Archive for category: Poverty Reduction

Information and stories about poverty reduction.

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Ray of Hope for Visually Impaired Women in Afghanistan

Women in AfghanistanAfghanistan, a country in Central Asia, has been affected by conflict for at least five decades. Years of war have not only destroyed the country’s infrastructure but have also had a profound impact on the physical and mental health of its inhabitants, as well as deteriorated the human rights situation, especially for women in Afghanistan.

Disabilities in Afghanistan

The prevalence of disabilities in Afghanistan has seen a significant increase, primarily attributed to the ongoing conflict, widespread destruction and the lack of accessible medical facilities. The 2019 Model Disability Survey revealed that around 80% of the population aged 18 and above experiences some form of disability, with women disproportionately affected, experiencing a 14.9% higher impact compared to men. Afghanistan has one of the highest numbers of people with any form of disability per capita in the world. This situation is exacerbated by widespread poverty, limited access to education and health care, minimal job opportunities and cultural stigmatization.

Visual Impairment

A report published by The Fred Hollows Foundation has estimated that 1.5 million individuals in Afghanistan are living with some form of visual impairment, with 600,000 of them experiencing complete blindness. A report published in The Kabul Times has indicated that many of these individuals are women. This data underscores the significant impact of visual impairment, particularly among women, in Afghanistan.

In Afghanistan, women face substantial discrimination. They are particularly vulnerable due to limited access to education, minimal job opportunities and economic freedom. These challenges are exacerbated when women also have a disability, as they face even greater levels of marginalization and discrimination in the form of physical and emotional abuse and social isolation.

Ray of Hope

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), in partnership with the Welfare Association for the Development of Afghanistan (WADAN), has launched a project in two provinces in eastern Afghanistan. The project focuses on teaching braille, basic math and essential life skills such as cooking and using a cane. Additionally, the project provides psychosocial counseling to empower women to address daily societal challenges and confront violence. In 2022, the project benefited 90 women, with another 200 women currently enrolled, offering them hope for the future. UNHCR and WADAN plan to expand the program further.

The Rayhab School for Children with Disabilities is another initiative supporting disabled Afghans. The school offers primary education, food and transportation for blind, deaf and speech-impaired boys and girls from impoverished families in Kabul. The school welcomes more than 400 children daily, with 40% of them being girls.

The current efforts to address the situation in Afghanistan are commendable, yet they are insufficient compared to the enormity of the issue. Despite this, they serve as a beacon of hope for millions impacted. 

– Maria Waleed

Maria is based in Yokohama, Japan and focuses on Good News, Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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5 Organizations Improving Lives in Georgia

5 Organizations Improving Lives in GeorgiaGeorgia, straddling Eastern Europe and Western Asia, boasts a rich history and cultural heritage but faces substantial socio-economic challenges. The country struggles with persistent poverty, as many families barely meet basic needs due to scarce economic opportunities. High unemployment, especially among young people, perpetuates poverty and curtails opportunities for future generations. In rural areas, access to quality health care is severely limited by the scarcity of medical facilities and professionals. Although education is highly valued, it often receives insufficient funding, leading to a lack of resources and support for students and teachers. Here are five organizations improving lives in Georgia by providing essential services, fostering economic growth and improving living conditions.

The United Nations Children’s Fund Georgia

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Georgia focuses on improving the lives of children and their families through various programs in health, education and child protection. The organization’s initiatives include comprehensive immunization campaigns to combat preventable diseases, early childhood development programs that foster healthy growth and learning from a young age and efforts to ensure access to quality education for all children. UNICEF’s targeted interventions have not only significantly reduced child mortality rates but also led to improved educational outcomes, such as higher school enrollment and literacy rates, for thousands of children across the country.

Caritas Georgia

Caritas Georgia, part of the global Caritas network, provides humanitarian assistance and social services to vulnerable populations, including those affected by poverty and social exclusion. Its programs encompass health care services such as medical check-ups and emergency treatment, social inclusion projects that promote community integration and specialized support for the elderly and disabled. By operating multiple centers that offer medical care, vocational training and food assistance, Caritas Georgia helps individuals and families overcome adversity, improve their quality of life and achieve long-term stability and self-sufficiency.

World Vision Georgia

World Vision Georgia is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of children, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, through targeted interventions in education, child protection and economic development. The organization’s community-based programs not only advocate for child rights but also provide essential educational support, such as school supplies and scholarships and empower families with economic opportunities like microloans and job training. These ongoing efforts foster resilience and self-sufficiency among families, enabling them to build a better future for their children and improve overall community well-being.

Georgia Red Cross Society

The Georgia Red Cross Society is committed to delivering emergency response, health services and support to vulnerable groups across the country. The organization’s activities include disaster preparedness and response initiatives that equip communities to handle natural and man-made emergencies, first aid training to enhance public safety and social assistance programs that address immediate needs such as food and shelter. By playing a critical role in disaster management and community resilience, the organization ensures that those in need receive timely and effective support, helping to mitigate the impact of crises on affected populations.

Caucasus Environmental NGO Network

Caucasus Environmental NGO Network (CENN) focuses on environmental protection and sustainable development in the South Caucasus region, addressing pressing environmental challenges through a variety of initiatives. Its work includes reforestation projects that restore degraded landscapes and improve air quality, sustainable waste management practices that reduce pollution and promote recycling and environmental education programs that raise awareness about conservation issues. By advocating for eco-friendly practices and engaging communities in environmental stewardship, CENN contributes to the preservation of Georgia’s natural resources and the promotion of sustainable livelihoods for future generations.

Looking Ahead

These organizations and many more exemplify the power of dedicated, compassionate interventions in improving lives and communities in Georgia. Through their diverse programs and unwavering commitment, they address critical needs such as health care, education, economic development and environmental protection, fostering sustainable development and creating a brighter and more inclusive future for all Georgians.

– Benjamin DeMarais

Benjamin is based in Rogers, MN, USA and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Poverty and Diversifying Production in India

Diversifying Production in IndiaDiversification of production implies a shift from crop farming to nonfarming activities. Diversifying production in India has employed millions of small and marginal farmers. It has helped them navigate sustainable ways of making a livelihood. Nonfarming activities, including but not limited to animal husbandry, fisheries and horticulture farming, have been sustaining farmers in India throughout the years by serving as alternative sources of income.

Animal Husbandry

Animal Husbandry, also known as livestock farming, refers to the rearing of animals for meat, hide, milk and other products. India has one of the largest livestock populations in the world, serving as an alternative source of sustenance for a large number of farmers throughout the country. More than 20 million workers in India are engaged in livestock farming and 87.7% of livestock is owned by “farmers of marginal, small and semi-medium operational holdings.”

Under the Government of India, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying incentivizes subsidies to farmers to set up their own livestock farms and gain more income. Since a large portion of India’s farming population is multidimensionally poor, it is advantageous for them to indulge in livestock farming because livestock can be reared by extremely low-income families as well.

The only risks involved in animal husbandry are the chances of livestock diseases. Though many diseases affecting livestock are curable, the focus of treatment is mostly on larger livestock and smaller livestock is often ignored. However, steps are being taken by the government and other charitable organizations to immunize livestock by employing women to nurse them back to good health without farmers having to incur any extra costs.

Fisheries

Fishing is a large-scale activity in India and employs more than 28 million people nationwide, “especially [those from] marginalized and vulnerable communities.” As of 2024, under the administration of the Department of Fisheries, more than 26,000 fishing facilities, 6,498 replacement boats, 586 cold storages and 720 Fish Farmers Producers Organizations (FFPOs), among others, have been approved by the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).

The PMMSY was established in 2020 to regulate the functioning of the fisheries sector in India. The Department of Fisheries has also approved more than 59,000 fisher families to get “livelihood and nutritional support during fishing ban/lean period.” Alongside this, the Department also supports farmers during circumstances of loss of fish stock due to natural calamities.

Horticulture

Approximately 43% of India’s population is employed in the agricultural sector. Horticulture is a type of agriculture that encompasses the farming of fruits, vegetables and ornamental plants. The horticulture sector in India “provides alternate rural employment opportunities, diversification in farm activities and enhanced income to farmers.” Transitioning from agriculture to horticulture is, however, a difficult task for farmers because horticulture happens to be labor-intensive and therefore entails more capital requirements.

Government schemes like the Operations Greens help farmers overcome this burden by assuring Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their produce, which would thereby “help to a great extent in shielding farmers from external variables.” The focus is placed on increasing farmers’ incomes by guiding the gains of their horticultural produce.

Additional Remarks

In 2018-19, the Government of India extended credit facilities to fish farmers and animal husbandry farmers, enabling them to meet their working capital requirements. Such efforts by the government and other organizations have helped uplift farmers from a bare minimum to a more comfortable flow of income. Diversifying production in India through the three sectors mentioned above significantly contributes to the growth of the Indian economy. It simultaneously serves as an additional means of rural employment.

– Adya Umesh

Adya is based in Bangalore, Karnataka, India and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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The Path to Poverty Reduction in South Korea

Poverty Reduction in South KoreaSouth Korea has adopted a long-term, comprehensive, multifaceted approach to reducing poverty, integrating government initiatives, technological innovations and international cooperation. These strategies have resulted in significant improvements in the country’s economy, education and infrastructure, making South Korea “the 12th largest economy in the world.” Here is information about poverty reduction in South Korea.

Economic Growth and Poverty

Since the end of the Korean War, South Korea’s economy has expanded, turning it from a low-income nation into a major player in the world economy. According to the World Bank, South Korea’s real gross domestic product (GDP) increased by an average of 5.7% each year between 1980 and 2023. Moreover, its gross national income (GNI) per capita swiftly advanced from $67 in the early 1950s to $33,745 in 2023.

South Korea faces challenges in addressing relative poverty, especially among senior citizens. The Human Rights Measurement Initiative (HRMI) ranks the country among the bottom three OECD countries in terms of relative poverty rates. For people aged 65 and older, South Korea has the highest relative poverty rate in the OECD.

Human Rights and Social Outcomes

On the other hand, the HRMI gives South Korea a positive score in ensuring basic rights such as food and health for its people. The right to food is 97.3% of what should be possible with South Korea’s GDP per capita, indicating that the majority of the population has adequate access to food, according to the HRMI.

However, the organization also notes that the right to work is less adequately addressed, with South Korea scoring only 74.4% of its potential in ensuring employment. This disparity is due to the high rate of relative poverty and the significant gap between regular and non-regular workers.

Government Policies and Welfare Programs

In recent decades, poverty reduction in South Korea has become more prevalent largely due to various government policies on enhancing social welfare and labor reforms. Social spending has increased significantly, quadrupling as a percentage of GDP from 1990 to 2015. The current administration has continued this trend by raising the minimum wage and expanding welfare budgets, according to the HRMI.

However, South Korea’s social spending still remains relatively low compared to other countries in the OECD. According to the HRMI, social spending in 2020 was only 10.4% of GDP, far below the OECD average of 21.6%.

According to the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the South Korean government has implemented various initiatives to stabilize the economy through fiscal policies, regulatory reforms and measures to manage inflation and stabilize prices. These policies create an environment that is conducive to business growth and job creation.

Expansion of Social Safety Nets

South Korea’s efforts to expand its welfare programs since the late 20th century have continued to this day. These enhanced safety nets aim to provide comprehensive economic support and safeguards to vulnerable populations. In particular, many of these programs focus on providing tailored health care, pension benefits and direct financial aid to senior citizens and rural residents, promoting equitable growth and development.

However, despite the expansion of these safety nets, relative poverty among vulnerable populations in South Korea remains an issue to this day. For example, the 2022 OECD Economic Survey of Korea reports that the average pension paid by the National Pension Service was only the equivalent of a third of the country’s minimum wage. Such factors have contributed to the ongoing high rate of relative poverty found by the HRMI in South Koreans aged 65 and older.

The international dimension of South Korea’s poverty reduction strategy applies active participation in global economic forums and hosting significant events like the World Bank’s 21st International Development Association (IDA) replenishment meeting. In only six decades, with the help of the IDA and World Bank, South Korea has transformed from an IDA recipient to a contributor that is now positioned to support the development of other countries.

The Future

South Korea’s journey from a war-torn nation to an economic giant is a testament to its resilience and effective policy-making. The government’s integrative approach to reducing poverty within the country through innovative policy-making, technological advancements and international cooperation has demonstrated rapid success.

However, there is still room for further improvement. The ongoing refinement and expansion of South Korea’s social spending, labor reforms and targeted poverty alleviation programs are still essential to ensuring sustainable poverty reduction in South Korea and improving the social outcomes for all its people.

– Sophia Lee

Sophia is based in Media, PA, USA and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Alleviating Poverty in Honduras

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

Water Crisis and Educational Challenges

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

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

Government Initiatives Alleviating Poverty in Hondorus

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

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

Nonprofit Initiatives

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

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

Looking Ahead

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

– Madeline Rozmus

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

Photo: Flickr

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Mali’s Sugu Yiriwa Market

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

Sugu Yiriwa Market

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

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

Its Impacts

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

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

Looking Ahead

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

– Dorothy Howard

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

Photo: Flickr

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5 Poverty Fighting Nongovernmental Organizations Based in India

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

End Poverty

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

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

Aarohan

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

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

Dilasa

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

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

Vimochana

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

Rainbow Homes Program

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

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

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

– Abigail Lobo

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

Photo: Unsplash

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How Ethnic Tourism In China Is Alleviating Poverty

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

The Hunan Province

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

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

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

The Yunnan Province

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

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

Socio-Economic Transformations in Lijiang

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

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

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

Looking Forward

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

– Dorothy Howard

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

Photo: Flickr

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Water Poverty in Zimbabwe: Save the Children’s Approach

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

The Water Problem

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

Save the Children’s Efforts

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

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

Empowering Communities Through Water Access

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

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

Looking Forward

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

– Cordelia Moore

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

Photo: Flickr

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Energy in Suriname: Reducing Energy Poverty

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

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

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

Overview of Energy in Suriname

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

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

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

Opportunities With Oil and Gas

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

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

– William Galante

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

Photo: Wikimedia Commons