Archive for category: Technology

Information and stories about technology news.

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Fog Harvesting Technology and Clean Water in Rural Morocco

fog harvesting technologyFog harvesting technology in rural Morocco is helping address water scarcity in some of the country’s most arid and isolated communities. In rural Morocco, limited rainfall, scarce groundwater resources, and the effects of extreme weather patterns have made access to clean drinking water a long-standing challenge. By capturing moisture from fog and converting it into usable water, fog harvesting technology in rural Morocco is providing a sustainable solution for families in need. Dar Si Hmad has been central to developing and expanding this innovation.

How Fog Harvesting Technology Works

Fog harvesting technology uses large vertical mesh nets to capture tiny water droplets from fog. As wind passes through the nets, moisture condenses on the fibers, forming larger droplets that flow downward into collection channels. The collected water is then filtered and stored for household use, including drinking, cooking and sanitation.

According to Dar Si Hmad, the system deployed in southwestern Morocco is the largest operational fog-collection network in North Africa. The organization explains that the technology relies on consistent fog patterns in mountainous coastal regions, making it especially effective in the Anti-Atlas area. As described in project research materials, “The research aims to optimize fog collection means and create strong, self- sufficient nets that can withstand extremely hard conditions.” This reflects ongoing efforts to improve durability and efficiency in extreme environments while expanding access to clean water in rural communities.

Fog Harvesting in the Anti-Atlas Mountains

One of the most significant implementations of fog-harvesting technology in rural Morocco is in the Ait Baamrane region of the Anti-Atlas Mountains.

Dar Si Hmad described the fog-harvesting system in southwestern Morocco is described by Dar Si Hmad as “the largest functioning fog collection project in the world,” which has brought “positive transformations to the communities, particularly the women, and the environment.” The project uses CloudFisher technology at Mount Boutmezguida to capture fog and supply water to nearby villages, supporting both climate adaptation and local development.

Social and Economic Impacts

Procedia Engineering highlights the broader impacts of fog harvesting in rural Morocco. The study explains that the fogwater harvesting initiative “provides a holistic approach to addressing complex development challenges” and that it “delivers potable water to hundreds of rural residents who have never had running water.”The research further emphasizes that the project combines engineering innovation with community participation to improve water access, reduce poverty, and support sustainable development in underserved regions.

The project has had a significant impact on women in rural communities. According to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Dar Si Hmad is a “women-led NGO in Morocco” that designed and installed “the world’s largest operational fogwater harvesting system.” The organization also reports that Dar Si Hmad’s female team leaders have conducted more than 20 capacity-building workshops with rural berber women to promote literacy and income-generating projects. By training female villagers to monitor and maintain the fogwater system, the initiative strengthens local participation and empowers women as managers of water resources in climate-vulnerable regions.

Benefits for Women and Children

A major impact of fog harvesting technology in rural Morocco is the reduction in the time spent collecting water. In many rural communities, women and girls are traditionally responsible for this task, often walking long distances daily.

With the fog water system installed closer to villages, women and girls do not have the burden of long daily walks for water. According to Procedia Engineering, the project helps “free women and children from the time-consuming chore of collecting water” and contributes to the “Release of young girls from water gathering chores, enhancing the possibility they will attend school.” This shift can improve gender equity and create more opportunities for education and community development.

Health and Environmental Benefits

Access to clean water from fog harvesting systems has also improved public health outcomes. Reliable drinking water reduces exposure to waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, which disproportionately affects children in rural areas.

In addition, fog harvesting technology in rural Morocco is environmentally sustainable. The UNFCCC describes the project as “an environmentally friendly water source to combat the effects of desertification.” Powered in part by solar panels and requiring little energy to operate, the system offers a cost-effective and low-impact solution for water-scarce regions facing the effects of extreme weather patterns

Fog harvesting technology demonstrates how an innovative, low-cost solution can address critical water shortages in vulnerable regions. Through the efforts of Dar Si Hmad and local communities, fog is being transformed into a reliable source of clean drinking water. This technology not only improves health and reduces daily burdens but also strengthens education, economic opportunity, and climate resilience in rural Morocco.

– Grelby Santos

Grelby is based in Boston, MA, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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From Seeds to Market With the DeHaat App

dehaatFounded in 2012 by university graduates Shashank Kumar, Amrendra Singh, Adarsh Srivastav and Shyam Sundar Singh, DeHaat is a digital platform designed to support farmers across India. Today, it serves more than 1.4 million users by offering a range of services including: “frequent crop reminders, voice calls in regional languages, crop advisories, weather reports, and local mandi (market) rates.”

By combining technology with agriculture, DeHaat is helping to modernize the farming sector through modern agrotech solutions for farmers, making information and resources far more accessible. In doing so, the app is simultaneously helping farmers increase crop productivity and secure better prices for their produce.

The following sections outline the key features of the app and how each one of them contributes to reducing poverty and promoting long-term economic stability.

Crop Insurance

One of the most significant advantages of this app is its provision of crop insurance, which plays a critical role in alleviating poverty among farmers. A major challenge in the Indian agricultural sector is the impact of extreme weather events on harvests.  In India, since 2020, floods, storms or hailstorms have damaged“[…] 1.32 million acres – nearly seven times the size of New York City.”

Such losses could be devastating and force farmers to restart from the beginning, wiping out their income and pushing them deeper into financial insecurity. However, through integrated insurance services, DeHaat provides a vital financial safety net. This support ensures that farmers are not left without resources in times of crisis, helping them recover quickly and stabilise their income.

Therefore, by protecting farmers against unpredictable losses, the platform not only strengthens agricultural resistance but also promotes long-term economic security, making it a potent tool in the broader effort to reduce rural poverty.

Weather Alerts

Similar to its insurance feature, the app’s frequent weather alerts also play a key role in alleviating poverty. By providing timely meteorological updates and guidance for different stages of the growing season, farmers are able to plan ahead more effectively. This allows them to choose the right crops for specific conditions, allowing them to plant produce at optimal times.

For instance, if a storm is forecast to reach their farmland, farmers can prepare by fortifying crops or adjusting their harvesting schedule to minimize damage. These proactive decisions could help reduce crop losses, ensuring the farmer retains more of their income and produce.

Consequently, these agritech solutions for farmers could help lower the risks associated with unpredictable weather. DeHaat helps farmers to maintain more consistent earnings, reducing farmers’ vulnerability to condition-induced poverty over time.

Farm Tagging and Connect with Experts

A third significant feature of the app is its ability to directly and swiftly connect rural farmers with expert agriculture advice. Through the Dehaat platform, farmers can access guidance on critical aspects of farming such as pest control, irrigation techniques and the appropriate use of fertilizers. This immediate access to professional knowledge helps address one of the key challenges faced by smallholder farmers: the lack of reliable support.

By creating a more informed and responsive farming environment, the platform enables farmers to make better decisions and manage their land more thoroughly. Rather than relying on trial-and-error procedures, farmers can instead implement reliable and proven science-based solutions.

From a poverty-alleviation perspective, such expertise could be truly transformative because it could reduce the likelihood of crop failures, which would subsequently lead to lower production yields. In the long term, this intellectual exchange between farmers and experts empowers farmers to cultivate a secure and stable farming career, which could increase their ability to make money.

Market Linkage

The final, and most significant, feature of the app is its ability to connect farmers directly to local markets and facilitate the sale of their produce. Historically, the Indian agricultural sector has faced challenges related to corruption and exploitation. For example, findings from the BBC and Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) identified that, “90,000 farmers between April 2011 and March 2012 found serious irregularities,” underscoring the vulnerability of small holders within traditional market systems.

By enabling direct access to institutional buyers, DeHaat could help reduce farmers’ reliance on intermediaries who may exploit information systems, helping ensure fairer pricing and more secure transactions, which helps farmers to avoid falling into debt traps. This greater financial independence contributes to a more equitable farmer experience that plays a role in reducing declines into rural poverty.

Conclusion

Ultimately, this app is an extraordinary example of how technology can provide effective solutions to reduce rural poverty by strengthening every stage of the farming process. From crop insurance to weather alerts to formal market guidelines, DeHaat agritech solutions for farmers help foster a proper, long-term, stable economic future for many individuals.

– Sophia Lupo

Sophia is based in London, UK and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Are Smartphones Driving Financial Inclusion in South Asia?

Financial Inclusion in South AsiaA silent revolution is taking place in South Asia’s markets and rural areas, where the digital gender gap is being challenged significantly. Recent studies show that despite women being 32% less likely than men to use mobile internet in South Asia, those who have access use smartphones as an all-in-one financial and educational hub, effectively avoiding traditional banking systems that have historically excluded them. Here is some information about how smartphones are driving financial inclusion in South Asia.

‎The Rise of the “Portable Bank Branch”

In South Asia, women in rural areas often face challenges in accessing physical banks. Women are compelled to rely on cash, which increases the risk of theft and prevents them from building a credit history. This lack of formal financial access traps women in a cycle of poverty. Women cannot access the capital required to grow a small business or save for investments.

In countries like India and Pakistan, the smartphone has transitioned from a communication device to a portable bank. The rise of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has become essential for women entrepreneurs as it processes more than 20 billion transactions per month. In Bangladesh, women manage their earnings using digital wallets such as PhonePe or bKash, without needing to visit a bank in person. Visiting a bank was a significant hurdle for women in remote areas where social norms or distance often restricts mobility.

‎This shift helped the rise of the micro- entrepreneur. In Pakistan, initiatives like Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) have successfully migrated to digital wallets such as JazzCash to ensure that the aid and business earnings reach women directly. This digital advancement enables women to maintain control over their financial assets, often using their savings for critical life improvement areas such as their children’s education or their own growth.

Financial Inclusion and the Poverty Gap

Poverty disproportionately affects women in South Asia. In Pakistan, the poverty rate among women is often higher because of a lack of property ownership and formal employment. Women are restricted to the household and often face hurdles to achieving financial freedom. Women with no control over income and finances are more likely to have less influence over household spending.

Cultural, economic and systemic barriers often constrain women’s autonomy in South Asia. In many rural areas, women require permission to leave home, and in some regions, women are restricted from stepping out of their homes. Women in rural areas are often dependent on male relatives for basic needs. People in those areas often see financial independence as rebellion.

Lack of access to technology does not limit digital inclusion; it is more about autonomy, according to the GSMA Mobile Gender Gap Report. The research findings indicate that while the overall gender gap in South Asia remains wide, the frequency of use among connected women is rapidly increasing. Women in this region are increasingly tech savvy, as they are not using these devices for just entertainment but to increase their awareness, access property rights information and health services. Utilization of mobile internet for e-learning is also becoming very popular.

Organizations are further working to improve women’s experience by creating safe, digital-first spaces where women can learn to invest and save. Organizations like India’s LXME, founded in 2018, further accelerate this trend. LXME created a women-only digital community. Women can learn about mutual funds, insurance, saving in a jargon-free environment and in local languages. Since its establishment, LXME has empowered more than 1000,000 women to decide their financial future. Making financial literacy accessible in local languages and easy-to-manage interfaces is bridging the gap between having a phone and having financial power.

‎Closing the Final Gap

‎While this silent transition is improving, challenges persist. Significant efforts are required to improve the situation, as 60% of the world’s unconnected women live in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Millions of women risk being left behind in a rapidly digitalizing global economy, and aggressive investment in digital literacy and affordable information and communication can mitigate the risk.

‎As access to mobile internet is increasing, South Asian women’s situation is moving from helplessness to innovation. Financial inclusion in South Asia has improved as millions of women can make transactions via QR codes and manage business from their palms. A smartphone is not just a gadget; it is a new factor contributing to an equitable economy.

‎– Noor Ul Ain Ameer

Noor is based in Islamabad, Pakistan and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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AI Reducing Poverty and Inequality in South Africa

Poverty and Inequality in South AfricAround the world, governments are developing strategies to harness the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI). Countries such as the U.K. and India have introduced national plans to strengthen innovation, improve public services and boost economic growth. These strategies highlight the growing importance of AI in South Africa and other developing nations, where governments increasingly recognize AI’s role in shaping future economies and reducing inequality.

South Africa has positioned itself within this global shift through its National Artificial Intelligence Policy Framework. This framework guides how industries and institutions should use AI technologies while managing risks such as inequality, unemployment and ethical concerns. It aligns AI development with national priorities, including economic growth and social inclusion. As a result, AI in South Africa has become a central tool for addressing long-standing development challenges.

South Africa continues to face significant poverty and inequality. Many communities struggle with unemployment, limited access to services and food insecurity. AI presents an opportunity to address these issues by improving productivity, expanding access to resources and creating new job opportunities. By strengthening digital skills and supporting innovation, AI in South Africa can help reduce poverty and promote long-term economic stability.

Driving Economic Growth Through AI in Agriculture

Agriculture remains a critical sector in South Africa, yet farmers face serious challenges such as changing weather patterns, droughts and rising food insecurity. In 2023, nearly 20% of households experienced food insecurity, highlighting the urgent need for innovation. AI-powered tools can help farmers respond to these challenges by improving efficiency and reducing risk.

AI technologies allow farmers to analyze weather patterns, soil conditions and crop performance. These tools provide predictive insights that help farmers make better decisions about irrigation, planting and pest control. For example, Aerobotics uses drones and satellite data to detect crop diseases early, helping farmers protect yields and reduce losses. Such innovations demonstrate how AI in South Africa can directly support rural livelihoods.

AI also contributes to broader economic growth by improving agricultural productivity and market access. Digital tools help farmers allocate resources efficiently, reduce waste and increase output. This strengthens food systems white supporting export growth and economic diversification. As agriculture becomes more technology-driven, AI in South Africa plays a key role in building a more resilient and competitive economy.

Transforming Healthcare and Education Through AI

South Africa’s healthcare system faces major challenges, including staff shortages and unequal access to care, particularly in rural areas. AI technologies help address the gaps by improving diagnostics and supporting medical professionals. AI-powered systems can analyze large datasets to detect diseases earlier and recommend treatments, improving patient outcomes and reducing pressure on healthcare systems.

Education also requires significant improvement, especially in underserved communities where schools often lack resources and qualified teachers. AI-powered learning platforms provide personalized education tailored to individual student needs. These tools help bridge the educational gaps by making high-quality learning accessible regardless of location. This highlights how AI in South Africa can expand opportunities and promote equality in education.

Private Sector and Global Support for AI Development

Private sector investment plays a crucial role in advancing AI in South Africa. Companies like Google and Microsoft are funding training programs to build digital skills across the continent. Google has committed millions of dollars to AI education and infrastructure, while Microsoft plans to train one million South Africans in AI and cybersecurity skills by 2026. These initiatives aim to prepare the workforce for the digital economy.

International partnerships also support AI development. For example, the U.K. has launched initiatives such as the AI Evidence Alliance for Social Impact to evaluate how AI can reduce poverty and improve development outcomes in Africa. These collaborations ensure that AI solutions remain inclusive, effective and aligned with local needs.

What This Means for the Future

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape global economies, AI in South Africa offers a powerful opportunity to address poverty, inequality and unemployment. By integrating AI into agriculture, healthcare and education, the country can improve essential services while driving economic growth. 

Through strong policies, investment in skills development and partnerships with global organizations, South Africa is building a more inclusive and sustainable future. If implemented effectively, AI will not only transform industries but also improve the lives of millions of people across the country.

– Annie Hodgkinson

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

Photo: Flickr

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How E-Pathanshala Decreases Learning Poverty in India

Learning Poverty in IndiaAlthough we live in a modern, technology-driven age, education remains central to many Indians’ lives. From Jubilee Hills to rural villages, it plays a key role in addressing learning poverty. About 56%–70% of people in low- and middle-income countries, including India, are affected by learning poverty.

In response, the government of India introduced a broad educational platform, E-Pathanshala, to reduce inequality, lower learning poverty and address educational disparities. E-Pathanshala is not only available digitally in classrooms; it also encourages greater social responsibility in improving access to education. The initiative aims to reduce gender inequality and expand opportunities for women.

Education in India

India’s education system includes both public and private institutions that serve more than 250 million students across nearly 1.5 million schools, with 9.5 million teachers. The country recognizes 22 official languages under its Constitution. According to research, due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, around 320 million students in India were affected by school closures. While both boys and girls were impacted, evidence shows that girls faced a higher risk of long-term educational disruption.

E-Pathanshala: Digital Learning for Underprivileged Kids

E-Pathanshala is an educational platform developed in November 2015 for faculty, students and parents. It was a collaborative effort between the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and the Central Institute of Educational Technology (CIET) to expand access to education and reduce learning poverty. Although launched in 2015, its foundation traces back to the establishment of NCERT in 1961. 

Created by the Government of India, NCERT was designed to support both central and state governments in advancing educational reform. Through E-Pathanshala, students can access a wide range of educational tools and materials without physical limitations, enabling more flexible and continuous learning. To ensure accessibility for faculty and students, E-Pathanshala is available in multiple languages, including English, Hindi and Urdu. 

Students can use this educational platform to study and prepare for exams. It serves as a digital bridge between traditional education and modern technology. It also promotes inclusive learning, places strong emphasis on women’s education and works to reduce learning poverty without bias.

India’s growing digital infrastructure further strengthens the platform’s reach. Many people can now access internet-based services thanks to initiatives such as the BharatNet program. This network extends more than 274,246 kilometers, improving connectivity even in rural areas. 

As a result, digital platforms like E-Pathanshala can reach more users. At the same time, broader e-governance systems continue to expand online access and service delivery nationwide.

Conclusion

Even in an age of rapid change, digital advancements and technological innovation, education remains a constant in people’s daily lives. Comprehensive digital tools like E-Pathanshala can further drive reform for women and reduce learning poverty. This platform stands out by promoting greater inclusion, placing strong emphasis on women’s education and helping reduce gender inequality.

– Shruti Reddy

Shruti is based in Cedarhurst, NY, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project. 

Photo: Unsplash

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Digital Poverty in Papua New Guinea

Digital Poverty in Papua New GuineaDigital poverty in Papua New Guinea (PNG) highlights a stark reality in the Pacific, where a challenging geography of remote islands and vast landmasses amplifies connectivity gaps. In this region, many communities remain cut off from the online world, limiting education, economic opportunities and essential services. PNG, due to its diverse terrain and growing population, exemplifies these struggles.

Despite technological advances, the country grapples with low internet adoption, underscoring how geography and economics perpetuate exclusion. Addressing digital poverty in PNG demands urgent, tailored strategies to unlock its potential.

Who Has Internet and Who Doesn’t?

Internet access first reached PNG in 1997. Yet after three decades, the nation trails far behind other Asia-Pacific neighbors in connectivity. At first, rates align closely with smartphone access and about 60% of adults report having used the internet at least once. Still, only 36% of people have a mobile connection. In comparison, true internet penetration is limited to 32%, equating to 3.3 million users.

PNG’s immense land area, mountainous terrain, limited road network and consequent high service costs create formidable obstacles. Rural regions, where 86% of the population resides, suffer the most, often lacking both power grids and networks. On the other hand, according to a 2020 World Bank analysis, cities like Port Moresby and Lae host just a fraction of the population, even though they account for 70% of all internet users.

Smartphone access tells a similar story: 62% of adults can use one, whether their own or shared. But disparities run deep across groups. Rural dwellers, seniors and lower-income households lag well behind national averages in device ownership. Internet habits mirror this, with added gender differences: only 32% of women aged 45–74 and 48% of rural women have gone online, compared with 50% of men in that age group and 54% of rural men.

The Government’s Path to Digitalization

In recent years, PNG’s government has pursued ambitious reforms to expand internet access. Key initiatives form a forward-looking regulatory backbone:

  • The Digital Transformation Policy 2020 outlines a roadmap for embedding tech into public services, boosting efficiency, reach and openness.
  • The Digital Government Act 2022 establishes rules for secure digital operations, prioritizing data privacy, system interoperability and cross-agency collaboration.
  • The National Cybersecurity Policy protects online infrastructure, equipping businesses and officials to counter threats and build user confidence.
  • The Digital ID Framework rolls out a reliable identity platform to streamline services, cut scams and ease transactions.
  • The Digital Transformation Summit 2025, a four-day event focused on Sevis, a government-led platform conceived to facilitate the use of public services.

Despite these steps, the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) landscape remains constrained. State-owned enterprises dominate the market with little rivalry, controlling everything from infrastructure to delivery. This environment scares off private players and stalls innovations in speed and affordability. 

The World Bank highlights how this monopoly enables tactics that block competitors, creating a “vertical squeeze.” Such dominance jeopardizes PNG’s target of connecting 70% of its citizens to electricity by 2030, which could increase internet access, as outlined in the PNG Development Strategic Plan 2010–2030. Without broader competition, digital poverty in Papua New Guinea persists, undermining national goals.

Public-Private Partnerships and Open-Source Innovations

Tackling these issues requires collaborative, cost-effective approaches. A Lowy Institute analysis suggests public-private partnerships (PPPs) in telecommunications, backed by robust competition rules and pricing oversight, could be a solution. These alliances could dismantle monopolies, drive down costs and extend coverage to remote areas, much like successful models in neighboring nations, such as Vanuatu.

PPPs are not the only tool, though. Open-source software (OSS) offers powerful and inclusive means. By providing free access to essential software, OSS democratizes digital tools across education, commerce and administration.

Mainstream OSS options include the Firefox browser for secure web surfing, Linux for flexible operating systems and LibreOffice for productivity. This software is openly licensed, allowing users to download, modify and deploy it without fees. In contrast, proprietary rivals like Microsoft Office charge subscription fees that can consume nearly 100 hours of minimum-wage earnings annually.

In PNG’s context, when backed by the development of a solid digital infrastructure, OSS can slash barriers for schools in highland villages and entrepreneurs in coastal regions, fostering self-reliance. Success depends on political will, training programs and affordable devices. By prioritizing equity, PNG can transform digital poverty into digital prosperity, fueling sustainable growth. 

The PNG government is making great efforts to address these issues and bring the country closer to regional standards. However, this work will require greater flexibility and collaboration with third parties.

– Riccardo Chiaraluce

Riccardo is based in London, UK and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Barriers to Surgical Research in Developing Regions

Surgical Research
Access to safe and effective surgical care is central to global health. Progress in this area depends on strong research systems, yet many low-resource settings struggle to build them. Understanding the different barriers to surgical research in developing regions highlights the limits to innovation and how stakeholders can improve outcomes worldwide. Without targeted efforts to strengthen research capacity, these gaps will continue to widen global health inequalities.

Limited Funding and Infrastructure

Limited and inconsistent funding remains a major obstacle. Surgical research requires financial support for equipment, personnel and long-term studies. Many governments and institutions must prioritize immediate patient care, which reduces available resources for research initiatives.

Infrastructure gaps also restrict progress. Many hospitals operate without reliable electricity, sterile environments, or modern laboratory facilities. These conditions make it difficult for researchers to run controlled studies or collect consistent data, which weakens the overall quality of research output.

Shortage of Trained Personnel

A shortage of trained researchers and surgical specialists continues to slow advancement. Healthcare professionals often manage high patient volumes, leaving little time for research. Training programs and mentorship opportunities also remain limited in many regions.

Migration further intensifies this challenge. Skilled professionals frequently move to higher-income countries in search of better opportunities. This trend erodes local expertise and impedes the development of long-term stability in research ecosystems.

For example, according to Stanford University’s Medical Journal, an estimated six billion people on the planet do not have access to cardiac surgical care due to a shortage of trained personnel, resources, and other limiting factors. The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery reported that in places such as Africa, there is one cardiovascular surgeon per four million people. 

The data found in this study is focused on the shortage of trained personnel specifically in cardiac medicine; however, a lack of personnel and resources is universal among several types of surgical research and care. 

Access to Equipment and Materials

Reliable access to high-quality equipment remains essential for surgical research. Many facilities rely on outdated or poorly maintained tools, which limit precision and consistency in experiments.

These gaps directly reinforce the various barriers to surgical research in developing regions, particularly when researchers cannot access tools that ensure accurate, repeatable results. Researchers often depend on specialized instruments that can withstand repeated use while maintaining accuracy. Without access to comparable tools, researchers face difficulties when attempting to replicate or validate findings.

Regulatory and Data Challenges

Regulatory systems in many regions lack clarity or consistency. Researchers often encounter delays during approval processes due to limited institutional capacity or unclear guidelines. Ethical review boards may lack sufficient staff or standardized procedures, which slows research progress.

Data collection also presents ongoing challenges. Limited digital infrastructure reduces the ability to store, manage and analyze information effectively. A study in The Lancet Global Health emphasizes the need to strengthen data systems to improve both surgical care delivery and research capacity.

Emerging Solutions and Global Collaboration

Global partnerships continue to support research development. International organizations and academic institutions now collaborate with local teams to provide funding, training and technical expertise. These partnerships help strengthen local capacity while promoting knowledge exchange.

Technology also creates new opportunities. Mobile data tools and telemedicine platforms enable researchers to collect and share information more efficiently. These solutions help overcome infrastructure limitations and support more inclusive research environments.

Addressing these challenges requires sustained investment, stronger policies and continued collaboration. When stakeholders commit to these efforts, they can expand research capacity, reduce disparities and improve surgical care for communities worldwide.

– Kelly Schoessling

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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AI Diagnostics in Rwanda Could Strengthen Frontline Health Care

AI Diagnostics in RwandaAI diagnostics in Rwanda are drawing attention because they suggest a practical way to strengthen health care in places where medical staff are stretched thin. In low-resource settings, frontline health workers often face difficult clinical questions with limited equipment, few specialists and heavy patient demand. Rwanda’s recent research suggests that artificial intelligence could help close part of that gap by supporting health workers rather than replacing them.

Why Health Care Access Matters in Rwanda

This matters because poverty and health care are closely connected in Rwanda. World Bank data shows that 27.4% of the population lives below the national poverty line and 38.55% lives below the $3-a-day international poverty line. When families live with limited income, delays in diagnosis, transport costs and shortages in local care can make treatment harder to reach and more expensive in practice.

Rwanda has made major health gains, but access challenges remain. Government information says the country has about 58,000 community health workers and 66% of them are women. These workers are often the first link between communities and the formal health system. They monitor health at the village level, provide basic services and refer patients when cases become more serious. That makes better decision support at the community level especially important.

What the Study Found

A February 2026 study published in Nature Health tested five large language models using real clinical questions from Rwanda’s community health system. Researchers built a dataset of 5,609 questions submitted by 101 community health workers across four districts. They compared responses from Gemini-2, GPT-4o, o3-mini, DeepSeek R1 and Meditron-70B with answers from local clinicians. In a subset of 524 question-and-answer pairs scored across 11 expert-rated metrics, Gemini-2 and GPT-4o performed best and all five models outperformed local clinicians across every metric measured.

The cost difference made the findings even more striking. The study reported that clinician-generated answers cost an average of $5.43 per question for general practitioners and $3.80 for nurses. Model-generated responses cost about $0.0035 in English and $0.0044 in Kinyarwanda. Even when performance dropped slightly in Kinyarwanda, the models still outperformed clinicians and remained more than 500 times cheaper per response. For a health system trying to stretch limited resources, that level of efficiency matters.

Why AI Diagnostics in Rwanda Could Help

The promise of AI diagnostics in Rwanda is not only about answering questions faster. It is also about helping frontline workers decide when a case may be urgent, when symptoms point to a likely condition and when a patient should receive a referral for higher-level care. In settings where staff shortages and access gaps create pressure on the system, stronger support for frontline workers could improve speed, consistency and patient outcomes. Rwanda’s own health labor market analysis has documented workforce constraints and uneven distribution of health professionals, especially in lower-resource settings.

Rwanda is also building systems that could help these tools work at scale. In April 2025, the Ministry of Health launched the National Health Intelligence Center, a platform designed to collect and process real-time health data for evidence-based decisions. That matters because useful AI tools need more than strong models. They also need data systems, implementation planning and oversight.

International support is also growing in that direction. In January 2026, OpenAI and the Gates Foundation announced Horizon 1000, a $50 million initiative beginning in Rwanda. The goal is to support leaders in African countries, starting with Rwanda, and reach 1,000 primary health care clinics and surrounding communities by 2028. Reuters reported that the effort aims to improve health care delivery in places facing severe health worker shortages.

What Still Needs To Be Proven

Still, this story is not just about excitement over new technology. In February 2026, Wellcome, the Gates Foundation and the Novo Nordisk Foundation launched the Evidence for AI in Health initiative, backed by $60 million to support locally led evaluations of AI tools in low- and middle-income countries. That matters because governments need evidence on what works, where it adds value and how it can be used responsibly. In Rwanda, language quality, privacy safeguards, clinical safety and real-world implementation will shape whether these tools truly help patients.

AI will not replace doctors, nurses or community health workers. But it may help them do more with limited time and limited resources. That is what makes AI diagnostics in Rwanda worth watching. If Rwanda continues to pair innovation with evidence, oversight and local implementation, this approach could become a strong example of how technology can expand access to quality care in places that need it most.

– Adriana Carolina Herrera

Adriana is based in Mentor, OH, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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How IoT Sensors Are Helping Moroccan Farmers Fight Drought

IoT SensorsMorocco’s agricultural sector is at a turning point as the country faces increased water scarcity, climate instability and pressure on food security. As drought conditions intensify, many Moroccan farmers are turning to Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and smart irrigation technology to protect their crops and livelihoods. 

Agriculture remains a significant part of Morocco’s economy. Around 40% of Morocco’s workforce is employed in agriculture, meaning millions of livelihoods depend on stable harvests. At the same time, the sector contributes between 13% and 20% of the country’s GDP, making water shortages not only an environmental issue but also a major economic challenge. 

Water management is also crucial, as only 15% of Morocco’s cultivated land is irrigated. Yet, this land produces about 75% of the country’s agricultural exports. With so much production reliant on limited irrigation systems, improving smart irrigation technology has become essential to maintaining crop yields during droughts. 

IoT Sensors in Morocco

To address these challenges, IoT sensors are helping Moroccan farmers monitor soil health and manage water more efficiently. These smart sensors collect real-time data on soil moisture, nutrient levels and pH, enabling farmers to make informed decisions about irrigation and fertilization. Farmers can then use this data to apply the precise amount of water their crops need rather than relying on traditional estimates. 

According to industry reports, adopting smart agricultural technologies and IoT sensors in Morocco has already led to a 20% increase in water-use efficiency. A key technology that supports this transformation is the Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN). It enables low-cost sensors to transmit data across large rural areas. 

Agricultural organizations and technology developers are deploying these sensors directly in farmers’ fields, making digital solutions more accessible to small-scale farmers. These technologies are also improving crop stability. Even with less water overall, delivering irrigation at the precise moment plants need it can improve crop quality and maintain yields. 

For many smallholder Moroccan farmers, this reliability can mean the difference between a successful harvest and a failed season. 

Bridging the Digital Divide in Rural Morocco

Despite its promise, IoT technology alone cannot solve Morocco’s agricultural challenges. Several barriers still limit the widespread adoption of smart agriculture tools. First, the upfront costs of IoT sensors and digital irrigation systems can still pose a risk for farmers operating on narrow profit margins. 

While the technology is relatively affordable compared to traditional equipment, many small-scale farmers need financial support to adopt it. Second, digital literacy remains a challenge. Farmers must learn to interpret soil data and integrate it into daily farming decisions. 

Finally, there remain infrastructure gaps in rural regions. LoRaWAN networks rely on communication gateways that transmit sensor data over long distances, making the expansion of connectivity in remote agricultural areas essential.

Looking Ahead

Morocco is investing heavily in long-term solutions to its growing water crisis. The government’s “Generation Green 2020-2030” strategy aims to expand water-saving irrigation systems to “one million hectares” of farmland by 2030. At the same time, digital agriculture is becoming a national priority, with many programs supporting smart irrigation tools, satellite monitoring and connected soil sensors. 

If these initiatives continue to expand, especially for smallholder farmers, technologies like IoT sensors could become a key part of Morocco’s strategy to protect harvests and conserve water. They could also help build a more climate-resilient agricultural sector.

– Ines Wargui

Ines is based in Oxfordshire, UK and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Innovations in Poverty Eradication in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Poverty Eradication in Bosnia and HerzegovinaMany still remember Bosnia and Herzegovina as the site of violent conflict during the Yugoslav wars of the 1990s. Today, however, the country ranks as an upper-middle-income economy and continues to slowly make its way towards European integration. Despite this progress, Bosnia and Herzegovina still faces significant structural economic challenges. Around 16.9% of the population lives below the poverty line, and foreign direct investment (FDI) has declined since 2023. The economy still relies heavily on traditional sectors such as manufacturing, as well as remittances from its large diaspora. At the same time, the country is developing several emerging sectors. Since 2022, EU-backed programs have supported tourism, entrepreneurship and job creation to move toward poverty eradication in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In the age of artificial intelligence and digital innovation, these sectors offer new opportunities for economic growth and diversification.

Who Does Poverty Most Affect?

The Borgen Project spoke with Amina Hadžić, Youth Advisor to the EU Delegation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. She explains that “unemployed individuals, particularly young people entering the labor market for the first time, as well as pensioners who often survive on very low monthly incomes” face the highest risk of poverty. She also highlights that “rural populations are highly exposed to economic hardship due to limited employment opportunities and weaker infrastructure compared to urban area.” Other vulnerable groups include single-parent households, people with disabilities and Roma populations.

These inequalities reflect strong rural – urban disparities. Around 19% of people living in rural areas experience poverty, compared to just 9% in urban areas. Children in rural regions also face higher levels of deprivation, particularly in access to early childhood education, internet and basic sanitation.

Weak infrastructure drives a lot of this inequality. In many rural areas, communities lack reliable access to essential services; some households still transport water using tractors or horse carts because they cannot access stable water supply and sanitation systems. These conditions directly impact quality of life and restrict economic opportunities.

At the same time, structural challenges in the labor market worsen poverty. While the overall unemployment rate in Bosnia and Herzegovina stands at around 12.6%, youth unemployment exceeds 28% in 2025. Informal employment accounts for more than 23% of total employment, leaving many workers without stable income or social protection.

Systemic issues, such as Bosnia and Herzegovina’s fragmented governance structure and unequal access to social services, reinforce these challenges and prevent many people from accessing economic opportunities and public services.

With nearly half of the country’s population living in rural areas, these conditions clearly show that the government must advance innovations in poverty eradication in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This means expanding infrastructure, especially water, sanitation, education, transport and digital connectivity, to reduce poverty and drive long-term development.

Infrastructure as a Foundation for Development

International organizations and local authorities have started to address infrastructure gaps between rural and urban communities. In rural areas, limited access to water remains a major issue. Projects financed through the Western Balkans Investment Framework and the European Investment Bank now expand water and sanitation systems. For instance, a €2.1 million grant supports the construction of wastewater and water systems, bringing reliable services to 93,000 people.

These investments already deliver results. In the village of Gajevi near Šamac, workers built an 18-kilometer water network that now provides 146 households with stable access to drinking water for the first time. Residents no longer struggle with chronic shortages and unsafe conditions.

Transport infrastructure also plays a key role in reducing regional isolation. The World Bank supported the construction of the 36-kilometer Neum – Stolac road, which opened in 2022. The new route reduced travel time from 90 minutes to just 25. Improved connectivity between the country’s only coastal municipality and inland town now supports tourism in Neum and creates new opportunities for businesses and agriculture in Stolac. As one local hotel owner noted, the road “opens up a million possibilities.”

 These projects show how infrastructure investment can improve daily life while unlocking economic potential.

Digital Innovation and Civic Participation

Beyond physical infrastructure, the digital and IT sector is emerging as one of the key innovations in poverty eradication in Bosnia and Herzegovina. As Amina Hadžić emphasizes, “digital innovation and the development of the IT sector represent one of the most promising opportunities for economic growth and youth employment in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”

International partnerships have accelerated this transformation. In 2024, Bosnia and Herzegovina joined the Digital Europe Programme, which allows the country to participate in EU-wide projects focused on artificial intelligence and advanced digital skills. The programme also supports the creation of Digital Innovation Hubs, which help businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, strengthen their digital capacities and integrate into the European digital economy. 

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s efforts have improved digital skills, raising the share of individuals with above-basic digital skills by 6.8% .

More broadly, these initiatives expand access to entrepreneurship and innovation, particularly for young people. Training programs in coding, digital marketing and software development create new employment opportunities that do not depend on local labor market constraints.

Digital tools also improve access to public services and civic participation. The UNDP has supported platforms such as eCitizen, which allows residents to communicate directly with local authorities and access services more efficiently. Similarly, the eNewborn (ePorodilja) system simplifies access to social benefits for new parents, while Digital Pulse helps small businesses evaluate and improve their digital readiness. These tools increase transparency, strengthen public services, and encourage citizen engagement. Platforms such as YourCO2 (TvojCO2.ba) also promote climate action by connecting individual behavior to environmental impact.

Towards Inclusive Growth

Bosnia and Herzegovina still faces deep structural challenges, but recent developments show how infrastructure investment and digital innovation can reduce poverty. New water systems, roads, and public services improve living conditions and reduce regional inequalities, especially in rural areas. At the same time, digital tools expand access to employment, education and civic participation. 

However, digital innovation alone cannot solve these challenges. Without reliable infrastructure, education and inclusive policies, many people will remain excluded from these opportunities. Bosnia must therefore invest in both physical and digital systems to ensure that development reaches all communities. 

As the country continues its path toward European integration, it must combine infrastructure development with digital transformation. Together, these approaches can drive innovations in poverty eradication in Bosnia and Herzegovina, promote inclusive growth and build a more resilient and equitable future.

– Inès Maudire

Inès is based in Paris, France and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr