Archive for category: Poverty Reduction

Information and stories about poverty reduction.

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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

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Catalonia’s UBI Program: A Bold Strategy for Poverty Reduction

Catalonia’s UBI ProgramIn 2024, Catalonia launched one of Europe’s most ambitious Universal Basic Income (UBI) initiatives. The year 2025 marks the first full year of its UBI pilot program, with 5,000 residents receiving unconditional monthly payments of $906 for adults and $400 for children. Catalonia’s UBI program reflects a growing interest in new economic security solutions across Europe. It aims to reduce poverty while improving mental health and employment flexibility.

The Government of Catalonia tasked the Office of the Pilot Plan for UBI with managing the two-year experiment. The team selected the 5,000 participants from two groups: 2,500 randomly chosen across Catalonia and 2,500 residents of two lower-income villages. The pilot aims to assess the effects of unconditional cash distributions on various social and economic outcomes, which do not replace any existing benefits. This approach allows for a comparative analysis to determine the true efficacy of unconditional income in improving social and economic conditions.

Results Are Yet To Be Seen

The Catalan government has not released any official outcome data. A comprehensive evaluation of Catalonia’s UBI program will occur in 2026 when researchers assess income changes, employment, health and well-being across recipients and a designated control group. Sociologist Sergi Raventós, who initially implemented the program, emphasized, “This is the first time something like this has been done anywhere in the world.”

In an interview with InfoLibre, Raventós spoke about his belief that UBI should serve as a central redistributive tool for the 21st-century welfare state. He has also previously stated that recipients of UBI often report lower stress and greater freedom to make meaningful life decisions. Results from other UBI programs back up this assertion. However, given the novelty of Catalonia’s pilot program, such results remain impossible to predict before the release of official data.

Learning From Global Examples

Catalonia’s UBI program builds on lessons from earlier UBI trials around the world. From 2017 to 2018, Finland tested a UBI pilot that gave 2,000 unemployed people $635 monthly. Although the funds didn’t significantly impact employment rates, participants experienced reduced anxiety, higher life satisfaction and increased confidence. Many used the income to invest in personal projects, such as starting businesses, volunteering or focusing on education.

Similarly, in the United States, the SEED program in Stockton, California, gave 125 people $500 per month for two years. Recipients found full-time jobs at double the rate of non-recipients and reported improved emotional health. These findings suggest that UBI can enhance well-being, even without major effects on employment outcomes.

However, Catalonia’s pilot program is unique in its effort’s scale and duration. The program includes a larger sample size, higher monthly payments and a design that reaches urban and rural communities. The Catalan team is also collaborating with academics to ensure rigorous evaluation to help determine whether UBI improves recipients’ quality of life across various metrics.

Implications for Global Poverty Strategy

The results of Catalonia’s UBI program may likely influence poverty policy across the globe. Governments in South Korea, Kenya and Brazil have also explored unconditional payments, though few programs match Catalonia’s scope.

The Catalan program’s results will provide more substantive data on whether direct cash support helps people escape cycles of low-income instability. As cost-of-living crises grow worldwide, Catalonia’s experiment could change how countries think about poverty, security and the role of government in economic planning and dignity.

– Kelsey Eisen

Kelsey is based in San Francisco, CA, USA and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Life After the Volcano: Montserrat Rebuilding Efforts

Montserrat Rebuilding EffortsNearly three decades after the Soufrière Hills volcano erupted in 1995, transforming the lush Caribbean island of Montserrat into a disaster zone, the scars remain etched in both the landscape and the lives of its people. Between 1995 and 1997, eruptions buried the capital, Plymouth, in ash and lava, displacing more than two-thirds of the population and rendering vast swaths of land uninhabitable.

Today, Montserrat rebuilding efforts continue to affect thousands of residents, who face persistent poverty, limited resources and the weight of long-term displacement.

The Lingering Impact of the Soufrière Hills Eruption

The volcano’s devastation destroyed key infrastructure, including roads, utilities and government buildings. According to the Montserrat Statistics Department, more than 60% of the island’s population was forced to evacuate permanently. Those who stayed faced the challenge of resettling in the island’s northern part, which had limited infrastructure at the time.

The economic collapse that followed was severe. The World Bank reported that Montserrat’s gross domestic product (GDP) fell more than significantly in the immediate aftermath of the eruptions. As of 2022, about 36% of Montserrat’s residents live below the poverty line.

Montserrat’s Long Road to Recovery and Housing Stability

Housing insecurity remains a major issue in Montserrat’s rebuilding efforts. Many families still live in transitional shelters or informal homes lacking adequate weatherproofing or sanitation. The Post-Disaster Needs Assessment conducted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in 2021 identified housing rehabilitation and expansion as a top priority.

International aid has played a vital role in tackling these issues. The Joint SDG Fund, in partnership with the Government of Montserrat, supports projects targeting poverty reduction, workforce development and sustainable housing. Similarly, the Montserrat Budget Support Programme, backed by the U.K.’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, has helped maintain essential services and fund housing projects in the north.

The COVID-19 pandemic deepened economic hardship and food insecurity. In response, the UNDP issued emergency grants to farmers and fishers to support food production during lockdowns. Still, Montserrat rebuilding efforts remain slow. Construction costs, limited access to credit and climate-related risks continue to challenge progress. However, the Former Premier of Montserrat, Joseph Farrell, has emphasized the need for resilient housing models to withstand future shocks.

Despite obstacles, Montserrat’s people have shown resilience. Civic groups, returning diaspora members and entrepreneurs are working to revitalize communities and small businesses. The Montserrat Sustainable Development Plan outlines goals for economic diversification and infrastructure growth. 

A Path Toward Long-Term Recovery

Montserrat’s experience is a stark example of how small island nations face compounded risks from natural disasters, poverty and limited resources. The island’s slow but steady recovery highlights the importance of long-term investment, disaster resilience and community-driven planning.

“The resilience of the Montserratian people is unmatched,” said U.N. Resident Coordinator Didier Trebucq in a recent visit. “But to truly rebuild, we must continue supporting efforts that prioritize equity, sustainability and local leadership.”

While the volcano still lingers beneath the surface, so does the enduring hope of a resilient, more secure Montserrat.

– Giovanni Garcia

Giovanni is based in Long Beach, CA, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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5 Countries Leading the Fight Against Poverty – And Winning

Fight Against PovertyAround the world, many developing and emerging countries are leading the fight against poverty. Among them, some are achieving remarkable success through innovative strategies.

China 

China has recently made significant investments in rural infrastructure to connect remote populations to economic opportunities, with the ultimate goal of reducing poverty. Between 2006 and 2015, the country, with the support of the World Bank, rehabilitated approximately 1,299 roads. These projects have directly benefited more than 1.3 million people by improving their connectivity and access to essential services. These infrastructure improvements not only enhance access to these essential services but also facilitate economic growth by linking rural areas to larger markets, enabling local businesses to thrive.

Beyond road rehabilitation, China has implemented several other initiatives to enhance rural infrastructure and lead the fight against poverty. For instance, investments in irrigation and drainage facilities have directly improved agricultural production conditions. This is enabling farmers to adjust crop structures, develop large-scale breeding programs and engage in processing and non-agricultural industries, thereby reducing poverty.

Bangladesh

Bangladesh has made significant strides in education and workforce development, increasing literacy rates and creating new job opportunities. The country, still one of the neediest in the world, has been making notable progress through two key areas: education and workforce development. In terms of education, Bangladesh has seen significant improvements in its literacy rate. In 2021, the country’s literacy rate reached 76.36% (15 years old and above), reflecting a 1.45% increase from 2020. This improvement demonstrates the nation’s ongoing efforts to boost educational access and quality.

In addition to its focus on education, Bangladesh has prioritized job creation, with significant growth in the tourism sector. As the industry expands, it is driving the creation of jobs across various fields, “including hospitality, transportation, food services, handicrafts and retail.” This tourism growth is contributing to both economic development and job opportunities, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

Ethiopia 

Ethiopia has been focusing on agricultural development, exemplified by the Agricultural Growth Program. This program has enabled more than 700,000 farmers to benefit from the initiative, leading to a 25% revenue increase. Farmers’ productivity has risen by approximately 10%, contributing to poverty reduction and economic stability in these remote communities.

Furthermore, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) collaborates with the Ethiopian government to enhance the population’s living conditions, focusing on agricultural productivity, food security and rural development. IFAD supports smallholder farmers, pastoralists and agro-pastoralists with loans, helping them purchase the necessary equipment to enhance their productivity and escape the cycle of poverty.

Vietnam

Vietnam’s economic reforms and trade liberalization have created millions of jobs and boosted growth. The country was once among the most impoverished in the world. However, its government has achieved remarkable economic growth relatively quickly. Thanks to the Doi Moi campaign, which focused primarily on agricultural reforms, land was redistributed among small farmers, significantly boosting farm productivity and improving food security. This transformation helped lift millions out of poverty and laid the foundation for broader economic development.

However, the reforms extended beyond agriculture. The government implemented measures to reduce the budget deficit, stabilize the economy and attract foreign investment. A key objective was to integrate Vietnam into the global economy by promoting trade liberalization and joining international organizations such as the World Trade Organization (WTO). These efforts led to a surge in exports, the expansion of the manufacturing sector and the creation of millions of jobs, positioning Vietnam as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.

Rwanda

Rwanda has made significant progress toward achieving universal health care, ensuring that even its most vulnerable citizens can access essential medical services. Since the 1994 genocide, the country has significantly improved health care access, a fact that was evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, when 82% of the population received at least one dose of the vaccine within two years.

Moreover, Rwanda has prioritized the expansion of health care infrastructure to improve accessibility. Since August 2021, the Ministry of Health has established 1,179 health posts nationwide, particularly in underserved communities.

In conclusion, these countries demonstrate that targeted investments in infrastructure, education, agriculture, health care and economic reform can drive significant progress in the fight against poverty. Their diverse strategies offer valuable lessons for other developing nations striving to build more inclusive and resilient economies.

– Eléonore Bonnaterre

Eléonore Bonnaterre is based in London and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Which Is More Severe Urban or Rural Poverty?

Urban or Rural PovertyApproximately 700 million people worldwide currently live in poor conditions. “More than three-quarters of the global extreme [impoverished] lived in rural areas in 2022” and more than half live in rural sub-Saharan Africa. Rural areas typically have a higher extreme poverty rate than urban areas. There is an 11% difference in urban and rural poverty rates, with the rural poverty rate being 16% and the urban poverty rate being 5%. In contrast, in other regions, such as Sub-Saharan Africa, the rural poverty rate is 26% higher, 46%, than the urban poverty rate, which is 20%.

Rural Poverty

Rural areas are typically defined as regions outside towns and cities, often called the countryside. They consist of open land for farming, villages or towns with fewer buildings and a low population. With a lower population density and a heavy dependence on the agricultural industry, rural areas are necessary to a country’s overall landscape. They contribute to providing food, natural resources and a sense of community.

Rural poverty is defined as “residents of non-urbanized areas or non-urban clusters who earn below the income threshold” in their country. Despite impactful contributions, rural populations do not have comfortable access to healthcare facilities, transportation and education services. Residents have fewer options for resources, resulting in them struggling to seek help or improve their situation. Several rural tenants do not have a secured income because they are either unemployed or participate in seasonal work due to a short supply of job offers.

Urban Poverty

Urban areas are cities, towns and suburbs with high population density. They have many apartment buildings, public transit and telecommunications. Most urban residents work non-agricultural jobs. Metropolitan areas are crossroads of economic activity, cultural exchange and innovation, offering support systems in fast-paced environments and meeting the population’s needs.

Urban poverty is “residents of urbanized areas (50,000+ people) or urban clusters (2,500-50,000 people) who earn below the income threshold” of their country. While there are support systems for the urban population, many individuals struggle with finances because of inadequate housing, inaccessibility to education and healthcare, unemployment and high exposure to environmental hazards such as natural disasters or air pollution.

Is Urban or Rural Poverty More Severe?

Urban and rural poverty have their complexities. Rural poverty is more hidden and persistent within the countryside community, while urban poverty is more visible and acute. The majority of the neediest individuals live in rural areas, but an estimated 200 million people in urban regions experience poverty. “Many issues faced by urban poverty mirror those experienced in rural poverty, such as limited or no access to education and healthcare” in countries like India, China and Nigeria.

Urban and rural inhabitants have key differences in economic opportunities, infrastructure and services, social isolation, overcrowding and cost of living. The rural economy is strongly related to agriculture, mining and small businesses. In contrast, the urban economy relies on job markets, including manufacturing, services and technology. In rural geographical locations and small neighborhoods, individuals do not receive as much social support as in urban societies that contain social networks. Therefore, rural poverty is more severe than urban poverty due to the “difficulties in infrastructural access/fundamental service limitations in running economic activities.”

The Future

Rural poverty is expected to decline, while urban poverty may persist. In 2030, rural poverty will decrease by 26% to 293 million from 395 million and urban poverty will decrease from 203 million to 200 million. Poverty-reduction bills like the Global Malnutrition Prevention and Treatment Act confront both forms of poverty so everyone can live a standard life with food and health care resources.

– Makayla Johnson

Makayla is based in Cary, NC, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Freepik