, ,

Everything You Need To Know About Poverty in Rwanda

Poverty in RwandaThe Republic of Rwanda, colloquially referred to as the Land of a Thousand Hills, is a small nation situated to the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Comparable in size to the state of Massachusetts, three main ethnic groups live in Rwanda: the Hutu, the Tutsi and the Twa. Although these groups share a common culture and language, people have sustained historical tensions, most tragically culminating in the 1994 genocide that significantly shaped the country’s identity. Rwandan officials and the United Nations have made remarkable efforts to alleviate the deep-rooted poverty in Rwanda that these tragic events exacerbated. Nevertheless, challenges remain, with approximately 38.6% of the population living below the poverty line.

Land Scarcity

In a country where 82% of the population resides in rural areas and 62% of the workforce is employed in agriculture, land scarcity is a significant issue and exacerbates poverty in Rwanda. Since the 1940s, the Rwandan population has increased almost sevenfold; now, with 525 people per square kilometer, Rwanda is the most densely populated country in Africa. The average farm size in Rwanda is a mere 0.4 hectares, which is far too small to sustain a single family, resulting in challenges to food security and livelihood sustainability.

Consequently, as the population continues to boom in size, the struggle for arable land intensifies, contributing to a cycle of land degradation and increased rural poverty. For instance, overploughing and soil erosion has degraded 45% of Rwandan land. Policymakers have urgently needed to address the scarcity of arable land in Rwanda, who have launched initiatives to reduce these intertwined social and economic issues. Government responses have included encouraging farmers to merge plots and increase productivity, which inheritance laws have hindered; promoting high-yield crops like maize on smaller plots of land; and implementing anti-erosion projects to restore soil fertility.

The Link Between Chronic Malnutrition and Poverty in Rwanda

Intrinsically linked to overpopulation and land scarcity, chronic malnutrition is another defining cause of poverty in Rwanda. Approximately one-fifth of Rwandan households experience severe food shortages, perpetuating a cycle of diets that are deficient in essential nutrients. Subsequently, more than 60% of Rwandan children rely on a starch-based diet, causing them to be small, underweight and chronically malnourished, with the average life expectancy being less than 70 years old. As a result, Rwandan children, particularly in rural areas of the Western provinces, suffer from stunted growth. The stunting rate in Rwanda has declined from 44% in 2010 to 33%, which is now in line with the average for Sub-Saharan Africa.

Governmental initiatives and NGO projects have worked to relieve the malnutrition plaguing Rwanda. Government programs include the Girinka program, which provides cows to low-income families to increase milk consumption, and the 1,000 Days program, which targets pregnant women and infants with fortified food. Meanwhile, the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) has advocated for fortification policies that mandated iron and zinc in staple foods since 2016.

Changing Weather Patterns

Despite experiencing notable economic growth in recent years, Rwanda remains vulnerable to the multifaceted impacts of unpredictable weather patterns, which have substantially exacerbated existing poverty levels. Climate phenomena particularly affect the agricultural sector, a cornerstone of the Rwandan economy and the primary source of livelihood for most of its population. Erratic rainfall patterns have led to reduced crop yields. At the same time, catastrophic flooding events in 2020 destroyed more than 9,383 hectares of farmland, damaging or destroying approximately 8,143 houses and disrupting local food systems.

Moreover, changing weather patterns have intensified the prevalence of severe food insecurity and agricultural failure within the country. In the aftermath of the 2023 drought, staple food prices surged to 40.4%, further straining the economic capacity of low-income households. Notably, around 80% of Rwanda’s rural poor population relies heavily on rain-fed agriculture. Thus, weather shocks push them deeper into the cycle of poverty. While people have admirably made climate resilience, with the Green Climate Fund pledging $39.1 million for Rwandan adaptation projects, without global aid, it is the most vulnerable who will continue to bear the brunt as drastic weather changes exacerbate poverty in Rwanda.

Future of Poverty in Rwanda

While the Rwandan government, with the aid of various NGOs and global organizations, have made a remarkable effort to reduce poverty in Rwanda, it is still prevalent. The road ahead demands local empowerment and international solidarity. While Rwandan progress has been commendable, lasting progress necessitates scaling up climate-smart agriculture, strengthening safety nets and global investment to bolster grassroots activism, initiatives and infrastructure. Poverty in Rwanda is not inevitable, and with continued collaborative innovation, the struggles of today can become opportunities of the future.

– Emilia Bartle

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

Photo: Wikipedia Commons

, ,

Malnutrition in Guatemala

Malnutrition in GuatemalaWith nearly half of the population unable to afford basic foods, malnutrition in Guatemala remains a critical barrier to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger. This global target aims to eliminate all forms of malnutrition by 2030, yet progress in the country has been slow. However, support from local organizations and international aid efforts offers a path forward.

The Current Situation of Hunger in Guatemala

Since 1960, Guatemala has struggled with high levels of food insecurity. At that time, 60% of children under 5 suffered from stunting. By 2023, that figure dropped to 46.5%, an improvement of just 0.21 percentage points per year over six decades. This slow progress reflects deep-rooted challenges. Malnutrition severely limits brain development in children, reducing educational outcomes and increasing vulnerability to illness. According to Seeds for a Future, malnourished parents often pass on these disadvantages to their children, reinforcing the cycle of poverty across generations.

More than 2.9 million Guatemalans face crisis or emergency levels of food insecurity. Migrant flows also strain resources, with 223,000 people passing through the country between January and September 2024. Many of these individuals require food assistance, emergency nutrition and protection during their transit. Without swift humanitarian support, vulnerable populations face rising health risks. Aid groups urge donors to fund safe transit points and deliver nutritional support to prevent widespread health consequences.

Understanding the Root Causes

Systemic poverty continues to drive hunger in Guatemala. Environmental shocks, especially in the Dry Corridor, worsen the crisis. Many families rely on agriculture to survive, but droughts and erratic weather often destroy crops and slash incomes. As food prices rise and yields drop, households face greater difficulty feeding their children. In October 2024 alone, the Food Security and Nutrition Secretariat recorded 25,000 cases of acute malnutrition among children under 5.

Short-term food distributions can save lives but rarely lead to lasting change. Many programs unintentionally create dependency by failing to build skills or resilience. Long-term strategies that focus on education, sustainable farming and economic empowerment provide communities with the tools to escape malnutrition permanently.

Organizations Supporting Guatemala

  • Seeds for a Future. Seeds for a Future is an organization that supplies rural families and communities with the training and essential resources to grow sustainable crops and understand nutritional health requirements for mothers and infants. Since 2009, the Seeds program has been addressing the issue of malnutrition in Guatemala with a 12-month program, mentoring families for their individual needs at a low cost. Currently, the organization has helped 5,400 families in 19 communities with its easily replicable food security and health training program. The program continues to implement its training strategies and hopes to expand to even more communities. 
  • World Food Programme (WFP).  The WFP has operated in Guatemala since 1974. Working closely with government ministries and United Nations (U.N.) agencies, the program assists with food security and nutrition for the country’s most vulnerable individuals and families. To achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 2), the WFP is strengthening social programs to minimize food insecurity and malnutrition in Guatemala. Workshops and nutrition-sensitive interventions were put in place to detect and better the conditions of malnutrition, especially for children and pregnant women. Considering the struggles that families go through after climate shocks, the program also works to enhance resilience and provide access to affordable markets.

Looking Ahead

In 2025, humanitarian agencies plan to scale up operations in 60 of Guatemala’s 81 most food-insecure municipalities, including Alta Verapaz and Huehuetenango. These regions experience the highest rates of crop failure and child malnutrition and are in desperate need of food security interventions. Despite the high number of malnutrition cases in Guatemala, efforts are being implemented to improve the community’s resilience and health stability. The most vulnerable are receiving the necessary resources and support with the hopes of eliminating all forms of food insecurity by 2030. 

– Sarina Francis

Sarina is based in Tallahassee, FL, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Food Crisis: Malnutrition and Poverty in Peru

malnutrition peruPeru has had a volatile relationship with poverty for decades. In the mid-1980s to early 1990s, people had suffered the peak of poverty in Peru in the past 100 years; about 50% of the population lived in poverty. After decreasing, in 2024, the poverty rate rose again to about 30%. Malnutrition has also become a prominent issue in Peru and is one of the most significant health risks that continues to affect Peru’s poverty to this day.

Background

Peru suffers not only from malnutrition but overnutrition as well. To combat these issues, there are policies put that only address one issue or the other, leading to an imbalance in the progress towards both malnutrition and overnutrition.

Another leading cause for malnutrition in Peru is inaccessible health care due to the lack of professional health care providers and limited government funding for public health in Peru. In 2022, for every 10,000 people, there were only 12.2 physicians and 12.8 nurses. Rural areas face the most trouble when it comes to accessing healthcare, with only 17.6 health care professionals for every 10,000 people.

A large majority of Peru’s population suffers from food insecurity. While Peru is known for its agricultural biodiversity, a lot of necessary nutritious food is expensive and inaccessible to lower income families and especially those in poverty, leading to malnutrition.

The Effects of Malnutrition

Nutrients are a human necessity. building up the body, muscles, bones, nerves, skin, immune system and keeping the blood circulating. It also gives the brain the energy it needs to keep the body going and is an important factor in cognitive thinking.

Without proper nutrition, the body faces many consequences. Malnutrition leads to a weakened immune system, making the body more susceptible to infection, illness and disease. It also hinders recovery, making it exceedingly more difficult to heal from illnesses already present.

A lack of nutrients has not only an effect on the health of the body, but the health of the mind as well. Those suffering from malnutrition have an increased risk of depression and anxiety. It also obstructs cognition, making it difficult to make decisions, problem-solve and regulate emotions.

Malnutrition and Poverty in Peru

Children under the age of 5 are one of the biggest victims of malnutrition, particularly indigenous children. Approximately two out of 10 children suffer from malnutrition in Peru, 38% of indigenous children and 24% of children in rural areas are malnourished, compared to 20% of non-indigenous and 7% of urban children who lack nutrients.

Due to the negative effect malnourishment has on the mind and body, it impacts people’s health and productivity, making work more strenuous, not only leading people to poverty, but also making it significantly more difficult to escape it. This pattern makes it challenging to reduce poverty in Peru.

It also influences the economy. Without decreased productivity from workers due to malnutrition, economic growth decreases and health care costs increase. Not only does this affect the economy, but it also highly impacts the already vicious cycle of poverty and malnutrition. Without proper economic flow, the country cannot provide enough resources or help to those suffering from low income and food insecurity, and therefore, the issues only increase.

Current Solutions for Malnutrition in Peru

Without proper finances, it is difficult to access healthcare, especially as a parent with responsibility over one or multiple children. However, with help, it is possible. That is what the World Bank’s Juntos program provides. To combat malnutrition and poverty in Peru, it provides financial support to families, particularly aimed towards mothers in poverty and low-income households, in exchange for taking their children to regular health care check-ups.

There are also many organizations that fight against poverty, one of them being Action Against Hunger. It partners up with local governments to strengthen the health care system, improve food security and access to clean water, provide hygiene supplies as well as give women opportunities to make their own income.

Nutrients are an important factor in human life. They are necessary to perform any task, no matter how big or small. Without them, the human body would cease to function. To improve productivity, health and poverty in Peru, every person must have access to nutritious food. The happier and healthier the people, the more a country will thrive.

– Sevyn Whatley

Sevyn is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

How the World Food Programme Tackles Malnutrition in Honduras

How the World Food Programme Tackles Malnutrition in Honduras In Honduras, about 60% of the population lives in poverty. The country continues to face persistent challenges surrounding malnutrition, especially among children in rural and low-income communities. Food insecurity stems from multiple factors, including economic instability, climate-related issues and limited agricultural resources. As a result, many families lack consistent access to nutritious meals.

In response to this issue, the World Food Programme (WFP) has launched several initiatives aimed at improving nutrition and food access across the country. Its school meal program stands out as a key effort, ensuring that students receive nutritious meals to support their growth and learning. Below is a look at the WFP’s impact in Honduras, including statistics on malnutrition and the effectiveness of its school-based efforts.

Understanding Malnutrition in Honduras

Malnutrition is a very serious issue in Honduras, with 48% of the population suffering from malnutrition and about half of the children aged 2 to 6 suffering from anemia. Poverty plays a significant role in this problem, with the majority of the population living below the poverty line. Additionally, Honduras is also susceptible to extreme weather events such as hurricanes and droughts, which can also disrupt food production and supply chains. These economic and environmental challenges make food security a regular concern, leaving many families unable to afford or access nutritious meals.

The World Food Programme’s Efforts

The WFP works to alleviate hunger and improve food security throughout Honduras. Its efforts include emergency food assistance during natural disasters, nutritional support for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and young children and longer-term programs aimed at strengthening local food systems.

The School Meal Program

Known as the Fresh Ration project, one of the WFP’s most impactful initiatives in Honduras is its school meal program. The program sources food from local farmers and delivers meals to schools across the country. In some areas, children also receive take-home meals to support family nutrition. The initiative has led to broader improvements beyond nutrition. For example, global WFP data reveal a 12% increase in girls’ school enrollment in areas where students receive daily meals.

The program continues to expand alongside the growing capacity of local food producers. As of 2025, the School Meals Coalition reported that the initiative serves 30,130 children in Honduras and sources food from 292 smallholder farmers. By supporting local agriculture while addressing child nutrition, the program contributes to both short- and long-term development goals.

Looking Ahead

The WFP’s efforts in Honduras, particularly through its school meal program, play a critical role in addressing child malnutrition and improving food security. Continued investment in these programs is essential to making long-term progress, especially in combating issues like childhood anemia. Addressing food insecurity requires collective effort across sectors. With sustained support and expanded outreach, WFP’s initiatives in Honduras could provide a scalable model for reducing malnutrition and improving economic resilience across the region.

– Joey Picolli

Joey is based in Boulder, CO, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

10 Facts About Hunger in Puerto Rico

10 Facts About Hunger in Puerto RicoThe Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is a Caribbean island, currently of three million people, which was ceded to the United States after the Spanish-American War. Puerto Ricans were granted U.S. citizenship in 1917. Its constitution, enacted in 1952, provides for internal self-government, and subsequent plebiscites supported continuation of that status. However, a 2020 referendum showed a narrow preference for statehood.

Puerto Rico is 94% urban, with its 2023 GDP equally split among industry, pharmaceuticals, electronics, apparel, food products, tourism and services. 

10 Facts About Hunger in Puerto Rico

  1. A Context for Hunger. Puerto Rico has been vulnerable to poverty and hunger, hit hard by COVID-19 (2020) and natural disasters such as Hurricanes Irma and Maria (2017), a 2020 earthquake, and Hurricane Fiona (2022). These challenges, combined with seven years of economic instability, including government bankruptcy, have deepened the crisis.
  2. Poverty: Hunger’s Partner. Puerto Rico has experienced poverty of over 20% (“persistent poverty“) for more than five decades, with 43% of the population below the federal poverty level in 2021. Particularly affected have been children, women and residents of the rural highland (the country’s interior and most rural and mountainous region). This poverty is linked to insufficient economic activity and employment opportunities, “circumscribed by Puerto Rico’s political relationship with the United States.” A recent study by CENTRO, the Center for Puerto Rican Studies at Hunter College, cites the sunset of IRS tax benefits for corporations doing business in Puerto Rico (2006) and the elimination of Puerto Rico’s comparative trade advantages (1989, 2005). 
  3. Hurricanes and Food Insecurity. Food insecurity before the hurricanes (October 2017) was 30-60%, or 1.5 million people, with child food insecurity at 56%. After the hurricanes (2019), food insecurity was estimated to be at least 85%.
  4. Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP). In lieu of the U.S.’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides assistance based on need, Puerto Rico receives food assistance to low-income households via NAP (Nutrition Assistance Program) through fixed-amount, capped block grants. The FY 2023 grant was $2.8 billion, serving approximately 1.4 million participants/month. NAP allows Puerto Rico to operate a Family Markets Program, whereby participants can receive an additional 4% in benefits to purchase local food products from nearby Family Markets; and the elderly population receives a 20% increase. The NAP grant was increased to over $2.9 billion for FY 2024.
  5. Building on NAP. The FY 2024 plan of operations developed by the Socioeconomic Development Administration of Puerto Rico’s Department of the Family notes NAP’s focus not only on food purchase benefits but also on increasing nutrition, promoting healthy food habits and increasing and protecting overall health and well-being. The plan’s projected activities included continuing the development of the Family Markets and the NAP Purchases online programs. Among other initiatives is establishing a NAP call center, a Restaurant Means Program for NAP participants with special needs and the purchase of a new mobile unit.
  6. Supplemental School Program. No Kid Hungry is preparing to close the “summer meal gap” in 2025 by providing meals for children when school is out.
  7. Preparing for Food Emergencies. Self-described as the country’s “premier Latino nonprofit membership organization,” the Hispanic Foundation, founded in 1990, has been providing emergency hunger relief in Puerto Rico since Hurricane Maria in 2017. The organization provided half a million dollars of nutritious food and water supplies to Puerto Rican communities suffering from 2022’s Hurricane Fiona. And in 2023, a new preparedness program was piloted to stock 23 community-managed kitchens in 20 municipalities with a three-day supply of nonperishable food.
  8. Development as a Context for Reducing Hunger. Hunger Corps, despite its name, does not directly target hunger, but works in marginalized communities for a minimum of five years, “building homes, kickstarting small businesses, rebuilding schools and more.” Founded in Puerto Rico in 2012, and originally including projects in Colombia, the Dominican Republic and Honduras, Hunger Corps moved entirely to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria.
  9. An Alternative to Food Banks. Súper Solidario Coop was founded in 2020 by a group of young people who had been distributing hot meals after Hurricane Maria. Described as a matter of “food sovereignty” rather than hunger or food insecurity, the Solidarity Supermarket has evolved into an “initiative for self-managed food distribution,” providing food at no charge to those below the poverty line. They now serve around 399 families/month through food-based initiatives, including the solidarity supermarket with a “health shelf” where people can select two medicines to take home. The solidarity supermarket also offers both fresh and warehouse goods at lower prices and free monthly delivery. Local businesses provide donations and customers can volunteer in exchange for goods. Federal and state funding—obtained as a social project—helps to cover administrative expenses. In addition, the facility is a community meeting place, often offering talks on health, diet, agriculture and mutual support.
  10. Developing Agro-Entrepreneurship to Address Food Insufficiency. Borne out of the impact of Hurricane Maria, CAM (Circuito Agroempresarial Multisectoral) is a collaborative model for the increased production and consumption of fresh produce, training communities to develop market gardens that will be sustained through emergencies and climate phenomena. USDA has supported a Farm to School Expo for middle and high school, bringing together teachers, farmers (growers and producers) and buyers to address marketing, purchasing, local food product consumption, school gardens and curriculum integration. 

Puerto Rico Modeling Approaches to Hunger

While the extent of hunger in Puerto Rico is not as severe as in many other countries, it still has generated some creative approaches that might also serve other countries well.

– Staff Reports
Photo: Pixabay

, ,

SDG 1 in Haiti: Progress and Challenges in Eradicating Poverty

SDG 1 in HaitiSustainable Development Goal 1 (SDG 1), which sets benchmarks and measures the progress of the fight to eradicate poverty, remains a critical focus for Haiti. According to the Sustainable Development Report 2024, Haiti ranks 151st out of 166 countries on the SDG Index, with a score of 52.68. Despite significant obstacles, including political instability and natural disasters, Haiti has made some progress toward achieving SDG 1 in Haiti.

The World Bank reports that as of 2024, approximately 36.6% of Haitians live in extreme poverty, which is defined as living on less than $2.15 per day. This marks an increase from 29.9% in 2020, reflecting worsening living conditions due to economic hardship, political instability and frequent natural disasters hindering progress on SDG 1 in Haiti.

Haiti’s Economic Decline and Poverty Rates

Haiti’s economy has experienced a prolonged and severe decline due to ongoing crises. The country’s gross domestic product (GDP) contracted by 4.2% in 2023, following a 1.9% decline in 2022. Political instability, gang violence and frequent natural disasters have deterred foreign investments and severely disrupted economic activity.

The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), which measures poverty beyond income, indicates that 41.3% of Haiti’s population, approximately 4.7 million people, experience multidimensional poverty, while 21.8% remain vulnerable to falling into multidimensional  poverty.

How Multidimensional Poverty Impacts Life in Haiti

The effects of multidimensional poverty in Haiti extend beyond just income, influencing education, health care and food security. The high cost of education services, averaging $140 per child per year, forces many families to keep their children out of school. More than 250,000 children (ages 6–11) and 65,000 youth (ages 12–14) are not enrolled in school. Although most students attend school for 11.4 years, this equates to only 6.3 years of effective education due to low-quality learning outcomes.

Haiti is also facing one of the worst hunger crises in the Western Hemisphere. More than 4.9 million Haitians, nearly half the population, are in urgent need of food assistance due to economic hardship and supply chain disruptions due to gang violence and political instability.

Despite these immense challenges, there are a variety of initiatives sponsored by organizations and programs which are actively working towards poverty reduction in Haiti. These initiatives range from international aid efforts to locally driven solutions aimed at improving economic stability, food security and education access for thousands of Haitians 

Local Organizations and Agricultural Programs

The Peasant Movement of Papaye (MPP) in Haiti along with organizations like Grassroots International, empower Haitian farmers by promoting agroecology, sustainable farming practices and land rights advocacy. Through initiatives such as reforestation efforts, cooperative farming and education programs, the movement has helped thousands of peasants gain independence and escape poverty that exploitative agricultural systems caused.  

Fonkoze, Haiti’s largest microfinance institution, plays a crucial role in empowering local entrepreneurs, particularly women, through a combination of financial services and education. By providing small loans, financial literacy training and business development programs, Fonkoze helps Haitians build sustainable livelihoods and break the cycle of extreme poverty. In 2021 alone, Fonkoze disbursed $5 million in micro-loans, empowering thousands of entrepreneurs to expand their operations and increase their income. The organization served 158,080 Hatians by providing financial education and encouraging a culture of saving and financial planning among Haiti’s most vulnerable populations. Additionally, it disbursed 10,807 loans to support small business growth, while the total number of Empowered Lending clients reached an impressive 58,000. These initiatives not only contribute to individual financial independence but continue to contribute to the future success of SDG 1 in Haiti.

International Aid and Food Security Programs

The World Food Programme (WFP) plays a vital role in addressing SDG 1 in Haiti. Through emergency food assistance, school meal programs and community-based nutrition projects, WFP combats malnutrition and strengthens resilience against food insecurity.

The World Bank also funds many projects and initiatives in order to provide relief to thousands of Haitians through infrastructure development, educational and employment opportunities. Currently, the World Bank has or is in the process of funding 181 Haitian projects.

Additionally, the World Bank has approved $20 million of additional financing which is slated to up-scale renewable energy investments providing solar grids, micro grids, energy storage systems and stand alone systems providing an expected 5-12 megawatts of renewable energy. 

The Future of SDG 1 in Haiti

SDG 1 in Haiti remains hindered by economic instability, political unrest, and frequent natural disasters. However, with sustained efforts from the Haitian government, international organizations, and local communities, meaningful and lasting change is possible.

Long-term investments in education, economic growth, and food security are essential to breaking the cycle of poverty in Haiti. By expanding access to quality education, health care and job opportunities, Haiti can move closer to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 1 and ensuring a more stable future for its people.

– Gregory Brychta

Gregory is based in Seattle, WA, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

, ,

Malnutrition in Madagascar

malnutrition in madagascarMadagascar is a large, rural island country and has a relatively young population, with 41% of citizens aged 15 years and under. The predominant public health issue in Madagascar is malnutrition, with the region fourth highest in the world in terms of its rates of chronic malnutrition. Approximately 50% of the Madagascan population has stunted growth, a key indicator of chronic malnutrition.

Natural Disasters and Malnutrition

Madagascar is highly susceptible to extreme weather patterns, with an average of three natural disasters per year occurring, according to USAID. Studies indicate that natural disasters impact approximately 5 million people, with a further 8.8 million facing food insecurity. Natural disasters cause flooding, spread disease, and are one of the key precipitators of malnutrition in Madagascar, USAID reports.

Recently in 2022, Madagascar experienced two life-threatening cyclones – Batsirai and Emnati – which decimated infrastructure and destroyed crops through wind and flooding which significantly diminished living conditions The Batsirai and Emnati cyclones wiped out crops through high winds and devastating floods, with the majority of crops destroyed in areas hit by the cyclones. This significantly reduced the accessibility, availability and capacity of agricultural fields, food supply and production, resulting in food insecurity and malnutrition.

Floods also cause a spike in diarrheal infections as they increase the frequency of water parasites, according to Harvard T.H. Chan. Contamination of rivers as a result of flooding means that infections such as diarrhea and malaria are highly prevalent amongst rural populations, contributing to malnutrition as people do not have the resources to eat well following infection. In 2022 alone, 19,195 children aged 5 years and under were malnourished in Madagascar, according to Medecins Sans Frontiers (MSF).

Frequent Disruption of Agriculture

Natural disasters in Madagascar are recurring, and so is malnutrition. The frequent disruption of agricultural fields and contamination of water culminates in extreme hunger, with very few people able to access hospitals or obtain medicine.

In the South of Madagascar, 340,000 children could be experiencing malnutrition in some form as a result of extreme drought. Precipitation in Southern Madagascar has been decreasing for the last two decades and researchers have predicted that drought will continue to increase in intensity, duration and rate of occurrence, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The constant lack of rainfall has disastrous implications on agriculture and food supply, with dried-out fields and vegetables common. The U.N. has found that many people have adopted coping mechanisms to subsist the drought, such as selling assets, cattle and houses in exchange for food and resources. According to UNICEF, 115,000 children in the Southeastern areas of Madagascar have acute malnutrition and require treatment.

Effects of Malnutrition

After 24 months of chronic malnutrition, the physical and psychological implications are irreversible. The effects of malnutrition on children include stunted growth, anemia, cognitive impairment and depleted resistance to disease. These effects are prolonged and will impact affected people for life, such as depleting the ability to concentrate and having a low height for their age. Those struggling with malnutrition may also have low energy levels, making it more difficult to attend school or work. As a result, their life prosperity is impaired and their already limited access to opportunity is limited further.

Fighting Malnutrition in Madagascar

The World Food Program (WFP) is helping to alleviate malnutrition in Madagascar through a series of support programs. Namely, the WFP supplies emergency food assistance to those who have experienced crises such as natural disasters like flooding and drought. It functions in the South and Southeast of Madagascar and aims to promote community building and help people prepare for emergencies.

To support regions vulnerable to natural disasters, the WFP provides short-cycle farming activities, cash transfers and disaster-resistant seed. The organization also distributes climate-related warnings to inform people of how and when to respond to natural disasters.

Additionally, the WFP offers technical and practical training and workshops that enhance the capabilities of communities across the country. It also issues national authorities with equipment to help in the event of an emergency. These schemes help to prepare communities for likely natural disasters so that they have the resources to survive and be properly nourished following climate changes such as floods and drought. In doing so, measures are in place to prevent malnutrition caused by natural disasters.

The WFP also supplies nutritional information and support to 42,000 children, pregnant women and breastfeeding women through the MIARO approach. This aims to act as a preventive measure for malnutrition, as the project offers feeding and activities that educate on market gardening and nutrition. This project strives to enhance community knowledge, access and availability of nourishing food and ameliorate malnutrition.

– Ella Dorman

Ella is based in Worcestershire, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

WFP Pushing for Poverty Relief in Togo

Poverty Relief in TogoTogo, also known as the Togolese Republic, is the smallest country in Africa and home to roughly 8.8 million people. The Togo economy is mainly reliant on commercial subsistence agriculture as it is 60% of the labor force. COVID-19 has destroyed Togo’s well being and economy. In the Savanes region of Togo, 32% of the population are battling crisis or emergency level food insecurity. Furthermore, 23.8% of children from ages 6 to 59 months are at risk of chronic malnutrition. The surrounding landlocked countries struggling with the same issues as Togo, receive the aid they need from the Port of Lome in Togo. The Port of Lome acts as the center of control for the distribution of resources for the landlocked countries such as Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali. The World Food Programme’s (WFP) initiatives broadened to other activities such as poverty relief in Togo after pairing with the African CDC to distribute COVID-19 vaccines.

WFP Provides Poverty Relief in Togo

Out of 71,991 total beneficiaries, 33,392 are male and female, from ages 5-11 years old. WFP has not given up on the nation of Togo. There is still room for improvement in WFP’s poverty relief initiative, including but not limited to cash-based transfers, asset creation and livelihood, additional resource transfers and overall beneficiaries over the age of 12. The cash-based transfers are meant to directly affect the pockets of impoverished Togo residents as well as refugees residing in the nation. In addition to the projects that the World Bank financed, with the age group of 5-11 years seeing the most beneficiaries, age groups more than 12 years old are receiving less than 45% of the expected amount.

The latest report from the World Food Programme, published May 13, 2024, displays WFP’s progress in the poverty relief of the Togolese Republic. WFP has distributed a total of 77,554 school meals, reaching 14,207 children in 50 different schools supported by WFP in northern Togo. The World Food Programme is also appealing to the United Nations for a sum of $12.5 million in order to reach more beneficiaries in Togo. WFP, along with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are aiming to assist vulnerable parts of Togo damaged by flooding in the Northern region with 185.5 metric tons of food. Furthermore, a warehouse has been established in Kara to support the humanitarian operations in the Northern Region of Togo. However, there has been some struggle in WFP’s efforts to rehabilitate Togo’s infrastructure.

Rainfall

Food security has deteriorated in 2024 due to the Sahel crisis, the inflation of food and agricultural impacts due to the Ukrainian crisis and the extreme climate crisis occurring in Northern Togo. There has been a steady decrease in rainfall in West African countries. This disproportionately affects the population since the economy is heavily reliant on agriculture. Several studies have reported that on average in a 30 year scale (1968-1997) rainfall was 15%-40% lower than the earlier 30 year margin (1931-1960).

Looking Ahead

WFP has made immense progress in bolstering fiscal policy and debt management, business employment opportunities, the energy and digital sector, as well as agricultural productivity, health resources and food security. The budget that WFP provided to Togo and donations are financing these efforts. Donors to WFP’s efforts include the European Commission, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Government of Togo, the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance and more.

The European Commission is supporting poverty relief in Togo not just by donating to WFP, but through the Togolese government in the “Togo 25” roadmap for a total of 145 million euros to Togo. The strengthening of the internal infrastructure of Togo has led to immense social, political and economic growth in the struggling nation. These efforts have received support not just from the World Food Programme, but also from several other organizations and countries, pushing for humanitarian relief in the Togolese Republic.

– Petralyn Yeboah-Manson

Petralyn is based in New Jersey, USA and focuses on World News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Alleviating Child Malnutrition in North Macedonia

Alleviating Child Malnutrition in North MacedoniaIn the heart of the Balkans, North Macedonia boasts a rich history and culture. However, an underlying issue endangers the well-being of its youngest citizens: child malnutrition, closely tied to poverty. Despite strides in economic development, the challenge of child malnutrition remains a persistent hurdle. Addressing and alleviating child malnutrition in North Macedonia is a critical priority.

The Interplay of Malnutrition and Poverty

Malnutrition and poverty share a complex and intertwined relationship, forming a cycle that disproportionately affects children in this country. In North Macedonia, where poverty rates remain consistently high, malnutrition intensifies the challenges faced by families already struggling to make ends meet. According to the World Bank, approximately 22% of North Macedonia’s population lived below the national poverty line as of 2021, with children being among the most vulnerable groups.

Impact on Children’s Health

Child malnutrition in North Macedonia also poses threats to physical and cognitive development, which can have effects such as weakened immune systems and cognitive impairments. These effects can extend far beyond childhood as well, affecting individuals’ long-term health outcomes and economic prospects. Malnourished children are more susceptible to illnesses and less likely to perform well academically, for example, which perpetuates the cycle of poverty into adulthood.

Economic Implications

The economic consequences of child malnutrition in North Macedonia are widespread as well. A new World Bank report warns that malnutrition is costing low-income countries up to 3% of their yearly GDP, while malnourished children are at risk of losing more than 10% of their lifetime earnings potential. This cost not only undermines economic growth but perpetuates the cycle of poverty in North Macedonia by depriving the nation of a healthy and educated workforce, however, this is a cost that can be remedied by alleviating child malnutrition in North Macedonia.

Progress and Ongoing Efforts

While these challenges are considerable, North Macedonia has taken significant steps toward alleviating child malnutrition. Government initiatives such as the National Food and Nutrition Strategy and the School Meal Programme, for example, are working to improve access to nutritious food and promote healthy eating habits among children. Collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, health care providers and communities has also been crucial in delivering services to individuals in need. These steps, as well as those listed below, provide examples of what must continue to be done to alleviate childhood malnutrition in North Macedonia.

Working with NGOs

Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) play a crucial role in alleviating child malnutrition in North Macedonia. Organizations such as the Red Cross of North Macedonia and World Vision have implemented nutrition programs targeting vulnerable communities, providing food assistance, nutrition education and access to health care services. These approaches ensure that interventions are tailored to the specific needs of each community, fostering lasting change in North Macedonia.

Investing in Nutrition Education and Health care

Nutrition education is another key to alleviating child malnutrition in North Macedonia. Schools, health care facilities and community centers can serve as platforms for delivering nutrition education to children and caregivers throughout the country. Similarly, improving access to health care services, particularly in underserved areas, is critical for early detection and treatment of child malnutrition. Investing in health care infrastructure and training health care professionals can strengthen the system’s capacity to address the nutritional needs of children in North Macedonia more effectively.

Looking Forward

North Macedonia stands at a crucial juncture in its fight against child malnutrition and poverty. While the country has made significant progress, more work is necessary to guarantee every child the chance to thrive and fulfill their potential. Collaborative efforts among government agencies, NGOs, health care providers and communities are essential to further reduce child malnutrition in North Macedonia, ensuring a future where no child falls behind due to malnutrition and poverty.

– Olivia Pitrof
Photo: Unsplash

,

4 Organizations Fighting the Malnourishment in Nigeria

Malnourishment in NigeriaAbout 25 million Nigerians are facing a severe food shortage crisis, and increasing inflation will soon lead to an even more dire situation. Nigeria urgently needs assistance to help end its food insecurity and fight the malnourishment destroying the West African country’s population. Here are the factors causing malnourishment in Nigeria as well as organizations working to combat it.

Factors Causing Malnourishment in Nigeria 

The Nigerian Bureau of Statistics reports that 78% of Nigerians live below the poverty line, which prevents families from getting meals and nutrients necessary for a healthy life. As of 2023, Nigeria ranks 28.3 out of 50 on the Global Hunger Index, with 15.9% of the population being malnourished.

Food insecurity increased, along with inflation, following Nigerian President ​​Bola Tinubu’s decision to remove oil subsidies in May 2023. The oil subsidy, which Tinubu maintains was draining government funds, kept gas prices capped and helped Nigerians financially maintain their businesses and households. The sudden increase in gas prices and cost of living led to a labor strike throughout the country.

Along with the rise in gas prices, food costs rose 2.6% between July 2023 and August 2023, breaking an 18-year record. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reports that 2 million children are suffering from malnourishment and predicts these numbers will increase drastically before the end of 2023. Listed below are four organizations fighting to end malnourishment in Nigeria. 

1. The World Food Programme USA (WFP) 

WFP began in 1961 under U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower after an earthquake in Iran left 12,000 people dead. Throughout the decades, WFP has been a crucial help during hundreds of different global crises, providing food aid after the 2010 Haiti earthquake and the 2015 Nepal earthquake. It continues to help West Africans with the Ebola outbreak. 

WFP currently works with UNICEF to provide monthly food and money to 1.2 million Nigerians. It focuses on less populated areas of Nigeria, where many citizens are displaced and vulnerable.

2. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)

MSF is a nonprofit, independent medical humanitarian organization that focuses on the health concerns of populations experiencing epidemics, diseases and food insecurity. With funding from 13 writers and medical professionals in 1971, it has been bringing aid to Nigeria since 1996. In 2022, MSF admitted 222,300 children into its inpatient and outpatient programs.

3. The Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA) 

ALIMA works with local partners to further its primary mission—saving the lives of the most vulnerable. It was founded in 2009 by medical professionals who felt more effort was needed in Nigeria to help combat the malnourishment crisis. 

Since its creation, ALIMA has helped 10 million patients. In 2016, ALIMA implemented its food program in Nigeria, hoping to intervene in the malnourishment epidemic. As of 2022, ALIMA reports “43,239 children with severe acute malnutrition treated and 143,453 consultations carried out for children under 5 years old.”

4. Action Against Hunger

French doctors and journalists founded Action Against Hunger 40 years ago to combat starvation in the Middle East. Its main objective is to provide adequate support for countries that food insecurity has crushed. The organization finds new ways to fight malnourishment using science and technology.

Action Against Hunger’s efforts in Nigeria, where it provides monthly food aid to 200,000 people, is one way it is implementing change in the region. The organization also created the “Porridge Moms” program, which teaches women in Nigeria how to prevent malnutrition.

Looking Ahead

These organizations are fighting to end malnourishment in Nigeria, and have made outstanding efforts in finding practical solutions to combat food insecurity. With donations from around the world, these groups can help build the West African country back up so its people can thrive locally and globally. 

– Jessica Jean-Baptiste
Photo: Flickr