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The ZAI Method: Reversing Desertification in West Africa

The ZAI MethodLand degradation is affecting farmers around the world; in desert climates, already arid land is becoming barren, affecting crops and farmers’ livelihoods and survival. A micro-catchment system invented in the ’80s to restore these degraded drylands has been successful in improving the agricultural yields in these areas. It continues to be adapted for new climates to combat similar regions.

The ZAI Plant Pit system

This system, called the ZAI Plant Pit system, was developed in the ’80s by Burkinabe farmer and agronomist Yacouba Sawadogo. The Zai method was originally used in Mali. However, it was adopted and improved in the northern regions of Burkina Faso. It was used to restore the degraded drylands that were closer to the Sahara Desert. Other countries in Western Africa that also suffer from frequent drought or soil fertility issues have adopted this method to improve their agricultural yields with success.

The system consists of dug holes in the land that are then filled with organic compost during the dry season before planting seeds. The compost attracts termites that burrow into the soil, breaking it up and creating crevices that can hold water. The dimensions of these holes vary according to the type of soil and determine how much water they harvest. The ZAI method is successful in producing crop yields in areas where soils have been so degraded that water can no longer infiltrate deeper into the soil and the topsoil has been washed or blown away.

How It Works

Barren land provides multiple challenges when trying to restore soil fertility. Surface crusts must be broken up to plant seeds, but excessive disturbance can lead to moisture loss. Zai pits break the crust just enough for seeds to germinate without losing additional moisture. During the wet season, when rains are sporadic but intense, water must be used efficiently. Zai pits direct all available water into the soil and toward the plants. The displaced soil forms mounds beside the pits, channeling water down into the surrounding pits.

This method captures surface runoff, concentrates water at the plant roots and improves soil infiltration. Additionally, materials like manure, fertilizers and compost are concentrated at the plant roots, ensuring efficient nutrient absorption. The technique is simple and can be implemented with minimal resources. Zai pits restore organic content and productivity to the soil, making them an effective response to long-term agricultural challenges like climate emergencies. As rainfall becomes more erratic and droughts more frequent and prolonged, methods like the Zai technique are increasingly essential.

By concentrating resources like water for crops and preventing desertification—a process where fertile land turns into desert, often due to drought or deforestation—the Zai method enhances soil productivity and organic content. This technique not only revitalizes the land but also supports the livelihoods of the people who depend on it.

Impact

In the desert lands of West Africa, the Zai method has been highly successful in boosting crop yields. It has shown excellent results in reclaiming abandoned land for agriculture in Burkina Faso and Mali. Due to its success, the Zai method is being adapted for crop cultivation and forest regeneration efforts in Central and East Africa and is gaining global recognition.

Final Note

While the Zai farming system is simple and offers many benefits, its success is geographically limited. Not all areas with low rainfall have the “composting termites” essential for optimal productivity with this method. Although Zai pits can still be used in regions without these termites, water infiltration and crop yields may be lower. Additionally, digging the pits is labor-intensive and can only be done during the dry season, which restricts the timeframe for this work. Proper training is also crucial, as the size and placement of the pits are key to the system’s effectiveness.

– Hodges Day

Hodges is based in San Francisco, CA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Innovations in Poverty Eradication in Cambodia

Cambodia is a rapidly developing country that has seen vast improvements in its economic and social development over the years. While the number of Cambodians living in extreme poverty has dropped from 36.7% in 2014 to 16.6 % in 2022, multidimensional poverty remains at the forefront of life for many, specifically those living in rural areas. Although much of the population of Cambodia is not classified as living in extreme poverty, almost “three-quarters of the population still live on less than $3 a day” and 90% of those hovering just above the poverty line are located in rural areas.

There are many explanations as to why poverty exists in Cambodia, many of which trace back to the country’s troubled history during the Khmer Rouge regime in the ’70s. Pol Pot’s regressive regime exacerbated poverty, condemning developments and modern advancements that would allow individuals to train in skilled, higher-income jobs. Coupled with inadequate funding for education, health and transport and an unfair distribution of wealth, poverty in Cambodia continues to run rife. However, here are some ways governments, foreign aid and nonprofit organizations are working to improve the situation in Cambodia.

National Poverty Reduction Strategy in Cambodia

In 2002, the Cambodian government introduced the National Poverty Reduction Strategy (NPRS), which established a vision with objectives and measures to tackle the issue of extreme poverty. Poverty mapping was the first step in the program, allowing policymakers to identify areas with the highest levels of poverty and coordinate their antipoverty efforts more efficiently. The NPRS also focused on providing social protection and equity to civilians, ensuring equal access to land, basic amenities and economic resources.

Focusing antipoverty efforts on boosting non-farm earnings and developing growing industries like tourism, garment manufacturing and construction has been a critical driver of poverty reduction in Cambodia. Providing workers with training for more skilled, higher-paying jobs has facilitated a shift away from low-wage farming, further promoting trade and investment-led growth in the country. Moreover, by opening its borders to international trade and investment, Cambodia has attracted foreign direct investment (FDI) to support these growing industries and to expand the economy further.

Between 2013 and 2022, “the average annual value of FDI rose to 12.1% of gross domestic domestic (GDP),” with garment and electronics industries dominating the flow of inbound FDI. In 2023 alone, FDI created more than 307,000 jobs through 268 approved investment projects.

Cash Transfers

The COVID-19 pandemic introduced a myriad of problems and setbacks for Cambodia, reversing prior poverty reduction efforts and pushing approximately 460,000 individuals into poverty. The closure of factories and markets led to job losses. Additionally, the shutdown of borders diminished income from tourism and trade. As a result, Cambodia’s GDP contracted by 3.1%. However, its government responded swiftly, introducing cash transfers to deliver emergency aid and support to those most vulnerable.

Building on the success of previous cash transfer programs, these new transfers were influential in the post-pandemic recovery strategy. They helped people experiencing poverty accumulate savings and purchase necessities for their survival. In total, 700,000 impoverished households have gained access to the cash transfer program, benefiting approximately 2.8 million people living in poverty.

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity is just one of the nonprofit organizations helping to alleviate poverty in Cambodia, “focused on long-term development, aid and poverty alleviation.” The organization operates in six provinces, where poverty is most abundant, building safe and durable shelters for those living in impoverished and unsanitary conditions. Thus far, it has helped more than 22,000 families to create long-lasting shelters with new standards of hygiene in its water and sanitation interventions.

Habitat for Humanity not only focuses on building housing for low-income families but also provides education and training in financial literacy and livelihoods. The organization collaborates with various partners, including authorities and microfinance institutions worldwide. Through their collective expertise, they offer technical guidance in housing solutions and well and latrine construction. They also provide micro-loans to help communities initiate these projects.

Final Note on Poverty Eradication in Cambodia

While much remains to be done to eradicate extreme poverty in Cambodia permanently, the important steps outlined in government plans and the remarkable efforts of nonprofit organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, serve as a model for ongoing positive change.

– Sofia Bowes

Sofia is based on the Isle of Skye, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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3 Initiatives Improving India’s Literacy Rate

3 Initiatives Improving India’s Literacy Rate India’s literacy rate has seen significant improvement in recent years, reducing the correlation between poverty and illiteracy. In 1981, the overall literacy rate stood at 40.67%. In a study ending in 2022, around 40 years later, it had risen to 76.32%. Additionally, studies reveal that illiterate people in the later statistics are mostly elderly people, indicating that illiteracy among younger generations has been largely eradicated. These encouraging statistics result from multiple literacy initiatives proposed by the Indian government. Here are three programs that have made a notable difference.

National Literacy Mission

The Government of India founded the National Literacy Mission in 1988. The initiative focuses on two main projects: The total and post-literacy programs. The Total Literacy Program focuses on teaching adults basic literacy. The second program was implemented afterward and is aimed at neo-literates. This means people who have picked up literacy skills in an informal setting later in life. The Continuing Education Program is the Mission’s third program. It provides spaces such as reading rooms and libraries for the members of the programs.

The National Literacy Mission has covered more than 597 districts and when including all three programs, the NLM has covered 150 million neo-literates. Additionally, 125.6 million people have been made literate through this program. Gender disparity is another crucial aspect of this program, as the initiative comprises 60% female to 40% male counterparts. There is also a focus on working with India’s most underprivileged, working with 23% of learners from the Scheduled castes and 12% belonging to the Scheduled tribes. This project is ongoing, but significant progress has been made, with a jump from 52.21% literacy in 1991 to 65.37% in 2001. 

Padhe Bharat Badhe Bharat

Padhe Bharat Badhe Bharat (PBBB) is a literacy initiative that was founded in 2014. It focuses on children within government schools, working with them to solidify their reading and writing skills to set them up for higher education. The program also works with teachers to help train and mentor them within the program. PBBB also aims to make reading a joyful and natural skill for children. The lessons are taught in their mother tongue and the Ministry of Education implements initiatives like the ‘100-Day Reading Challenge’ launched in 2022, which ensures that children are supplied with reading material in their native language. The program is made up of two components: system and classroom. This means emphasizing sufficient teacher training and learning material combined with the more intangible effort of having a supportive learning environment.

The Central Government has supplied specialized bridge material for tribal populations, free textbooks, supplementary reading and teacher training. The program aims to create a supportive and informed group of teachers and administrators who can help support their children as they progress through their education. Although PBBB is focused on early learning, the skills the students learn are made to be lasting and hugely foundational. 

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) was created in 2015 by the Prime Minister. It focuses on women’s empowerment, with the name meaning “save the girl child, educate the girl child.” The initiative is trying to shift how society views women and girls. Additionally, it strengthens their education and gives them a place in the world further than the home. The program has launched many successful initiatives. BBBP has implemented training programs for district-level officers and frontline workers. Some other notable progress is the organization of street plays in villages and markets in Pithoragarh that focus on the struggles that girls face in their lifetime, for example, abortion. The plays generate awareness of these issues in a more interactive sense than classes or pamphlets.

Additionally, the ‘Udaan – Sapneya Di Duniya De Rubaru’ scheme in the Mansa district allows girls to spend the day with a person of their desired profession (doctor, lawyer, etc). This program has been hugely successful, with the participation of more than 70 girls. The program also offers financial incentives and awards for girls in school. It creates guidelines and protocols to make schools safe and supportive for them. These are only a few examples of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’s initiatives and this program only continues to support and empower women. Although this program is not strictly centered on India’s literacy rate, it creates an important precedent for future education and empowerment of women. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao allows women to grow beyond anything expected by creating supportive environments and opportunities for education and awareness. 

Looking Ahead

These three initiatives have helped improve India’s literacy rate and empower underprivileged groups. These ongoing initiatives focus on adult and child literacy and emphasize gender equality and supportive educational environments. The National Literacy Mission has made significant strides in adult education. Furthermore, Padhe Bharat Badhe Bharat has laid a strong foundation for early childhood literacy. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao continues to empower and educate girls, changing societal attitudes. Together, these programs pave the way for India’s more literate society.

– Sofia Hattiangadi

Sofia is based in New York City, NY, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Youth Innovation Hubs: Fostering Entrepreneurship in Uganda

Youth Innovation Hubs: Fostering Entrepreneurship in Uganda In Uganda, where more than 78% of the population are youths, unemployment presents a significant challenge. The government has initiated proactive measures by establishing youth innovation hubs that are showing promising results. These hubs serve as incubators for the next generation of entrepreneurs, fostering innovation and equipping young people with the tools necessary to elevate themselves and their communities out of poverty. In addition to government efforts, various nongovernmental organizations and private sector partners aim to support these innovation hubs, offering additional resources and expertise to enhance their effectiveness.

Agriculture and the Rise of Innovation Hubs

According to the UNDP, estimates indicate that Uganda’s agriculture sector contributes 37% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), employs 72% of Uganda’s workforce and contributes 80% to the export base. Obstacles such as poor agronomic practices, limited stock of quality agro-inputs and limited access to timely and quality market information continue to undermine the sector’s potential to create jobs and entrepreneurship ventures.

Youth innovation hubs in Uganda are collaborative spaces where young people access resources, mentorship and training in technology and business. These innovation hubs aim to empower youth with entrepreneurial skills, enabling them to create their own employment opportunities instead of relying on traditional job markets. A notable example, the Outbox Hub in Kampala, offers co-working spaces, funding opportunities and training programs for young entrepreneurs. For instance, Outbox recently launched a three-day hackathon to help local Ugandan entrepreneurs develop skills using new technologies.

Government Initiatives

The Ugandan government, recognizing the potential of innovation hubs, has launched several initiatives to support their growth. Youth Innovation Hubs, first introduced in 2016 and renewed in 2024, have organized 2,825 events and 751 business meetings, equipping 6,531 individuals with digital skills, capacity building and mentorship. Additionally, the Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP), launched in 2014, targets youth unemployment by providing funding to young entrepreneurs across the country to establish various youth-led enterprises.

Impact on Poverty Reduction

The correlation between youth unemployment and poverty is stark. Around 9.3 million youth in Uganda are disconnected from the workforce. Innovation hubs address this by equipping youth with skills to start and sustain their businesses, which in turn generates employment and stimulates local economies. For instance, the Agripreneurship Alliance has programs that train youth in modern farming techniques and agribusiness management, which are helping to revolutionize Uganda’s agricultural sector. Innovations such as mobile apps for market information and sustainable farming practices have enabled young farmers to increase productivity and incomes. 

Looking Ahead

Youth innovation hubs in Uganda are proving effective in tackling unemployment by equipping young people with entrepreneurial skills and resources. These innovation hubs foster self-employment opportunities and stimulate local economies, as evidenced by initiatives like the Outbox Hub and the Youth Livelihood Programme. The focus on modern farming techniques and agribusiness management is particularly impactful, helping to revolutionize Uganda’s agricultural sector and increase productivity and incomes among young farmers. As these innovation hubs continue to expand, they can potentially reduce poverty and drive sustainable economic growth in Uganda.

– Jennifer Lee

Jennifer is based in Toronto, ON, Canada and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Tackling Global Water Scarcity: Innovations and Challenges

Tackling Global Water Scarcity: Innovations and ChallengesCurrently, more than 2 billion people worldwide lack access to safely managed drinking water. Furthermore, 3.6 billion lack access to sanitation services. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reports that diarrhea-related diseases, cause about 480,000 deaths annually among children under 5. These deaths are preventable through simple sanitation, proper hygiene and access to safe water. Due to insufficient resources, many communities face high disease and mortality rates. The United Nations (U.N.) World Water Development Report’s 2023 edition warns that global water scarcity issues could potentially affect up to 2.4 billion people, doubling from 930 million, if no action is taken.

Changing Climate and Water Scarcity

The changing climate intensifies water scarcity by increasing the frequency of extreme flooding and droughts. According to the U.N., extreme drought will likely expand its coverage across the land steadily. Water-related disasters cause nearly 70% of all deaths linked to natural disasters. In the last two decades, the occurrence of flood-related disasters has increased by 134%. Asia is particularly affected, suffering significant flood-related deaths and economic losses. Simultaneously, many countries facing challenges with safe sanitation and water access also suffer from these water-based disasters, leading to deaths, economic damages and health issues due to floods and droughts.

The Condon Hydrology Lab

Laura Condon, an assistant professor at the University of Arizona, is committed to developing water sustainability tools. Leading the Condon Hydrology Lab, her research group focuses on studying the availability and sustainability of freshwater resources. As a specialist in groundwater research, she understands that watershed behaviors in today’s changing climate could unlock new solutions to water scarcity.

Laura Condon co-leads “Hydroframe,” a project that works in tandem with the “Hydrogen” modeling platform to simulate watershed system forecasts. Condon is enthusiastic about developing new methods to enhance the speed and accuracy of seasonal forecasts. She notes that the pursuit of sustainable water management has been a long-standing concern and her team at the Hydrology Lab is at the forefront of this research. By testing these innovations in America, the project aims not only to address domestic water scarcity but also to expand its impact globally, helping to alleviate water scarcity worldwide.

Looking Ahead

Ensuring access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation for billions of people could address the global water scarcity crisis. Innovations in hydrological research, such as those pioneered by Laura Condon, aim to create sustainable water management solutions. By improving the accuracy of water resource forecasts and developing effective conservation strategies, these ongoing efforts can potentially combat water scarcity and enhance resilience against the changing climate, securing vital resources for future generations.

– Hailey Nurry

Hailey is based in Pennsylvania, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Affordable Eye Care: The Aravind Eye Care System

The Aravind Eye Care SystemIn a world where quality health care often comes with a hefty price tag, the Aravind Eye Care System shines as a remarkable exception. Founded in 1976 by the visionary Dr. Govindappa Venkataswamy, this institution has transformed from a modest 11-bed facility into a vast network dedicated to affordable, high-quality eye care.

About Venkataswamy

Venkataswamy, fondly known as “Dr. V,” was born on October 1, 1918, in Vadamalapuram, Tamil Nadu In, India. After earning his medical degree from Stanley Medical College in 1944, he served in the Indian Army Medical Corps. However, Venkataswamy retired early due to severe rheumatoid arthritis. Undeterred, he specialized in Ophthalmology and went on to perform more than 100,000 successful eye surgeries. Additionally, Venkataswamy introduced innovative programs to combat blindness in India, including outreach camps and an ophthalmic assistants training program. In 1973, he was awarded the Padmashree by the Government of India for his contributions.

Aravind Eye Hospital

Aravind Eye Hospital was established by Venkataswamy without any initial capital, business plan or safety net, relying primarily on faith in its mission to eliminate needless blindness. Since its inception, Aravind has expanded to include seven tertiary centers, seven secondary centers, six community eye clinics, 80 vision centers and eye banks. The Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology and the Lions Aravind Institute of Community Ophthalmology provide essential training. At the same time, Aurolab manufactures affordable, high-quality ophthalmic consumables exported to more than 160 countries.

In the 2022-23 year, Aravind performed more than 704,000 surgeries and had more than 5.7 million outpatient visits. Remarkably, more than 50% of these surgeries were provided either free or at highly subsidized rates to people experiencing poverty. This is made possible via the earnings from paying patients. Aravind’s efficient service delivery and innovative practices, such as an “assembly line” system in operating rooms, enable doctors to perform a high volume of surgeries while maintaining exceptional quality.

Furthermore, Aravind’s outreach program, supported by organizations like Lions Clubs International and Rotary International, extends its services to villages lacking eye care facilities. The model, originally focused on cataract screenings, now provides comprehensive eye exams and necessary treatments, bringing those requiring surgery to the base hospital for free procedures.

Sustainability and Innovation

Aravind has optimized patient care practices to reduce its carbon footprint. Spectacle delivery times and transport emissions have been significantly reduced through an innovative online selection and central lab fitting process. The hospital’s energy-efficient buildings, solar plant and sustainable dining services further align its social, environmental and financial goals.

Enhancing Productivity

Recognizing the scarcity and cost of ophthalmologists, Aravind reassigned routine tasks to mid-level ophthalmic personnel, boosting the productivity of ophthalmologists by more than four times. Medical schools and business schools worldwide have replicated this innovative approach. Moreover, Aravind now provides consultancy services and training to eye hospitals and personnel globally.

Conclusion: A Model for Global Health

Aravind Eye Care System stands as a testament to the power of innovative, compassionate health care. By transforming how eye care is delivered, Aravind not only provides sight to millions but also serves as a model for sustainable health care worldwide. As Aravind continues to expand its reach, the foundation’s vision of eradicating needless blindness and fostering a healthier world becomes increasingly tangible.

– Sandeep Kaur

Sandeep is based in Manchester, UK and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Technological Innovations in Maternal Health

Innovations in Maternal HealthThe United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reports that more than 25% of the estimated 300,000 maternal deaths each year stem from postpartum hemorrhage, which is severe blood loss following childbirth. Most of these deaths occur in developing countries where access to quality medical facilities is limited. The United Nations (U.N.) states that postpartum hemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal mortality, claiming the lives of 130,000 new mothers each year. Technological advancements and innovations have introduced two significant medical devices to combat this issue and improve maternal health: the Non-pneumatic Anti-Shock Garment (NASG) and the Uterine Balloon Tamponade (UBT).

The Non-Pneumatic Anti-Shock Garment

NASGs resemble trousers and are divided into five to six segments. Each segment features Velcro straps that apply targeted pressure from the ankles to the abdomen, allowing for simultaneous vaginal treatments. Developed using technology similar to NASA’s anti-gravity suits, NASGs prevent unconsciousness by promoting blood circulation toward the head. They also reduce blood loss and increase survival chances in cases of postpartum hemorrhage by compressing the lower extremities to drive blood toward vital organs. This effective management ensures prolonged survival until medical help is available.

NASGs provide up to 48 hours of crucial support in emergencies and can be reused up to 144 times. Costing approximately $0.50 per use, NASGs are cost-effective and vital for maternal health. The World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) recognize these garments as essential tools for reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health. Research indicates that NASGs can potentially reduce maternal deaths from postpartum hemorrhage by half in specialized care settings, highlighting their critical role in improving reproductive health outcomes.

The Uterine Balloon Tamponade

The UBT is a medical device used to manage postpartum hemorrhage. It works by inserting a balloon into the uterus and inflating it with saline or sterile water using a syringe or gravity bag. This inflation applies pressure to the uterine walls, effectively controlling excessive bleeding. Although UBTs are effective, they are expensive, with costs ranging from $125 to $350 per use, limiting their use primarily to high-income countries as a surgical intervention for severe postpartum hemorrhage.

In areas without adequate medical facilities, health practitioners have improvised with makeshift versions of the UBT. UNICEF reports the use of condoms, inserted into the uterus and inflated with saline through a catheter, as an emergency alternative to UBTs. These ad-hoc solutions can mitigate blood loss but pose significant safety risks. A 2019 study in Ivory Coast confirmed the effectiveness of UBTs, successfully managing postpartum hemorrhage in nearly all treated cases, highlighting the need for both proper medical oversight when using such devices and further innovations in Maternal Health.

The Adoption of NASG and UBT Devices

Despite the clinical proof of its effectiveness, the NASG faces several challenges that limit its wider use. A general lack of awareness about the importance of NASG exists. Additionally, many health facilities report shortages due to the device’s high initial cost. Additionally, gaps in knowledge about the proper use and maintenance of NASGs further complicate efforts to implement them effectively.

Similar to the NASG, despite its effectiveness in controlling postpartum hemorrhage, UBT is expensive, challenging its widespread use in low- and middle-income countries. The WHO restricts UBT approval to environments where advanced treatments like blood transfusions and surgeries are available. Clinical trials reported in Obstetrics and Gynecology journals have highlighted potential risks of using UBT-like devices in remote settings, including instances where the intervention might have worsened blood loss. Trained medical personnel are advised to use such devices with caution, particularly in less-equipped environments.

Moving Forward

The U.N. agency is collaborating with governments and hosting online seminars. The aim is to promote the effectiveness of the NASG in reducing postpartum hemorrhage. Since 2019, UNICEF has included the NASG in its Supply Catalogue for global accessibility. Additionally, UNICEF is searching for cost-effective alternatives to the UBT. UNICEF has identified a manufacturer that offers the device at $5-15 per usage. More than 10 countries now recognize this affordable UBT as an essential medical product, with at least 16,000 units purchased. Concurrently, WHO is launching a study in Vietnam to test procedures, including a UBT-like device, to mitigate postpartum hemorrhage and improve maternal health. This research aims to address previous concerns about the UBT’s risks and develop more innovations to reduce maternal deaths and improve maternal health.

– Naomi Finapiri

Naomi is based in London, UK and focuses on Technology and Solutions, Global Health and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Fighting Poverty with Dirt: Soil Mapping

Soil MappingTechnology is always growing, always changing and always evolving. Now, some scientists are using new soil mapping methods to improve one of the most ebbing professions: farming.

The Basics of Soil Mapping

Soil maps catalog features and soil types in an area. Early on,soil mapping was done using field and lab observation. With the advent of more advanced technology, soil mapping is now done digitally while still using data. This data can be collected in multiple ways. It can be as simple as a special drill called a bucket auger and a single aerial photo of the land or as complex as using special geospatial software.

Once collected, the map is created in a grid layout, with each cell representing a different location. Soil mapping often tests the amount of nutrients in soil, allowing for more efficient farming and more effective use of products like fertilizer.

The Upsides of Soil Mapping

  1. Improving farming profit: Creating better soil produces more crops. Many farmers in developing countries use their crops as a form of survival and use what little is left over as products to sell. This is known as subsistence farming. By optimizing the use of fertilizers and other products with soil mapping, more crops are available to market while still feeding producers. The estimated increased yield is about 4-9%.
  2. Creating sturdier crops: Temperature changes and natural disasters can quickly tank a harvest. By using soil mapping, crops become more resilient and more able to survive harsh or fluctuating conditions.
  3. Improving soil health: Continents like Africa struggle with inconsistent soil health and high fertilizer prices due to inflation. Preventing resource waste is critical when costs are so high. Creating detailed soil maps provides important information that can help restore soil and reduce waste. Restoring soil health means more crops can grow, which means more profit for the people who need it most.
  4. Improving nutrition: More nutrients in the soil mean more nutrients in the food that the soil produces. Nutritious food is crucial for preventing malnutrition and health problems in low-and middle-income countries.
  5. Long-lasting solution: Soil maps are a local solution to food insecurity. They are more sustainable than direct aid because they allow for more output year after year. Providing more than just food, the extra crops taken to market can provide other critical needs.

The Global Soil Partnership

Soil mapping supports improvised communities globally, especially through government-run programs. The biggest program of this type is the Global Soil Partnership. The program uses 500 experts from 52 countries to create soil maps and databases to combat problems like food insecurity. These mapping programs are especially helpful in Africa and South America, where the climate can be volatile and many people are malnourished.

What’s Ahead?

Soil mapping demonstrates that technology and progress can also help end poverty. Large problems require innovative and scalable solutions and soil mapping qualifies. It is not necessary to only use traditional human labor to assist those who need help. Technology can assist grassroots and nonprofit groups in providing lasting solutions. The results show the power of human advancement.

– Meredith Wyrick

Meredith is based in Magnolia, TX, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Agastya International Foundation: Sparking Curiosity via Science

Agastya International FoundationImagine a world where a single mobile science lab can ignite curiosity in millions of underprivileged children. A lab that will transform their futures and bridge the educational gap across rural India. Welcome to the revolution led by Agastya International Foundation. This story unfolds the remarkable journey of an organization determined to redefine education through hands-on science learning.

A New Era of Learning

In the late ’90s, Ramji Raghavan returned to India with a vision to revolutionize education. Inspired by conversations with experts about the lack of hands-on learning in the Indian education system, he co-founded Agastya International Foundation in 1999. The mission was clear: to enhance government school curricula through innovative, hands-on methods. To make education accessible to all children regardless of their economic or social backgrounds. Agastya’s team, composed of dedicated teachers, scientists and volunteers, promotes inquiry and curiosity, aiming to transform lives through education.

Agastya’s approach to education is unique and impactful. The foundation uses inexpensive, everyday materials to create science experiments and models, enabling children to replicate them at home. This hands-on method not only demystifies science but also empowers children to think critically and creatively. Older students with a passion for science often become mentors, guiding younger children during large science fairs and ensuring that curiosity is met with answers.

Transforming Education: Impact and Vision

Since its inception, Agastya has positively influenced more than 300,000 teachers and 20 million students across more than 22 states in India. The foundation’s vision is to foster a nation of creators, tinkerers, solution-seekers and leaders who are humane and connected. With programs like teacher training, mobile science labs and science centers, Agastya addresses critical educational gaps through scalable, hands-on experiential learning.

The foundation’s flagship initiative, the Mobile Science Lab, features more than 80 low-cost experiments. It brings interactive science education to schools and makes learning enjoyable.

Agastya’s core programs are designed to spark curiosity through science, art and mathematics. These programs support both teachers and remedial students, all integrated within the Kuppam campus’s ecology classroom. Agastya fosters innovation to solve theoretical and practical problems, focusing on creating economical teaching methods and training teachers. Its diverse offerings include lab-on-a-bike, lab-in-a-box, lab-on-a-tab, media labs and a gifted children’s program. Additionally, night schools and extensive teacher training programs have further extended its reach and impact.

Scaling New Heights

Interest from the Indian Government and private donors has helped Agastya scale rapidly, reaching two million children annually. The foundation’s 170-acre campus in South India transformed from an arid wasteland into an ecological marvel and serves as a world-class center for learning, hosting more than 600 students daily. This campus supports Agastya’s innovative teaching methods, making it a beacon of hope and progress.

Conclusion

Agastya International Foundation stands as a testament to the power of innovative education. By transforming how scientific knowledge is acquired, Agastya is not just educating children but igniting a lifelong passion for learning and discovery. Through its programs, millions of underprivileged children have been given the tools to dream big and achieve remarkable academic and personal successes. As Agastya continues to expand its reach, the foundation’s vision of an enlightened, curious and innovative India moves closer to reality.

– Sandeep Kaur

Sandeep is based in Manchester, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Water Poverty in Zimbabwe: Save the Children’s Approach

Water Poverty in Zimbabwe: Save the Children’s ApproachZimbabwe, situated in southern Africa, grapples with serious poverty-related issues, including widespread water poverty. The World Bank reported that 42% of the country’s population lived in extreme poverty in 2019, primarily in remote, poorly connected and densely populated rural areas susceptible to poverty traps. The COVID-19 pandemic may have been responsible for the rise in poverty levels in the country.

The Water Problem

Save the Children emphasizes that water is a basic human right and that the absence of clean, safe water increases the risk of contracting preventable diseases. In April 2024, Zimbabwe’s President, Emmerson Mnangagwa, declared a national disaster over the drought gripping the country, requesting $2 billion in aid to secure food and safe water for millions. The drought has severely impacted not only food and water supplies but also electricity production, which relies heavily on hydroelectric power. Furthermore, the scarcity of clean, safe water led to a significant cholera outbreak, underscoring the urgent nationwide need for constructing boreholes.

Save the Children’s Efforts

Save the Children collaborated with the Beitbridge District Water and Sanitation Sub Committee to provide clean and safe water for drinking and household use. This effort received financial backing from the European Union (EU) through UNICEF as part of the Enhanced Resilience for Vulnerable Households in Zimbabwe (ERVHIZ) project. The initiative focused on rehabilitating dysfunctional boreholes, enabling local access to clean water without the need for long-distance travel.

This safe and clean water serves multiple purposes beyond drinking. Communities can use it to grow vegetables, enhance their diet and improve both health and well-being. Additionally, selling surplus produce can generate profit, creating employment opportunities for many women and girls.

Empowering Communities Through Water Access

Projects like the ERVHIZ have not only improved access to clean water but also empowered communities to take ownership and manage their resources. With functioning boreholes, some communities have established Water Point Management Committees comprising both men and women. Save the Children has provided training to ensure the boreholes are well maintained. A functioning and well-maintained borehole protects the community from cholera and enhances safety for women and girls.

Overall, the rehabilitation of 45 dysfunctional boreholes has improved access to clean water for more than 125,000 people. Moreover, this is just one example of the impactful work Save the Children undertakes to alleviate poverty. It illustrates the transformative effects that providing safe and clean water can have on communities.

Looking Forward

The revitalization of water resources by Save the Children and its partners promises a sustainable path toward community resilience and economic stability. The effective management and maintenance of these resources could be pivotal in breaking the cycle of water poverty in Zimbabwe and ensuring long-term health benefits for the communities involved.

– Cordelia Moore

Cordelia is based in Lewes, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr