Archive for category: Humanitarian Aid

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Misconceptions About Poverty in Jamaica

Poverty in JamaicaOn October 28, Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica. A few days earlier, several American news outlets visited the country to report on the developing situation firsthand. The events sparked fear across different countries but also ignited aid from these sources. In addition, Jamaicans united in the aftermath rather than being in isolation. Here is information about hurricane relief, poverty and misconceptions about poverty in Jamaica.

Hurricane Relief 

The government of Jamaica is working tirelessly to provide relief to communities across the island. Hurricane Melissa cost more than a trillion dollars in damages, which has impacted sources of income, such as tourism. The hardest-hit parishes, like St. Elizabeth and Hanover, received the largest aid packages of $10 million each. The remaining constituencies received between $3 million and $5 million due to the minimal damage. The representatives of each constituency had the tasks of allocating these funds to communities in need and pressing issues. The prime minister made it clear that these funds are to aid the immediate aftermath rather than in the long term. Otherwise, the country has received billions in aid from outside organizations and countries it has relationships with like the United States.

The United States and Canada have pledged $22 million and $11 million, respectively, in funds to Jamaica post-hurricane. These funds included search teams, emergency needs like food and water and the establishment of shelters. Even though the hurricane hit the Caribbean, countries like Guyana and the Dominican Republic donated tons of water and various materials like generators and tarpaulins. Large companies like T-Mobile and Walt Disney Company committed to the recovery efforts by donating both to the government and aiding the people directly.

Poverty in Jamaica

One misconception about poverty in Jamaica is that it persists across the island. Recent reports show this is not the case. In fact, in May 2025, the Jamaican government reported a record-low poverty rate, noting that poverty fell from 16.7% in 2021 to less than 9% in 2023. The government has shown a continued commitment toward improving the quality of life for every Jamaican on the island. Jamaica’s government has taken action to address poverty in Jamaica, including social investments, job creation and economic programs, to continue decreasing the country’s poverty level.

Another misconception is that Caribbean countries lack the knowledge or resources to prepare for extreme weather events. However, there has been a lack of research conducted into the country and the materials used to build houses. Houses in Jamaica are largely constructed with cement blocks and steel, which are far more resistant to extreme weather conditions than wood or drywall. Newer homes are also built under updated building codes that require reinforced cement and hurricane shutters.

Final Remarks

Despite the fears ignited by unprecedented events of Hurricane Melissa, Jamaicans continue to rebuild and pour into the island they love. Jamaica is a country that surpasses the outside opinions. Its government continues to take action to improve the quality of life and stand strong in the face of disasters.

– Nickaylia Anderson

Nickaylia is based in Syracuse, NY, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Setting a Precedent: History of Turkish Humanitarian Aid

Turkish Humanitarian AidTürkiye is a country primarily located in Western Asia, with a small western part in Southeastern Europe. It is one of several donor countries that were formerly recipients of aid. With increasing economic prosperity and a population of around 85 million, Turkish humanitarian aid is becoming increasingly important on the international stage.

Historical Transformation

In 1947, Türkiye joined the World Bank and only three years later took out its first loan for agricultural infrastructure. Back then, the income per capita was a modest $166. This made the country eligible for funding from the International Development Association (IDA) on attractive terms with low interest rates. For four consecutive years, IDA provided concessional financing, helping the country boost economic growth and achieve stability.

In a rapid turnaround, Türkiye became an IDA donor itself as early as 1973. Turkish people have experienced an impressive journey to prosperity. Nowadays, income per capita is more than $15,000, placing the country in the high-income category. As the country’s economic status progressed, so did the role of international development in its foreign policy.

The country launched its first state aid program in 1985, donating $10 million to help strengthen government institutions in several African countries, including The Gambia, Senegal and Sudan. Four years later, these efforts were centralized with the creation of the Turkish International Cooperation and Development Agency (TIKA). The agency was established in response to the emerging humanitarian needs in Central Asia following the collapse of the Soviet Union and the formation of new independent states.

Since then, Turkish humanitarian aid has rapidly expanded and now reaches a far wider range of regions. As a new donor, Türkiye has been increasingly influential. Between 2006 and 2009, its overseas development assistance (ODA) levels exceeded the global average, reaching $707 million.

In 2010, Turkish humanitarian aid had reached more than 130 countries listed by the OECD as recipients of aid. In the early 2000s, among emerging global donors, Türkiye was second only to South Korea, another excellent example of transformation from recipient to donor.

TIKA

TIKA has worked on 30,000 projects across 170 countries, showcasing Türkiye’s importance on the international humanitarian stage. Its work is multi-sectoral and includes support for accessible and clean energy, agriculture, clean water, education, emergency humanitarian aid and many other areas. At first, the organization focused primarily on countries in the region due to its historical ties with Turkic communities in Central Asia and shared linguistic roots.

These similarities with Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan made aid efforts easier and helped strengthen international relationships. However, with globalization, TIKA expanded its operations significantly, growing from 12 foreign offices in 2002 to 63 today. Some of the recent projects TIKA has carried out include improving health services in Zambia, renovating health centers in Venezuela and providing solar-powered lamps to Syrian villages.

The projects are also designed to be sustainable, helping recipients achieve financial independence. For instance, TIKA promotes qualified beekeeping in Tunisia to help vulnerable members of society secure a stable income. Besides funding up-to-date equipment, TIKA has also provided training on honey production to ensure efficiency. The focus on the honey business aims to help people take advantage of the potential that the industry holds in Tunisia.

IHH

The IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation is another Türkiye-based organization with a significant international impact. Since 1992, it has helped people in need regardless of whether they have been victims of war, natural disasters or political repression. Its work in around 123 countries across five continents has resulted in international recognition, as evidenced by multiple honorary memberships in organizations such as the United Nations Economic and Social Council and The Union of NGOs of the Islamic World.

The work IHH does focuses on poverty-stricken countries, including emergency aid, human rights advocacy, humanitarian relief and education campaigns. Its support is transparent and has recently been centered around Palestine. Since October 7, it has delivered more than 37 million hot meals, 200,000 food parcels, 120,000 hygiene kits and clothing to 140,000 people, making a real impact.

A mission carried out by IHH in Kolonda, a small town in Mali, shows the tangible support that international aid provides to people in need. When the Turkish volunteers arrived in town to drill a new water well, residents informed them that their makeshift well was too old and no longer functioning properly. Seriba, one of the villagers, explained: “When the drought arrives, water becomes extremely scarce […] and sometimes it gets so muddy that we can’t use it.”

The newly implemented solution, however, will provide the 800 residents of Kolonda with a new well, making it significantly easier to access clean water.

Conclusion

Overall, the impressive transformation of Turkish humanitarian aid and the country’s status on the international stage is setting a precedent for other emerging donors. The Turkish state and non-state aid organizations are increasingly active in global relief and development efforts. This inspiring example seems to be similar to that of several countries, such as South Korea and Poland, which were once recipients and have recently emerged as donors.

These emphasize the real impact of aid and the importance of global assistance in times of reduced aid activity globally.

– Karol Hejduk

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

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Being Poor in Jamaica: The Hashtag Aiding Jamaica’s Recovery

Being Poor in JamaicaIn the wake of a monstrous category 5 storm making its way to the shores of Jamaica, a growing 11,000 hashtags of support, #PrayForJamaica, have flooded Instagram, turning awareness into action around the world. As the people from the land of wood and water begin the long road to recovery from one of the strongest hurricanes to strike the island in the 21st century, a more vulnerable population on the island falls prey to the storm’s devastating aftermath. Being poor in Jamaica during the recovery of Hurricane Melissa extends beyond poverty measured by income, revealing deep-seated inequalities in health care, education and basic living conditions that the hurricane has exposed in its wake.

The Extensive Damage of Hurricane Melissa

When a category five hurricane washes up on a country’s shore, it does not just arrive with its share of catastrophic rains and howling winds. Instead, the insatiable storm consumes everything in its path, including the lives of families, homes and communities forced to rebuild from the wreckage. After one of the worst natural disasters to hit Jamaica, the Caribbean island looks a lot different from before the devastating storm took its toll on the coastal region. What once was a tropical paradise celebrated for its divine beauty and vibrant culture now sits underwater, stagnant in the remains of one of the strongest hurricanes to strike the island in the 21st century.

With at least 32 reported lives lost on the island, and estimated catastrophic loss between $2.2 billion and $4.2 billion USD in damages, entire communities have been demolished, leaving many families without a place to call home.

Jamaican influencer One Love Jamaica took to his YouTube channel to document Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic damage across the island. Departing from his usual content of giving viewers a taste of Jamaican culture, food and music, the man behind One Love Jamaica spoke to his more than 19,000 followers with a new message. In a Skyview camera-mounted video peering over one of the most affected regions on Jamaica’s southern coast, St. Elizabeth’s parish, the native-born creator narrates, “Many residents here are trapped inside their own communities, watching the world behind a wall of water they cannot cross,” solemnly adding that, “People are waking up every day to uncertainty, unsure of what the future holds for a place they call home.” This storm has left an unimaginable loss throughout the community, however, even in the midst of the chaos, hope persists for brighter days ahead.

Being Poor in Jamaica

Even before the storm struck, Jamaica faced economic instability with a global poverty report revealing that “nearly 79,000 Jamaicans, which is about 2.8% of the population, were already living in multidimensional poverty, surviving on less than $3 USD a day.” Hurdles to necessities have only intensified with Hurricane Melissa, making poverty and natural disasters an entangled issue for those struggling to stay afloat under its weight.

Speaking with a resident of St. Elizabeth, One Love Jamaica provided insight into the personal struggles facing impoverished islanders. Against the background of the storm’s devastation, resident Ann-Marie McDonald-Samon shares her story with the audience: “During this storm, my house has been damaged, the roof is gone, and the clothing. I am asking Jamaica, or those who have not been affected by the storm, if they can send some assistance to us.” As the camera pans across the community, it is evident that Ann-Marie’s struggle is not one she bears alone. With friends, family and the neighbors standing together in the wreckage of the havoc that has knocked at each door.

The Global Empowerment Mission (GEM)

Answering to a community’s prayer, Jamaica has leaned on communities beyond its borders in its recovery efforts. Relief Missions for the region began almost immediately in the aftermath of the storm, making sure to cover all those impacted by the rage of Melissa. This includes support across the impacted Caribbean islands from organizations such as Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), which has committed more than $20 million in aid for Jamaica. This has translated to a staggering 500 metric tons of aid per week, including 18 cargo planes and containers of food, and two cruise ships carrying emergency aid to the island’s shores.

International Aid

Coordinated efforts from international partners have also stepped in including the United States, which has donated $37 million since November 12th, Canada, which has provided $11 million with an additional $6 million for disaster preparedness and recovery, and the United Kingdom, which has contributed $9.8 million in total relief. These combined efforts from some of the world’s most influential governments and nonprofits have ensured all hands are on deck to contribute to the community’s cry’s for need are not unmet. 

The Results of #PrayforJamaica

While helping hands have stretched across the island, ripples of compassion have extended to likes and shares online. In recent weeks, social media users have taken to their platforms to show their support for recovery efforts following the island’s devastating loss. Through the power of #PrayforJamaica, users have mobilized their collective relief efforts, sharing prayers, donation links and additional information to help those who the storm’s devastation most affected. 

Digital solidarity has contributed to people making donations towards nonprofit agencies such as Mercy Corps, Food For The Poor Jamaica and American Friends of Jamaica ( AFJ).​​ These organizations have used the flood of monetary donations to contribute to the community’s dire needs to repair infrastructure, rebuild homes, restore power and clean water and provide sanctuary for displaced individuals as they navigate loss. 

Being poor in Jamaica requires more than temporary means of aid but long-term investments that ensure they remain on their feet. These initiatives are true recovery efforts that ensure stability and last beyond a hurricane.

A Lasting Message of Unity

In his video, “St.Elizabeth is Drowning After Hurricanes,” One Love Jamaica centers on the lives that the passage of Hurricane Melissa touched. A video that has garnered more than 210,000 views has introduced an online platform on the natural disasters that impact real people. It captures roads that have halted the traveling of cars, communities unable to travel by foot over the land surrounded by water, and many other personal stories like Ann-Marie, where every dollar and share makes a difference in their daily lives. 

With sky view footage, One Love Jamaica reminds viewers of the persistent resilience of the Jamaican people. Ending the video with a lasting message of unity that no storm could drown, he said that “People are offering strength to each other in the darkest of moments –  this is the Jamaican spirit.” 

One Love Jamaica’s inspirational message embodies the resilient spirit in his home country and across digital borders. In the wake of a ravenous storm that has torn through hospitals, churches, schools and homes, poor Jamaicans are able to keep hope of a prosperous future as they continue to rebuild with strength with the little they have.

– Megan Omolo

Megan is based in Willingboro, NJ, USA and focuses on Celebs and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Transformation: Humanitarian Aid in South Korea

humanitarian aid in South KoreaSouth Korea is a country in East Asia with a population of around 51 million. It shares the Korean Peninsula with North Korea putting it in a very tense political situation. Its history has been riddled with troubles, the most recent being the Korean War in the 1950s after which South Korea was left extremely impoverished. Since then its been on an incredible recovery path which is even more impressive considering its past.

Transition from Aid Recipient to Donor

Humanitarian aid in South Korea formally began in 1962. Back then, The International Development Association (IDA), a World Bank fund meant for the poorest countries in the world, granted Korea their first financial support. The first project undertaken with the money was a smart investment in infrastructure. The money helped build a railroad line for freight and passengers.

It was the first of many projects as South Korea went on to cooperate with the IDA to develop irrigation, railroads, highways, schools and universities. Soon, Koreans began reaping the benefits of international investment. The country moved onto industrial development, workforce education and R&D.

The history of humanitarian aid in South Korea is truly unlike any other country. In 2009, they became the first former aid recipients to join OECD’s Development Assistance Committee, an organisation of largest worldwide aid providers. The poverty reduction in the country has been incredible with GDP per capita rising from $158 in 1960 to $31 489 in 2020, due to an impressive growth rate of more than 7% a year.

According to OECD, Korea was the 13th largest donor in the world, with $3.94 billion donated in 2024. Its increased humanitarian activities are reflected in the impactful aid agencies, both state and private, established in the country.

Korea on the International Humanitarian Aid Stage

The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) is an organization the government created in 1991 under the control of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a unified grant issuer. It has since become one of the central institutions shaping humanitarian aid in South Korea, coordinating projects of different government branches. KOICA fights global poverty and supports sustainable economic development while also fostering friendly relationships with recipient countries.

The outreach of KOICA’s work is impressive with work across Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East.  As of 2021, their total financial support amounted to around $636 million with permanent offices set up across 47 countries. The organization is steadily developing its operations. Between 2018 and 2021, the total number of projects carried out increased from 260 to 311.

An interesting initiative of KOICA is the Global Diseases Eradication Fund, which collects money by obtaining a symbolic amount of 1,000 won from each international flight departing the country. KOICA then donates the gathered funds for treatment and prevention of infectious diseases in developing countries. The total amount of money the programme collected since 2007 in this way is 385.2 billion won.

A notable project funded by the Global Diseases Eradication Fund is the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation. With a budget of $30 million, KOICA supports the provision of vaccines and medicines necessary for children’s survival, which helps reduce the prices and make these life-saving items more widely available.

Good Neighbour

Established in 1991, Good Neighbour is a humanitarian aid organization in South Korea which aims to free the world from hunger. Its mission is to support neglected communities regardless of ethnicity, religion or ideology. Its first project took place in 1992 in Bangladesh. Besides long-term investments, the organization focuses on responding to humanitarian crises. For example, it took part in helping Somalia in 1993, in Rwanda in 1994 or in Ukraine in 2022. Besides working abroad, the Good Neighbour addresses domestic issues like child abuse. It has created a hotline for reporting abuse and contributed to changing relevant laws.

Council for Overseas Development Cooperation (KCOC)

The Good Neighbour’s international work is impressive, with the organization being one of the founding members of the Korea NGO Council for Overseas Development Cooperation (KCOC). Its international impact includes helping communities in areas like education, health care, water and income generation.

Dilafruz, a mother of six from Tajikistan, and her entrepreneurial success is an example of the tangible outcomes of Good Neighbour’s work. Her husband used to work in Russia, but he lost his job ,which put the family in a difficult place. Dilafruz recalls “there were days when I didn’t know how I would feed my children”. The community development project carried out by Good Neighbour helped women in the area, including Dilafruz, start small businesses and earn income.

Dilafruz, thanks to Good Neighbour, attended financial literacy, entrepreneurship sessions and consultations which led her to apply for her first loan of $80. She noticed that bread was always in demand in her area and set up a bakery which became a big success. Nowadays she employs several women from the area, who used to be housewives with no income. Even people from the capital drive down to her village to buy the bread. Dilafruz said that “Thanks to Good Neighbours, I found the courage to start. Now I’m helping others do the same”. She has already hosted exchange visits from Tajikistani women who wanted to learn about her business. Dilafruz is only one of many whom The Good Neighbour has helped.

Conclusion

South Korea is an inspiring example that shows how humanitarian aid can transform a country. Today, humanitarian aid in South Korea shows how far the country has come since the 1950s. From being one of the world’s poorest states, South Korea is now one of the biggest worldwide humanitarian aid donors. This change is especially reflected in increasing humanitarian NGO activity. Organisations like The Good Neighbour and agencies like KOICA are reinvesting in the world’s most vulnerable after they have been helped with financial aid themselves.

– Karol Hejduk

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

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Importance of Development Aid: PCPM

PCPMAkkar Governorate in northern Lebanon is one of the most impoverished in the country. For more than 10 years, the region has been a humanitarian zone for the Polish Center for International Aid (PCPM). Poland and Lebanon have maintained diplomatic and economic relations since 1944. Lebanon is a designated priority country for Polish foreign aid. PCPM is the largest aid organization present in the state.

Initiating a Sustainable Change

With the employment rate at only 8.2%, most of the locals in the Akkar region rely on the agriculture and food production sector as a primary source of sustenance and income. The highly diverse landscape provides fertile soil and abundant water sources. At the same time, underdeveloped infrastructure, lack of electricity and unreliable water supply framework pose a significant danger to farmers.

The PCPM aims to address these challenges to ensure self-sufficient solutions. The organization provides not only humanitarian relief but also focuses on development. One of the most important PCPM projects in Akkar is the development of irrigation systems. The benefits of it are threefold: a safe and controlled water source for fields and orchards, the reuse of sewage treatment by-products and the prevention of cholera outbreaks.

Irrigation channels direct the water from the mountains, making it “free” by using gravity and a metal gate to regulate flow, preventing flooding. The channel system in the region is now 10 kilometers long. Less still water on the fields protects not only crops but also the health of the residents. It minimizes cholera outbreaks, especially with a safe drinking water source. The team also modernized local water treatment plants with solar panels to ensure uninterrupted operation during power outages.

The Polish zone in Lebanon provided solar panels for the most important public institutions. It renovated key roads through the region with solar-powered lighting and safety signals. The use of natural resources makes the changes sustainable and self-sufficient.

Why Development Aid Is a Key to Stability

The help within the Polish humanitarian zone in Lebanon starts with analyzing the areas of focus and the scope of the projects. The key to the provided aid is development. It ensures stable progress and self-sufficiency by influencing three crucial aspects: economic and employment growth, better overall quality of life and crisis response.

Development aid means investment in infrastructure, support for locally-owned businesses, investment opportunities and a boost for regional opportunities for growth. Akkar, with its nature and agriculture, has a great potential for expansion in the tourism and food industry.

Clean water, improved sanitation and easier access to healthcare and public institutions improve the quality of life. Societal development follows suit. Lebanon’s location makes it more vulnerable to various crises: health emergencies, natural disasters or regional conflict. The importance of development aid in this area lies in self-sufficiency in rebuilding and stabilizing efforts.

Polish Zone in Lebanon Continues

In 2025, the development aid will focus on “key sectors: education, support for persons with disabilities and environmental protection.” Lebanon remains a priority country for Polish foreign support. PCPM sustains additional programs for families in need, ensuring the supply of food and hygiene products.

– Patrycja Pietrzak

Patrycja is based in Limassol, Cyprus and focuses on Business and Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Local Leadership in Humanitarian Aid

Local Leadership

In recent years, global humanitarian aid has undergone significant shifts. Nationalist policies in major donor countries, including the U.S. and parts of Europe, have redirected focus toward domestic concerns, reducing foreign aid contributions. With less outside help, many countries turn to homegrown solutions to tackle poverty, health crises and displacement. Communities often understand local needs better than distant agencies, making their leadership necessary and effective.

Without adequate resources, dwindling international support has left many populations facing hunger, disease and conflict. Yet this challenge has also led to a new focus: local leadership in humanitarian aid. Across Africa, Asia and Latin America, governments, community organizations and Indigenous leaders are assuming greater roles in planning and delivery.

The Changing Landscape of International Aid

Historically, humanitarian aid relied on cooperation among donor nations and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). Today, eligibility has become increasingly politicized, often tied to the foreign policy goals of donor nations. This shift creates uncertainty for countries struggling with poverty and displacement, underscoring the need for community-driven solutions that address priorities global agencies may overlook.

Local initiatives bring clear advantages. They leverage cultural knowledge, build trust and respond faster than large institutions. Grassroots groups, women’s collectives and youth organizations lead health, education and economic resilience projects. That way, solutions fit the communities they’re meant for and can still hold up when circumstances change.

Africa

In Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the U.N. now prioritize locally led responses, channeling resources directly to community organizations. This has improved access to aid and strengthened resilience.

In Kenya, handing more responsibility to counties has improved refugee support and crisis response. While the plan has seen successes, it has also faced opposition from some communities, showing that local leadership must balance innovation with inclusive consultation.

Asia

In Bangladesh, women’s collectives and microfinance programs have strengthened rural economies. These projects increase women’s participation in household decisions and provide financial stability. With training added in, microfinance has made a real difference in family resilience. The Consultative Group to Assist the Poorest’s (CGAP) recent analysis underscores that financial inclusion promotes empowerment only when paired with training and support to change outcomes.

Latin America

In Peru, Indigenous farmers lead projects that blend traditional farming with agroecology. Women farmers play a central role, ensuring food security initiatives draw on cultural knowledge and adapt quickly to local needs. These approaches combat hunger and address climate instability, demonstrating how traditional knowledge and innovation can work in tandem.

Advantages and Challenges

Locally led humanitarian responses are marked by agility, accountability and cultural relevance. These efforts earn public trust and often achieve lasting impact. However, local organizations still face barriers, including limited funding, a lack of technical expertise and difficulty gaining international recognition. Overcoming these hurdles takes partnerships that invest in training and flexible funding.

International donors can strengthen humanitarian outcomes by partnering directly with local organizations, supporting training and expanding flexible funding models. Empowering local communities not only improves effectiveness but also fosters global solidarity. As donor nations reassess development priorities, investing in locally led solutions is essential for sustainable progress.

Conclusion

Nationalist policies have reshaped the aid landscape, but local leadership in humanitarian aid across Africa, Asia and Latin America is leading innovation from the ground up. Supporting local leadership, through partnerships, funding and training, could offer the most sustainable path forward.

When local voices lead, aid becomes more resilient and rooted in real communities. Donors and governments that commit to this shift could improve immediate responses and build stronger foundations for future development.

– Jacob Stubbs

Jacob is based in Indianapolis, IN, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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The Shirika Plan: Rethinking the Kenyan Refugee Crisis

Shirika PlanKenya is currently hosting more than 850,000 refugees and asylum seekers. Many are fleeing conflict, repression and climate-related disasters in Somalia, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Those living in these camps rely heavily on humanitarian funding.

Kenya’s encampment policy requires refugees to live in two major camps, Dadaab and Kakuma, located in remote, arid regions of the country where agriculture is unfeasible. As a result of the U.S.’s humanitarian aid cuts, Kenya’s refugee camps were plunged into crisis.

Due to U.S. cuts, only 181 million out of 300 million people worldwide in need received aid in 2024. The impact of these cuts is especially evident in Kenyan refugee camps. Despite the ongoing refugee crisis, its government is rethinking its approach by implementing the Shirika Plan: a pioneering approach focusing on individual freedom and self-sufficiency instead of relying on foreign aid.

The Impact of Humanitarian Aid Cuts

The U.S. cuts to humanitarian aid under the Trump administration are having dire implications for those living in refugee camps. These cuts directly harm livelihoods and undermine refugee-led organizations that promote self-reliance.

The impact of these cuts was documented in a 2022 University of Oxford study in Kakuma that examined the effect of aid on the ground. Halfway through the study, the World Food Programme (WFP) was forced to cut assistance to the camp by 20%. This left people with a daily wage of $13.

Caloric intake in the camp dropped by 7%, with people eating a less diverse and lower-quality diet due to these cuts. One Somali refugee told the team of researchers, “After the aid reduction, the lives of refugees became hard. That was the money sustaining them… Hunger is visible.”

The situation has since worsened; in June 2025, the ration was cut again to the equivalent of $5 per month. In addition, frequent delays in distribution only exacerbate the Kenyan refugee crisis, leaving families with less than their basic nutritional needs. Because of this, Kenya has had to adopt a new approach to the refugee crisis.

The Shirika Plan

Born of the Refugee Act No.10 of 2021, which emphasised governmental commitment to refugee welfare and finding sustainable solutions, the Shirika Plan signalled a significant shift in refugee policy. A multiyear initiative that aims to transform camps into integrated settlements, this plan promotes the socioeconomic inclusion of around 83,000 refugees in northern Kenya.

Local initiatives such as the Kalobeyei Integrated Socioeconomic Development Plan (KISEDP) and the Garissa Integrated Socioeconomic Development Plan (GISEDP) aim to integrate refugees into Kenya’s development agenda. These programs produce what has been dubbed a “triple benefit”: enhancing self-reliance, reducing aid dependency and strengthening host communities’ economies. The Shirika Plan also begins to address the problem of waning humanitarian aid while promoting dignity among refugees.

However, as a relatively new initiative, the benefits need time to take shape. Kenya must adopt a comprehensive refugee management policy to achieve seamless coordination across Kenyan ministries, departments and humanitarian agencies in rolling out the plan.

The Next Steps

Born out of necessity, the Shirika Plan represents a shift in political outlook and a move toward sustainable, long-term solutions. Although still in its infancy, this pioneering approach breaks away from decades of refugee policy that confined displaced people to remote settlements and reliance on international aid.

– Libby Foxwell

Libby is based in Sherborne, Dorset, UK and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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US Aid to Nigeria: $32.5 Million To Fight Hunger

US Aid to NigeriaIn 2025, the U.S. approved $32.5 million in humanitarian aid to Nigeria to respond to one of the country’s worst hunger crises in decades. The U.S. aid to Nigeria will reach more than 764,000 individuals. It will deliver food supplies, nutritional supplements for malnourished children and support for pregnant and breastfeeding women. This package underscores the U.S.’s continued role in addressing global poverty, even amid broader cuts to foreign aid.

By targeting food insecurity in conflict-affected regions, the initiative highlights how American humanitarian assistance provides immediate relief while promoting stability and advancing long-term development goals.

The Hunger Crisis in Nigeria

Nigeria is experiencing a severe hunger crisis, with 30.6 million people unable to obtain enough food. On top of that, 17 million children are suffering from malnutrition, the second-highest number in the world. About 300,000 children are at risk as a result of the closure of more than 150 nutrition clinics in the states of Borno and Yobe due to a lack of funding.

Supply chains have been disrupted by insecurity. Many families can no longer afford the high cost of food due to inadequate infrastructure, high transportation expenses and significant post-harvest losses of up to 50%. Despite these obstacles, farmers continue planting in areas of relative stability. Local food is being processed and sold by women-led projects and youth-led logistics projects are starting to take shape.

U.S. aid to Nigeria will reach those who need it most. It will also strengthen local markets and agricultural systems by combining locally sourced food, cash-based assistance and targeted support for displaced populations.

The World Food Programme’s Role in Nigeria

The World Food Programme (WFP) is the largest humanitarian organization in the world. WFP helps communities recover from economic shocks, natural disasters and conflict while providing life-saving food assistance during emergencies. WFP works to improve nutrition, support smallholder farmers and strengthen local food systems in more than 120 countries.

Where possible, WFP pairs short-term assistance with livelihood programs. These programs help displaced people develop food processing, aquaculture and tailoring skills, providing them with opportunities for long-term stability. Beyond these, WFP coordinates logistics for more than 90 humanitarian organizations, provides secure communications and emergency connectivity. It also manages the U.N. Humanitarian Air Service to deliver relief supplies and personnel to isolated communities.

WFP is primarily funded by voluntary donations from governments, organizations, businesses and individuals. The nonprofit collaborates with the government, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), U.N. agencies and private sector partners to reach vulnerable populations in Nigeria. The organization has effectively decreased child malnutrition in Nigeria and offers emergency food assistance.

WFP works alongside the Nigerian government to strengthen food security policies, expand the country’s nationally owned school feeding program and build shock-responsive social protection systems.

How US Aid to Nigeria Will Address the Hunger Crisis

Despite significant cuts to U.S. foreign aid, Washington has made a new commitment. This support targets Nigeria’s northeast and northwest regions, where conflict and displacement have deepened food insecurity for hundreds of thousands. The funding arrives at a critical moment, as the WFP had warned of suspending operations due to resource shortages.

Nigeria has “unprecedented” levels of hunger, with millions at risk of malnutrition, according to WFP’s Regional Director for West Africa, Margot van der Velden. By channeling resources through WFP, the U.S. contribution helps stabilize communities on the brink of famine while reinforcing broader international efforts to support Nigeria in its hunger crisis.

– Isaac Nelson

Isaac is based in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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What to Know About Poverty in Spain 

Poverty in Spain 

In spite of its position as one of the European Union’s biggest economies, poverty is still a significant issue in Spain. In 2023, there were 20.4% of people, according to data from the Spanish National Institute of Statistics (INE), who lived under the poverty line or were subject to social exclusion. Among these include low-income families; those with severe material deprivation or low work intensity, and so forth. This figure has fallen slightly in recent years but is still above the EU average. It shows that there is an unequal distribution of income and an undercurrent of economic vulnerability in this land.

The Impact of the 2008 Financial Crisis

The economic fallout from the 2008 financial crisis took its toll on Spain as well. As perforated holes with no dollar signs continued to emerge all over the country, her economy saw skyrocketing unemployment and an increase in poverty rates unparalleled in decades past. The economy has recovered steadily, but many of the cuts made during austerity measures—especially in social protection and public services—continue to affect vulnerable groups fiercely today. Although the unemployment rate in Spain soared to 26.1% in 2013 before finally passing, it has since dropped to around 12% (2024). Precarious employment and underemployment are still more common than full-time work among young people in particular.

Exposed Demographics

Women and children, immigrants and the elderly are particularly vulnerable groups in Spanish society who suffer frequently under poverty. The child poverty level, for instance, was nearly 28.9% in 2023. This makes it one of the highest child poverty levels among all EU member states. Single-parent families, often headed by women, face increased risks of poverty due to their lower income levels and restricted access to affordable childcare as well as housing. Moreover, Spain’s aging population has become difficult in the face of an inadequate pensions system, for many retired citizens find their pensions cannot keep up with inflation.

Regional Differences

In Spain, poverty levels vary widely from region to region. On average, the poverty rate in southern regions like Andalusia and Extremadura is higher than that of wealthier, more industrialized areas such as Madrid and the Basque Country. For example, in 2023, the AROPE rate (At Risk of Poverty or Social Exclusion) for Andalusia stood at 37.5%, while just across the border, an identical group was living on only 12.5% of what most others enjoyed as income.

Solutions and Efforts

In response to the high poverty levels in Spain, both government and non-governmental organizations introduced a variety of initiatives. One of the most important government projects is called ‘Ingreso Mínimo Vital’ or Minimum Livelihood Income, which was launched in June 2020. This national welfare program seeks to guarantee a minimum income for the most economically vulnerable households. With almost 700,000 households and more than 1.6 million people receiving support by February 2024, the project also built job-seeking services and social programs into one cohesive whole to promote sustainable social integration.

Another notable project is Cáritas Española, an NGO with a long history of battling poverty and marginalization in Spain. Direct humanitarian aid (such as food, housing and education services) is combined with pressure for structural policy change. In 2023, Cáritas helped more than 2.5 million people in Spain in a mixture of urgent assistance and social development schemes. At the same time as it makes these appeals for such reforms on behalf of marginalized groups, the organization also works politically to publicize and make public their plight.

Looking Ahead

Despite Spain’s economic achievements and social programs, poverty continues to be an issue. Among children, women, and the elderly, it is particularly problematic, and the level varies greatly by region. While unemployment has fallen (thanks to post-2008 recovery), the absence of rights-cabinet work and regional inequalities mean that the justice obstacle remains strong. Programs like Spain’s Ingreso Mínimo Vital or the activities of Cáritas Española indicate that if we fixate on supporting particular systems and making policies which embrace everyone, there will be progress. 

– Simone Sanchez

Simone is based in Huntington, NY, USA and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Helping Others Helps Us: The Domestic Case for UK Aid

U.K. AidThe primary motivation for giving aid should always be to help rescue the world’s poorest from the desperate clutch of poverty. However, in political discourse, people regularly frame the British government’s giving of aid as an entirely altruistic pursuit that has no tangible benefits for the people of Britain. 

This has led to a severely warped public perception of how the government was spending their money and its knock-on effects. The rise of political voices calling for reductions in U.K. aid, framed as an effortless money-saving measure, ignores the substantial economic returns that said aid generates for Britain. 

The Moral Case for Aid

Before considering the domestic benefits, it is important to remember that aid exists first and foremost to save lives and offer hope in communities where prosperity is scarce and scarcity is the norm. Estimates that the U.K. Department for International Development suggest that U.K. funding has helped to immunize 76 million children globally and thus saved about 1.4 million lives.

Between 2010 and 2015, U.K. aid supported 11 million children in primary and secondary education, 62.9 million people saw better sanitation and access to clean water and emergency food assistance reached more than 13 million people.

One may view these figures as just numbers but it is key to recognize the lived realities they represent. U.K. aid has transformed millions of lives across the globe. The scale of this impact is hard to ignore and should be central to the case for U.K. aid.

Impact on Trade

Aid can be viewed as a zero-sum game. However, trade is a key area that can grow domestically when aid supports and grows the economy of low-income countries. On an individual level, aid can improve people’s purchasing power, opening up communities as new markets for British products and services. More broadly, aid can stabilize national economies and promote competent economic governance.

Economic and political stability creates stronger trading partners and fosters long-term partnerships that can lead to trade agreements. The Aid for Trade initiative specifically promotes commerce between donor and recipient countries while supporting economic growth and development. 

A report from the National Institute of Economic and Social Research has reinforced such benefits. It found that cuts that the Johnson Ministry made to the Official Development Assistance budget cost between £322 million and £423 million in lost U.K. exports. This indicates that, rather than providing savings to the treasury, cuts to U.K. aid actually come at a cost to the U.K. economy.

The Independent Commission for Aid impact found that between 2015 and 2021, the U.K. spent more than $638 million on trade focused programs, with 44% directed to African countries and 20% to Asian countries. This funding has significant potential to open new markets for U.K. businesses. In the U.K., such exports also support around 6.5 million jobs which a government report found to be 21% more productive and 7% better paid than the national average. So, not only does international aid open new markets for businesses, it also provides better paying, more productive jobs that drive innovation, efficiency and long-term economic growth. 

Aid Keeps Us Safer

The use of aid as part of interventions to ensure political and economic stability abroad have much more nuanced outcomes and remain highly controversial. Such interventions usually consist of two components: capacity building, which involves building up the capabilities of a state so it can fulfill its primary functions and legitimacy building, which focuses more on ensuring the people view said government as a legitimate actor.

Such practices can form in the aftermath of military interventions or can be more effectively utilized before such a state failure can occur. The World Bank estimates that for every $1 invested in prevention, about $16 is saved in potential long-term costs. Investing aid before conflict arises can prevent costly military interventions and heavy-handed state-building that often ignores local sociopolitical dynamics. Strengthening pre-existing state structures saves donor countries money and helps prevent conflict, creating a safer, more stable world.

Final Thoughts

Before judging aid based on political convenience, it is important to consider the moral implications and assess where this money can do the most good. The case for increasing international aid must always be framed in these terms. Existing research highlights the inaccuracy of framing such issues in terms of an “us versus them” divide.

When the U.K. government gives aid, it is not wasting money, nor is that money lost to the U.K. forever; it has tangible economic and security benefits that too often go ignored. This reality is key to any political dialogue moving forward to ensure cutting aid is not used as a money-saving political football. 

– Adam Walsh

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

Photo: Pixabay