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5 Innovative Solutions to Reduce Poverty in Developing Nations

5 Innovative Solutions to Reduce Poverty in Developing Nations In 2022, about 670 million people lived in extreme poverty, which marks an increase of 70 million from pre-pandemic projections. Innovative solutions are essential for reducing poverty in developing nations. These strategies emphasize sustainability, empowerment and long-term change, revealing measurable progress in marginalized communities. The following explores five lesser-known innovative solutions to reduce poverty, including blockchain and biogas plants, that are transforming lives worldwide.

Blockchain for Transparent Aid Distribution

Blockchain is revolutionizing aid distribution in developing nations by ensuring transparency and reducing corruption. Example of Impact
the United Nations (U.N.) World Food Programme (WFP) introduced the Building Blocks initiative in Jordan in 2017 to distribute aid to Syrian refugees. This blockchain-based system tracks cash assistance for more than 100,000 refugees monthly, cutting fraud and saving $1.5 million in banking fees in 2018 alone. Blockchain creates a secure and trackable digital ledger, ensuring that every transaction is transparent and reliable. It has the potential to be scaled to other developing nations where corruption and inefficiencies hinder aid effectiveness.

AgriTech for Urban Food Security

Urban food insecurity in developing nations can be addressed with AgriTech innovations like vertical farming and hydroponics. Hydroponic farming in Kenya’s Kibera settlement is helping residents grow vegetables in small urban spaces. These systems use less water, no soil and minimal space. As of 2022, the initiative has benefitted thousands of households, reducing food costs and improving nutrition. The benefits
hydroponics allows families in urban areas to grow fresh produce while generating income from surplus crops. This model addresses food insecurity and unemployment, two significant challenges in densely populated areas.

Biogas Plants for Rural Clean Energy

Biogas plants are providing clean, renewable energy to rural households in developing nations, reducing reliance on harmful cooking fuels. Barefoot College has installed biogas plants in more than 600 villages across India since its establishment in 1972. These plants turn animal and agricultural waste into clean energy. By 2020, the initiative reached more than 100,000 rural families, reducing respiratory illnesses and saving money on fuel. Biogas systems are environmentally friendly, economically beneficial and easy to maintain, making them ideal for rural areas. They reduce deforestation, indoor air pollution and household fuel costs.

Indigenous Knowledge for Climate Resilience

Indigenous knowledge systems are helping communities in developing nations adapt to climate challenges while preserving cultural traditions. Ethiopia’s Sustainable Land Management Programme (SLMP), launched in 2008, incorporates traditional terracing methods to combat soil erosion. By 2020, this approach had restored 1.9 million hectares of degraded land and improved food security for 6 million farmers. These traditional practices are cost-effective and promote community participation, ensuring sustainable agricultural practices while preserving local ecosystems.

Social Franchising for Women Entrepreneurs

Social franchising models are empowering women in developing nations, creating economic opportunities and addressing community needs. Solar Sister, a program launched in 2010, operates in Nigeria, Uganda and Tanzania. By 2023, it had trained 9,000 women as entrepreneurs selling solar-powered products, bringing clean energy to more than 4 million people. Women participating in the program reported a 40% increase in household income. Social franchising provides women with business training, mentorship and sustainable supply chains. These businesses contribute to gender equality while driving local economic growth.

Looking Ahead

These five innovative solutions to reduce poverty—blockchain, AgriTech, biogas, Indigenous knowledge systems and social franchising—are making a difference in developing nations while empowering communities. Each strategy has demonstrated measurable success, with scalable potential to benefit millions more. By investing in innovative and proven methods, governments, NGOs and private organizations can accelerate poverty reduction and build a sustainable future for the world’s most vulnerable populations.

– Fiza Meeraj

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

Photo: Flickr

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Luminus Education Model in Jordan

Luminus: New Education Model Emerges in JordanThe Middle East and North Africa have some of the highest youth unemployment rates in the world; 24% of individuals aged 15 to 24 are unemployed, which is double the global average. In Jordan, the rate reached 40.8% among 15 to 24-year-olds in 2023, with women in that age group experiencing an even higher rate of more than 47%. Traditionally, young Jordanians have pursued university education, while vocational training has been considered a secondary option. However, the university route has resulted in 25% of graduates remaining unemployed, lacking the skills the job market demands.

Bridging the Skills Gap Through Vocational Training

To address this issue, the Jordanian social enterprise Luminus offers high-quality vocational education tailored to meet labor demands and bridge the skills gap for young people. Focused on supporting low-to-middle-income households, refugees and women, Luminus provides financial assistance to underrepresented groups in the labor market. Remarkably, 40% of its students are refugees or from underserved communities. With more than 40,000 graduates, Luminus has achieved significant success; 80% of its students secure employment upon completing their courses.

Transforming Education and Cultivating Entrepreneurship

Since Ibrahim Safidi took over Al-Quds College from his father in 1999, his primary mission has been to improve the lives and incomes of Jordanian youth. He identified a significant gap between the skills of Jordanian youth and the demands of the job market and he responded by emphasizing vocational training tailored to those needs. Under his leadership, Luminus Education set three main goals: job security, social stability and economic growth. In 2017, Al-Quds College transformed into Luminus Technological University College and expanded its offerings to include 10 specialized schools. These schools focus on disciplines such as civil, construction, mechanical and electrical engineering, computing, medical sciences, automotive technology, beauty, media, tourism and hospitality. Additionally, the university introduced an entrepreneurship pathway that has incubated more than 120 startups.

Empowering Vulnerable Communities

Luminus Education’s employment hub model uniquely combines building strong relationships with employers, analyzing private sector demands and providing thorough career and interview training for students. This approach is successfully countering the cultural norm that values theoretical education as the only desirable path for school-leavers. In 2018, half of its students had the qualifications for university but opted for Luminus’ vocational pathways instead. The system is holistic and caters to both students and employers by maintaining connections with hundreds of employers across Jordan, monitoring workforce demands and skills and incorporating these into its vocational training programs. Additionally, Luminus offers English language and soft skills training alongside career counseling services, which are essential for enhancing student employability.

Accessibility for the Vulnerable

Luminus Education initially provided Syrian refugees, who make up 10% of Jordan’s population, with scholarships covering 50% of tuition fees but soon realized this was insufficient. Consequently, the institution secured $37 million in grants through international partnerships to support refugee education further. Additionally, its new campus in Irbid, ShamalStart, enhances access to education for the northern population, particularly the significant refugee community there. This initiative has led to refugees comprising 25% of the student body, with 40% of all students receiving full scholarships. Luminus Education also plays a crucial role in upskilling vulnerable youth and young adults. In collaboration with Jordan’s Ministry of Labour, which funds vocational training for these groups, Luminus ensures students secure employment upon completing their courses.

Advocacy and Expansion

In 2023, female unemployment in Jordan ranked as the 10th highest globally, reaching an alarming 47%. In contrast, in 2018, 44% of Luminus Education’s student body were women. Luminus actively seeks to shift perceptions of women in the workforce and address family concerns through initiatives like “bring your father to work days” and one-to-one counseling with parents. The institution collaborates with employers across Jordan to adapt workplaces to be more inclusive for women, including advocating for hospitality sector employers to permit women to wear the hijab at work.

Looking Forward

Local enterprise Luminus Education addresses Jordan’s need to upskill its youth through international partnerships, including the International Finance Corporation, Agence Française de Développement and the European Union (EU), providing crucial education grants. With a campus already established in Iraq, Luminus Education Group plans to expand its tailored programs to new campuses in Jordan and throughout the Middle East, including Lebanon and Egypt, in the coming years.

– Miriam Hulley

Miriam is based in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, UK and focuses on Business and Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Strengthening Education in Brazil

Strengthening the Education System in BrazilBrazil, South America’s largest country with a population of 216.4 million, shows mixed results in education. Student performance declined in the latest Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), conducted by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Despite this, illiteracy rates dropped from 6.1% in 2019 to 5.6% in 2022, indicating some improvement in basic education. The country is experiencing increased outbound student mobility, driven by rising tertiary enrollments. Projections suggest Brazil will rank among the top five nations globally for total tertiary enrollments by 2035 despite an aging population. To address these ongoing challenges, the OECD and other organizations are collaborating to enhance Brazil’s education system.

Brazil’s Education System and Socioeconomic Progress

Education in Brazil is a guaranteed social right under the Federal Constitution, providing free public access at all levels. The education system is divided into basic and higher education. Basic education encompasses early childhood, primary and lower secondary and upper secondary education. Compulsory education begins at age 4 with pre-school and continues for 14 years through the end of upper secondary education. Historically, Brazil’s economic growth has benefited from favorable demographics and robust commodity prices. This growth, coupled with specific policies, has significantly improved living standards. Between 2003 and 2014, these efforts lifted more than 29 million people out of poverty, reduced child mortality by 73% from 1990 to 2011 and broadened access to basic education.

OECD’s 5 Steps to Strengthen Brazil’s Education System

  1. Impact of COVID-19 on Brazil’s Educational Funding. COVID-19 significantly affected Brazil’s economy, resulting in reduced education spending. The OECD criticizes the rigidity of this funding, which merely satisfies spending requirements without addressing effectiveness. The organization recommends a more flexible, outcome-focused approach to funding. According to the OECD, increased investment in education would substantially improve the quality of education that students receive.
  2. Enhancing the Teaching Profession in Brazil. To enhance Brazil’s education system, the OECD recommends upgrading the teaching profession. This upgrade should include better salaries, career progression and working conditions for teachers. The organization also suggests that new teachers pass a licensing test and receive induction support during their early years to ensure they have adequate training.
  3. Improving Teacher Effectiveness and Student Outcomes. Boosting student outcomes involves enhancing teachers’ effectiveness in the classroom. This could include proper teacher training and skill improvements in areas such as classroom management. Providing incentives, such as promotions and performance-based payments, can also motivate teachers.
  4. Creating a Positive School Environment. There is a need for improvement in handling bullying and harassment on school grounds, with appropriate punishments for offenders. Schools should strive to create a positive environment for both students and teachers to improve well-being and learning outcomes, reducing the risk of dropouts.
  5. Supporting Disadvantaged Students and Preventing Dropouts. Disadvantaged students should receive continuous support from early childhood education until they complete their education. To address dropouts, teachers should focus on supporting the weakest and least motivated students, possibly through individual teaching and tutoring. Students at risk should also receive additional funding and support to remain in education.

Looking Ahead

Brazil’s commitment to advancing its education system reflects the country’s efforts to prepare for future socioeconomic challenges. Prioritizing innovation, equity and effective resource allocation can potentially address long-standing disparities in education. By fostering collaborative partnerships and emphasizing strategic improvements in education, Brazil aims to create opportunities for all students, supporting both national development and individual growth.

– Indira Smith

Indira is based in Manchester and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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3 Innovations Reducing Poverty in Kosovo

3 Poverty Reduction Innovations in KosovoThe Republic of Kosovo lies in Southeast Europe, bordering Albania to the southwest and Serbia to the North. The nation has struggled with poverty over the years. According to the BTI project, Kosovo is one of the poorest countries in Europe, with more than 40% of Kosovo’s population of 1.67 million living below the poverty line. The nation faces high unemployment rates in an economy heavily dependent on remittances from its diaspora, leaving it vulnerable to economic shifts abroad and rising corruption levels. However, recent initiatives by the government and various organizations have successfully reduced poverty rates in Kosovo.

Economic Growth

According to the World Bank, since declaring independence in 2008, Kosovo has experienced a 50% increase in per capita income and a 35% decrease in poverty. Instead of relying on foreign aid for economic growth, the government has increased investments, with help from projects and a stronger financial system. Kosovo has also faced challenges like inefficient economic management and a weak government, which have impacted the economy’s growth.

As a result, the Kosovo Economic Governance Activity (KEGA) was implemented, which is a five-year initiative funded by USAID to help the Kosovo government make reforms in policies to promote growth in the private sector and strengthen public financial management. This initiative resulted in €1.2 billion in formalized buildings that secured citizens’ property rights and an 86% increase in tax revenues, rising from €457 million in 2018 to €852 million in 2023. 

Decrease in Unemployment

Focus Economics reported the rate of unemployment in 2019 at 26.7%, and in 2023, it decreased to 10.9%. This rapid decrease resulted from initiatives such as the electronic platform K-GenU, which UNICEF launched to provide opportunities for Kosovo youths to access paid internships and to establish connections with employers. The platform helps young people with skills in job searching. Another initiative by UNICEF, Generation Unlimited, prepares young people for the labor market and has provided internships for around 500 young people in 57 businesses.

Social Protection Initiatives

Many people in Kosovo do not have access to health care, education and protective services. This is due to the ineffective programs to help reduce this shortcoming. To combat this, UNICEF increased support for the Law on Social and Family Services, which aims to broaden services and ensure that everyone in need has the right to access these services. UNICEF in Kosovo also focuses on ensuring that policies that are aimed at aiding children lead to real change in their lives. This involved planning and managing the money for certain programs and directly helping municipalities to ensure that children most in need are receiving the help. 

Moving Forward

While Kosovo faces challenges ranging from high rates of unemployment and ineffective social programs, the Kosovo government and international organizations have taken successful steps to tackle this problem. The World Bank reports on a new strategy called the Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for Kosovo for the years 2023 to 2027. This aims to help the country improve its economy over the next five years to create more jobs and improve living standards. 

– Nouf Hunaiti

Nouf is based in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Tackling Malnutrition with Sanku’s Dosifier Technology

Sanku’s dosifier technologyFood insecurity and malnutrition remain critical global issues, with 821 million people worldwide suffering. Among the most affected regions are countries like Nigeria, Somalia, Yemen and South Sudan. Malnutrition affects 52 million children under 5, with $3.6 billion needed annually to combat the issue. To combat this, Sanku is using innovative technology with fortified flour and equipping small-scale flour mills in Africa. By doing so, it is bringing essential nutrients to millions of people in some of the most vulnerable communities. 

The Problem of Micronutrient Malnutrition

Micronutrient malnutrition, often referred to as ‘hidden hunger,’ affects 2 billion people globally. This type of malnutrition results from a lack of essential vitamins and minerals, which can lead to severe health issues. In rural communities in Africa, where poverty rates in Africa are high, nutritious food is limited. In Tanzania, 95% of the population, more than 50 million people, do not benefit from large-scale food fortification programs because they rely on small-scale mills that cannot fortify their flour. These people mainly consume maize flour. Maize flour, although calorie-dense, is nutritionally low. This, in turn, makes them susceptible to preventable diseases and increased mortality rates. 

Sanku’s Innovative Dosifier

Sanku’s solution to this is its award-winning dosifier, a device designed specifically for small rural mills in East Africa. The dosifier adds precise amounts of critical nutrients such as iron, zinc, folic acid and vitamin B12 to the calorie-dense maize flour during the milling process. By partnering with local millers, the organization ensures that the fortified flour reaches those who need it most. Sanku has installed nearly 500 dosifiers across 400 mills in Tanzania and Kenya and, therefore, provides this fortified flour to 7.1 million people. The dosifier allows millers to sell the fortified flour at the same price as unfortified flour. 

Leveraging IoT

To further expand its reach, Sanku had partnered with Vodafone, incorporating Internet of Things (IoT) technology into its dosifiers. This partnership allows for real-time monitoring of the fortification process, ensuring they are working effectively. With Vodafone’s IoT SIM cards, one Sanku working can now monitor 100 mills, fortifying flour for 500,000 people. This real-time data helps Sanku track maintenance needs, power supply and fortification levels remotely. Moreover, Vodafone’s mobile payment service, M-Pesa, simplifies financial transactions for millers, making it easier for them to purchase fortification premix. 

Reaching Millions

Sanku’s ambition is to reach 25 million people in East Africa by 2025, ultimately preventing malnutrition-based diseases, In 2023, the organization also launched a nutrient-premix facility in Tanzania, giving it more control over its supply chain and reducing cost. Sanku’s impact extends beyond just health improvements. By providing fortified flour to vulnerable communities, the organization saves billions in GDP and helps boost productivity. In 2019, Sanku’s dosifier technology was recognized by Time Magazine as one of the top 100 inventions of 2019, highlighting its potential to transform food insecurity globally. 

Vision 2030

Sanku’s long-term goal is to reach 100 million people with fortified flour by 2030. The organization is already scaling its efforts beyond Tanzania and Kenya with plans to expand into Malawi and Rwanda. With the continued support of partners like Vodafone, it is set to make a significant dent in global malnutrition. Sanku’s dosifier technology represents a breakthrough in the fight against hidden hunger by enabling small-scale mills to fortify flour with essential micronutrients. With ambitious plans to scale further and reach 100 million people by 2030, Sanku is on its way to making a lasting impact on global food security. 

– Ellisha Hicken

Ellisha is based in London, UK and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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IT Supporting Rural Livelihood in India

Rural Livelihood in IndiaTechnological advancements in the past decades have widened the gap between the rich and the needy. The lack of access to the internet and Information Technology (IT) resources hinders the growth of a considerable percentage of India’s population. However, IT supporting rural livelihood in India has slowly manifested through the combined efforts of private and public sector initiatives.

Mission 2007: Every Village a Knowledge Center

IT supporting rural livelihood in India has been expected to act as a viable option. IT can be used for various purposes like predicting weather conditions and market prices for farming along with gaining useful knowledge and skills. To materialize this, Mission 2007 was initiated in 2003 by an alliance of 150 organizations to avail the benefits of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) dedicated to human well-being in rural areas.

The Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy (NVA) for Rural Prosperity and the Jamsetji Tata Training School (JTS) for Leadership in Rural Knowledge Connectivity were established to support and fuel this IT revolution. They aim to provide IT access and training to more than a million rural people and encourage them by enabling them to enhance their livelihood with the help of IT skills.

The National Virtual Academy

Established in 2003 under the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), the NVA aims to train “grassroots workers” to use ICTs to enable them to be responsible for their development and “to build skills and capacities relevant to enhancing opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.” Alongside providing training in ICTs, the NVA also facilitates the recognition of rural people who have mastered ICTs and are using their skills to guide the betterment of villages.

The NVA aims to materialize access to “work, income and health security” like e-governance, e-commerce, e-literacy and e-health in rural areas. The initiative seeks to establish a “two-way linkage” communication system, where scientists share information on agriculture and technological advancements with rural communities while rural people provide insights into traditional farming methods. This exchange helps scientists develop sustainable farming practices that integrate both modern and traditional knowledge.

The NVA also facilitates “lateral communication” to enable people within rural areas to share their knowledge and expertise with other rural people through technological means. It, therefore, functions as a “participatory knowledge hub,” tying traditional wisdom with modern science. In 2006, the initiative recognized the achievements of 77 people from across 11 states in India, highlighting its impact in rural areas.

Jamsetji Tata Training School

The JTS aims to provide training on computer applications to rural workers at the grassroots level. It also aims to create virtual platforms to develop learning environments where rural people can learn need-based skills and competencies to gain knowledge specific to their area of work. The JTS is similar to the NVA in its primary aims and objectives and helps further build NVA’s initiatives by equipping people with Village Knowledge Centers (VKCs), Village Resource Centers (VRCs) and Knowledge Hub Consortiums (KHCs) to encourage centralized learning environments.

Some other efforts by JTS include organizing workshops between scientists and NVA fellows, addressing issues at the grassroots level with government agencies, providing training on computer applications and developing virtual platforms for learning.

Conclusion

In 2019, 41% of India’s population, amounting to approximately 574 million people, had access to the internet. Among this, 307 million internet users belonged to the urban population and 264 million people belonged to the rural population. As of 2023, 55% of India’s population, amounting to 821 million people, have access to the internet. Among these, a higher percentage of internet users come from rural areas (442 million) than urban areas (378 million). As a result of initiatives like those mentioned above, India has experienced significant growth in IT access across the country, particularly in rural areas. IT supporting rural livelihood in India is now not only a dream but a reality.

– Adya Umesh

Adya is based in Bangalore, Karnataka, India and focuses on Good News, Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Portable Labs for Diagnosing Diseases in Africa

Portable Labs for Diagnosing DiseasesAccess to health care poses a significant challenge in many African regions. Remote villages often lie hours or days from the nearest clinic and under-resourced hospitals struggle to provide timely diagnoses for diseases like malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. As a result, patients experience significant delays in receiving care, leading to high mortality rates for otherwise treatable diseases. However, the deployment of portable labs across Africa transforms health care by delivering essential testing and treatment services directly to these underprivileged communities.

The Need for Portable Labs

A disproportionate 25% share of the global disease burden falls on Africa. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), HIV/AIDS, malaria and TB remain the leading causes of death in sub-Saharan Africa. Quick and accurate diagnosis is key to combatting these diseases. However, with more than half of its population deprived of health care access and Africa’s global health expenditure below 1%, lab infrastructure is often outdated. Sending samples to distant laboratories for analysis can take days or weeks, delaying life-saving treatments. Portable labs address this issue by equipping health care workers with the tools to conduct on-site tests. These compact, mobile units, designed for low-resource settings, can perform diagnostic tests within minutes, allowing for immediate disease diagnosis and treatment initiation.

How Portable Labs Work

Portable labs generally consist of compact machines capable of performing various diagnostic tests, revolutionizing health care in remote areas. A well-known portable lab is the GeneXpert System by Cepheid, which provides rapid molecular testing for different diseases, like TB and HIV. This system, requiring minimal training, delivers results in under three hours—a critical feature for timely patient treatment.

Another significant innovation is the SAMBA II machine from Diagnostics for the Real World, designed to diagnose HIV within two hours. It has seen wide deployment across sub-Saharan African clinics, including in Kenya, Uganda and Malawi. The SAMBA II operates without specialized lab infrastructure, making it an ideal solution for resource-limited regions. These devices, powered by battery packs or solar energy, make them highly adaptable to regions with unreliable electricity. They are also compact enough to be transported to remote villages, enabling health care teams to deliver diagnostic services where they are most needed.

Impact of Portable Labs

The use of portable labs for diagnosing diseases in Africa has shown promising results in the fight against diseases like TB and HIV. The introduction of Cepheid’s GeneXpert system in sub-Saharan Africa has led to a marked improvement in early TB detection and treatment, limiting community transmission. Similarly, the SAMBA II enables faster diagnosis and better monitoring of patients, which is essential in regions where health care workers need to track the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapies of HIV-positive patients. Thus, rapid on-site testing provided by portable labs ensures patients remain on the best possible treatment plans, improving health outcomes and reducing transmission rates. 

Looking Forward

As the use of portable labs for diagnosing diseases in Africa expands, the impact on public health is expected to grow. Indeed, governments, NGOs and international health organizations are increasingly recognizing the importance of investing in these technologies to combat the continent’s most pressing diseases. These portable labs could become a cornerstone of Africa’s health care system. By making health care more accessible and effective, portable labs are not only saving lives – they are playing a vital role in the broader fight against poverty. Furthermore, by improving health care delivery, portable labs contribute to more resilient, healthier communities, laying the groundwork for long-term poverty alleviation and enabling individuals to break the cycle of poverty by improving health outcomes in some of Africa’s most vulnerable communities.

– Viola Cuthbertson

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

Photo: Flickr

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Brighter Future: Solar Energy in Bangladesh

Solar Energy in BangladeshNearly 85% of Bangladesh’s power comes from fossil fuels. Oil and gas prices have exponentially increased recently, leading to inflation and unaffordability. Bangladesh, with its population growing annually by 1%, sees its energy demand increase by approximately 4.7% each year. The nation primarily relies on natural gas, oil, coal and diesel for its energy needs. However, recent spikes in energy prices, driven by global factors, have prompted a shift toward renewable energy. The Bangladeshi government aims to produce 4,100 MW of clean energy by 2030 as part of its strategy to adapt to these ongoing challenges and ensure sustainable growth.

Persistent Power Outages and Infrastructure Challenges

Bangladesh faces significant challenges with its electrical infrastructure, severely affecting the quality of life due to frequent and prolonged blackouts. Residents report random power outages that can last more than 10 hours, exemplified by the 2022 national blackout that lasted seven hours. In 2010, the government mandated the installation of solar panels on residential and commercial buildings. However, due to the installation of low-quality panels at that time, many buildings now have unusable, uninspected solar installations. Additionally, the outdated grid infrastructure struggles to support renewable energy sources, posing further challenges for the government. Despite these obstacles, the Bangladeshi government remains committed to investing in renewable energy sources to improve the situation.

Initiatives and Progress in Renewable Energy

Here are the steps Bangladesh is taking to clean its energy:

  1. Bangladesh is part of the Paris Agreement, which focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Part of its plan for implementing renewable energy is developing eco-friendly industrial zones and parks, with the inclusion of solar energy and wastewater management. The country is also increasing its reliance on biomass, wind and solar energy.
  2. Bangladesh invests in renewable energy through the RERED (Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Development) project. In the past 20 years, the RERED program has allowed electrical access to more than 20 million people across Bangladesh. The RERED Program has majorly focused on rural electrification, meaning that urban electrification is still a focus of the Bangladeshi Government.
  3. Bangladesh has agreed to produce at least 40% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2041, pledging to the Climate Vulnerable Forum. Currently at 3.7%, the majority of it comes from solar energy.
  4. Geographically, Bangladesh is less suited for hydro or wind energy. The country is well suited for photovoltaic (PV) energy, as it has high solar irradiation levels. This is also an option that could be well-distributed across the country, allowing for consistent accessibility.
  5. Captive solar rooftops are emerging as a leading energy source in Bangladesh, demonstrating notable success. Another renewable energy initiative, Solar Independent Power Producers (IPPs), is also being implemented, although it requires large landmasses, which Bangladesh lacks. Despite this, captive solar rooftops are currently yielding more promising results in the country.
  6. Since 2003, Bangladesh has partnered with the Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL) to participate in its Solar Home System (SHS) program, which successfully installed 4.13 million SHSs by 2019. Over the last five years, the installation of solar home systems has expanded. However, as rural electrification has become more widespread, the focus has now shifted toward enhancing solar energy use in urban areas within Bangladesh.

The Future Outlook

Bangladesh is advancing in its quest to secure reliable electricity and energy sources, aiming to achieve 40% renewable energy by 2041—a target that now appears promising.

– Lakshya Anand

Lakshya is based in Bellevue, WA, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Globalization and Poverty in Ghana

Globalization and Poverty in GhanaGhana’s history runs deep with its rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes. Home to more than 33 million people, with a projected increase of 56% by 2050, around 38% of the population are youth ages 15 to 35, with the other 35% children under 15. Globalization, in its various forms, has shaped the education and job opportunities available to the youth in Ghana. With the spread of globalization and the influence of technology, better job opportunities have opened, contributing to low unemployment and poverty rates.

Globalization and Economic Development in Ghana

Globalization has had an impact on Ghana, shaping and changing its economy. While also influencing cultural exchange and ultimately reshaping the country’s rapid development. Though it has had positive effects, globalization and poverty in Ghana have impacted urban and rural areas, creating challenges in poverty reduction. Kent Mensah, a journalist with African Report and freelancer based in Ghana, emphasized the interconnectedness brought about by globalization. “We are all connected. Everything that we do is interconnected, especially in the areas of trade, in the areas of diplomacy and in the areas of cooperation. We all need each other before we can survive,” Mensah stated in an interview with The Borgen Project, highlighting the broad impacts of globalization on the country.

The history of Ghana’s trade dates back to its days as the Gold Coast, a former British colony in West Africa, now known as the Republic of Ghana. Colonizers called West Africa the Gold Coast due to its excessive supply of gold. In 1879, a blacksmith brought cocoa beans from Spanish Fernando Po to the Gold Coast. By the 1890s, local African farmers, with support from the British administration, had purchased thousands of cocoa seedlings. The British colonial decisions allowed African farmers to maintain control of cocoa production, asserting that Europeans could not purchase land owned by Africans.

Economic Trade and Policies

Currently, Ghana is the second-largest cocoa-producing country. Cocoa is one of Ghana’s most crucial products in distribution. Their export of cocoa is critical in boosting the country’s economy. Not only do countries like the Netherlands, United States (U.S.), Malaysia, France and Japan depend on their products (aka chocolate), but farmers depend on the products to make a living. Discussing how globalization has helped reduce poverty in Ghana, Mensah noted that expanding trade opportunities significantly benefits the families of farmers and workers.

Trade is a significant part of the economy, impacting job opportunities and farmers’ livelihoods. Through the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Ghana hopes to expand and boost growth and reduce poverty – while reaching a larger market size. In April of this year, it was reported that South Africa started offering trade benefits under the AfCFTA. As a result, traders in Algeria, Cameroon, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda and Tunisia can now trade with South Africa under the AfCFTA. Allowing these countries to buy and sell goods more efficiently. 

Education and Jobs

Globalization has led to partnerships and policies, opening up opportunities for the youth to strengthen their education, which can potentially lead to better jobs. Education access in Ghana has had its challenges, as access to free education was limited and not for everyone. In 2014, less than 45% of students were enrolled in higher secondary education. Many students were missing out on furthering their education. “A lot of people get qualified to go to senior high school, but because their parents don’t have the money, they are unable to enroll in schools. But now, because of subsidies and support that we are getting from our donor partners, about 1.4 million children have had access to go to school,” Mensah added. 

The number of secondary school students switched after Ghana launched the Free Public Senior High School Policy in 2017. The policy implicated removing cost barriers to secondary education, including textbooks and boarding. In the 2017/2018 academic year, a record was set with the highest enrollment, with around 470,000 students enrolled in senior high school. 

Without the policy-making an impact, the likelihood of the youth becoming dropouts is high. With the widespread trade economy, jobs within the area have opened up opportunities. However, there still seems to be high unemployment in Ghana. It has remained a consistent challenge, especially for the youth. Technology has created an opening for those struggling with finding a job. 

Role of Technology

Technology is an ever-changing commodity. With the rise of new forms of communication and the spread of social media, anything seems possible. New markets and opportunities have opened that were never available before.  “Because there are no jobs, a lot of the youth are using technology, which is creating a lot of jobs for the young. For instance, most of them are tunneling a lot of energy into e-commerce. People are now starting online shops,” Mensah mentions with the rise of technology, media outlets like Instagram and TikTok can advertise products and reach more revenue. 

During the pandemic, e-commerce in Ghana rose as online purchasing became more accessible for food delivery and clothing, shifting consumer behavior. With approximately 15 million internet users and 40 million mobile connections, users can access e-commerce daily. New technology isn’t only changing markets but opening up new opportunities for farmers. Agriculture is a crucial contributor to Ghana’s GDP, accounting for 54%, employing more than half of the population. 

With the help of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Feed the Future, a U.S. government global food security initiative, created a project part of Feed the Future. The ADVANCE 11 project aims to improve the farmer’s livelihoods by enhancing the productivity of produce. Aiming to target around 113,000 farmers and use a range of digital tools to reach this goal.

Looking Ahead

Ghana’s efforts to improve trade, education and technology access have made strides in fostering economic opportunities and supporting youth development. As policies evolve and digital advancements continue to reshape markets, the nation is working to empower its population, particularly young people, to build sustainable livelihoods and reduce poverty. Continued focus on these areas could be essential to drive lasting progress for future generations and reduce poverty in Ghana.

– Savannah Garza

Savannah is based in New York, NY, USA and focuses on Business and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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3D-Printed Housing: A New Hope for the Homeless in Colombia

Homeless in ColombiaColombia is pioneering a transformative approach to addressing its housing crisis by deploying advanced 3D printing technology. The Crane WASP, developed by the World’s Advanced Saving Project (WASP), is a large-format 3D printer capable of constructing homes from natural resources such as dirt and agricultural waste. This innovation marks a significant leap toward providing affordable and sustainable housing solutions for Colombia’s homeless and displaced populations. The technology’s versatility and low energy consumption make it particularly effective in regions where traditional construction methods are impractical or too costly.

Resilience and Sustainability in Housing

Colombia’s vulnerability to disasters and climate-related shocks underscores the critical need for resilient housing solutions. Approximately 23% of Colombian households live in substandard housing units highly susceptible to climate impacts. To tackle this issue, the Colombian government, with support from GFDRR and the World Bank, has undertaken significant reforms. A comprehensive assessment revealed that while 80% of families needed improvements to existing housing, 98% of the annual $600 million housing budget was allocated to new construction.

Scalable Solutions Through Technology

Colombia faces a severe housing shortage, with more than 3.7 million households experiencing a deficit. The Crane WASP offers a scalable solution, particularly in regions where conventional construction methods are impractical or too costly. By leveraging the technology’s versatility and low energy consumption, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) aims to improve living conditions for the homeless and displaced populations throughout Colombia.

The use of natural materials in 3D printing significantly reduces the environmental footprint of construction. Traditional building methods often rely on concrete, which is resource-intensive and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, the Crane WASP utilizes local soil and agricultural waste, promoting a circular economy. Research reveals that sustainable building practices can lead to reduced waste, lower energy consumption and enhanced resilience to climate impacts, such as floods and hurricanes, which are increasingly affecting vulnerable populations.

Moving Forward

While specific numbers on how many people have benefited so far are not yet available, the initiative aims to target the most underserved regions, particularly rural areas that are difficult to reach. The use of advanced 3D printing technology, like the Crane WASP, allows for the construction of sustainable homes using natural resources, making it a promising solution for the homeless in Colombia.

As Colombia continues to explore and expand these technological solutions, it sets a precedent for other nations grappling with similar issues. The success of the Crane WASP initiative could inspire global adoption of 3D printing technology in housing, demonstrating how innovation can potentially transform the lives of vulnerable populations and drive sustainable development on a larger scale.

– Aneela Agha

Aneela is based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr