Information and stories about poverty reduction.

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Alleviating Poverty in Honduras

How Honduras is Working Toward Alleviating Poverty In March 2024, more than 60% of Honduras was living in poverty, prompting urgent action to address the crisis. The World Bank reports that, as of 2022, 52.4% of the population lived on less than $6.85 per day. The situation worsened following Hurricanes Eta and Iota in 2020, which displaced 368,000 people and forced 200,000 into makeshift shelters. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a 7% drop in GDP. Poverty is particularly severe in rural areas, where 40% of the Honduran population resides. These alarming statistics also highlight concerns about water quality in the country.

Water Crisis and Educational Challenges

According to the 2019 National Survey of Demography and Health, only 50% of Hondurans have access to clean, e-coli-free water. The pandemic and Hurricanes Eta and Iota exacerbated these ongoing issues by damaging critical infrastructure and restricting access to water systems.

As of March 2023, official data revealed 14% of Hondurans could not read or write. Additionally, a study by Bless the Children found that children typically require 9.4 years to complete grades one through six. Financial struggles within families often force children to contribute to household income, significantly complicating their ability to balance school and work.

Government Initiatives Alleviating Poverty in Hondorus

In 2020, along with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Honduran government launched the Single Voucher Program, supporting families struggling particularly from the pandemic. This initiative gave families a one-time voucher of $82 that can be redeemed for food, medicine and/or medical supplies. 

As of 2022, the Inter-American Development Bank approved a $75.9 million loan outlined to support 50,000 households through conditional cash transfers and 165,000 children through nutrition and early child development programs. This loan also works toward keeping children in school until seventh grade, at least. This loan is meant to be dispersed over four years. Honduras has collaborated with various international organizations to improve living conditions.

Nonprofit Initiatives

Food for the Poor, a nonprofit organization, actively improves water quality in areas affected by Hurricanes Eta and Iota. Immediately following the disasters, it installed temporary emergency water treatment systems in Bosques de Santa Lucia, Campo Las Flores and Los Achiotes. In Bosques de Santa Lucia, the organization provided 145 families with safe running water and functioning toilets. Additionally, in Campo Las Flores, Food for the Poor has diligently repaired damaged equipment and pipes affected by the hurricanes.

JustOne International has significantly boosted high school graduation rates in Aguas del Padre, Honduras. Since beginning its mission in 2019, the community has seen a 600% increase in graduation rates, with 89% of graduates advancing to higher education or securing high-paying jobs. This organization is making a substantial impact by helping thousands of young Hondurans complete their education.

Looking Ahead

As the country faces widespread issues, various initiatives are showing promise in alleviating poverty in Hondorus. Efforts by the government, supported by international organizations like the UNDP and the Inter-American Development Bank, are providing essential aid and educational support to vulnerable families and children. Nonprofits like Food for the Poor and JustOne International play crucial roles in improving water quality and boosting educational outcomes, respectively. These ongoing efforts aim to create a more resilient and self-sustaining future for Honduras.

– Madeline Rozmus

Madeline is based in Greenwich, CT, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Mali’s Sugu Yiriwa Market

Mali's Sugu Yiriwa Market In 2022, Mali experienced an increase in its poverty rate from 44.6% to 45.4%, with an additional 1.3 million people requiring humanitarian aid, 20% of schools closed and 2.5 million individuals without health coverage. To combat these ongoing challenges, the Feed the Future initiative launched the Sugu Yiriwa Market in Mali, designed to stimulate economic growth and support disadvantaged communities.

Sugu Yiriwa Market

The Sugu Yiriwa Market, launched in 2021 with CARE Mali and other organizations, serves 12 districts across 80 communities. This initiative focuses on three primary objectives: enhancing the quality of products, boosting income and expanding access to nutrient-rich goods. The market aims to foster a network of interconnected markets and businesses to ensure a more reliable supply of quality, necessary products and to enhance overall market access for the community.

The Sugu Yiriwa Market introduces quality products that provide essential nutrition to communities traditionally lacking access to such resources. This availability is crucial for addressing malnutrition and ensuring safer consumption options. The market also supports local farmers by offering efficient production methods and introducing new technologies that assist with pricing and weather forecasting. Additionally, these technology advancements aim to reduce post-harvest labor and enhance overall agricultural productivity.

Its Impacts

In 2023, the Sugu Yiriwa Market achieved $20 million in total annual sales, with women comprising about half of its participants, aligning with the market’s focus on empowering this demographic. The market also targeted children’s nutritional needs, successfully delivering interventions to more than 2,000 children that year. Additionally, more than 100 traders and suppliers received training in sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing food security and boosting sales.

Mali businessman, Sidiki Badian, who profits from cereal and grains, navigated a crisis when the Mali government banned cereal exports, leaving him with surplus stock. Through the Sugu Yiriwa Market, Badian engaged with ministers to facilitate a government purchase of his remaining millet. This support mechanism has bolstered local farmers and businessmen like Badian, enhancing their revenue and providing essential economic support.

Looking Ahead

The Sugu Yiriwa Market has become a vital part of Mali’s efforts to combat poverty and malnutrition. The initiative plans to expand its reach, incorporating more advanced agricultural techniques and supporting additional communities. Efforts could focus on creating more training programs for farmers and traders, to ensure sustainable growth and stability. Through ongoing initiatives, Mali can potentially make strides in improving food security and supporting local economies amid ongoing challenges.

– Dorothy Howard

Dorothy is based in Greensboro, NC, USA and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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5 Poverty Fighting Nongovernmental Organizations Based in India

Nongovernmental Organizations Based in IndiaIndia is currently the fifth-largest economy globally, with a peak gross domestic product (GDP) of 8.4%. Despite this remarkable economic advancement, approximately 3.4 million civilians in India are still living in extreme poverty. Poverty in both rural and urban India has left millions of families without adequate drinking water and has led to persistent food insecurity. The deteriorating socioeconomic opportunities for families living below the poverty line have hindered their ability to achieve a decent standard of living. However, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) based in India have shown dedication to alleviating the distress of impoverished families through empowerment programs and social support. These five grassroots organizations work to transform the lives of hundreds of communities burdened with socioeconomic disadvantages.

End Poverty

End Poverty (EP) is a civil society organization established in India in 2009. Its main goal is to mobilize rural communities to improve their socioeconomic well-being. Given that India’s rural population accounts for nearly 65% of the total population, EP is dedicated to enhancing rural infrastructures through various social interventions.

For instance, EP has endorsed the Holistic Rural Development Project (HRDP) alongside the HDFC bank to revitalize village area opportunities through educational services and agricultural skills training, such as multi-cropping techniques. The HRDP initiative has reached nearly 17 states across India and has triumphantly assisted more than 1,100.

Aarohan

Since its founding in 2005, Aarohan has been fulfilling its mission of supporting child-focused rights and protection. Through intensive research and surveys, the NGO has prioritized healthy development for impoverished children. The organization compartmentalizes multiple sustainable development goals (SDGs) while enforcing food security, health care access and efficient education in its projects.

In particular, Aaarohan’s “Education Program Approach” promoted academic stability for impoverished children in concurrence with nutritional consistency. It has also endorsed vocational training, such as computer skills and financial literacy. This ensures that all individuals who aspire to, can pursue further employment opportunities. This organization has positively influenced more than 7,000 children and has demonstrated a holistic approach to poverty relief through the integration of SDGs in its work.

Dilasa

This agricultural NGO was established in 1994 and is acknowledged for collaborating with 25 other NGOs based in India, working to alleviate poverty. Dilasa has taken on hands-on projects such as building and distributing temporary shelters, housing sheds and educational resources. These projects have touched the lives of more than 2,334 families across the villages of the Marathwada and Vidarbha regions.

Dilasa is also instrumental in its agency for farmer welfare. This organization has successfully set up a farmer support center in Mumbai that has aided women farmers. It has promoted agricultural techniques such as protective irrigation to store rainwater. By doing so, farmers can acquire a stable income that will maintain an adequate standard of living.

Vimochana

Vimochana is a women’s focused NGO based in India. This organization was established in 1979 and has dedicated its mission to establishing security for women who come from distressing environments for vulnerable women. Vimochana has supported women who have experienced societal injustices such as poverty, domestic violence and sexual exploitation. Through the force of advocacy, Vimochana has empowered more than 30,000 women.

Rainbow Homes Program

Formed in 2002 by the Rainbow Foundation India, the Rainbow Homes Program’s agenda is to protect the homeless children in urban India. With more than 18 million vulnerable children working on the streets of India, the nonprofit primarily focuses on caring for children who have been abandoned or forced to live on the streets in the country’s metropolitan cities.

The Rainbow Homes Program remains focused on creating community centers and children’s homes alongside the help of the public sector. This program has extended to approximately 5,601 children and adolescents across India.

These nongovernmental organizations based in India have demonstrated the resilience and effort needed to fight poverty and associated social injustices in the country.

– Abigail Lobo

Abigail is based in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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How Ethnic Tourism In China Is Alleviating Poverty

How Ethnic Tourism In China Is Alleviating Poverty Ethnic or cultural tourism involves visiting destinations to explore local cultural elements. In China, where many ethnic groups face poverty, the government is developing tourist attractions to generate revenue and stimulate economic growth in these regions. As a result, ethnic tourism in China is rapidly evolving into an industry aimed at aiding those in need.

The Hunan Province

Hunan is located in South Central China and falls in the middle of the Yangtze River. This province has various tourist destinations, including Fenghuang Ancient Town. The area features Miao architecture, such as stilted houses. It is also home to tourist boat tours. Other sites used as tourist attractions include the villages of Laojia and Zaogang.

Local revenue has skyrocketed due to the inception of ethnic tourism in China. This resulted in the formation of Ming City Tourism Corporation (MCTC), which helps to keep these tourist destinations open and thriving. MCTC has worked to reduce competition and increase profits. The company charges fees for tourists and gives a percentage back to the villages as an annual fee. 

A portion of these fees are given back to residents periodically. Residents can make many due to MCTC hiring them to work as guides, cleaners, salespeople or actors. Some residents have also opened their shops to sell memorabilia to tourists. Each of these acts has helped numerous residents out of poverty. Tourism has greatly increased the number of jobs available, specifically in Fenghuang Ancient Town. 

The Yunnan Province

The Yunnan Province is part of southwestern China and borders Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam at its southern tip. This province is one of the more diverse areas in China, both culturally and geographically. In Yunnan, the most popular tourist destination is Lijiang, one of the centers for silk production in ancient times. 

Lijiang was one of the poorest areas in the Yunnan province before ethnic tourism in China began to have an impact locally. The Dayan Naxi Ancient Music Association is one of its main attractions, which is an orchestra that showcases old music, old musicians and old instruments. It is composed of teachers, farmers and other types of workers. The orchestra has developed a good annual revenue and has a regular large audience. It has played in larger cities and even countries overseas. 

Socio-Economic Transformations in Lijiang

Ethnic tourism in China, particularly in Lijiang, revolves around experiencing the life of these ethnic communities. Tourists coming to this area are likely to visit Luoshui, one of the most popular villages, to participate in the local life of the Naxi and Moro people. These experiences include ceremonies, traditional infrastructure and the ability to partake in conversations with natives, both young and old. Since the establishment of these tourist areas, Luoshui has become one of the top 10 wealthiest villages in Lijiang. 

There has been tremendous economic growth in Lijiang due to ethnic tourism. Data indicates that before the World Heritage induction, agriculture was the main source of income for residents in Lijiang, but even that was a small amount of income. After becoming part of the World Heritage List, Lijiang had a boost in its economy, with tourism becoming its biggest industry. This has helped the overall economy of the area and the income of residents. 

The economy in the Yunnan Province has grown steadily and continues to grow, in part due to ethnic tourism in China. The lives of residents in these villages have also improved, not only financially but also socially. Public health has been made a priority and is being provided to the most rural areas. Providing social security to qualified individuals has also been implemented. Each of these improvements has stemmed from ethnic tourism in China.

Looking Forward

The expansion of ethnic tourism in China continues to drive significant socio-economic benefits for culturally rich yet previously impoverished regions. As communities like Fenghuang and Lijiang flourish, they set a precedent for sustainable development through cultural heritage. Ongoing investment in these areas is poised to further enhance local livelihoods and preserve unique cultural landscapes for future generations.

– Dorothy Howard

Dorothy is based in Greensboro, NC, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Water Poverty in Zimbabwe: Save the Children’s Approach

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

The Water Problem

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

Save the Children’s Efforts

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

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

Empowering Communities Through Water Access

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

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

Looking Forward

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

– Cordelia Moore

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

Photo: Flickr

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Energy in Suriname: Reducing Energy Poverty

SurinameSuriname may be the smallest country in Latin America in terms of population and area. However, it is the largest in terms of natural resources. The government has a rich history of gold and bauxite mining. However, the recent discovery of vast offshore oil fields has the potential to bring prosperity from a new resource.

The Surinamese government has been in conversations with global oil companies that could fetch as much as $9 billion for rights to develop the area. This income could provide an instrumental opportunity for the country as 26% of its population lives in extreme poverty. Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi added that this opportunity could “end global energy poverty.”

However, a lack of energy and power severely challenges poverty reduction as services like health care and education become limited. Nonetheless, Suriname has had some successful ventures in combating energy poverty and the current situation can provide the opportunity to make an impact on a larger level.

Overview of Energy in Suriname

Suriname is one of three net-zero countries in the world. Its expanse of dense forests helps it absorb more carbon than it emits, but it has also made progress in using green energy, with 38% of its overall electricity coming from hydropower. The use of multiple energy sources has helped Suriname provide power to 98% of its population. However, there are still challenges for those living in dense forest areas, primarily indigenous communities. Historically, these people relied upon old gas-powered generators for electricity, which could limit power to only four hours per day.

To address this, the government, the International Development Bank and the Caribbean Investment Facility rolled out a Sustainable Energy Framework in Suriname. This program helped bring more than 20,000 people reliable electricity through sustainable methods, including mini solar grids. The increase in power access is a key advantage for these populations in improving living conditions.

In Suriname, most of the energy is still produced from oil. Staatsolie, a state-owned organization, manages the majority of oil and gas operations in the country. It has collaborated with the government to establish sustainable standards and practices that aim to maintain its net-zero rating. The company also hosts the Suriname Energy Oil and Gas Summit and donates the event’s revenues to communities in need. This includes renovating schools for children living in poverty. Despite these positives, inequitable energy, inflation and government subsidies contribute to high power and fuel prices. The impending oil boom can address this key area.

Opportunities With Oil and Gas

Staatsolie has recently signed an agreement with two other companies to increase production in offshore oil fields. This increase is expected to begin later this year and continue until 2025. Government officials have previously declared their commitment to utilizing the influx of oil and its respective revenue for economic development.

There is an increased demand for various goods and services associated with the impending production, which will benefit Surinamese businesses and citizens. Rather than outsourcing employment, Suriname can award opportunities to its vulnerable populations and empower entrepreneurs. Investing in economic development is the key to addressing the challenges of inflation and insurmountable energy costs. In addition to employment, this is a perfect driver for organizations like Staatsolie to increase their humanitarian work to address poverty in the nation.

– William Galante

William is based in Southbury, CT, USA  and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Spotlight on Danceaid

DanceaidDanceaid is a charity based in the United Kingdom (U.K.) that uses the energy of dance to transform the lives of children. Using dance-based activities, the charity raises funds to alleviate certain hardships that are often experienced by orphaned, poor and disabled children, both in the U.K. and abroad. The programs it runs focus on things such as food insecurity and education, with the aim of helping children in need reach their full potential.

Founded in 2009, Danceaid uses slogans such as “dance a little, live a little, save a life” and wants to get everyone involved, from “tiny tots to groovy grannies shaking a leg to make a difference.” DanceAid runs a whole range of dance-based events and activities to raise funds. For example, it runs dance competitions and shows, a “design your own medal hanger” scheme, triathlons and danceathons and has celebrity endorsement from JLS star Aston Merrygold.

The Main Aim of the Charity

The main aims of the charity are education and training, the prevention and relief of poverty, overseas aid and famine relief. It does this by providing finance, human resources, buildings, facilities, open space and aid services. The charity primarily operates throughout England and Wales, the Philippines, South Africa, Syria, Turkey and Ukraine.

Impacts

A key example of Danceaid’s work is in the city of Manila, the capital of the Philippines. In Manila, children are forced to live and work in the streets from as young as 3 years old and face serious problems such as food insecurity. In August 2013, Danceaid launched a “feeding program,” just after the city had been hit by monsoon floods, leaving the community without food. The charity currently feeds 100 children every day in Manila. A year later, in 2014, it launched a feeding and support program for Manila entitled Mama and Me. This program is for mothers who are so malnourished that they cannot produce breast milk and for babies who are malnourished, underweight and unwell.

Danceaid also runs projects in rural South Africa, with a focus on young people affected by HIV and AIDS. Its preschool for children aged 3 to 6 provides children with food, toys, books, education on topics such as colors, numbers and patterns and language education in both local languages and English. The charity also runs a drop-in center for affected families, which not only provides cooking utensils and food but also basic fuel to cook.

Also in South Africa, Danceaid currently runs a football program for 100 young boys, with under 13, under 15 and senior teams. The funds Danceaid raises get to put toward footballs, football boots, registration fees for players, transport to games and a healthy meal before engaging in the sport. Since Danceaid initiated this program, one of its players has subsequently been elevated to the South African Premiership, indicating its significant success.

– Eva McMonigle
Photo: Pexels

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Poverty in Ghana: Challenges and Solutions

The Ripple Effects of Poverty in Ghana: Challenges and SolutionsGhana, known as the “island of peace,” is located on the West Coast of Africa, an area often described as one of the most chaotic regions in the world. Agriculture, the nation’s primary sector, employs about 40% of the workforce. However, the country continues to face challenges, with a 2022 World Bank report revealing that approximately 27% of Ghanaians lived below the poverty line due to high inflation and slow economic growth. In an interview with Joyce Bingham, the Borgen Project delves into poverty in Ghana, examining its consequences, obstacles and feasible remedies.

Agricultural Reliance and Poverty in Ghana

In Ghana, the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) reports indicate significant nutritional deficiencies among children. It highlights that one in five children experience stunted growth, while two-thirds of those aged 6 months to 2 years lack sufficient nutrition. Malnutrition compromises their immunity, increases susceptibility to infections, impacts brain development and can be fatal. Hence, the World Food Program (WFP) partners with Ghana’s government to bolster food security and nutrition, mitigate malnutrition and improve the food system. This initiative is vital, as the visible undernourishment of many Ghanaian children underscores poverty’s profound effect on youth.

Joyce Bingham, a representative for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, lived in Ghana for two years with her husband Thomas. The Borgen Project spoke with Joyce about the local diet in Abomosu, a small village located in the eastern region of Ghana. According to her, “most families ate one meal a day and it was made out of cassava, which is a root that they would tend to have on farms, chickens or pig fat used for energy.” In addition, approximately 90% of Ghanaian families rely on agriculture to feed their children, with cassava as a crucial source of calories and carbohydrates. The fact that many families can afford only one meal a day highlights the impact of poverty in the country. To combat this, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has supported more than 63,000 farms, emphasizing the importance of agricultural aid in poverty reduction.

Water Accessibility and Housing Conditions

UNICEF reports that one in 10 Ghanaians spends more than 30 minutes to access clean water. Additionally, around 76% of households in Ghana face the risk of consuming water contaminated with fecal matter, yet only 4% properly treat their water before drinking. According to Joyce, “Women would come with their big buckets, and fill it with clean water and put it on their head and carry it for miles to have clean water in their home.” Therefore, access to clean water in Ghana is challenging, prompting UNICEF to partner with the Ghanaian government to ensure safe drinking water for all citizens. This initiative addresses the significant role water plays in the poverty experienced across the country.

In Ghana, many homes are constructed from makeshift materials such as cardboard boxes or tin sheets discarded from trucks, leading to unsafe living conditions. These environments can cause health issues including asthma, poisoning, injuries and respiratory infections. Hence, addressing Ghana’s housing crisis is crucial, and various organizations alongside the Ghanaian government are taking steps to improve the situation. The government has introduced a revised national affordable housing program aimed at reducing the housing deficit, which is a significant step toward ensuring safer living conditions.

Overcoming Educational Barriers

Thousands of children in Ghana miss out on education due to overcrowded classrooms, a shortage of supplies and textbooks and often, teachers lack adequate training. Joyce stated, “They have to pay for their education, it wasn’t free. So only those who had a farm would fund their children.” Given this, UNICEF collaborates with Ghana’s Ministry of Education and Ghana Education Service to ensure all children can access and benefit from education, addressing financial barriers to schooling. This initiative is crucial as education directly influences poverty reduction in Ghana.

Guardians in Abomosu aspire to provide their children with broad opportunities. Joyce highlighted, “Most of the time if you are born in Abomosu, you die in Abomosu. Parents wanted their children to know that there was a better world outside of the village.” Parents in Ghana make great sacrifices to send their children on educational field trips to Accra, recognizing the value of learning and experiencing life beyond their village.

Moreover, such opportunities are crucial for children’s development, offering insights into the world outside their immediate surroundings and playing a key role in building a better future. These experiences are instrumental in combating the cycle of poverty in Ghana by broadening children’s horizons and enhancing their educational journey.

Addressing Adolescent Pregnancy

Ghana faces significant challenges with adolescent pregnancy, especially among girls aged 15 to 19, with a birth rate of nearly 76 out of 1,000 births in this age group. In addition, these early pregnancies often lead to health risks and limited support resources. The Ghana Education Services and the Girls Education Unit are collaborating to develop guidelines aimed at preventing pregnancy and assisting young mothers in returning to school, thereby reducing the impact of poverty through educational support for young women.

Poverty in Ghana: Future Impact

Ghana’s concerted efforts to address agricultural reliance, water accessibility, housing conditions, educational barriers and adolescent pregnancy lay the groundwork for significant advancements in overcoming poverty. Moreover, these initiatives promise a brighter future where every Ghanaian can access the essentials for a healthy and productive life, breaking the cycle of poverty and opening new pathways for the nation’s growth.

– Abby Trussell

Abby is based in Rexburg, ID, USA and focuses on World News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Hunger in Tokelau

Hunger in TokelauTokelau, a Polynesian territory of New Zealand, boasts three small atolls fringed by crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs. Despite this idyllic image, a hidden struggle with food security persists for many residents. While official reports indicate neither extreme poverty nor hunger on the island nation (data from 2014 shows no Tokelauans living below the basic needs poverty line), a 2016 census revealed a different story. About 22% of households reported feeling they have insufficient income. This discrepancy in hunger in Tokelau highlights the limitations of traditional poverty metrics. It underscores the importance of Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2): Zero Hunger.

Life on the Remote Atolls

About 1,500 people live on the coast of the three atolls: Atafu, Nukunonu and Fakaofo. The remote islands depend on boats and planes for transportation and trade. This makes it hard for them to get food from other places and limits their economic opportunities. Most people rely on fishing and subsistence farming for their livelihoods. However, these are threatened by changing weather patterns and environmental degradation.

Nutritional Challenges in Tokelau

Shifting weather patterns, a grim consequence of the changing climate, dramatically reshape Tokelau’s once-predictable island life. Rising sea levels fueled by warming waters threaten coastal areas with erosion and flooding. Droughts and storms, once infrequent visitors, have become unwelcome regulars, disrupting freshwater supplies and agricultural practices. Saltwater intrusion, a silent invader, contaminates freshwater sources and soils, jeopardizing food security and traditional livelihoods. 

Addressing the impact of changing weather patterns on Tokelau’s small atolls requires a multifaceted approach, including a shift in community mindsets and behavior. The island needs adaptation measures for essential service provision and increased capital investment to strengthen infrastructure against the changing climate.

Further, recent decades have witnessed a cultural shift that has contributed to hunger in Tokelau. Increased access to imported, processed foods has led to the gradual loss of traditional knowledge and skills for growing and preparing local fare. While often cheaper and more convenient, these imported options are laden with sugar, fat and salt, lacking essential vitamins and minerals.

This shift has fueled a rise in diet-related diseases like obesity, diabetes and heart problems, with children most susceptible due to their critical need for proper nutrition for growth and development. A United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) situation analysis of children in Tokelau found that obesity and related non-communicable diseases are major public health concerns. Data from 2010 suggests that 74% of the population aged more than 16 and 33% of children aged 0-15 were obese.

Initiatives To Fight Hunger in Tokelau

Despite the challenges, there is hope for Tokelau to overcome hunger and achieve food security. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) initiatives and programs address the problem from different angles. FAO has been partnering with Tokelau since 2011 as an Associate Member. The organization’s assistance to Tekolau has helped sustain natural resources and food security in the past few years.

FAO tailors its aid to Tokelau through the 2013-2017 Country Programming Framework. This framework addresses the regional needs of 14 Pacific Island Countries, including Tokelau, while focusing on five key areas: 

  • Strengthening policies and legislation 
  • Fostering sustainable agriculture 
  • Ensuring food safety
  • Boosting production and marketing
  • Protecting biodiversity 

In Tokelau specifically, FAO prioritizes building food security and climate resilience through two outcomes. The organization works to integrate environmental sustainability and adaptation to the changing climate into policies. Also, it wants to enhance environmental sustainability and resilience through improved coastal area management and sustainable land-use planning.

Tokelau’s Land Management Challenges and FAO’s Support

Tokelau’s low-lying atolls (three to five meters above sea level) face significant challenges due to coastal erosion. The limited land fertility and few natural resources further complicate food security and sustainable development.

Recognizing these challenges, FAO provided technical assistance to develop Tokelau’s first land-use plan. This plan, informed by land resource assessments and alternative scenarios, outlines sustainable land management practices and designates specific areas for various purposes, including tree planting, agriculture, infrastructure, housing, protected reserves and coastal development. 

The Future of Tokelau

Tokelau’s struggle with hunger exemplifies the global need to achieve SDG 2. By working towards this goal, the international community can support vulnerable communities like Tokelau in building a future free from hunger and malnutrition, ensuring a healthy and sustainable future for all.

– Adewumi Adewale
Photo: Flickr

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Understanding Poverty Reduction in the Philippines

Poverty Reduction in the PhilippinesIn the Philippines, poverty has been prevalent in the lives of millions, with 22.4% of its population living below the national poverty line and 9.79 million Filipinos unable to meet their basic food needs. However, due to the efforts of poverty reduction in the Philippines, there has been a notable decrease from 2021, which saw a poverty rate of 23.7%.

With increasing urbanization and a growing middle class, poverty reduction in the Philippines is a crucial pathway toward understanding development goals and uncovering opportunities for advancement. This article will delve into the multifaceted approaches in the Philippines’ poverty reduction, analyze the strategies put in place so far and identify challenges to achieving President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s plan to bring poverty in the Philippines down to 9% by 2028.

Current State

As evidenced by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the current state of poverty in the Philippines is one of slow but resilient progress. According to the PSA, the Proportion of Poor among families has fallen from 18% to 16.4% between 2021 and 2023, highlighting some initial progress in poverty reduction efforts.

However, the PSA’s data also indicates that urban areas, such as Manila, which has a Poverty Incidence of 5.7%, have much lower levels of poverty than rural areas, such as Leyte, which has a Poverty Incidence of 31.3%, indicating a significant urban-rural gap. By addressing factors such as access to education, health care and employment opportunities and recognizing these disparities between urban and rural areas, we can implement effective policies to foster inclusive poverty reduction in the Philippines.

Government Initiatives

Regarding government initiatives, the Philippines’ Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has implemented a program known as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). This program promises to provide conditional cash grants to poorer households to improve the health and education of children living below the national poverty line. As of August 2015, program recipients received P27.15 billion ($0.48 billion) in cash grants.

Meanwhile, another government initiative, the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), started in 2011. This program generated employment among poor households and moved highly vulnerable households into more sustainable livelihoods, intending to expand poverty reduction in the Philippines. The program has grown from serving 46,000 families in 2011 to serving 166,000 families in 2017. Despite these efforts, challenges such as limited resources persist. However, sustainable poverty reduction is possible through monitoring and evaluating program performance and fostering transparency.

Nongovernmental Efforts

In addition to government initiatives, several nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) play a crucial role in poverty reduction in the Philippines. Organizations such as the Zero Extreme Poverty PH 2030 (ZEP) are actively involved in addressing the root causes of poverty, focusing on eight themes: Health, Education, Environment, Livelihood and Employment, Agriculture and Fisheries, Housing and Shelter, Peace and Human Security and Social Justice.

Zero Poverty PH has achieved many notable accomplishments in poverty reduction efforts. It installed a water system in Tayabasan, benefiting more than 215 families by giving them clean drinking water. Moreover, its goal to have two million Opportunity Youth in employment or self-employment by 2030 is already in progress. For example, Jonalyn, age 17, who had to drop out of school to support her family, is now receiving support from ZEP to continue her education at Hilamonan Elementary School, along with 300 other students. By working closely with communities, nongovernmental organizations can implement targeted goals that address specific needs and challenges.

Economic Challenges and Future Directions

However, alongside socioeconomic disparities, the Philippines also faces several environmental challenges from changing weather patterns, like typhoons and floods. These disasters have tragic consequences for people experiencing poverty, resulting in loss of livelihoods or homes and further deprivation. Furthermore, environmental factors such as pollution and deforestation threaten food security and create health risks.

As the lead plastic polluter in 2019, the Philippines is responsible for 36.38% of global oceanic plastic waste. Undoubtedly, this is having dire effects on those in poverty. Whether through water-transmitted illnesses or threats to livestock due to the endocrine-disrupting chemicals in the plastic, which are linked to several issues such as infertility, cancer, diabetes and increased risk of cardiovascular disease and strokes.

Moreover, government initiatives such as the Extended Producer Responsibility Act (EPRA), introduced in 2022, which requires companies to create EPR programs for plastic waste reduction, recovery and diversion, have set an expectation for an 80% decline in their plastic product footprint. Furthermore, the Philippine government has implemented a National Plan of Action for the Prevention, Reduction and Management of Marine Litter to achieve zero waste in Philippine waters by 2040. This plan will create a wide range of policies, such as improving public awareness about marine pollution and participating in international coastal clean-ups, highlighting a wide approach towards their goal.

This is important for poverty reduction as plastic pollution can affect health through cancer, cardiovascular disease and more. Furthermore, plastic pollution affects farm animals and fish through choking or entanglement, which affects not only the amount of food around but also causes a massive dip in income for those who rely on this livelihood and fishing for income.

Final Remark

Poverty reduction in the Philippines requires multifaceted approaches that cover social, economic and environmental angles. While progress is being made through government and NGO initiatives, challenges continue to persevere. By prioritizing inclusive and sustainable policies, there is a strong chance that the Philippines will continue striving toward a prosperous future.

– Emily Weir
Photo: Flickr