Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

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Updates on SDG 5 in Argentina

SDG 5 in ArgentinaArgentina has made significant progress in advancing gender equality, and according to the Sustainable Development Report, it is one of the few countries, not just in Latin America, but globally, that is on track to achieve SDG 5 by 2030. Argentina has implemented “100% of the legal frameworks under the SDG that promote, enforce and monitor gender equality.” This article dives into updates on SDG 5 in Argentina.

Sustainable Development Goal 5

In 2015, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) replaced the Millennium Development Goals, aiming to transform the world. As part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, all United Nations member states adopted the SDGs, which comprise 17 goals and 169 targets aimed at achieving development by 2030. 

 The fifth goal, or SDG ,5 aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. Its targets include ending all forms of discrimination, violence and harmful practices against women, among others. It also aims to ensure women’s equal representation in leadership at all levels of different spheres of life.

SDG 5 Progress in Argentina

The following section highlights recent updates on SDG 5 in Argentina, based on certain indicators of the goal. Among the indicators that the goal uses to measure progress, one focuses on the labor force participation of women by evaluating the ratio of female-to-male labor force participation. As of 2024, the rate was 73.73%, an increase from 67.59% in 2000, representing a slow but sustained rise.

Another indicator, measuring the ratio of the mean years of education that women and men aged 25 and older received, reached a peak of 104.92% in 2021. With relation to this indicator, the country has remained predominantly consistent over the last two decades, routinely surpassing the intended target of 100, demonstrating that, on average, women receive more years of education.

Meanwhile, a third indicator has shown a drastic improvement from the turn of the century. From holding less than 30% of seats in National Parliaments, the country, at its best, in 2024, witnessed nearly 45% of women leaders. There has been a slight dip in 2025, but so far it seems to be on track to achieve 50%.

Furthermore, the vulnerability of female employment in Argentina has also improved since 1991. As of 2023, the rates were 20.6% among women and 23.8% among men. In both cases, it is lower than the average rate in Latin America and the Caribbean. Lower vulnerable employment rates also have a relatively positive impact on poverty in the country, given that workers in vulnerable employment are more likely to fall into poverty.

Areas for Continued Growth

While Argentina has made notable progress in achieving SDG 5, certain areas require continued work to address necessary gaps. One such aspect that remains a challenge is physical and/or sexual violence. In 2018, among women aged 15-49 years, 4.5% reported that they had experienced physical and/or sexual violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months.

With respect to labor, men spent 9.2% of their time on unpaid care and domestic work, while women and girls aged 15 and above spent more than 20%. The adolescent birth rate per 1,000 women aged 15-19 also rose to 0.9 in 2021. Though not a concerning figure, it was a slight increase from 0.8 in 2020.

Additionally, Argentina is working to close existing gender data gaps to fulfil its SDG 5-related commitments. A key area where data gaps exist is gender and poverty. Given that the female poverty rate is higher than the male poverty rate globally, this data could have a significant impact on empowering women and alleviating poverty in Argentina.

UN Women’s Initiative

Nonetheless, various initiatives have been and continue to be put in place to overcome these challenges. One such example is the Connected to the Future: The Potential of Digital Training to Accelerate Equality initiative, which U.N. Women launched in collaboration with Nokia aimed to bridge the digital divide. This multisector collaboration aims to enhance women’s access to employment in key sectors and to promote entrepreneurship through training and the development of local networks in Argentina.

As a part of the initiative, 80 women from across 52 municipalities in Puntos Mujer participated in the training surrounding cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, personal finance and digital violence, among others. The program also supports the U.N. Women Strategic Plan 2022-2025, particularly the digital inclusion strategy for Latin America and the Caribbean and encourages women’s economic empowerment in digital spaces, which is a feature critical for sustainable economic development in communities.

The Women’s Forum for Equal Opportunities

The citizens are also empowered, and they, too, are increasingly championing women’s rights throughout the country. For instance, indigenous and feminist women’s groups throughout Argentina are campaigning to stop racist sexual violence and femicide. The Women’s Forum for Equal Opportunities is one such organization. It has established women-led community networks by training local leaders on gender issues to assist survivors of violence. This has played a significant role in supporting survivors from regions with no access to telephone lines or the internet.

Looking Ahead

While Argentina faces some challenges in its path to achieving SDG 5, the programs and initiatives being implemented are working actively to bridge the gap by the end of the decade. 

– Priya Doshi

Priya is based in Edinburgh, Scotland and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Methods To Address Disability and Poverty in Myanmar

Disability and Poverty in MyanmarDisability and poverty remain two deeply intertwined challenges in Myanmar, where decades of conflict, economic instability and limited health care access have placed millions in vulnerable positions. With almost 6 million people having one or more disabilities of any type. Disability, whether physical or mental, often acts as both a cause and consequence of poverty, resulting in restricted education, employment, health care and opportunities for personal growth. However, across the nation, innovative programs, local organizations and international support are working together to improve the quality of life for those facing these barriers. Data recorded in 2023 suggests that around 49.7% of the country’s population is living in poverty, highlighting the urgent need for intervention to address the growing issues faced within communities.

Community-Based Rehabilitation Programs

One of the most effective strategies in addressing disability and poverty in Myanmar has been the development of community-based rehabilitation (CBR) programs. The concept, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), is simple yet powerful, as rehabilitation has become more accessible, local and inclusive rather than centralized in hospitals or distant clinics. CBR brings assistance directly to people’s homes and communities. In Myanmar, this method is particularly significant because many rural areas lack adequate medical infrastructure. Trained local volunteers and rehabilitation workers provide physiotherapy, mobility aids and counseling to individuals with disabilities. In addition, disability awareness training has been introduced within schools. These interventions help people regain independence, re-enter education or work and break cycles of dependency that perpetuate poverty. Furthermore, they raise community awareness and challenge traditional stigmas surrounding disability, which strengthens the success of such initiatives which are fighting disability and poverty in Myanmar.

Successes

A major success story comes from Kayin State, where the local NGO Karuna Mission Social Solidarity established CBR networks that have supported more than 10,000 people through small business grants, home-based therapy and caregiver training. This model shows that sustainable progress is possible when communities themselves are the drivers of change.

Similar initiatives are now spreading across Shan and Mon States, where CBR teams combine physical rehabilitation with livelihood projects such as livestock farming and handicrafts. By linking therapy with income generation, people regain independence and can help support their families. Reports from the Myanmar Independent Living Initiative and WHO show that CBR works best when it blends medical care with community empowerment. Local volunteers, often family members, are trained to assist with therapy and raise awareness about disability rights. This grassroots approach helps reduce stigma and builds understanding within villages.

The success of these programs also depends on cooperation between NGOs, local authorities and international partners. Together, they are turning disability inclusion into a shared social goal and helping to shape a more accessible future for Myanmar.

Social Protection and Financial Empowerment

In Myanmar, social protection programs are increasingly focusing on individuals with disabilities to reduce poverty and promote inclusion. The government has introduced initiatives like the Allowance for People with Disabilities Program, providing monthly stipends to eligible individuals, aiming to alleviate financial burdens and encourage community participation. 

Additionally, organizations such as BRAC Myanmar have implemented the Financial and Social Inclusion Project, which offers vocational training, microloans and business development support to persons with disabilities. This holistic approach has led to improved financial literacy and increased community engagement among participants. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to create an inclusive social safety net in Myanmar, integrating marginalized groups into the economic mainstream and reducing poverty rates. Therefore, this is another part of the effort to reduce poverty and resulting disability in Myanmar. 

Looking Ahead

Myanmar’s ongoing fight against disability and poverty shows that progress is possible even in challenging circumstances. Community-based rehabilitation, social protection programs and financial empowerment initiatives are helping individuals regain independence, access education and participate in their communities. While barriers such as limited resources and lingering stigma remain, these programs demonstrate that targeted support can create meaningful change. Contributions to NGOs and local organizations play a vital role in sustaining these efforts, providing the funding, expertise and resources needed to reach more people and expand life-changing services. Supporting these initiatives not only improves individual lives but also strengthens entire communities, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.

– Toby Bowery-Taylor

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

Photo: Pixabay

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Renewable Energy in Azerbaijan

Renewable Energy in AzerbaijanAzerbaijan, home to more than 10 million people, is a landlocked country located between Russia and Iran in Southeast Asia. In the past decade, the Azerbaijan government has implemented significant initiatives to increase their renewable energy resources with plans to have up to 38% of its electricity come from renewable sources by 2030. Renewable energy has become one of the nation’s top priorities in recent years, as President Ilham Aliyev issued a 2019 decree to reform and modernize the national energy sector. According to Aliyev, renewable energy in Azerbaijan has the potential to stimulate economies both nationally and around the world.

The poverty rate in Azerbaijan has considerably declined in the past 20 years, dropping from 68.1% in 1995 to only 5.5% in 2023; however, with almost half the population living in rural areas, many residents continue to experience unreliable access to affordable energy. Some rural residents have access to electricity for only five to six hours a day, and poor insulation in outdated buildings further limits their ability to retain energy. Expanding renewable energy in Azerbaijan could close this gap by making power more accessible, while also improving public health and creating jobs.

Azerbaijan’s Renewable Energy Transition

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), oil and natural gas control Azerbaijan’s energy supply, which together account for more than 90% of electricity generation. Renewable energy in Azerbaijan contributes about 6% of total electricity generation, but that share is set to rise as the government invests heavily in renewables such as solar, wind, hydropower and bioenergy.

The Ministry of Energy estimates Azerbaijan’s technical renewable potential at more than 135 gigawatts (GW) onshore and 157 GW offshore, with 27 GW considered economically feasible. This includes 3,000 MW of wind, 23,000 MW of solar, 380 MW of bioenergy and 520 MW from small rivers. Azerbaijan currently operates 65 hydroelectric plants, five wind farms, nine solar plants and several hybrid projects that produce around 1,829 MW, which is more than 19% of the country’s total power capacity.

These investments align with Azerbaijan’s commitment to host COP29, the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference, underscoring the country’s growing role in advancing world sustainability.

How Renewable Energy in Azerbaijan Can Reduce Poverty

  1. Lower Costs and Greater Access: Renewable energy systems such as solar and wind operate more efficiently and cost less than fossil-fuel plants. Expanding renewables could lower electricity costs for households and businesses, particularly in rural communities that currently rely on costly or unreliable sources. Microhydropower systems also deliver power to isolated regions, allowing residents to easily access lighting, refrigeration and internet. These are key factors in stimulating education and economic growth.
  2. Better Health and Living Conditions: Burning fossil fuels releases major air pollutants that contribute to chronic respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. More than 880,000 Azerbaijanis live within five kilometers of gas flaring sites, heightening their risk of developing these chronic and often lethal conditions. Cleaner energy reduces these health risks and lowers medical expenses for low-income families. The new Garadagh Solar Power Plant will save 110 million cubic meters of natural gas and cut 200,000 tons of carbon emissions annually. These projects will benefit not only the planet but also improve the quality of life for Azerbaijani residents.
  3. Job Creation and Economic Growth: The shift to renewable energy has generated substantial job growth across Azerbaijan. Building and maintaining solar farms, wind turbines and grid systems creates thousands of jobs. The Shafag (Jabrayil) Solar Power Project is projected to generate more than 400 new jobs by the end of 2027. Moreover, many of these opportunities are located outside urban centers, such as the Khizi-Absheron 240 MW Wind Farm, helping to reduce rural poverty.
  4. Energy Security and Climate Resilience: Dependence on oil and gas exposes economies to price fluctuations and resource depletion. Renewable energy provides stability and self-sufficiency. By saving natural gas used in power generation, Azerbaijan can increase exports, leading to increased revenue for poverty reduction and infrastructure development. It also strengthens the country’s resilience to changing weather patterns, which also disproportionately affects poor and rural communities.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

While Azerbaijan’s renewable energy growth is promising, challenges remain. The country’s energy infrastructure continues to depend primarily on fossil fuels, and scaling up renewables requires additional investment in transmission lines and modernized regulations. The Ministry of Energy notes that although the technical potential exceeds 135 GW, only a fraction is economically feasible today due to costs, outdated technology and limited participation from the energy private-sector. 

Still, the government’s Law on the Use of Renewable Energy Sources in Electricity Production and the development of public-private partnerships represent crucial steps toward a more sustainable and inclusive future. If Azerbaijan continues its commitment to renewable energy expansion, it will foster not only a greener economy but also a more equitable one.

– Emily Salter

Emily is based in Birmingham, AL, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Reducing Food Waste for Smallholder Farmers in India

Smallholder Farmers in IndiaNearly half of India’s workforce makes a living in agriculture. For years, the country has been facing a two-fold, paradoxical crisis. India ranks 105th out of 127 countries on the Global Hunger Index (GHI), with approximately 14% of the population undernourished. At the same time, while millions go hungry, India loses roughly $17.7 billion worth of crops and produce each year post-harvest. That figure amounts to about 22% of the nation’s total food grain output, or around 74 million tons of food, going to waste annually.

Challenges for Smallholder Farmers

Of all India’s farmers, about 86% are classified as smallholder farmers, meaning they own less than two hectares of land. Many smallholder farmers harvest primarily fruits and vegetables rather than large quantities of grain, which are far more vulnerable to post-harvest spoilage. Unlike larger farmers, smallholders rarely have the financial resources or access to cold storage, warehouses or proper transportation and packaging. Without that infrastructure, their crops spoil quickly, forcing them to sell right after harvest. That dependence on immediate sales often means accepting much lower prices to move their produce.

Technology as a Solution

The introduction of emerging technology has enabled smallholders in India to move away from inevitable waste and toward increased food security and improved livelihoods. From solar-powered cold storage that extends the shelf life of vegetables by a few weeks to portable preservation dryers that keep fruit fresh without chemicals and IoT devices that maintain freshness during transport, innovators around the world are tailoring solutions to address the challenges faced by India’s smallholder farmers. These tools are not just reducing spoilage; they give farmers more control over their lives and allow them to dictate when and how they sell their crops.

Ecozen’s Solar Cold Storage

Ecozen is a climate tech company that provides solar-powered solutions for agriculture and other sectors. The company teamed up with the SELCO Foundation and Collectives for Integrated Livelihood Initiatives (CInI) to help farmers in India reduce food waste and increase the shelf life of their produce. In Meghalaya, a state in Northeast India, the company installed 10 Ecofrost solar-powered cold rooms, totaling a pre-cooling capacity of 5,000 kg and a cold storage capacity of 50 metric tons.

Ecofrost is a solar-powered cold storage system designed to operate entirely off-grid, featuring a built-in backup that lasts up to 30 hours without requiring batteries. It primarily relies on solar energy but can also switch to an electrical grid or generator when needed. Powered by Ecozen’s artificial intelligence (AI) and internet of things (IoT) platform, Ecofrost enables farmers to monitor their cold rooms remotely. Farmers simply select the type and weight of produce, and the system automatically adjusts to the ideal storage conditions using pre-programmed data and recommendations.

Saptkrishi’s Portable Sabjikothi Units

While Ecofrost focuses primarily on large-scale solar cold rooms, Saptkrishi is another company taking a more modular approach with its Sabjikothi units. These portable, solar-powered chambers create a controlled microclimate that keeps fruits and vegetables fresh for weeks, eliminating the need for refrigeration or chemicals. They can be mounted on carts or set up in village markets, providing small farmers and vendors with a convenient way to store and sell their produce as needed. With built-in IoT monitoring and minimal maintenance, Sabjikothi offers smallholder farmers in India a flexible, low-cost solution to post-harvest food loss in places where traditional cold storage like Ecofrost is not practical.

S4S Technologies and Women Entrepreneurs

S4S Technologies has also joined the fight against food waste for smallholder farms in India, with an added emphasis on the gender dimension. Roughly 75% of women in India work in agriculture and related industries, which leaves them in a particularly vulnerable position in the wake of food waste.

S4S empowers smallholder farmers and women micro-entrepreneurs in rural India with solar-powered food dehydrators. The company purchases lower-grade, rejected produce from smallholder farmers and delivers it to micro-entrepreneurs who dehydrate it in their solar-powered dryers. This method is more cost-effective and energy-efficient than conventional industrial food preservation techniques.

Once the dehydrated products are sent to a packaging facility, they can be sold to large-scale production companies and food service providers. To maintain quality standards, S4S employs village-level coordinators who train the micro-entrepreneurs on quality expectations. Participants are guaranteed fair compensation and receive a fixed fee per kilogram of dried product. This company’s mission and technology contribute not only to the reduction of food waste and increased income but also to the development of micro-businesses and female empowerment in India.

A Hopeful Future for India’s Farmers

For the millions of smallholder farmers in India, every harvest once felt like a gamble. With help from emerging technologies like solar-powered cold storage, IoT monitoring and portable dryers, smallholder farmers in India are now able to preserve their produce and control when and how they choose to sell it. These innovations do more than reduce waste — they are giving farmers a chance to regain autonomy, earn more money, feed more people and move away from inevitable loss toward hopeful opportunity.

– Kaitlin Reed

Kaitlin is based in Austin, TX, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Progress: The Lives Behind Reduced Poverty in Jamaica

Poverty in jamaicaIn 2023, Jamaica experienced its sharpest reduction in poverty in more than three decades, a milestone that captured both national and international attention. According to the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), the country’s national poverty rate fell from 16.7% in 2022 to 8.2% in 2023, a drop of nearly half and one of the steepest declines since record-keeping began in 1989. This change was driven by a combination of economic recovery, a rebound in tourism, remittances from citizens working abroad and targeted government interventions designed to support the most vulnerable populations.

For many Jamaican families, the data translates into tangible improvements: more reliable income, better access to food and health care and a greater sense of optimism about the future. The country’s ability to maintain economic stability and strengthen social protection systems has kept poverty in Jamaica on a downward slope, securing a more resilient future for all Jamaicans.

Economic Recovery and Structural Drivers

Jamaica’s dramatic reduction in poverty is closely linked to its broader economic recovery following the shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tourism, which contributes nearly 10% of Jamaica’s GDP, saw a strong resurgence in 2023 as international travel reopened. The Jamaica Tourist Board reported that more than 4.1 million visitors arrived that year, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and bringing billions of U.S. dollars into the economy. Hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues once again provided thousands of jobs, particularly in urban centers and coastal regions.

Growth in agriculture and construction also contributed to this momentum. According to PIOJ’s Economic and Social Survey Jamaica 2023, agricultural output grew by 3.5%, while construction expanded by 5.9%, both sectors employing large numbers of low- to middle-income workers. Additionally, remittances from Jamaicans abroad reached $3.6 billion in 2023, representing one of the country’s most stable income sources. These inflows cushioned families from inflation and provided a safety net for many households living near the poverty line. Together, these structural drivers supported higher consumption levels and renewed confidence in Jamaica’s economic outlook.

The Human Dimension of Progress

Beyond statistics and reports, Jamaica’s poverty rate has deeply personal consequences. As the Jamaica Observer highlighted in its feature “From Hardship to Hope,” families across the country are beginning to feel a sense of relief. Parents can now purchase school supplies with less financial strain, small farmers are finding better markets for their crops and hospitality workers are enjoying greater job stability.

For example, a St. James hotel employee quoted in the article described how consistent work in 2023 allowed her to “finally save for her children’s education.” These stories reflect how national progress filters into everyday life, giving people a chance to plan for the future rather than focus solely on survival. Such experiences demonstrate why poverty reduction matters, not only as an economic indicator but also as a measure of opportunity and security.

Risks and the Path Forward

Although Jamaica’s poverty reduction is historic, experts caution that the gains are fragile. While global inflation averaged 4.2% in 2025, down from 6.6% in 2023, it still erodes purchasing power for many families. Climate change also threatens agriculture and rural livelihoods as severe droughts and floods become more frequent.

If these challenges are not addressed, there is a risk that poverty rates could rise again. To prevent backsliding, Jamaica must continue strengthening social protection systems such as the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH), which supports more than 350,000 beneficiaries, including children and the elderly. The government is also encouraged to diversify the economy beyond tourism by promoting sectors such as renewable energy, technology and creative industries. Reliable and transparent data collection, an issue that has long challenged Caribbean nations, will be essential for monitoring progress and guiding Jamaica’s future strategies.

Looking Ahead

Jamaica’s record-breaking decline in its poverty rate marks an extraordinary achievement that shows what is possible when economic recovery and social policy align. The combination of industry growth and targeted welfare programs has lifted thousands of families above the poverty line, offering a glimpse of a more equitable future.

Still, the uneven nature of progress and the risks that remain highlight that poverty reduction is not a one-time success but an ongoing challenge. 

– Abigail Ariyo

Abigail is based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Blockchain in Aid: A Path To Transparent Funding?

Blockchain in AidBlockchain technology, best known for powering cryptocurrencies, is now being tested in international aid and welfare systems. By offering a secure, decentralized way to record and track transactions, this technology has the potential to address one of the biggest challenges in aid: ensuring that funds reach their intended recipients. Pilot projects in countries like Ghana, Uganda and Ukraine show both the promise and the limitations of this approach.

Blockchain and Transparency in Aid

Traditional aid distribution often suffers from inefficiencies, lack of oversight and corruption. Intermediaries and opaque financial systems can make it difficult to know whether funds actually reach local communities. Blockchain, a distributed ledger technology, records transactions in a tamper-proof system, allowing donors, governments and recipients to track disbursements in real time.

This transparency reduces opportunities for fraud while building trust among stakeholders. For example, aid distributed via blockchain can be monitored at each transfer stage, from donor pledges to household-level disbursement.

Pilot Projects in Ghana, Uganda and Ukraine

  • Ghana: Blockchain technology has been explored as a tool for poverty alleviation. For example, initiatives have used it to improve the land registry systems, reducing disputes and corruption related to property rights. Additionally, this technology is being integrated into the cocoa supply chain, enabling smallholder farmers to trace their products, connect directly with international markets and secure fairer incomes.
  • Uganda: Startups have partnered with nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to pilot blockchain-based land registries, helping reduce disputes and corruption around property ownership, a major factor in long-term poverty reduction.
  • Ukraine: In response to wartime displacement, blockchain systems have been explored to deliver direct cash aid and track humanitarian funds with greater accountability. It has helped prevent more than $200M of overlapping assistance since 2022.

Benefits and Transparency Gains

Blockchain projects have demonstrated several advantages:

  • Fraud Reduction: Tamper-resistant ledgers minimize opportunities for embezzlement or double-spending.
  • Efficiency: Smart contracts automate transactions, cutting costs by reducing reliance on intermediaries.
  • Trust-Building: Donors and recipients can access real-time, auditable records showing exactly where funds go.

These improvements could reshape donor confidence in international aid and encourage more consistent funding.

Challenges and Scalability

Despite its promise, blockchain in aid faces major obstacles:

  • Technical Barriers: Many communities lack reliable internet and electricity to support blockchain systems.
  • Regulation: Blockchain-based aid risks data misuse and uneven adoption without clear legal frameworks.
  • Scalability: Pilot projects often succeed on a small scale but require massive infrastructure and oversight to expand nationally.

These challenges show that blockchain is not a “silver bullet” but a tool that requires careful and thoughtful integration.

Looking Ahead

To responsibly integrate blockchain into poverty-alleviation funding, governments and NGOs must build regulatory frameworks that safeguard privacy, ensure inclusivity and maintain accountability. Partnerships with local communities are also crucial to avoid imposing solutions that fail to address real needs.

Blockchain can improve transparency, but only if implemented carefully and ethically. The technology offers a new way to fight inefficiency and corruption in aid. However, its true impact will depend on whether it can be scaled responsibly in the world’s most vulnerable regions.

– De’Marlo Gray

De’Marlo is based in Long Beach, CA, USA and focuses on Business and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Addressing Disability and Poverty in Eswatini

Disability and Poverty in EswatiniGeographically diverse yet almost entirely surrounded by South Africa, Eswatini is considered one of the smallest countries in Africa, spanning only 200 km north to south and 130 km east to west. Disability and poverty in Eswatini remain deeply interconnected, reinforcing cycles of inequality and restricting opportunities for growth. Far from being isolated conditions, they are overlapping challenges that shape much of the nation’s social reality.

About Disability and Poverty in Eswatini

With a population of 1.3 million, life expectancy reaches low at 58 years in comparison to the US where the average life expectancy is 78.6 years according to the National Library of Medicine. It is no coincidence that Eswatini’s average life expectancy is low. With some improvement, poverty rates still remain extremely high for the country with almost 60% of the population living below the poverty line and a Gini coefficient for inequality of 0.54 reflecting a weak economic environment, according to The Word Bank of Eswatini. 

The Gini coefficient for inequality is a statistical measure that quantifies inequality on a scale from 0 to 1 with 0 being perfect equality and 1 being the complete opposite, major inequality. Eswatini’s score of 0.54 indicates that there is a quite high rate of inequality for the country’s population. 

Although inequality is in regard to pay, gender and age, the issue of disability and poverty in Eswatini remains significant. Disability and poverty have close links in the country. High numbers of people with disabilities report having significant financial difficulties in accessing essential services such as health care.

Population Trends

According to the government of Estwatini, with the estimated population of 1.1 million people, the average growth rate increased by about 0.86% annually over the last 11 year period leading to 2021 (2010-2021).

Within that timeline, the 2017 Population and Housing Census revealed that approximately 13% of the population (more than 140,000) were individuals with disabilities that found it challenging to perform daily functions. Most common of these disabilities was related to either vision (32.6%) and mobility (26.5%), with females being significantly more affected than males across all disabilities.

Other than mobility and vision being the most common disability among citizens of Eswatini, other disabilities such albinism (0.7%) and epilepsy (0.6%) also occur. In rural areas, disability is more common with more than 80% of individuals residing in these areas facing mobility issues and vision difficulties.

Poverty’s Role in Disability and Inequality

According to a report by UNICEF, individuals with disabilities in the country are significantly more likely to live in poverty. With low opportunities and access to health services, jobs and education, many individuals in rural areas rely on cash assistance and support services to mitigate poverty’s impact.

Although poverty has been decreasing long term, Eswatini still faces high levels of inequality for disabled individuals. Approximately 52% of citizens with disabilities have no access to education and only 28% of them have employment.

Vision for the Future

The government of Eswatini has recognized the need to address the rising issue. Being put into action between 2024-28, the Eswatini National Disability Plan of Action aims to promote protection of rights of disabled individuals and “to ensure that national policies and development programmes mainstream disability rights in all stages of planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting.”

Some goals of this new act include:

  • Increase enrollment of individuals with disabilities in schools by 100%.
  • Provide free and affordable healthcare to all people with disabilities in the country.
  • Increase national and international advocacy about these challenges.
  • Increase involvement in sports and activity by 30% for people with disabilities

While issues may still be prominent, there is hope of changes in the future with the government of Eswatini actively engaging in addressing disability and poverty in Eswatini.

– Zosia Paciorek

Zosia is based in St. Louis, MO, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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A Double Burden: Malnutrition in the Dominican Republic

Malnutrition in the Dominican RepublicFor decades, malnutrition in the Dominican Republic was synonymous with hunger. Children in rural provinces and low-income neighborhoods often depended on public school food programs that fell short and malnutrition rates rose. In the ’90s, chronic child malnutrition affected more than 30% of children younger than 5. Over time, however, the country has made measurable progress. By the early 2010s, undernourishment had dropped by more than half, partly thanks to school food programs and targeted interventions.

The New Face of Malnutrition

Today, the face of malnutrition in the Dominican Republic has changed. While stunting still affects 6.7% of children under age 5, the more pressing concerns are anemia, obesity and overweight. According to UNICEF, about 8% of children under 5 are overweight. Likewise, 31% of public school students were overweight or obese during the 2021–2022 school year. At the same time, nearly 28% of children under 5 still suffer from anemia.

As nutrition specialist Ana Carolina Báez Abbott told The Borgen Project in an interview: “Now the problem isn’t underweight, but overweight and obesity… and often these overweight children have micronutrient deficiencies. What we call hidden hunger.” The country now grapples with what public health experts call the “double burden” of malnutrition: undernutrition and overnutrition coexisting in the same communities.

Band-Aid Policies Yield Uneven Results

This transition highlights a pattern of “band-aid” solutions. The government and international organizations previously focused on school feeding programs to reduce hunger. By 2013, the FAO reported that undernourishment had declined by more than half compared to the ’90s. Yet policymakers ignored the quality of meals, which often filled stomachs but lacked the nutrients needed for healthy development.

Abbott explained that when she worked with the Programa de Alimentación Escolar (School Feeding Program), her team uncovered serious flaws in the menus. “There was a high sugar content in the school menu,” said Abbott. “For example, a juice with an average of 23 grams of sugar that the children consumed daily. We decided to exclude it and replace it with fresh fruit.”

She also noted efforts to improve fiber intake: “We ensured that every lunch dish included vegetables, along with protein and carbohydrates. It was a way to educate children on proper nutrition.”

Today, the government’s promises tell a similar story. The ruling Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM) has pledged investments in rural health infrastructure. In its 2025 report, the Ministry of Public Health estimated that malnutrition and obesity cost the country 2.6% of GDP annually. Health budgets remain skewed toward urban hospitals, leaving rural maternal and child nutrition programs underfunded.

Approval of Schooling Feeding Program

In 2024, legislators made school feeding a permanent state policy, banning junk food in cafeterias and guaranteeing potable water. This represents a milestone, showing that nutrition is finally being addressed as a permanent right rather than a temporary fix.

Still, as Abbott notes: “These are changes that you may not see results from right now, but you are preventing children from receiving a super-high sugar load… and that impacts the reduction of health complications in the future.”

Her perspective aligns with findings from Diario Libre’s 2022 and 2024 reports: the Dominican Republic has established key tools like the National Institute of Student Welfare (INABIE) and school nutrition laws — but their impact depends on how effectively these programs are implemented, especially in rural areas.

While progress is undeniable, the country still struggles with underlying inequities, where malnutrition has evolved and not disappeared. Rural poverty, limited access to nutritious food and weak program delivery mean that the country still fails its youngest citizens.

Abbott emphasized the role of poverty and inequality: “The problems of poverty and inequality exacerbate the problem. Many mothers stop breastfeeding early and opt for sweetened formulas, creating children with a preference for sweets from a very young age.”

A Political Gap

The Dominican Republic’s struggle with malnutrition is political as much as it is nutritional. Budget priorities favor urban hospitals over preventive care. Maternal and child nutrition remain secondary concerns in national planning. Lawmakers pass laws but fail to implement them fully.

According to Abbott, stronger public policies are essential. “We need more public policies, more laws and regulations,” she explains. “We need schools to be safe spaces where what is sold in cafeterias is controlled. And we need massive educational campaigns to raise awareness among the population.”

The 2024 nutrition law, INABIE’s expanded reach and the PRM’s rural health pledges show that nutrition is gaining attention on the national agenda. The challenge is no longer whether policies exist, but whether they are strong enough, consistent enough and inclusive enough to close the remaining gaps.

Abbott points out that measures like food reformulation and labeling could help: “There is a proposed regulation for front-of-package labeling with nutritional warnings… we, as a state, have a responsibility to inform consumers.”

The Road Ahead

Malnutrition in the Dominican Republic has changed forms over the decades, but it remains a serious problem. The Dominican Republic has reduced hunger but now faces a more complex challenge: tackling anemia, obesity and stunting together. This requires moving beyond short-term fixes toward structural change: investing in maternal diets, rural programs and school nutrition that emphasizes quality, not just quantity.

Until then, malnutrition in the Dominican Republic will remain a familiar story told in new forms: a problem solved on paper, but not in the lives of Dominican children.

– Shannon Garrido

Shannon is based in Brighton, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Facing Poverty in El Salvador: The Continuous Problem

Poverty in El SalvadorPoverty in El Salvador continues to plague citizens across the country despite a drop in poverty rates from 2000 to 2023. About 40% of Salvadorans face a state of vulnerability and 1.8 million face poverty without access to clean water and proper food. While Nayib Bukele, El Salvador’s president since 2019, has nearly removed gang violence from the list of nationwide threats, poverty remains at the top.

Beauty and Change

El Salvador is the smallest country in Central America, about 32 times smaller than the state of Texas. It is bordered by Guatemala, Honduras and the Pacific Ocean and is known for its volcanoes, surfing spots and national dish, the pupusa. Beyond the multi-colored scenery, crashing waves and popular cuisine, El Salvador is also known for its positive development since Bukele entered office in 2019.

The country faced gang violence for decades, with a total of 2,398 homicides in 2019 before Bukele stepped into office. After five years of presidency, the number of homicides has dropped to 114 in 2024. This was due to his Territorial Control Plan and implementation of the Exception Regime. Bukele has tried to offer safety and peace to Salvadoran citizens; however, poverty remains a barrier to peace and safety for many.

The Daily Struggle

Facing poverty in El Salvador means a lack of potable water and education. El Salvador faced a major drought in 2016 and declared a water crisis shortly after. Since then, citizens living in or vulnerable to poverty have suffered from a lack of proper potable water. Families also face the risk of malnutrition as a result of living in poverty.

Poverty affects families beyond inadequate food and water. A lack of access to education is considered one of the leading causes of poverty in El Salvador. According to the National TPS Alliance, in 2023, the illiteracy rate among Salvadorans aged 10 and older was 9.7%, with an average educational level of 7.2 years and just 5.6 years for families in rural areas. Without sufficient funding, families cannot provide their children with proper education.

COVID-19 and Job Opportunities

El Salvador was not spared when the global pandemic hit in late 2019 and early 2020. The poverty rate rose by 6.5 percentage points and more than 20% of Salvadoran workers lost their jobs. Although the pandemic is no longer as widespread as in 2019 and 2020, El Salvador still grapples with its lasting impacts.

In 2022, soaring inflation kept the poverty rate at nearly 27%. Combined with limited access to education, hundreds of Salvadorans face a severe shortage of job opportunities. Even those who pursue higher education are often met with unemployment, as the Salvadoran economy has not created enough jobs to meet demand.

Solutions 

Despite the effects of poverty continuing to affect Salvadoran communities, organizations and charities are working to help address the persistent issue. Charities such as the Salvadoran American Humanitarian Foundation (SAHF) and the Center for Exchange and Solidarity (CIS) work toward assisting families battling poverty.

SAHF has a program called the Early Childhood Development Program that helps families and children younger than 5 years old suffering from malnutrition. The Foundation also has a program that teaches English to primary school children in the educational complex at Residencial Libertad. The Foundation also offers a “life plan” to high school students within the program, allowing them to find job opportunities following their high school journey.

The CIS offers aid to families and communities without access to potable water and to youth who do not have a proper education. The CIS has partnered with other organizations and businesses to provide households, schools and businesses with water filters, wells, tanks and hand pumps. It has helped 3,000 families since 2011.

The organization also enables underprivileged youth at the primary, secondary and university levels to a leadership development program that leads them to a defined career. Children and young adults are selected for the program based on their economic need, educational standing and commitment to social change.

El Salvador may be experiencing a decline in job opportunities and continuing to face the harsh effects of poverty. However, organizations like SAHF and CIS are working to ease these challenges.

– Keyly Rios

Keyly is based in Dallas, TX, USA and focuses on Global Health and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Potential Impact of the Together for Palestine Fundraiser

The Together for Palestine FundraiserThe conflict between Israel and Palestine is almost impossible to ignore. While the conflict itself dates back almost a century, things have only gotten worse in recent years. Ever since Israel’s assault on Gaza began on October 7, 2023, the conflict has dominated headlines and the brutality of the conflict has been staggering.

According to a recent article by ABC, since October 7, Israel’s attacks have killed 67,160 people, with an additional 2,000 dead in Israel. Simply put, something needs to be done. On September 17, in Wembley Arena, some of the biggest celebrities in the world held the Together for Palestine Fundraiser. Here’s a look at the Together for Palestine Fundraiser and the impacts it could have. 

What Is the Together for Palestine Fundraiser?

The Together for Palestine fundraiser aims to raise £2 million (approximately $2.7 million) for aid in Gaza and it has raised £1.8 million (about $2.4 million) so far. Together for Palestine’s big event was the aforementioned concert in Wembley Arena. According to the BBC, more than 12,000 people attended the event and an additional 200,000 people streamed it.

The event featured British artist Brian Eno, who organized it and prominent figures such as Benedict Cumberbatch and Florence Pugh, musicians Bastille and James Blake and Palestinian artists Sama’ Abdulhadi, Saint Levant and actor Bilal Ali Hasna. Hasna stated that he believes what Israel is doing in Gaza could be classified as genocide, a stance Israel’s foreign ministry has vehemently rejected.

It’s worth noting, however, that his position aligns with a U.N. report released the same week as the Wembley fundraiser, underscoring the urgency of drawing attention to the horrific conditions in Gaza.

What Are the Impacts of the Together for Palestine Fundraiser?

The Together for Palestine Fundraiser is donating all its proceeds to organizations on the ground and providing aid in Gaza. According to the Together for Palestine website, the organizations involved include:

  • Taawon: This is the largest orphan care program in Gaza, supporting more than 20,000 children who have lost everything as a result of the conflict. It provides food, clothing and medical care.
  • The Palestine Children’s Relief Fund: It delivers medical care and clean water and assists with evacuations.
  • The Palestinian Medical Relief Society: It provides health care in Gaza and the West Bank to more than two million people.

These three organizations provide vital services in Gaza. With the donations from the Together for Palestine fundraiser, they can expand their reach and continue delivering high-quality care to those who need it most.

Conclusion

The Israel–Palestine conflict is one of the defining crises of our time. The Together for Palestine fundraiser is a major campaign to raise money for those carrying out essential work in a region desperately needing support.

– Charlie Means

Charlie is based in Denver, CO, USA and focuses on Celebs and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay