Archive for category: Poverty Reduction

Information and stories about poverty reduction.

, ,

Poverty Reduction in Belize Shows Continued Progress

Poverty Reduction in BelizeBelize has recorded notable gains in poverty reduction in recent years. Data from the Statistical Institute of Belize show that the country’s multidimensional poverty rate fell from 22.1% in 2024 to 19.1% in 2025, which means that more than 13,000 fewer people lived in multidimensional poverty. Even with this progress, some regions of the country continue to experience higher levels of deprivation, and government initiatives and targeted social programs remain essential to sustaining and deepening these gains.

Poverty reduction in Belize is a central goal of #PlanBelize, the country’s Medium-Term Development Strategy for 2022-2026, which the government launched in January 2023. In line with this plan, the government has increasingly turned to data-informed policies and carefully targeted social programs to address poverty, improve living conditions and expand opportunities for vulnerable communities. Policymakers use instruments such as the Multidimensional Poverty Index, the BOOST cash transfer program and investments through the Basic Needs Trust Fund as key tools to support recent improvements.

Using Data To Guide Poverty Reduction

A central feature of poverty reduction in Belize is the use of the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), which looks beyond income to provide a more complete picture of well-being. The MPI tracks deprivations in areas such as education, employment, health and living standards. This approach reveals where and how people experience exclusion. The Statistical Institute of Belize highlights the MPI as an important tool for designing and monitoring targeted interventions.

Over the past several years, Belize has increasingly woven MPI evidence into policy decisions. According to the Multidimensional Poverty Peer Network, the country has gathered MPI data annually since 2021 and uses the results to identify pockets of persistent poverty and guide where officials direct additional support most urgently. Between 2021 and 2024, the proportion of people experiencing multidimensional poverty fell from 36.5% to 22.1%. While multiple factors contributed to this progress, the regular use of MPI data has helped policymakers better target poverty-reduction efforts.

Programs Supporting Vulnerable Communities

At the household level, Belize’s flagship social protection initiative is the BOOST program, a cash transfer initiative for families in vulnerable communities. The program provides income support and encourages continued access to education and health services. In 2025, UNICEF partnered with the Government of Belize to help strengthen the broader social protection system, including updates to BOOST. Policymakers designed these changes to make the program more responsive during emergencies, economic slowdowns and other shocks that can quickly push families deeper into poverty.

In 2026, the government increased BOOST funding from $3 million to $5 million. Human Development Minister Thea Garcia-Ramirez said the larger budget will help the program reach more vulnerable Belizeans, including single-parent households, older adults and people with disabilities. She highlighted how one family can count as several program participants when multiple children receive support, underscoring how many people the expansion will help.

The Basic Needs Trust Fund Eleventh Programme, or BNTF11, also contributes to poverty reduction in Belize. In July 2025, the Caribbean Development Bank approved a $5.19 million grant in support of the initiative. BNTF11 channels resources into education and training, water and sanitation systems, community infrastructure and livelihood development. By focusing on low-income and vulnerable communities, the program aims to improve everyday living conditions and create more sustainable opportunities for economic advancement.

Challenges Remain

Despite overall improvements, poverty remains unevenly distributed across Belize. The 2025 MPI report shows that 27.8% of people living in rural areas experienced multidimensional poverty, compared with 6.5% in urban areas. The Toledo District recorded the highest incidence of multidimensional poverty at 59.5%. These findings give policymakers concrete information as they target poverty reduction efforts in the communities that need them most.

The MPI also highlights specific groups at greater risk. Larger households and those with lower levels of educational achievement face a higher likelihood of experiencing poverty. Households with seven or more members had a multidimensional poverty rate of 45.2%, while households headed by individuals with no completed education recorded a poverty rate of 47.9%. Although these families continue to face higher levels of deprivation, initiatives such as BOOST and BNTF11 aim to widen access to services, income opportunities and essential infrastructure.

Taken together, these trends indicate that poverty reduction in Belize has made real, measurable progress in reducing multidimensional poverty, even as important gaps persist. The use of tools like the Multidimensional Poverty Index gives policymakers a clearer view of who faces the greatest risks and what types of support people require. Programs including BOOST and BNTF11 then translate that information into concrete action in communities across the country. 

Looking Ahead

Going forward, efforts to sustain and expand these gains will likely depend on keeping data at the center of decision-making while continuing to invest in people and places that current growth patterns leave behind—particularly rural areas, larger households and those with limited access to education. Continued commitment to targeted, evidence-based policies offers a path to ensure that the benefits of Belize’s development reach families who are still living with higher rates of poverty and deprivation.

– Lily Hoch

Lily is based in Midway, PA, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, , ,

3 Things To Know About Fragility and Rule of Law in the Maldives

Fragility and Rule of Law in the MaldivesThe Maldives — a modern honeymooning paradise. However, when it comes to fragility and the rule of law in the Maldives, recent years show mixed success, creating areas of vulnerability that have the potential to undermine the protection of its population. Yet, the country has made real progress, especially with the entrenchment of the separation of powers in the 2008 constitution, making the country increasingly democratically robust and building a more reliable legal framework for the Maldivian people.

The Rule of Law and Poverty in the Maldives

Fragility and the rule of law in the Maldives are deeply interconnected: where legal institutions are weak or politically compromised, the state struggles to protect its citizens, enforce rights equally or hold the powerful to account. The Maldives presents a compelling case study in this dynamic. As a small island nation heavily dependent on tourism revenue, it faces unique vulnerabilities — including economic inequality, geographic dispersal across atolls and limited institutional capacity — that can compound fragility in its legal system.

These structural pressures have a direct bearing on poverty and access to justice. According to the World Bank, while the Maldives has achieved relatively low headline poverty rates, significant inequality persists between the capital Malé and the outer islands, where public services — including legal aid and court access — are far less available. For citizens living in poverty, particularly those outside the capital, navigating the justice system is a considerable challenge: legal representation is costly, travel to courts is expensive and awareness of legal rights remains uneven. This means that when fragility and the rule of law in the Maldives are under strain — whether through judicial interference, restricted press freedom, or concentrated executive power — it is those already marginalized by poverty who are most exposed to the consequences. Here are three key things to know about its recent state:

1. Reforms

The People’s Majlis (Maldivian Parliament) has driven recent legal reforms and amendments that promote human rights, more effective governance and environmental protection. For example, the legislature revised the Maldives Penal Code to move away from punitive measures and instead foster a rehabilitative approach by decriminalizing certain offences. A marked swell toward reforms that aim to enhance legal accountability has emerged, directly addressing fragility and the rule of law in the Maldives. These moves from the central government have had a tone-setting effect on the citizens of the Maldives, fostering an active rights-aware society that can continue to effectively pressure the government into reducing fragility and promoting democracy.

2. Threats to Judicial Independence

However, despite promising moves since 2008, this fledgling democracy certainly has some unavoidable cracks in the robustness of the rule of law, which have become particularly visible since President Muizzu took office. The tightening of media control and the restriction on protests and journalists reveals the fragility in the 2008 constitution. Most notably, threats have come from a subversion of judicial independence, where the executive allegedly suspended three Supreme Court justices in an alleged intimidation attempt to secure their support for the government during a constitutional review. This threat also drew attention in a joint submission to the UN Universal Periodic Review in April 2025, which highlighted elements of fragility and the rule of law in the Maldives as areas of serious concern.

3. Response to Fragility

Despite this threat, one cannot ignore that while the Maldivian people have experienced some threats to the rule of law — due to corruption and the concentration of power within the executive branch of government — significant moves exist to redress this overreach of power, ultimately aiming to retain power in the hands of public interest. This includes the drafting of an Asset Declaration Bill, as well as the Anti-Corruption Commission expanding its presence. Equally, the role of other power-limiting institutions like the Bar Council is being clearly exercised through their call for President Muizzu to return the bill — which had stripped the three Supreme Court judges of their positions — back to Parliament for revision.

Looking Ahead

It is clear that while threats have certainly tested fragility and the rule of law in the Maldives, overall the country demonstrates clear momentum in continually reducing fragility and ultimately improving and bolstering the protection of citizens in this evolving democracy.

– Amy Carpenter

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

Photo: Pexels

, ,

Policies That Lifted Millions Out of Poverty Around the World

Policies That Lifted Millions Out of PovertyGlobal poverty has declined in recent decades and much of this progress stems from policies that have helped lift millions out of poverty. Governments and organizations did not rely on chance; they implemented targeted strategies that improved incomes, expanded opportunities and strengthened social protection. Here is an overview of several policies that have helped lift millions out of poverty, highlighting real-world examples and why they worked.

Conditional Cash Transfers: Direct Support That Works

One of the most effective policies that lifted millions out of poverty is conditional cash transfers. These programs provide money to low-income families while encouraging education and health care. 

In Brazil, the Bolsa Família program helped alleviate extreme poverty and improve school attendance. Low-income families with children receive payments in return for sending their children to school and ensuring regular health care checkups. According to the World Bank, the program has contributed significantly to Brazil’s declining poverty and inequality.

Mexico also implemented a similar program, Prospera, which has shown long-term improvements in education and health outcomes. These programs succeed because they address immediate needs while investing in future generations. 

Investments in Rural Development and Agriculture

Many impactful policies that have lifted people out of poverty have focused on the rural populations, where poverty is often concentrated. In Vietnam, rural development and agricultural reform played a central role in poverty reduction. This began in the ’80s with the Đổi Mới reforms. 

The government moved away from collective farming toward a market-oriented system that gave households control over land and production. According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) these reforms have helped reduce poverty from 58% in 1993 to 16% by 2006, largely driven by improvements in rural livelihoods and agricultural productivity. These reforms worked because they empowered individuals, improved market access and encouraged economic participation. 

Expanding Access to Education

Education plays a vital role in policies that have lifted millions out of poverty, particularly when governments prioritize girls’ education. Bangladesh made major progress by increasing female school enrollment and supporting women’s employment in industries like textiles. Programs that provided stipends for girls to attend school helped delay early marriage and improve long-term earning potential. 

According to UNICEF, Bangladesh achieved near gender parity in primary and secondary education. Educated women contribute more to the workforce, support healthier families and help break cycles of poverty. 

Universal Health Care and Social Protection Systems

Strong social protection systems represent another group of policies that lifted millions out of poverty. These systems reduce financial shocks and improve overall well-being. In Rwanda, the government introduced community-based health insurance, expanding access to medical care. 

Citizens gained affordable health care, reducing out-of-pocket expenses and preventing families from falling deeper into poverty. The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights Rwanda as a model for expanding health care coverage in low-income countries. Health care access supports productivity and stability, both of which drive poverty reduction. 

Economic Growth Paired With Inclusive Policies

Economic growth alone does not reduce poverty; governments must pair growth with inclusive strategies. China provides a clear example of this combination. 

China experienced rapid economic growth while implementing targeted poverty alleviation programs in rural areas. These programs included infrastructure development, relocation initiatives and job creation. The World Bank estimates that China has lifted more than 800 million people out of poverty since 1980, largely through these initiatives.

China’s approach shows that growth must reach marginalized communities to create a lasting impact. 

Why These Policies Matter Today

These examples of policies that have lifted millions out of poverty reveal common traits: 

  • Governments targeted the most vulnerable populations
  • Leaders invested in long-term human development
  • Programs combined immediate relief with structural change
  • Organizations like The Borgen Project advocate for similar approaches because they produce measurable results. 

Global poverty remains a challenge, but these successes prove that effective policies can drive meaningful change. When countries adopt and adapt these strategies, they move closer to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of ending poverty worldwide. 

– Leah Denning

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

Photo: Pixabay

, ,

Poverty Reduction Efforts Across Africa

Poverty Reduction Efforts Across Africa

From East Africa, home to Kenya, to the western coast of Sierra Leone, the continent is home to diverse populations that have both experienced and influenced much of modern history. Africa features climates ranging from tropical beaches to vast desert regions. Despite decades of systemic and economic challenges, countries across Africa have made significant progress in reducing poverty through foreign aid and locally driven social programs.

Kenya’s Clean Start Africa

International collaboration remains important in the mission to reduce poverty across Africa. Local social programs have also become central to this effort. For example, Kenya is advancing local social initiatives through Clean Start Africa, an organization that empowers women and girls through rehabilitation and reintegration.

Clean Start Africa was founded in Kenya with a mission to support women and girls affected by the criminal justice system, particularly those from vulnerable communities. The organization works to reintegrate participants into society through a three-pillar model.

The first pillar, dignified rehabilitation, prepares women for release by emphasizing healing and leadership development. The second pillar, re-entry pathways, supports formerly incarcerated women through peer mentorship, networking opportunities, business training and much more. The final pillar focuses on systemic change by speaking against laws, policies and social conditions that contribute to women’s vulnerability. 

International Support Through WPHF 

The United Nations Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) supports local projects across Africa and women-led initiatives focused on peacebuilding and gender equality. International programs such as WPHF have contributed significantly to poverty reduction efforts across Africa by investing in and strengthening women’s leadership. Funding allocated through WPHF enhances women’s participation and leadership across the continent. 

In Nigeria, WPHF supports projects that work to reduce violence against women and promote human rights and gender equality. WPHF has partnered with several organizations, including Ambassadors of Dialogue, Climate and Reintegration, Grassroots Researchers Association, Green Concern for Development and Muslim Sisters Organization. These partnerships further the WPHF’s agenda, which focuses on women’s safety and gender equality in leadership roles.

Outside Nigeria, WPHF has also supported displaced women in Yemen, contributed to Uganda’s fight against sexual and gender-based violence and aided women in Mali in their efforts to participate in peacebuilding and economic recovery. The program highlights the importance of worldwide investment in women’s empowerment and underscores that when women are given the tools and freedom to succeed, it benefits national economies as a whole.

Expanding Women’s Economic Leadership

Other international partnerships share the same focus on helping women across Africa gain economic stability. Similar to WPHF, the U.S. Department of State established the African Women’s Entrepreneurship Program (AWEP) in 2010. AWEP operates in 44 countries across Africa through local chapters that serve as business and networking centers. The program was expanded in 2022 under the Joe Biden administration.

The U.S. Department of State created AWEP to provide African businesswomen with the tools, resources and opportunities needed to grow sustainable businesses. AWEP also encourages women to become community leaders and participate in international trade, helping create more economic opportunities across Africa.

Combined Impact

Poverty reduction efforts across Africa highlight the value and dedication of local social programs and international partnerships. Programs like Clean Start Africa, along with the WPHF and AWEP, demonstrate how important support and civic involvement can be in strengthening communities. As more countries globally adapt, more opportunities for women will continue to reflect that women’s empowerment is tied to poverty reduction efforts. Both are attainable through foreign aid and global partnership and will create lasting growth and social progress. 

– Rayonna M Sander

Rayonna is based in Chicago, IL, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

, ,

Widening Access To Higher Education in Uganda

Higher Education in UgandaAccess to higher education in Uganda sits at the heart of one of the country’s most urgent development questions: how to turn a large youth population into a skilled, employed workforce. Uganda’s adolescents and youth aged 15 to 30 already account for about 31% of the population, roughly 14 million people, according to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics. Yet, only about 8% of adults continue education after high school, and 69% of those who stop point to cost as the main barrier, the World Bank reports. New financing schemes and bridging programs are now slowly widening that pathway.

The Weight of Poverty

Poverty shapes daily life for a large share of Uganda’s population. The World Bank estimates that about 51.5% of Ugandans lived below the international poverty line of $2.15 a day in fiscal year 2024–25, down modestly from 52.9% the year before. Agriculture accounts for 24% of GDP and employs roughly 72% of the labor force, with most workers relying on smallholder subsistence farming. The majority of jobs remain informal, low-productivity and vulnerable to climate shocks such as drought and floods, leaving household incomes unstable across much of the country.

Uganda’s national poverty rate, measured against the country’s own poverty line, stood at 20.3% according to the Uganda National Household Survey 2019/20, the latest available household survey. For families in this bracket, university fees, accommodation and the loss of a working-age child’s contribution to household income can make higher education feel out of reach before an application is ever made.

A Narrow Path After Secondary School

The path into a Ugandan university remains narrow. The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) estimates the tertiary gross enrollment ratio at 5.3%, far below the Sub-Saharan African average of 9.4% and the global average near 38%. Most secondary leavers do not transition to tertiary study at all, and among the small group that does, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics programs dominate the funded pathways. That leaves humanities students and learners from low-income or rural backgrounds with fewer financing options.

The cost of tuition, living expenses and transport often pushes higher education out of reach for households already balancing food, health care and basic schooling for younger children. NCHE Executive Director Prof. Mary Okwakol has described access for rural and economically disadvantaged students as the sector’s biggest challenge.

Government Loans Closing Some of the Gap

One direct response to the affordability gap in higher education in Uganda comes from the Higher Education Students’ Financing Board (HESFB), which Parliament created under the Higher Education Students Financing Act of 2014 and amended in 2024. The scheme provides loans and scholarships to Ugandan students admitted to accredited institutions who demonstrate financial need. Most loans cover Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics programs alongside a small set of humanities courses, and persons with disabilities can apply across both streams.

For the 2025/26 academic year, the Ministry of Education and Sports approved 2,047 of 7,125 applicants, according to a statement Minister of State for Higher Education John Chrysostom Muyingo delivered to Parliament on October 29, 2025. Beneficiaries include 1,196 male and 861 female students, plus 45 students with disabilities, up from 29 the previous year. The allocation formula reserves 60% of slots through a district quota and weighs the remaining 40% on socio-economic vulnerability, an attempt to spread access beyond urban centers. Parliament has since urged the Ministry to expand funding and strengthen rural outreach, citing persistent regional imbalance.

Higher Education Access Programme in Uganda

A second active solution targets students who miss direct university entry by a narrow margin. The Higher Education Access Certificate (HEAC), a one-year accredited bridging program, sits inside the Higher Education Access Programme (HEAP), a partnership between FAWE Uganda and the Mastercard Foundation. Sixty-five universities and 20 other degree-awarding institutions hold licenses to deliver HEAC, offering 89 accredited programs nationwide.

On May 9, 2026, NCHE confirmed that more than 7,000 students have enrolled in HEAC, 44% of them female. Phase II of HEAP, launched in April 2024 and running through 2034, targets 2,000 learners across 65 districts. The program reserves 80% of bursaries for young women and sets aside explicit places for refugees and persons with disabilities. FAWE Uganda awarded 700 bursaries across universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions in the academic year 2025/26 alone.

Early outcomes look promising. NCHE reports that HEAC graduates perform as well as, and sometimes better than, direct-entry students, and they show high employability within their first year of completion. International interest follows. A delegation from Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education visited Uganda from May 4, 2026, to May 9, 2026, to study the HEAC model for possible adoption.

Looking Ahead

Cost remains the dominant barrier to higher education in Uganda, and demand for both loans and bursaries far outstrips the supply of available slots. Even so, the combination of a national student loan scheme, an accredited bridging certificate and targeted scholarships shows that inclusive financing can move the needle. When degrees and diplomas reach students from low-income, rural, refugee and disability backgrounds and lead to formal work, higher education becomes less a privilege and more a route out of household poverty.

– Amna Al Harrazi

Amna is based in Dubai, UAE and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

, ,

Statistics and Support: Elderly Poverty in Sao Tome and Principe

Elderly Poverty in Sao Tome and PrincipeElderly poverty in Sao Tome and Principe is an ongoing issue. Sao Tome and Principe is an island nation off the coast of West Central Africa and the second smallest country in Africa. Uninhabited until the arrival of the Portuguese in 1470, it became a colony of plantations dependent on the labor of enslaved Africans who eventually protested and sought independence. Through organized resistance, the Republic finally gained its independence in 1975 and is now considered by the World Bank a model for the democratic transition of power in Central Africa.

Since its establishment, Sao Tome and Principe’s economy has relied on food and fuel imports and produced agricultural exports. Its population is increasing steadily, with a projected population of 245,000 by 2026. However, the country has high income inequality, and in 2024, 16.8% of the population lived on less than $2.15 USD per person daily. For those of working age in Sao Tome and Principe, the job market is not robust and many are leaving the country in search of job opportunities. However, this is not a viable option for the elderly and brings into question the poverty rates among the elderly population of Sao Tome and Principe.

Statistics for Elderly Poverty in Sao Tome and Principe

According to the World Bank, 8.1% of citizens aged 65 or older in Sao Tome and Principe live on the international poverty line of $3 USD per day or less. This is about 7 percentage points lower than the poverty rate among children aged 14 years or less, which stands at 15.1%. The difference may partially reflect Sao Tome and Principe’s relatively large youth population, while adults aged 65 and older make up only about 5% of the population.

As socio-economic vulnerabilities persist, looking at the most vulnerable populations, such as children and the elderly, is important to protect the growing population. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), lower income and instability, as well as dependence on family members, can lead to abuse and abandonment if support is unavailable. As a result, attention to statistics around elderly poverty in Sao Tome and Principe is essential as the country’s population continues to increase.

Solutions

Many organizations are working with the elderly population to support those living in poverty and prevent isolation or violence. The Red Cross in Sao Tome and Principe has hosted a welcome center for the elderly since 2005. It hosts around 18 residents and welcomes and supports other elderly visitors. It receives funding from churches, associations and members of the diaspora.

This welcome center not only provides water, meals and washrooms for its visitors and residents, but also becomes a space for the community to develop among the elderly living there. Volunteers not only provide basic needs for the residents but also social connections.

There is also Stitchting Lagalaga, a newer NGO established in 2023. In 2024, its volunteers provided direct aid to more than 45 individuals, children and the elderly. In its policy plan for 2025-2027, a core objective of theirs is to provide wellness visits and social programs for isolated elders without state pensions, alongside monthly aid packages, ensuring their health and dignity.

Looking to the Future

Though the islands may be subject to economic volatility, significant progress has been made in Sao Tome and Principe. Life expectancy is steadily increasing, averaging almost 70 years in 2024. As life expectancy increases, so will the elderly population of Sao Tome and Principe, making improved living conditions a necessity for their well-being. With the support of the World Bank, Sao Tome and Principe continues to improve access to electricity and education for all its residents, as well as strengthen public financial management, road and digital connectivity and the climate resilience of its coastal communities.

– Daphne Komut

Daphne is based in Renton, WA, USA and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

,

Bangladesh’s Family Card: A New Approach to Poverty Reduction

Bangladesh's Family CardBangladesh’s family card program is a new government initiative launched on March 10, 2026, designed to provide direct financial assistance and essential goods to low-income households. Developed by the Ministry of Social Welfare, the program is designed as a digital, database-driven system that identifies and supports vulnerable families through a single platform.

Unlike traditional welfare schemes that often focus on individuals, the government built this program on the principle that families are the core unit of development. This means that assistance is distributed at the household level, reflecting how economic hardship, food insecurity and health challenges are experienced collectively.

A Unified Social Protection System

One of the key features of the family card program is its role in unifying Bangladesh’s social protection system. In the past, welfare support was often delivered through multiple programs across different ministries, leading to duplication, inefficiencies and gaps in coverage. The program addresses this by integrating various forms of assistance, such as cash transfers and subsidized goods, into one system.

This centralized approach allows the government to maintain a single database of beneficiaries, improving coordination and ensuring that support reaches the intended households. The system also uses digital tools, including national ID integration and QR-enabled cards, to verify beneficiaries and track distribution. These features help streamline the delivery process and reduce administrative barriers. 

This makes it easier for families to access support without having to navigate multiple programs. Over time, the government aims to expand this model into a broader “Universal Social ID Card,” which could serve as a foundation for delivering a wide range of public services through a single, integrated platform. 

Who Benefits From the Program?

The family card program is designed to support economically vulnerable households across Bangladesh, particularly those with unstable incomes or limited access to basic resources. These include rural families, day laborers and households affected by rising living costs. Eligibility is determined through a structured selection process that uses a proxy means test (PMT) and door-to-door data collection. 

This approach evaluates factors such as income level, housing conditions and household size to identify those most in need. During the pilot phase, approximately 6,500 families across multiple districts were selected to receive benefits. The government plans to expand the program gradually, with a long-term goal of reaching up to 20 million families nationwide.

This phased rollout allows the program to test its systems and improve implementation while steadily increasing its reach. 

Delivering Direct Support

A defining feature of the family card program is its use of direct digital payments. Each enrolled household receives a monthly transfer, typically between $16.31 and $20.38, delivered through mobile financial services or bank accounts. This method reduces reliance on intermediaries and helps ensure that funds are delivered quickly and securely. 

Beneficiaries are notified digitally and in most cases, funds are deposited directly into their accounts without the need to visit government offices. In addition to financial assistance, the family card also provides access to subsidized essential goods such as rice, oil and lentils. By combining cash transfers with food support, the program helps households manage both income shortages and rising food prices.

The cards themselves feature modern elements such as QR codes and digital identification systems, enabling efficient verification and use across different services.

Potential Impact on Poverty

The family card program has the potential to significantly reduce poverty in Bangladesh by providing regular income support to vulnerable households. Regular cash transfers help families meet basic needs such as food, housing and health care, while also offering greater financial stability. This predictability is particularly important for households with irregular incomes, as it allows them to plan their spending and avoid falling deeper into poverty.

Furthermore, the combination of financial support and subsidized goods addresses both income and consumption challenges. By lowering the cost of essential items and increasing household purchasing power, the program supports household-level economic resilience. As the program expands toward its target of millions of families, it represents a large-scale effort to strengthen Bangladesh’s social safety net and improve living conditions for those most in need.

Looking Ahead

Bangladesh’s family card program reflects a broader shift toward digital governance and integrated social protection. By combining technology, centralized data and direct transfers, the initiative aims to create a more efficient and accessible support system. With plans to expand coverage nationwide and integrate additional services over time, the program could become a cornerstone of the country’s welfare infrastructure. 

Its emphasis on coordination and scalability positions it as a model for how developing countries can modernize social protection systems to better serve vulnerable populations. 

– Annie Hodgkinson

 Annie is based in Liverpool, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Poverty Reduction in Romania

Poverty Reduction in RomaniaWhen talking about Romania, many people still associate the country with its communist past and its significant economic struggle, which lasted for 24 years under the rule of Nicolae Ceausescu. There are different perspectives regarding decades ago and current poverty in Romania. The communist regime fell in 1989, and Romania has changed considerably since. According to the World Bank Group, poverty reduction in Romania reached 6.9% in 2024. 

Minimum Wage in Romania and Most Affected Regions

As an European country since 2007, Romania is doing better than it did decades ago. Yet, the minimum wage of 795 euros per month may lead some to question the extent of its economic growth. This positions Romania at 43rd place among the 124 countries that have the lowest minimum wage, out of the 195 countries in the world.

Rural regions in Romania are the most affected, with rates three times higher than those in urban areas, where children never attend school, or they are forced to drop out of school at an early age so they can work various jobs in agriculture or construction, helping their family to stay afloat. People living in these poor rural regions endure hunger, malnutrition, limited access to health care and often live in homes without running water, sanitation or electricity. 

Projects Designed To Reduce Poverty in Romania

Given all of the above, there is hope on the horizon with promising news ahead. After decades of economic struggles, new developments and projects may signal a meaningful shift towards inclusion and opportunity, contributing to poverty reduction in Romania.

As a global development organization, The World Bank Group seeks to lower poverty levels below 3% of the global population by 2030 and Romania is one of the countries that benefits from its generosity. Elisabetta Capannelli, World Bank Country Manager for Romania, declares that the organization goal is “to reduce poverty and boost shared prosperity for the bottom 40 percent of the population.” The World Bank has contributed in Romania over the past two decades addressing policy and institutional constraints on poverty reduction. By promoting social inclusion and economic growth, this approach offers promise that vulnerable communities, especially in rural areas, will see real improvements.

In February 2016, the Government passed a comprehensive anti-poverty package of 47 measures to combat poverty in the country through 2020. Several key measures, including boosting employment and reducing early school leaving rates, are expected to play a crucial role in narrowing the urban-rural poverty gap.

Empowering Citizens

Another hopeful project comes from Real News for Romania’s Media Desert Regions, where “the funding helped the media to reach Romania’s three poorest regions (Moldova Southern Muntenia and Oltenia) to inform and raise awareness about corruption, misuse of public and EU funds.” This project demonstrates that addressing poverty is not just about money or jobs, but also involves informing and empowering citizens to hold authorities accountable. By reaching Romania’s three poorest regions, the project is helping people understand how public and EU funds are being used. The project used social media, guided by experts, to reach more people and set up a weekly newsletter. After doing so, those involved in the project now hope that audiences are more informed, more aware of their rights, and more engaged in improving public services for their communities.

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead, these initiatives and others yet to come, could bring lasting change by helping more families rise above poverty and improve their quality of life, ultimately contributing to poverty reduction in Romania.

Future generations of rural children may have access to education instead of working from a young age, and while challenges remain, both existing and new projects offer hope for poverty reduction.

– Elena Ghimis

Elena is based in Bournemouth, UK and focuses on Good News and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

, ,

Legal Reforms in Nigeria’s Financial Sector

Legal reforms in Nigeria's financial sectorNigeria’s economy has faced persistent challenges in reducing poverty, in part because weak legal and financial systems have hindered growth, financial inclusion and investor confidence. In recent years, however, legal reforms in the financial sector and supportive fiscal policy frameworks have helped strengthen Nigeria’s economic stability. These reforms have also expanded access to financial services for individuals and small businesses, a vital step in the fight against poverty.

Modernizing Financial Law

One of the most significant legal reforms in Nigeria’s financial sector is the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020. It replaced a 1991 law that had become outdated amid technological advancements and the rapid growth of non-bank financial players. BOFIA 2020 modernizes the legal framework governing banks and other financial institutions. 

The Act clarified regulatory functions, expanding the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) regulatory reach and introducing stronger enforcement and credit recovery mechanisms. Experts note that the updated law also explicitly brings fintech companies within the CBN’s regulatory purview, requiring them to be licensed and regulated by the CBN. This reduces legal uncertainty and supports stable, legal expansion of digital financial services.

Financial Inclusion Gains Through Legal Frameworks

Legal backing for financial sector reform has coincided with measurable progress in financial inclusion, a key indicator of poverty reduction. The CBN’s National Financial Inclusion Strategy and related regulatory frameworks aim to expand access to formal financial services for all citizens. These efforts target financial exclusion, which once affected more than half of the adult population.

Progress on this front helps households save securely, access credit, make digital payments and protect assets. Improving access to finance is especially critical in a country where access to formal financial services was historically low. Nigeria’s strategy supports agent banking, mobile and digital financial services and initiatives targeting rural and underserved communities. All these are backed by legal and institutional reforms that make financial services safer and more predictable for consumers.

Strengthening Governance and Transparency

Nigeria’s broader legal reform agenda includes efforts to improve fiscal transparency and accountability at the state level through programs such as the World Bank-supported Fiscal Governance Reform and the State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability Program (SFTAS). This initiative uses legal and policy frameworks to improve public financial management across states, strengthening domestic revenue mobilization and sustainable financing for public services.

Fiscal transparency and accountable governance reduce leakage, corruption and inefficiencies. These problems disproportionately affect low-income households and limit funds for education, health and economic support programs that help lift people out of poverty.

Capitalization and Risk Management

Legal reforms have also supported initiatives such as bank recapitalization exercises, spearheaded by the CBN, to strengthen the stability and resilience of financial institutions. Higher capital requirements improve risk management capacities and reduce systemic vulnerabilities, fostering a safer environment for depositors and stakeholders alike. These moves help reduce the risk of bank failures, which can erode public confidence and destabilize local economies.

Reducing exclusion and strengthening the legal framework helps tackle financial instability. This, in turn, encourages domestic and foreign investment, a potential driver of economic growth and job creation in a country where millions still face multidimensional poverty.

Challenges and Continued Reform Needs

Despite improvements, substantial challenges remain. According to the World Bank’s latest development analysis, a majority of Nigerians continue to live in poverty even after macroeconomic reforms and legal changes, as household purchasing power remains weak and inequality persists. This highlights that legal reform is necessary but not sufficient in itself. 

Effective enforcement, expanded digital inclusion and complementary social protections remain essential to ensure that financial sector progress translates into meaningful poverty-reduction outcomes for the most vulnerable.

Conclusion

Legal reforms in Nigeria’s financial sector have modernized regulation, expanded financial inclusion strategies and strengthened fiscal governance. Indeed, from BOFIA 2020 to broader governance reforms, these changes highlight the rule of law’s role in economic stability and anti-poverty efforts. By improving the predictability and transparency of financial systems, these reforms help unlock access to services, encourage investment and create a more inclusive economic environment.

Sustained focus on implementation and enforcement is essential. Targeted programs that expand access to finance for women, rural residents and microenterprises will help ensure Nigeria’s legal reforms deliver broad improvements in living standards and long-term poverty reduction.

– Sean Leung

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

Photo: Flickr

, ,

From Opium to Opportunity: Reducing Poverty in Northern Thailand

Poverty in Northern ThailandDuring the 20th century, the Golden Triangle, the region where Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet, became infamous for its opium production. Northern Thailand’s farmers relied heavily on the opium poppy as the foundation of their livelihoods. Unfortunately, this dependence on opium also entrenched poverty in these rural communities.

To address this, the Thai government has worked to reduce poverty in the region and promote alternative livelihoods through agriculture, coffee cultivation and tourism. The Royal Project Foundation, launched as the Royal Hill Tribe Assistance Project in 1969, has fundamentally transformed the way of life for the hill tribes and villages. Today, visitors can explore villages in provinces such as Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai to see how indigenous communities and migrant ethnic groups have embraced the government’s initiative. 

Poverty in Northern Thailand 

In recent years, Thailand has made notable progress in reducing poverty. Measured against the $8.30-per-day upper middle-income poverty line, the country’s poverty rate was 9.9% in 2023. However, high income inequality and regional disparities remain persistent challenges.

Poverty disproportionately affects agricultural communities due to the country’s reliance on farming jobs. According to the World Bank’s “Rural Income Diagnostic,” 79% of Thailand’s impoverished population lives in rural areas. Northern Thailand, in particular, continues to face heightened poverty levels; in 2013, the rural poverty rate in the region was around 17.8%, compared to 6.7% in central Thailand. 

Within this context, the region’s hill tribes and villages continue to navigate economic challenges.

The King’s Vision: Peaches and Agriculture

In 1969, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej visited Doi Pui, a mountainous village in Chiang Mai and home to the Hmong tribe. Like many rural communities at the time, the Hmong were heavily involved in growing drug crops and participating in the opium trade, resulting in low incomes and poor living conditions. Recognizing these challenges, the King proposed a new agricultural model focused on fruit trees, specifically peaches. 

This shift aimed to address the legal issues surrounding opium production, reduce local poverty and curb deforestation. “One of the reasons underlying the creation of the project was humanitarianism,” stated the King. The visit to Doi-Pui gave the King a vision he could apply to northern Thailand as a whole. He promptly initiated the Royal Project to help alleviate poverty across the region.

Obstacles and the Royal Project Foundation Today

Nearly 60 years later, the Royal Project Foundation continues to operate across five northern provinces, benefiting as many as 37,561 farming families. Its progress was far from linear, as the project faced significant obstacles in its early years. The first attempts to grow fruit trees failed, requiring collaboration with experts from Taiwan and experiments to adapt to northern Thailand’s unique climate before successful cultivation could be achieved.

As the project has progressed, tourism has become an integral part of the initiative, with visitors coming to see the cultivation of tea, fruit and coffee, as well as reforestation projects. Today, the project has transformed the incomes of its people and has significantly reduced poverty in northern Thailand.

Conclusion

The King’s blueprint for a prosperous countryside in northern Thailand, one where the people could work in tandem with the earth to support themselves, is an exceptional example of vision yielding tangible change. The lives of those who once relied on opium production to survive have been fundamentally transformed by a targeted poverty reduction project centered on sustainable agriculture and economic opportunity. Northern Thailand stands as an exemplary global showcase of what effort and initiative can achieve. 

– Polly Laws

Polly is based in Cardiff, Wales and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr