Archive for category: Poverty Reduction

Information and stories about poverty reduction.

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Innovations in Poverty Eradication in Ecuador

Poverty Eradication in EcuadorPoverty eradication in Ecuador remains a significant challenge. As of mid‑2023, approximately 27% of the population lived below the poverty line (earning less than $89.29 per month), with 10.8% in extreme poverty (under $50.32/month). In rural provinces, those numbers climb sharply—46% live in poverty and 22.6% in extreme poverty. Furthermore, Ecuador’s poverty disproportionately affects Indigenous and Afro-Ecuadorian communities, with Indigenous children experiencing poverty rates as high as 67% and Afro-Ecuadorians more than 45%.

Life for those in poverty often involves insecure employment, inadequate housing, poor sanitation and higher rates of child malnutrition. Informal employment is widespread, with 58% of workers lacking formal protections, and access to health care and education remains limited in rural areas. Women, Indigenous peoples and youth are especially vulnerable. These systemic inequalities highlight the urgent need for targeted innovations in poverty eradication. 

Social Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment

One prominent example of impact-driven entrepreneurship is Salinerito, a collective enterprise based in Salinas de Guaranda. Since the 1970s, this network of more than 20 cooperatives has generated sustainable income by producing cheese, chocolate and alpaca wool textiles. What sets Salinerito apart is its commitment to reinvesting profits in community services, such as funding schools, health clinics and microfinance programs, to uplift entire local economies and foster a solidarity-based growth model.

Another success is the Bio Warmi initiative, a women-led cooperative based in the Napo province of Ecuador’s Amazon region. Launched in 2018 by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Ecological Transition, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), Bio Warmi empowers Indigenous Kichwa women to grow native medicinal plants and transform them into certified organic cosmetic and wellness products. The initiative forms part of Ecuador’s broader transition to a green and inclusive economy. By leveraging Ecuador’s national “green loans” strategy to support environmentally sustainable microenterprises, Bio Warmi has generated consistent income for its members while promoting the conservation of biodiversity and ancestral knowledge. Notably, this initiative contributes to a nationwide policy effort that has mobilized more than $800 million in small-business financing tied to nature-based solutions and community resilience.

Community-Based Economic Resilience

In parallel, Ecuador’s ECOSIMIA stands as a compelling and resilient model of a non-monetary, community-based economy. Originating in 1992 under the name SINTRAL, it was developed within the Fundación Educativa Pestalozzi, an alternative educational project in Tumbaco. This system was inspired by the Local Exchange Trading Systems (LETS) framework and introduced barter-based markets where members exchanged goods and services without money, using a mutual credit system. Each transaction was assigned a numerical value purely for recordkeeping, with no monetary or debt-based implications. By the early 2000s, as Ecuador’s economic conditions deteriorated following dollarization, SINTRAL evolved into a broader, decentralized trading network. Under the guidance of educator and activist Mauricio Wild, the initiative expanded rapidly in rural areas, where communities sought autonomy from unstable monetary systems and limited access to formal markets.

In 2006, during a national gathering of participating groups, the network formally adopted the name ECOSIMIA, an acronym for “El Ecosistema es Responsabilidad Mía” (“The Ecosystem is My Responsibility”), emphasizing its ecological and communal values. Today, ECOSIMIA links more than 140 local groups across 13 provinces, forming a dynamic network of grassroots economies. These groups organize regular barter markets and coordinate exchanges at both the local and regional levels. ECOSIMIA not only facilitates access to essential goods and services without reliance on cash, but it also strengthens social ties, preserves ancestral knowledge and promotes economic resilience in marginalized and remote communities.

Government and International Collaboration

The Ecuadorian government, in collaboration with international partners, is modernizing its social protection systems to better reach vulnerable populations. In 2024, the “Innovating for Equality: Transforming local social protection mechanisms through digitalization” initiative, a joint project by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), allocated approximately $864,000 to strengthen local social assistance frameworks. The project focuses on digitizing beneficiary registries and creating interoperable digital platforms that link various government services. By improving data accuracy and coordination, the initiative ensures that critical services, such as food aid, cash transfers and employment support, are delivered more efficiently to informal workers, youth and Indigenous communities, who often fall through the cracks of traditional safety nets. This digital transformation reduces bureaucratic delays, expands the reach of social programs and helps lift underserved populations out of poverty by making support more timely, accessible and inclusive.

Furthermore, in early 2025, the World Bank approved an additional $110 million to reinforce Ecuador’s social safety net by integrating climate vulnerability, enhancing child development services and supporting refugee-inclusive cash transfers. Strengthened social protection is crucial for addressing structural poverty and preventing chronic malnutrition among young children.

A Holistic Path Toward Poverty Eradication in Ecuador

From solidarity-based cooperatives and barter networks to digital inclusion programs and eco-entrepreneurship, Ecuador’s efforts show that poverty eradication in Ecuador is most effective when rooted in community strengths, inclusive finance and smart public policy. By empowering women, youth and Indigenous peoples through innovative social enterprises and digitized safety nets, Ecuador is fostering a resilient, equitable path forward, demonstrating that poverty reduction can be achieved when innovation meets community.

– Tu Anh Ha

Tu is based in Hanoi, Vietnam and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Fighting Rural Poverty in Latin America

Rural Poverty in Latin AmericaSignificant progress has been made in fighting rural poverty in Latin America for years. Just 20 years ago, more than half of Latin America was impoverished. By last year, this number had dropped by half. However, some of this progress had been reversed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with poverty peaking at 30% in 2021.

However, Latin America has continued progressing, lowering poverty rates to pre-pandemic levels, at 25%. Meanwhile, rural poverty continues to be a serious problem, with the inequality between rural and urban areas driving much of the issue 60% of Latin American poverty remains rural. For instance, while access to sanitation and clean water increased across Latin America, progress continued to lag in rural areas.

Much of the recent progress in fighting rural poverty in Latin America can be attributed to specific programs in Mexico and Brazil, two of Latin America’s biggest countries. Focused government programs like Bolsa Familia and PROSPERA have helped lift thousands of families out of rural poverty. While rural poverty in this region continues to be a major issue, with the rural impoverished being especially vulnerable to recent spikes in poverty, the government’s focus on rural poverty can result in millions being lifted out of poverty.

History and Nature of Poverty in Latin America

Rural poverty is a persistent challenge across the world. According to the World Bank, most of the 700 million who live in extreme poverty are from rural areas. However, Latin America was the outlier to this global trend before its success in combating poverty. In 2001, the International Monetary Fund found that most Latin American poverty was entrenched in urban areas.

This unique urban poverty profile did not prevent the region from significantly reducing poverty. Latin America and the Caribbean saw total poverty decline from about 50% in the early 2000s to roughly 30% by around 2012. By 2019, the poverty rate had fallen to approximately 28% before stagnating and slightly rising during the COVID‑19 pandemic.

Pandemic: Back From the Peak

However, the pandemic began to reverse much of this progress. In addition to the global effect on public health, the pandemic deeply affected people with low incomes in Latin America. According to economist Ebru Topcu, Latin America is the region most affected by the pandemic. The crisis followed years of slow economic growth and limited improvements in social indicators, exacerbating the region’s vulnerabilities.

As a result, it triggered severe economic contractions with widespread social and economic consequences. These challenges fueled significant social unrest in several countries, particularly in late 2019. With limited access to vaccines and hospital beds, Latin America has suffered greatly from both the pandemic’s health toll and its worst economic recession in the last two centuries.

This impact was even more severe in rural areas, where poverty remains persistent due to limited access to more readily available resources in urban centers. Despite these challenges, the region gradually began to recover. By 2022, the poverty rate fell below 30%; by 2024, it had dropped to 25%.

Two Models: Brazil and Mexico

Hugo Nopo, senior economist for the Poverty and Equity Practice Group at the World Bank, explains that much of this progress was due to specific policies pursued in Brazil and Mexico. In Brazil, the Bolsa Familia program qualifies low-income families for direct transfers on the condition that they keep their children in school and bring them in for health checks.

The program supports 13 million low-income families, directly improving their living conditions, as most of the funds go toward essentials like food and clothing. Beneficiary Dinalva Pereira de Moura shared, “[the program] has been a marvelous thing for me and my family. My children know that when we receive the money, they will have more to eat and that makes them happier. And they don’t skip school, because they know that the money depends on their going.”

Mexico’s PROSPERA program is modeled similarly to the Bolsa Familia program and previous Mexican policies, which started in 1997. PROSPERA reached more than six million families across Mexico by conditioning transfers on basic benchmarks like school attendance and doctor check-ins. The National Council for the Evaluation of Social Development Policy rated the program as one of the most effective at combating poverty.

Looking Forward

There continues to be progress in fighting rural poverty in Latin America. While Mexico and Brazil lead the way by incentivizing effective educational and medical practices, much remains to be done. Nopo explains that while there is reason for hope, fighting rural poverty in Latin America will require more action.

– Joseph Laughon

Joseph is based in Sacramento, CA, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Teaching Abroad: A Form of Equity

Teaching Abroad: A Form of Equity Reda, a 14-year-old boy from a low-resourced town in Morocco, is now a pre-med student at San Francisco State University, aiming to become a doctor for a nonprofit organization. His Peace Corps English teacher, Nathaniel, played a key role in his development. Since 1961, teaching abroad has been an impactful way to promote equity and create opportunities for social mobility.

Teaching Abroad

Teaching abroad as a form of equity shares similarities with Teach For America. Teach For America recruits recent, excelling graduates to teach in high-need areas. This allows aspiring teachers to grow their careers and students in low-income areas to receive a better education. Organizations like the Peace Corps work in a similar way. Participants for the Peace Corps need to have a bachelor’s degree, but no teaching experience is necessary. The volunteers then go on to teach in high-need areas across the world. Volunteers practice kindness by teaching their knowledge, empowering the students by equipping them with a better education.

History of the Peace Corps

The Peace Corps was established in 1961 by the United States (U.S.) President John F Kennedy through an executive order. The agency’s mission is to create friendship and peace with other countries through helpful engagement. The first countries ever visited were Tanzania and Ghana.

The Power of Education

Education enables social mobility. Obtaining a higher education is a reliable path to higher salaries and upward mobility. Among OECD nations, earning a college degree increases income by 54% compared to a high school diploma. Additionally, higher education has been shown to boost a country’s gross domestic product (GDP). 

Since 1961, the Peace Corps has expanded its impact around the world. In its education sector, volunteers have taught more than 212,000 students in subjects such as English, literacy, math and science. The organization has served in 144 countries and supported local projects through in-person and online efforts. The Peace Corps also offers opportunities in other sectors, including health, economic development and engineering, allowing volunteers to choose how they want to serve.

Ongoing Challenges

Volunteers may experience culture shock, homesickness and language barriers. In addition, living conditions are often less resourced than what they are used to in their home countries. Volunteers are not paid a salary but receive a stipend along with room and board. Many use money saved from their home countries during their service.

According to the information on the Peace Corps website, teaching abroad as a form of equity can also be a way of travel. It can be an immersive and enriching experience to be in another country for an extended period of time.  Likewise, teaching abroad can be a great career builder for students in social work, global health, international relations and education.

Looking Ahead

Through the Peace Corps and similar initiatives, teaching abroad continues to be a powerful force for global equity. By connecting volunteers with underserved communities, programs like these promote access to education, encourage cultural exchange and support long-term development goals. As stories like Reda’s show, a single educator can help unlock opportunities that last a lifetime.

– Andrea Roji

Andrea is based in San Diego, CA, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Rising for the Greater Good: Poverty in Liberia

Poverty in LiberiaLiberia stood out as one of two African countries that remained independent throughout the European conquest in the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly during the “Scramble for Africa.” Though known for its abundant rainforests, such as the Upper Guinean, Liberia continues to confront challenges. Poverty remains a pervasive issue in the country, affecting millions of people. In the capital, Monrovia, three out of 10 citizens live in struggling conditions. In rural regions, nearly eight out of 10 individuals experience poverty daily.

Poor physical and mental health, often the result of infections and diseases is one of the most problematic factors for disadvantaged communities. Tuberculosis, measles and malaria, among others, remain public health concerns. However, some initiatives have improved health care access in many regions. The average life expectancy rose 1.2 years over the last decade. 

Many organizations are working to reduce poverty in the country through action plans and implemented programs. Among them is Mercy Corps, which supports with educational and health access, donations, charitable missions and emergency responses.

Post-War Recovery and Poverty in Liberia

Mercy Corps, a global humanitarian organization, focuses on alleviating poverty in underdeveloped countries like Liberia. The organization establishes communal stability for all families. Nearly 4,300 colleagues under Mercy Corps work together to grant communities first aid assistance and ally with local government officials to create long-term renovations.

Mercy Corps supported Liberia with many recovery efforts after the nation’s 1989-2003 civil war. The civil war marked a period of political unrest between diverse ethnic groups. This caused significant tension between the land and the people. Liberia experienced 14 years of economic recession. Food scarcity was another result of the aftermath. Produce became scarce, affecting 50% of families. 

Mercy Corps faces challenges in providing aid to large populations but continues working to reach as many families as possible. In a discussion with CEO Micromentor Anita Ramachandran, Mercy Corps’ Executive Director Tjada D’Oyen McKenna shared personal and professional details about her path to joining the organization. She spoke with Ramachandran, stating, “…our work is now more necessary than it ever was.” She explained that while some populations will always be affected by natural disasters, the ongoing challenge is to “remind people…that there are more vulnerable [communities] deserving of our support.”

Economic Progress

Mercy Corps is dedicated to guiding communities in finding impactful employment opportunities by linking them with private businesses and agencies. The training for these individuals extends beyond basic skills, focusing instead on establishing a foundation in finance and business management. This emphasizes the vital role of technology and digitalization in Liberia’s economic journey. This approach is modeled to help individuals reach their full potential to become creative leaders in all fields of work. As part of this growing development training, Mercy Corps formed a partnership with a nascent tech entrepreneurship space. This joint collaboration provides innovators a unique role in immersing themselves in a real-world experience. This shapes them to drive future economic stability.

Tackling Poverty, Hunger and Education Gaps in Liberia

Food production in Liberia has been dwindling after the country faced numerous challenges, like the aftermath of the Civil War. Almost 25,000 kids are unable to receive adequate meals in schools due to inaccessibility. About 146 schools encounter this issue, leaving children hungry. Many kids retire from school early because they lack the energy to keep going. As the problem worsened, attendance and enrollment rates fell significantly.

Mercy Corps launched the Liberia Empowerment, Attendance, Reading and Nutrition (LEARN) Program in 2021. The goal of the program is to help children living in vulnerable communities. Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education Program, LEARN supplies schools with nutritious meals sourced from local food vendors. LEARN also organizes activities and clubs for children to interact and learn about health outcomes. Some of the clubs the program established include school health and garden clubs. The program’s main objective is to help around 265,830 recipients, with a small portion of that being 85,129 preschoolers in 234 school systems.

Growth and Wellness

Every year, about one-third of Liberian individuals contract malaria, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The death rate primarily affects small children who suffer not only from malaria but also from pneumonia. Based on the Liberia Institute of Statistics and the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the maternal mortality rate in Liberia is one of the highest in the world. The rate is 994 per 100,000 childbirths. Mercy Corps is playing an active role in increasing accessibility to sanitation services to stop the contraction of such infections. The organization works alongside regional systems. Health services based in the United States (U.S.) are spending $52 million to open more medical clinics to reach people residing in rural areas of the country.

Building Self-resilience

Poverty remains detrimental to many nations, including Liberia, particularly in regard to food scarcity and education. So, in response, Mercy Corps’ initiatives have implemented support for children and adults. These plans, along with active health services, improved sterilized water and job training, demonstrate a commitment to resolving pressing issues. Addressing these matters, McKenna says, “…We’ve been reminded of our interconnectedness so much…and we believe them…that one of our core principles…is driving toward a more just world.” Liberia hopes to restore its confidence and better its prospects.

– Janae Bayford

Janae is based in Centennial, CO, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Addressing Health Care and Elderly Poverty in Bahrain

Elderly Poverty in BahrainBahrain has a growing elderly population with an expanding health care system. Since the 1990s, health care has been free for all Bahraini citizens. Health care ranges from the private to public sectors in the country. Universal health care helps address elderly poverty in Bahrain by providing the elderly with free health care access.

The BTI 2024 country report said that, “Although there is no reliable data on Bahrain’s poverty rate and the extent of relative inequality, the unequal distribution of wealth remains a major concern.”

Although there has been improvements, the elderly are concerned about their finances and do not believe pensions are helping as much as they could. Due to rising prices, people are becoming dependent on families because of a lack of funds. Meanwhile, the government claims that Bahrain does not have any poverty.

Shortcomings in Health Care for the Elderly in Bahrain

One of the shortcomings in Bahraini health care is a lack of geriatricians, also known as doctors for the elderly. The country has seen an increase in the elderly population from 1981-2024.

Maria Morcos, a certified physician assistant and researcher, said, “In the Bahraini health care system, patients don’t need primary care referrals to specialists—they are able to walk in at their convenience to receive testing or imaging without prior approval.” She further said how anyone can walk in to a specialist without a referral like in the United States.

Citizens can change their provider as they wish which can cause confusion as to if one is getting better. This type of approach is what Morcos calls a “patient-centered approach.”

“A common critique of this patient-centered model of care is the fact that many patients don’t feel well-equipped with medical knowledge to know what to choose or what to do, and some prefer the provider who definitively recommends what they personally think is best,” said Morcos. 

American Mission Hospital

The nonprofit hospital in Bahrain, the American Mission Hospital, is helping citizens, including the elderly, for free. In 2024, the Ministry of Social Development partnered with the American Mission Hospital and a psychiatric hospital to give health checks to citizens 60 years and older. In 2024, the American Mission Hospital also provided educational talks and demonstrations to Bahraini citizens.

“Our community outreach programs are developed around the needs of the people in Bahrain,” said Dr. George Cherian in an interview by Amal Abdullah. “Care of the elderly, the special needs children, reach out to labor camps are some of the activities we are involved in.”

An article by ADHRB said, “Older people in Bahrain often have to deal with several issues, from access to healthcare systems and maintenance of their economic security and independence to fighting social isolation.”

Some of the American Mission Hospital sponsors are BMI Bank, Standard Chartered Bank and Rashid Group. One of the ways American Mission Hospital generates income is through an annual golf tournament, where most of the funds go towards medical supplies.

The health care information guide said, “The Ministry of Health extends its support to elderly patients through mobile units and home visits, especially for those unable to access health centers, complemented by the Ministry of Social Development‘s provision of daycare, residential care services, and social assistance for the elderly.”

Looking Ahead

The country formed a national committee for the elderly in 1984. The American Mission Hospital has recently joined the “Mayo Clinic Care Network,” giving them access to different resources. The Mayo Clinic Care Network includes different resources the hospital will be able to take advantage of experience to improve as a whole.

Bahrain continues to make improvements to health care to prevent elderly poverty in Bahrain. The Gulf Press said, “By offering incentives to civil society organizations to establish additional facilities, the Ministry aims to provide seniors with a range of services including social, health, psychological, rehabilitation, and recreational care.”

– Matthew Restrepo

Matthew is based in Milton, GA, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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World Bicycle Relief: Upgrading Lives in Communities Worldwide

World Bicycle ReliefWorld Bicycle Relief provides Buffalo bicycles to people to help improve the quality of life for those in need of transportation. The 2024 Impact Report states that organizations distributed 868,300 bicycles globally. Households reported a 63% increase in access to health care, a 43% rise in monthly income, shorter travel times and a high rate of children staying in school.

The two-wheeled organization started in 2005 after a tsunami in the Indian Ocean struck Southeast Asia. F.K. Day and Leah Missbach Day wanted to help those in the community. They soon came to realize that bicycles upgrade lives. When they were in Southeast Asia, they looked at local bicycles but realized they needed something more durable.

Mobility in Sub-Saharan Africa

In the article “How bicycles support the SDGs in Malawi,” by World Bicycle Relief, it talks about the harsh realities of Malawi and how bicycles upgrade lives. In sub-Saharan Africa, millions of people rely on walking as their primary mode of transportation. Tim Petrie said in a verywell health article, “People biking outside at a moderate speed may travel between 12 and 13.9 miles in one hour, while people walking at a moderate pace typically cover about three miles in an hour.” The Buffalo Bicycle is lightweight, made for travel, can carry significant weight and is “easy to repair.”

“What I love most about the bicycle is that it’s multifunctional,” Noralba said in the “Scaling Bicycle Ownership” section of World Bicycle Relief’s 2024 Impact Report. “I can carry heavy things on the grill, go wherever I want and do everything so much faster.”

Theory and Model

World Bicycle Relief believes that people in poverty can improve their quality of life through bicycles. In the organization’s “Theory of Change” section, it mentioned how bicycles upgrade lives in different ways.

“We work globally in underserved markets with millions of people who lack reliable transportation, creating access to affordable purpose-designed bicycles, mechanics and spare parts so that individuals and communities have independence, access to health care, education and economic opportunities,” it mentioned in the “Our theory of change” section.

The organization mentioned that their mission is propelled through the community. The community can assess its needs and have mechanics. World Bicycle Relief creates partnerships to help communities.

The work of World Bicycle Relief takes place in Asia, Africa and South America. The organization sells its bicycles to different places and uses the profits to fund initiatives.

“Sales from Buffalo Bicycles Ltd. support World Bicycle Relief’s programs, allowing us to deliver greater efficiencies, distribute more bicycles per donation, position for scale and generate deeper, long-term impact where we work.”

Training Local Mechanics

Mechanics go through a five-day program that equips them with essential bicycle maintenance and repair skills. Many mechanics rely on this job as a steady source of income and a path toward a better livelihood.

Darlington Rafael, a mechanic, said, “By living in my parents’ home, I am able to save money while helping them out,” says Darlington, 20. “After I pay my parents, I am able to save about $37 (U.S.) each month. After working for another 4 or 5 years, I’ll be able to pay for my studies!”

He currently travels two hours by bus to get to work to help people. As of 2024, 3,657 mechanics had undergone training. The goal is to train a new mechanic for every 50 to 100 new bicycles added.

Looking Ahead

World Bicycle Relief now supports programs in Tanzania with a focus on strengthening the health sector and reaching people in rural areas who often travel long distances on foot. The organization also introduced a new feature to its bicycles called the Utility S2, designed to reduce rider effort. “If you change the gears, it can go faster, even if you are climbing the mountain,” said a Utility S2 rider from Kenya.

– Matthew Restrepo

Matthew is based in Milton, GA, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Preventing Generational Poverty in the Dominican Republic

Generational Poverty in the Dominican RepublicPreventing generational poverty in the Dominican Republic is a deeply entrenched and complex challenge. Many citizens remain trapped in a cycle of deprivation that is difficult to escape. Humanitarian efforts offer critical support to vulnerable groups, such as children, pregnant women, families and Haitian migrants, through climate action, economic development and education funding. Some programs focus specifically on improving living conditions in the Dominican Republic and helping break the cycle of poverty.

Causes of Generational Poverty

Generational poverty in the Dominican Republic has persisted for decades, fueled by factors such as poor living conditions, the country’s vulnerability to extreme weather and the segregation of Haitian immigrants. Many factors contribute to widespread poverty. When a family struggles to find steady work, care for their children or recover from a hurricane, all while lacking access to essential services, their stability quickly unravels.

Even families living just above the poverty line are vulnerable; one in four will be impacted by natural disasters, forcing them to seek support for education, health care and basic survival. Additionally, limited access to education and health care leaves children deprived and vulnerable. Attending school and living in stable conditions is crucial for their development and helps reduce future poverty and child mortality. Even economically stable families face risk; there is a one in eight chance that natural disasters will severely impact them, potentially pushing them into poverty.

Annually, nearly 1% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) is used to aid those in humanitarian crises, such as natural disasters, poor health and separation from families. It’s a cycle that persists and without humanitarian support, global aid and education funding, breaking it will take far more time. It will place an even greater financial burden on the country.

How It Affects Children’s Daily Life

Children are considered to be one of the most vulnerable groups of people in a community. Without proper nurturing, education, necessities and safety, they become even more susceptible and do not suddenly become more stable or independent as adults. Without proper education, children are also not taught about comprehensive sexual health. As a result, teen pregnancy becomes more common and so do the fatal risks of being pregnant.

Unfortunately, the population of Haitian immigrants in the Dominican Republic faces harsh ridicule and systemic discrimination, not only from employers and peers but also from the government. Haitian children born in the Dominican Republic face discrimination, too, being less likely to be helped by the local government for aid due to a crisis or general poverty.

This is exacerbated by the government’s refusal to give proper identity to these children, not allowing them to access health, minimal education or social benefits. Mass deportation is done to rid Haitian migrants, sending them to Haiti. This causes constant distress for the Haitian community in the Dominican Republic and overall poverty for those who cannot receive help or obtain work. This, in turn, adds to the overall population of those in poverty in the Dominican Republic.

Prevention

Programs like Project HOPE aim to improve the lives of those facing crisis and poverty. It supports the Dominican Republic by reducing maternal and newborn mortality through health worker training and improved medical resources. It also promotes adolescent health via family planning and HIV education and provides migrant women with culturally sensitive care. The charity’s work includes disaster response, like aiding communities affected by Hurricane Fiona with supplies, clean water and training.

Conclusion

The cycle of generational poverty in the Dominican Republic is perpetuated by numerous factors that continue in the country. It prevents an end to discrimination, lack of proper education, lack of enough jobs for citizens, adequate health care for all ages and demographics and proper nutrition. Prioritizing the main issues and making continuous efforts to aid the country as a whole will change the lives of all populations. By addressing these issues, the Dominican Republic could build resilience to climate and health crises and promptly create opportunities for its citizens.

– Paige Eldridge

Paige is based in Van Buren, AK, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Everything To Know About Poverty in El Salvador

Poverty in El SalvadorNestled along the Pacific coast of Central America, El Salvador is a middle-income country home to around 6 million people. Since the establishment of a republican government in 1992, following a decade-long civil war, widespread gang violence and economic turmoil have plagued the country. Nonetheless, poverty rates have consistently declined by a total of 14% from 2000 to 2023, suggesting that El Salvador is trending upwards.

“The world’s coolest dictator,” Nayib Bukele, is attempting to transform El Salvador into a burgeoning digital hub, with Google announcing plans to open offices there in 2024. However, even during this wave of digitization and Bukele’s crackdown on organized crime, poverty in El Salvador remains a major problem.

As of 2023, 30.3% of the population lives in poverty, while 40% of the population lives in a situation of vulnerability. This is everything to know about poverty in El Salvador.

Everything To Know About Poverty in El Salvador

  • The COVID-19 Pandemic Impacted Poverty: The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated economic conditions for many living in poverty. The poorest households lost between $90 to $100 of monthly income during the pandemic, and have yet to recover these wages. Furthermore, the likelihood of falling into poverty grew from 14.4% to 20% during the pandemic and has not decreased since.
  • Changing Weather Patterns are Worsening Poverty: In 2024, heavy flooding interfered with construction and public investment projects, slowing economic growth in El Salvador. The flooding forced almost 4,000 people into shelters and interfered with small-scale agriculture and fishing. This placed the poorest Salvadorans at great risk of food insecurity. Experts estimate that a severe natural disaster in El Salvador could potentially double the number of people living in extreme poverty.
  • Bitcoin and Digitization is Still Inequitable: El Salvador invested heavily in digital projects in order to spark economic growth—adopting Bitcoin as the official currency in 2021—but these investments have not reached some of the most impoverished and rural segments of society. El Salvador ranks last in broadband access among Latin American and Caribbean countries. Additionally, automation threatens the jobs of seven out of 10 El Salvadorans working in poverty, showing the limitations of technological development.
  • Job Opportunities are Poor, Particularly for Women: Job inactivity is acute, as 1.7 million Salvadorans are not seeking a job, while women in El Salvador suffer some of the highest inactivity rates in all of Latin America. Additionally, working age women (ages 20 to 44) suffer higher poverty rates than men, and the gap in these rates is still growing.
  • The Urban-rural Divide Persists: Rural populations experience significantly worse income and job opportunities versus urban populations, as well as access to services such as clean water or sanitation. The extremely poor in rural areas make just $31 per month, while the non-poor in urban areas make $710 per month on average—a massive discrepancy.
  • Education is a Major Hurdle: Salvadorans complete an average of 7.3 years of schooling, but these numbers are much worse for rural areas, at only 5.6 years. Children living in poverty have the lowest rates of literacy and school attendance. Education is a very effective pathway out of poverty, as poverty rates drop to 16% with secondary schooling and only 5% with a university education, but it unfortunately remains inaccessible to many.
  • Remittances Underlie the Salvadoran Economy: El Salvador was in the top 10 countries in the world for the highest flow of remittances in 2023, and the government recently created an e-wallet to help make remittance transfers easier. Salvadorans make up the fourth largest immigrant group in the United States, so much of the money being sent to El Salvador is earned by workers in the U.S. However, remittances can discourage formal employment, meaning a reliance on them could become an obstacle to growth.

Solutions

CLOC-Vía Campesina-El Salvador, a grassroots advocacy group representing peasants, small farmers, indigenous people and other disadvantaged groups, fights for the rural poor in El Salvador. It is tied to the global La Vía Campesina movement, which has connected peasants around the world in a struggle for food sovereignty and security since 1993. CLOC-Vía Campesina-El Salvador is calling on the government for greater credit and funding to rural farmers, phytosanitary programs to eliminate screwworms and integration of rural farmers into local markets. 

The Salvadoran American Humanitarian Foundation (SAHF) operates out of Miami in tandem with its Salvadoran sister group, FUSAL, to combat poverty in El Salvador. The groups focus on childhood development and malnutrition, educational disparities and natural disaster relief. In 2023, they sent an astounding $43 million in humanitarian goods to El Salvador, including glasses, food, wheelchairs, blankets, medicine and oral rehydration packets, which reached more than 100,000 people.

What Is Next for El Salvador?

Although these challenges to ending poverty in El Salvador remain, the country is making major strides towards poverty reduction. Compared to Latin American countries with similar income levels, El Salvador has some of the lowest poverty rates, and income inequality in El Salvador is among the lowest in all of Latin America. Additionally, the country has begun to manage its debt and spending effectively, which qualifies El Salvador to receive a $120 million loan from the IMF. This funding will allow the government to begin addressing some structural causes behind poverty, such as corruption, weak access to credit and low employment. Compared to its peers, El Salvador is on the right track to eradicating poverty, but they still have a lot of work left to get there.

– Max Turnacioglu

Max is based in Bethesda, MD, USA and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Accelerating SDG 1 in South Korea

SDG 1 in South KoreaDespite its status as a high-income country, poverty in South Korea remains a persistent challenge as the country strives to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1, which is to end poverty. However, the newly proposed 2025 budget plan shows potential for significant progress to occur at both the domestic and international levels. Here are some updates on SDG 1 in South Korea.

Tracking Progress on SDG 1 in South Korea

All UN member states adopted the 17 SDGs in 215, which form the backbone of the global 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Since then, South Korea has steadily improved its SDG Index score, reaching 77 out of 100 last year and ranking 33rd among 166 countries according to the Sustainable Development Report 2024.

More specifically, when it comes to SDG 1 in South Korea, the country has managed to reduce the relative poverty rate from 18.5% in 2015 to 14.9%. Going forward, this rate will likely to decline further, especially as the annual living allowance was increased by 1.41 million KRW (approximately $1,000 USD) compared to last year under the new basic livelihood security program.

However, the Sustainable Development Goals Index marks South Korea’s progress on ‘no poverty’ at the stage of ‘challenges remain,’ which means that the country is moderately improving but this is not enough to achieve the goal. Such challenges include old-age poverty. Although it has dropped from 43.6% in 2016, it remains at an alarming rate of 39.8% – the highest among other OECD states. This is particularly troubling considering South Korea’s fast-aging society as more than 20% of the population is now aged 65 or over.

Policies To Tackle Domestic Poverty

In response to these challenges, the 2025 budget proposal lays out measures specifically to address elderly poverty. A major component is the expansion of the Basic Pension Program, which allocates 70% of public transfers to senior citizens as opposed to the significantly smaller proportion of 25.9% in 2016.

The new budget proposal not only aims to tackle elderly poverty but also introduces specific measures targeting various dimensions of poverty in South Korea to support other marginalized groups. For instance, the government plans to increase the number of beneficiaries of disability-related employment incentives from 633,000 to 756,000 by expanding its budget by 6.6%. In addition, the proposal includes the launch of the ‘National Advance Payment System for Child Support,’ which supports single-parent families where child support is unpaid since they are also particularly vulnerable to poverty.

The 2025 budget plan addresses poverty among younger generations as well by increasing the stipend granted to young adults to support them with financial independence. The plan moreover expands the youth work experience program to accommodate 58,000 participants to help with improving job prospects as unemployment is often the root cause of poverty among young adults.

Extending Impact Beyond Borders 

South Korea’s efforts to alleviate poverty extend beyond its borders. Since its reclassification as a developed country in 2021, South Korea has expanded its role in international development. The 2025 budget plan allocates 6.5 trillion KRW (approximately $4.8 billion USD) in Official Development Assistance – a 3.8% increase from last year. The country has also joined the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, further solidifying its commitment to addressing poverty in developing countries.

In addition to financial support, the country is also sharing its own experience in addressing poverty in South Korea and the development model they used. One example is the Saemaul Undong (New Village Movement) Project which is now adapted into overseas Saemaul Projects. These rural development programs based on Korea’s own transformation in the 1970s now support 42 villages in 10 countries, helping establish community infrastructure and improve agricultural productivity. By focusing on empowering local communities, these initiatives allow sustainable economic growth that breaks the cycle of poverty.

Looking Ahead

As a former aid recipient that is now a donor state, South Korea shows how efforts through social policy and international cooperation can lead to real progress. Although SDG 1 in South Korea has yet to be fully achieved, the 2025 budget plan, with its expanded support for vulnerable groups and initiatives for international development, marks a significant step toward the goal of ‘no poverty.’

– Lucy Cho

Lucy is based in Edinburgh, Scotland and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Poverty in Tajikistan: The Impact of Remittances

Poverty in Tajikistan: The Impact of Remittances The Republic of Tajikistan – a landlocked country bordered by Kyrgyzstan, China, Afghanistan and Uzbekistan – is the smallest country in Central Asia. Although rich in natural resources, Tajikistan remains the region’s poorest country, with more than 2 million people living on less than $3.65 per day. Economic growth, driven largely by remittances, contributed to a decline in the poverty rate by around 9% in 2024, with GDP growth estimated at 8.4%. While these gains are encouraging, remittances alone cannot ensure long-term stability and ongoing efforts are necessary to improve living standards.

Remittances and Poverty in Tajikistan

Remittances—monetary transfers made by migrants working abroad—play a central role in Tajikistan’s economy. In 2024, remittances accounted for nearly half of the country’s GDP, with most funds sent by Tajik citizens working in Russia. These transfers help cover essential needs and drive domestic consumption. Tajikistan experienced an economic growth rate that averaged above 7% over the last decade, reducing the number of people living in poverty from 32% of the population in 2009 to around 9% in 2024. While estimates from 2023 suggested that more than 20% of Tajiks were still living in poverty, the decline in 2024 was particularly stark.

Although remittances have been effective in reducing poverty by bolstering private consumption and imports. The country’s reliance on economic success in other nations leaves its fragile economy vulnerable to disturbances and crises. As a result, endurable systemic changes within the country are critical to ensuring improved conditions for those experiencing poverty in Tajikistan.

Sustainable Development Strategies

In its National Development Strategy, the Government of Tajikistan set a goal to double or triple domestic incomes between 2016 and 2030; however, reaching this target will require a changed economic growth model centered around a dynamic private sector. Tajikistan maintains strong potential for economic growth due to a younger, growing population and the country’s potential for success in profitable sectors, such as agriculture, food processing, water, hydropower and tourism. In addition, the country is abundant in valuable natural resources and minerals like petroleum and natural gas, aluminum, gold, silver and limestone. The Tajik Aluminium Company (TALCO), one of Central Asia’s largest producers, is a major contributor to the national economy.

Despite this, weak institutions and limited business infrastructure continue to hinder growth. Labor force utilization remains the lowest in the region at just 44%, suggesting that many citizens are underemployed or unable to access productive jobs. To address these challenges, investments in education, transportation and digital infrastructure are key. Improving access to finance, strengthening energy sector efficiency and promoting inclusive economic competition can also support job creation and long-term poverty alleviation.

Looking Ahead

For 2025, the World Bank projects 6.5% GDP growth and an 8.2% decline in the poverty rate. While these numbers are promising, rising global uncertainty poses risks to economic improvement in the region. Officials can potentially expedite reforms in the private and public sectors to support job growth and remedy longstanding poverty in Tajikistan. Strengthening institutions, improving economic resilience and expanding access to opportunity could help ensure that recent gains in poverty reduction are not only maintained but expanded.

– Erin Hellhake

Erin s based in Old Bridge, NJ, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr