during the November and March-November 2023 cultivation seasons.

Also, FAO plans on supporting the needs of children, people with illness and women-led households. The goal is to provide seeds and other necessary tools for gardening and the kitchen combined with training on improving nutrition and nutrition habits. “Secondly, the project will increase access to water for irrigation, while improving soil and water conservation,” U.N. News reports.

WFP has helped more than 16 million people since 2021 by providing remittances to Afghanistan. The organization has granted food to locations across the north of the country in an effort to help the communities there that are cut off during harsh snow storms.

Future Outlook

Both McGroarty and WFP are proud of the achievements that have been made thus far but admitted that the need for assistance amounts to $220 million in order to adequately assist the people of Afghanistan. According to the latest surveys performed by WFP, “an estimated 98% of Afghans are not consuming enough food- a worrisome 17% rise since August 2021.”

Due to increasing the costs of food and fertilizer, half of Afghanistan’s population faces food insecurity. Organizations such as the World Bank and the WFP are dedicating themselves to the people of Afghanistan with a $200 million budget to increase the production of crops and ensure the continuing function of the country’s economy.

– Henry Hyman
Photo: Flickr

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Curbing Inflation in Venezuela

Curbing Inflation in VenezuelaInflation is one of the most significant problems in the world right now, as the global inflation rate rises to 6.7% in 2022, almost double the average of the last decade. This is a consequence of the Russian-Ukrainian war and the effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Venezuela, which is one of the most in-need countries in South America has finally come out of one of the longest bouts of hyperinflation in the world after 12 consecutive months of the inflation rate rising below 50%, however, three in four people in the country still lived below the poverty line in 2021. The United States and other major players can still do a lot to help the country and curbing inflation in Venezuela is one of the many solutions necessary to improve poverty and economic stability in the country.

Mounting Challenges in Venezuela

In 2016, Venezuela entered a streak of hyperinflation which is when the rate of inflation increases by more than 50% for 12 consecutive months. In 2022, Venezuela has been able to pull itself out of this downward slide pretty simply. The country ramped up printing money in 2016, which became a real issue at the end of 2017 and caused the recent inflation. This has even been a problem in the United States because innately the more currency circulating, the less each piece of currency will be worth. That, along with deficit spending created one of the worst inflation crises in the world.

The solution to this problem appeared to be just as simple as the cause because as soon as the central government of Venezuela decided to stop printing so much money, the inflation rate eased. Although inflation has been on the decline, poverty has still been on the uptick rising to 76% in 2020. Even though these two statistics would seem to be contradictory there are reasons why simply curbing the inflation in Venezuela is not the end all be all.

Solutions

Curbing inflation in Venezuela is only the first step in a long line in order to help the situation in the country. In June 2022, the U.S. announced more than $314 million in aid to help stabilize Venezuela and the rest of that South American region.

These funds will go to multiple countries and aim to improve education and provide COVID-19 relief along with aid for other basic human needs. These funds will also go toward an effort to help potential migrants leaving the country, fleeing in an attempt to find better financial stability. They will also improve access to health care, which has been a challenge for people to access in Venezuela. As many as 5.4 million people have left the country in 2022 because of the unstable economy.

These funds ensure these people can have safe and productive new lives after leaving the country. Venezuelans will receive access to life-saving humanitarian programs like emergency shelters and obtain health care which has been difficult to access because of Venezuela’s own health care system. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) provided health care to more than 100,000 Venezuelans between 2020 and 2022, and since 2017, the U.S. has donated nearly $2 billion in total to Venezuela and the surrounding region. The humanitarian aid provided to the country has already done a lot to improve the lives of those living there and those attempting to leave. Curbing inflation in Venezuela is a step in the right direction.

Looking Ahead

The inflation crisis is severely affecting the entire world including Venezuela. People are having to leave the countries they call home in search of refuge and the possibility of a better life. A person’s displacement is a life-altering event that can change how they live forever. As more and more countries join in the fight to help Venezuela, hope exists that it will have a bright future.

– Alexander Peterson
Photo: Flickr

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World’s Largest Urban Garden in Progress to Fight Hunger in Brazil

hunger in BrazilIn the working-class area of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the largest urban garden in Latin America has plans to become the biggest in the world. The produce goes towards families in the area, helping to remedy food insecurity and hunger in Brazil.

Hunger in Brazil

Brazil is a large nation with a sizeable population of 212 million, so any social safety net shortcomings reflect on a larger scale, affecting millions. As of 2022, 60% of families in Brazil face some form of food insecurity; this equates to 125 million people.

The situation is not improving either as the number of those facing hunger doubled from 19.1 million to 33.1 million over the past two years, according to The Brazilian Report. Hunger in Brazil now is similar to rates from 30 years ago.

Urban Garden in Rio de Janeiro

Beginning in 2013, the Manguinhos community garden started in a patch of land previously used as part of the Rio Olympics. Around one football field of land became a workable garden thus far, BBC reports. Prior to its transformation, the land was infamous for being a slum, home to many displaced persons struggling with addiction.

There are currently 35 gardeners who assist in managing the land. They receive a monthly stipend of $95 in addition to access to fresh produce which they can take for free. The majority of the produce, however, goes to the tables of families in need in the area. Currently, the garden feeds 800 families a month. The food is always pesticide free, a rare option in the area.

Julio Cesar Barros, a soil and crop expert leading much of the project, stresses the importance of providing organic food in low-income areas. “Why do poor people have to be doomed to eating poisoned food? My goal is to stop organic food from just being for the elite,” he says.

Plans for the Future

The Manguinhos urban garden does not plan to stop at being the largest urban garden in Latin America. By the end of the year, the garden could expand to nearly 27 acres, according to BBC. This development would make it the largest urban garden in the world.

The plan is to donate half of the produce to those in the area in need, while the other half will be sold at inexpensive prices. All of the money will be divided amongst the gardeners, according to BBC. As such, the garden acts both as a means of accessible fresh and healthy food and as a source of income for those that dedicate their time to maintaining the land.

The Manguinhos urban garden is an innovative and sustainable way for Rio de Janeiro to combat growing food insecurity in Brazil. Once expanded, the garden should be able to feed 50,000 local families by 2024.

– Eleanor Corbin
Photo: Flickr

Georgia’s Path Into Europe

georgias-path-into-europe-the-oligarch-barrierIn late June, Georgians took to the street to protest the European Commission’s suggestion to defer the state’s EU candidacy. The main reason is not Georgia’s economy – the poverty rate improved significantly – but the oligarchs’ breaches of the EU’s democratic values.

Recent EU Pushback

In 2014, Georgia signed association agreements with the European Union to set the country on the road to EU candidature status. On June 23rd, 2022, the EU held back from granting Georgia the status, placing the nation behind Ukraine and Moldova. These two other post-soviet countries followed a similar timeline to Georgia’s path into Europe.

Though candidate status does not guarantee membership, it would be a significant step forward for the Caucasus country. In 2020, 80% of Georgians reported that they supported joining the EU and tens of thousands of people protested in the capital to express their frustrations with the government, which they deem responsible.

Their anger could be justified, for the European Commission did not withhold candidature status due to economic shortcomings. Indeed, the percentage of people living below the national poverty line in Georgia dropped significantly in the last decade, from 37.3% in 2010 to 21.3% in 2020.

Instead, the EU decided that Georgia does not show sufficient support for the democratic values European nations must respect through solid institutions. The European Commission emphasized that the government should focus on dismantling the oligarchic structure that dominates Georgian politics if it intends to continue Georgia’s path into Europe.

Effects of Oligarch Rule in Georgia

The billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili created the current ruling party, Georgian Dream (GD), in 2012 and served as prime minister until 2013 before resigning. However, Ivanishvili maintains a strong hold over the party from the sidelines. During his tenure, he appointed political actors that are personally loyal to him, and he continues to influence prominent politicians by funding their campaigns.

Moreover, Ivanishvili openly stated his intention to eliminate opposition parties, turning the nation into an autocracy. Since GD came to power, multiple affluent political opponents were accused of criminal charges, leading them to be jailed or sued.

As long as the status quo does not disrupt business interests, oligarchs have no interest in cultivating significant change in the nation, for rule-of-law systems would threaten their interests. This lack of reform means the country will not modernize and its weaknesses will only worsen. Under the Georgian Dream’s rule, crime rates increased dramatically and economic growth slowed, according to New Eastern Europe.

Furthermore, the decline in Georgia’s absolute poverty rate stagnated after 2015 and increased by 1.8% in 2020 following the pandemic.

The World Bank reported that from 2010-2014, the country’s most significant progress in reducing poverty came from increased household income due to economic activity: the country’s strong economy helped all tiers of its society. The report also emphasized the importance of the government’s redistributive policies in continuing poverty reduction and the oligarchic adversity to investing in public spending jeopardizes the continuation of these efforts.

Geopolitically, Georgia is more vulnerable to Russia than Ukraine – its entire territory is smaller than the Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine. If it was to join the EU, it would benefit not only from protection from Russia, but could also have access to more trade deals that could stimulate its economic activity, hence reducing poverty.

Oligarchs’ Relationship with Russia

Ivanishvili’s promised to improve relations with Russia without compromising Georgia’s path into Europe and NATO. However, tensions persist over the independence of the Abkhazia and South Ossetia regions, which Russia has occupied since the 2008 Russia-Georgian War.

Moreover, the Georgian government did not impose sanctions on Russia following the Ukraine War, claiming that the country was too economically dependent on Russia. Non-governmental Georgian advisors refute this claim and claim that the government lacks the political will to go against Russia.

Unlike Ukraine and Moldova, oligarchs in Georgia are Georgian-descent Russian industrialists that came to Georgia in the late 2000s. The oligarchs’ origins and their disdain for democratic values align the ruling class closer to Russia than to the European Union, according to a study by 3 DCFTAs.

Georgia’s Future Path

Georgia’s path into Europe could determine whether the oligarchic structure is dismantled. Solid democratic institutions could help pass needed reforms to help reduce the rate of people living in absolute poverty. For the institutions to exist, however, democratic values must be respected. By distancing itself from Ivanishvili, the Georgian government could gain the European Union’s trust and its people’s trust.

– Elena Sofia Massacesi
Photo: Flickr

No Energy Bills for UK citizens

No Energy billsOctopus Energy, a U.K. energy provider, has merged with the housebuilding firm Ilke Homes in an attempt to revolutionize the U.K. energy market. Their new big promise is no energy bills for U.K. citizens. Data the energy market regulator Ofgem published stated that in 2021, the average U.K. citizen spent as much as £1,138 a year on electricity bills. Octopus has officially pledged to get rid of that entire number, provided consumers do not use more than 10MWh of energy (which is the annual standard energy usage).

The Partnership

The strategic partnership between the two companies comprises two factories, situated in Stanfordle-Hope, Essex, including an air source heat pump, solar panels and battery storage technology. These environmentally friendly technologies can generate clean, free energy whilst making use of the Octopus energy tariff. All of Octopus’s tariffs use 100% green electricity and are no more costly than other energy providers’ non-green tariffs.

Currently, the project is undergoing testing with two semi-detached, medium-sized family homes in Essex. The project consists of eco-friendly and intelligent houses, equipped with technology that sustainably collects and transforms energy. Further, exceptional insulation should prevent heat from escaping and reduce the need for gas-dependent heating. As the houses are meant to reach the “No Energy bills for U.K. citizens” specification as advertised, they will have highly efficient solar panels covering their entire roofs, heat pumps to convert solar energy into heating and a central battery to store any excess energy. In the case that this proves to be insufficient, the houses can still access the central electricity grid and can draw energy when needed. The scheme aims to start mass production of energy bill-free houses and is ready to deliver to all parts of the U.K.

The Cost of the Scheme

The scheme cannot undergo implementation in already existing houses, and buyers have to buy it when they acquire their homes. The setup itself adds an extra £8,000-£9,000 to the total buying price, which includes the individual energy generator components like the solar panels, the battery storage and the air source heat.

However, the providers argue that individuals should not only expect increasing living costs but also even higher energy price caps. The energy price cap in the U.K. increased to £1,971 per year in April 2022, and the previous cap had already been very troublesome for many. Ofgem’s CEO has stated that he predicts the energy cap will increase further and be around the £2,800 mark eventually. This could subsequently hit low-income households the hardest and force many into so-called ‘fuel poverty,’ which is defined as a household with an energy rating of band D or below.

A total of 8.5 million households are at risk of not being able to pay for heating and power. In that context, the junction shows real potential for the average citizen. Further, the CEO of Ilke trusts that “green technology building costs” are only going to reduce over the next few years with the hope of breaking even compared to conventional energy systems by 2030. No energy bills for U.K. citizens would not only lift millions out of poverty but also free up funds for children’s education, health care and pension funds. The U.K. government has not yet granted a grant scheme but continues to actively express its support for innovative and consumer-friendly schemes like Octopus X Ilke.

– Pauline Lützenkirchen
Photo: Flickr

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Abt Associates Is Tackling Global Issues

Abt AssociatesWith 9% of the world’s population living in poverty, there is going to be an excess of other major issues on account of poverty. Some of the effects linked to poverty include food insecurity, poor health, homelessness, lack of housing and more. As of 2021, nearly 698 million people are undergoing extreme poverty and that means hundreds of millions of people are most likely experiencing at least some of the problems poverty creates. Despite the detrimental impact poverty leaves, Abt Associates is tackling global issues in more than 50 countries around the world to alleviate some of the world’s ongoing difficulties.

What is Abt Associates?

Clark Abt founded Abt Associates in 1965. It is an organization with the goal of achieving his dream: a world no longer suffering from war and poverty. This organization is dedicated to addressing the world’s most drastic issues and implementing action through methods based on extensive research to create growth in those specific areas. “Our mission is to improve the quality of life and economic well-being of people worldwide,” the organization says on its website.

There are nine main areas that Abt Associates focuses on: education, inclusive economic growth and agriculture, equity and inclusion, governance and justice, environment, climate and energy, health, housing and financial capacity building and workforce and economic mobility.

There are five “capabilities” of Abt Associates including digital transformations and advanced analytics, data capture and surveys, research, monitoring and evaluation, technical assistance and implementation. Abt Associates is tackling global issues successfully by strengthening systems and organizations, creating knowledge and inform policy and improving population well-being.

Impacting the Entire World

From maintaining health to food security to economic well-being, Abt works in more than 50 countries to solve the challenges worldwide. Abt works in the following regions including the Middle East & North Africa, Latin America & the Caribbean, Sub-Saharan Africa, Australia & Asia-Pacific, United Kingdom & Europe and South & Central Asia. Of the regions, many countries are facing severe poverty rates. The regions include the Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, Burundi and Guatemala, which are all countries in the top 10 highest poverty rates in the world.

Abt is working in other countries with high poverty rates, such as Haiti, with a 58.5% poverty rate, Sierra Leone, with a 56.6% poverty rate and Afghanistan, with a 54.5% poverty rate. The organization is currently working with more than 3,100 partners around the world to enact tangible and sustainable impact.

Life-Changing Projects

Abt Associates has dozens of current programs in place in each focus area to apply new technologies and solutions to improve lives. “Building the Next Generation of Resilient Ugandans” is one of the many programs in focus on food security and agriculture. This project aims to keep Ugandan children enrolled in school, make sure that families are on a healthy and nutritious food diet and are engaging in environmentally harmonious living from agriculture and other endeavors. The results have been a success. Abt Associates stated that in the first 18 months “we linked more than 1,400 community groups to markets, equipped more than 1,000 out-of-school girls with livelihood skills, and worked with 750 cultural leaders.”

The “Improving Nutrition for Tajik Mothers and Children” project works to improve Tajikistan’s health system, provide quality services to mothers, newborns and children and improve nutrition and child health. These are just a few of the many projects improving thousands of lives all over the world including “Building a 21st Century Road Map to Child Welfare Transformation”.

Abt Associate Awards

Abt Associates is tackling global issues and making real change in countries that are facing extreme issues, many of which are experiencing extreme poverty. For decades, Abt has been doing important research and making active and long-lasting changes in communities to improve quality of life. This organization has even been recognized with multiple awards for its notable work, including the MarCom Gold Award and the 2020 Commuter Connections Incentives Award. This powerful organization is essential in battling world issues and easing the gruesome effects that poverty generates.

– Dylan Olive
Photo: Flickr

Health Care in Kazakhstan Adopts AI

kazakhstan-adopts-ai-into-health-careIn this modern world, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is having a positive impact on people’s lives in Kazakhstan, bringing the efficient technology that today’s health care systems increasingly need. More specifically, the country launched an AI health care device called PneumoNet to provide early diagnosis for the most infectious lung diseases.

Health Care in Kazakhstan

Here are a few key facts about health care in Kazakhstan:

  • Life expectancy at birth at 73.2 years in line with the global average.
  • The doctor-to-patient ratio stood at four doctors for every 1,000 people in 2014, exceeding the regional average of 3.3 and the global average of 1.8.
  • Lung disease is the third leading cause of death in Kazakhstan. Large cities and urban areas contributed to poor air quality, exacerbating lung diseases.
  • With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, an already overworked medical team faced more pressure to assess data and recommend therapies as the number of patients receiving computed tomography (CT) scans rose from an estimated 60 to 100 per day, the World Bank reports.

In addition, the extraordinary scope of the pandemic brought attention to the health care system’s need for creative and economical approaches to the quick and precise identification and treatment of lung disorders.

Implementing AI

Incorporating AI into the health care system has several advantages. The first is greater efficiency. An automated system allows medical professionals to analyze patient data faster in order to deliver better health care more quickly. This can reduce the stress of the doctors that may already be overwhelmed.

Overall, PneumoNet allows Kazakhstan to effectively diagnose 17 of the most contagious lung diseases using AI techniques. These include pneumonia, tuberculosis, cancer and COVID-19. The Kazakh Research Institute of Oncology and Radiology (KRIOR) and the firm Forus Data partnered to develop and implement the technology.

“In the early days of the pandemic, frontline medical staff were introduced to working with the PneumoNet system. By May 2020, the system was used by three frontline hospitals in Almaty and Nur-Sultan, allowing radiologists to do their work in half the time and expediting the triaging of patients based on need for critical care and hospitalization. In addition, the system complemented the PCR diagnoses as the number of COVID-19 cases increased,” Dauren Baibazarov, the executive director of Forus Data told the World Bank.

A Better Future

Kazakhstan continues to prioritize the implementation of technology in health care in order to benefit patients. This is needed more than ever as the “wear and tear of medical equipment is at the level of 49.6%.” PM Smailov has made the decision to centralize medical equipment purchases in order to help remedy this.

Kazakhstan’s health care system and general state of health should advance with time and stable expansion. The continual development of medical technology is making it easier to identify illnesses and prepare to treat them when they are still in their early stages. This lessens the strain on people who live in larger cities and cannot afford quality health care.

– Frema Mensah
Photo: Unsplash

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International Student Scholarships in the United Kingdom

Student Scholarships in the United KingdomNowadays, many universities look to promote cultural diversity and provide opportunities for high-achieving disadvantaged students who face challenges in accessing higher education in a foreign country. Through international student scholarships in the United Kingdom, British universities are able to provide disadvantaged international students opportunities to study abroad. The number of fully funded scholarships that British universities have given has increased in recent years. For example, the available scholarships went from 2,840 for the 2021-22 academic year to 3,310 for the 2022-23 academic year. This article will provide an overview of student scholarships in the United Kingdom while providing some examples.

Overview of International Student Scholarships in the United Kingdom

In 2022, more than 3,000 opportunities for student scholarships in the United Kingdom covered multiple levels of higher education degrees, supporting students from bachelor’s degrees up to master’s degrees and doctoral degrees. Many of those fully funded scholarships are open to students from all over the globe, without any discrimination and exclusion, which could give the British universities a diverse, global academic environment and help more people from varying cultural backgrounds reach for a better life.

Some scholarships in the U.K. aim to help those most in need and are specifically for students from low-income backgrounds. The British government provides some of those scholarships, like the Commonwealth Split-site Scholarships. Meanwhile, individual universities, like the UCL (University College London) Global Masters Scholarship, provide others.

Special Scholarships For Indian Students

In June 2022, the U.K., cooperating with businesses in India, announced 75 fully-funded one-year master’s program scholarships awarded to talented Indian students. It is worth noting that the year 2022 happens to be the 75th anniversary of India’s independence from the United Kingdom after shedding its colonial status. The scholarship covers the university’s tuition fees, the cost of transportation and the students’ daily expenses.

Chevening, the British government’s international awards scheme that provides many student scholarships in the U.K., has partnered with Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) India to sponsor 15 of those 75 scholarships. HSBC India CEO Hitendra Dave believes that students receiving the money all have the potential to become leading stars in different fields.

Special Scholarships to Assist Ukrainian Students

The armed conflicts between Ukraine and Russia has severely affected the learning process of many university students in Ukraine. Under such circumstances, the University of Edinburgh has generously started implementing a pilot program for a sanctuary scholarship scheme that aims to aid students during conflicts.

The pilot program directly helps Ukrainian doctoral students whose study activities cannot carry on normally due to the war. The program “will enable students to study in Edinburgh, make short visits to the city, or receive support and mentoring to continue their research studies in their own country.”

In 2021, the U.K. ranked 10th on the list of countries providing financial support for international students. Through international student scholarships in the United Kingdom, disadvantaged students across the world have the opportunity to study at renowned institutions. With this high-quality tertiary education, these students are able to secure skilled jobs that pay well and enable them to improve their living standards.

– Ella Li
Photo: Flickr

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The United States and WFP Address Food Security in Africa

United States and WFPAmid the COVID pandemic, the war in Ukraine, changes in climate and terrorism, many countries in Africa are facing spikes in food insecurity and malnutrition. According to World Vision, in 2020, 282 million people faced malnutrition in Africa, equating to 46 million more malnourished people compared to 2019. In 2021, 33.8 million face acute food insecurity in East Africa. The World Food Programme (WFP) is working to help these individuals establish food security, especially those who are refugees and other displaced individuals.

United States policymakers and USAID are also working to support WFP in addressing food insecurity. On June 14, 2022, the U.S. announced funding assistance of $29.5 million to “support WFP’s humanitarian food assistance to 940,000 people affected by insecurity, conflict and natural disasters in northern Mozambique” and efficient “registration of displaced populations jointly with the Government of Mozambique and partners.” By establishing long-term solutions to poverty and malnutrition in refugee camps and providing emergency aid to host families of displaced people, the United States and WFP can strengthen food security throughout Africa.

Displaced throughout Africa

On June 16, 2022, USAID Administrator Samantha Power spoke with WFP Executive Director David Beasley to discuss how the two agencies would partner to supply “urgent humanitarian food assistance to crisis-affected people”, especially in light of recent crises including:

The effects of the pandemic and the blockage of grain exports from Ukraine to other countries are triggering a food crisis across the globe, mostly impacting vulnerable countries dependent on these exports. Dealing with one or more barriers to food access will increase poverty and malnutrition. These combinations of issues harshly impact host countries and people living in refugee camps.

US Commitment

The U.S. is the leading WFP donor worldwide and contributed $3.7 billion in 2021. The United States Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Victoria Nuland visited WFP in Mozambique on June 14, 2022, to allocate aid for specific issues impacting Mozambique that exacerbate food insecurity in the nation. WFP Country Director Antonella D’Aprile said, “With so many overlapping crises around the world, the contribution of $29.5 million from the United States to the people of Mozambique is praiseworthy.”

Providing Aid

The World Food Programme (WFP) is able to assist through a network of resources that commit to addressing global hunger and aiding refugees. WFP is helping Kenya’s Kalobeyei refugee settlement by establishing farming systems to help those escaping violence in Burundi. The organization and partners “established rainwater harvesting ponds, built greenhouse-like structures and modern markets” to accelerate the area’s farming potential. The organization also developed “five irrigation water pans with a combined capacity of 265,000 cubic meters” to help farmers irrigate crops during times of drought.

WFP is grappling with the consequences of poor harvests, the COVID-19 pandemic and food shortages stemming from the war in Ukraine. Refugees from various regions of Africa are able to find WFP projects that can help them improve their quality of life and secure a better future.

Displaced people in different countries have the help of a range of conflict-specific aid to combat food insecurity and fight hunger in populations that are depending on programs that can provide stability amid multiple barriers. The United States and WFP are making this life-saving aid a priority, especially as new conflict arises.

– Karen Krosky
Photo: Flickr

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Russia-Ukraine Wheat Agreement Goes Into Effect 

Russia-Ukraine Wheat Agreement Russia and Ukraine are two of the largest grain producers in the world, combining to supply 30% of the world’s wheat and barley. A continuous flow of these goods is critical as the two countries account for over half of all wheat imports in 36 countries, according to the United States Institute of Peace (USIP). The Russia-Ukraine war put a stop to the export of these goods with Russia blocking Ukrainian ports since February. Fortunately, with the help of the United Nations and third-party countries, Russia and Ukraine were able to strike a deal allowing wheat and grain exports to leave the Ukrainian port in Odesa. The Russia-Ukraine wheat agreement went into effect on Monday, August 1, 2022.

Food Supply Threat

Port blockages posed a clear threat to food supply lines around the world, specifically in the Horn of Africa. Because wheat was unavailable from Russia and Ukraine, countries had to pay more for shipping from further away countries. Additionally, any vessels traveling through the black sea were in imminent danger, resulting in higher insurance premiums and an overall increase in food costs.

The situation was untenable, with it being an estimated 47 million people face acute hunger, USIP reports.

Fortunately, with the help of the United Nations and third-party countries, Russia and Ukraine were able to strike a deal allowing wheat and grain exports to leave the Ukrainian port in Odesa. The Russo-Ukrainian wheat agreement went into effect on Monday, August 1, 2022.

The Agreement

Two countries concluded the agreement last month, after two months of negotiation. United Nations and Turkey brokered the talks, with both Russia and Ukraine taking a seat at the table. The Russia-Ukraine wheat agreement should last 120 days, however, there’s an option to renew it indefinitely if both countries agree, according to BBC.

The reason for the nearly month-long delay between agreement and enaction of this deal comes from the difficult logistics that had to be ironed out. Ukrainian military mined the waters in Odesa to prevent Russian ships from entering. As a result, this makes travel by cargo ship incredibly difficult.

The Ukrainian military worked to finalize a route through the black sea suitable for cargo ships and devoid of mines. Second, all cargo ships entering and exiting Ukraine will go through inspection for weapons, upon Russia’s request. This inspection will happen at the Joint Coordination Center in Turkey, according to BBC.

Now that the agreement has gone into effect, Ukrainian officials announced that there are 17 ships carrying 600,000 tonnes of cargo waiting for inspection, BBC reports.

Compromises

Under the Russian-Ukraine wheat agreement, Russia has agreed not to take any military action on Odesa or the ships coming in and out of the port. Ukraine has agreed to use its naval vessels to guide all ships in and out of the mined waters, according to BBC.

As mentioned before, Russia had concerns over weapons being smuggled into Ukraine. To alleviate these concerns Ukraine agreed to mandatory inspections of all ships, which Turkey, as a third party, will conduct.

Issues

The Russo-Ukrainian Wheat Agreement is a major first step in building relationships and restoring food supply lines. However, there are still some concerns. First, there are concerns that Russia may not have agreed to this deal in good faith. Less than 24 hours after the deal was agreed to, Russia launched two missile strikes on Odesa port.

There are worries that Russia may continue to disrupt shipments through military action. Second, even with guidance from the Ukrainian navy, sea mines still pose a significant threat to cargo ships in the water. As a result, insurance premiums for vessels hoping to transport grain under this agreement will remain incredibly high and continue to put upwards pressure on the cost of food.

– Benjamin Brown
Photo: Flickr