Archive for category: Technology

Information and stories about technology news.

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How Motorcycle Ambulances in Uganda Are Saving Lives

Motorcycle Ambulances in UgandaFor many families living in remote villages, reaching a hospital can take hours. Poor roads, long travel distances and limited transportation options often delay treatment during medical emergencies. However, motorcycle ambulances in Uganda are helping thousands of people access health care more quickly, especially pregnant women, newborns and children living in rural communities.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Uganda’s maternal mortality ratio was estimated at 284 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 2020. Many maternal deaths occur because women are unable to reach health facilities quickly during complications. By providing emergency transportation in remote areas, motorcycle ambulances help address one of the most common barriers to care and improve access to skilled medical assistance when it is needed most.

A Lifeline for Rural Communities

Unlike traditional ambulances, motorcycle ambulances can travel on narrow dirt roads and rough terrain that larger vehicles often cannot access. These vehicles typically consist of a motorcycle attached to a covered trailer designed to transport patients safely to health facilities. The need for better transportation is especially important in rural Uganda, where distance and transportation costs often prevent families from seeking timely medical care. In some communities, people previously relied on walking, bicycles or private motorcycles to reach clinics, even during emergencies. Motorcycle ambulances in Uganda thus provide a faster alternative.

Helping Mothers Reach Care

One of the greatest benefits of motorcycle ambulances is improved access to maternal health services. Research conducted among women in eastern Uganda found that nearly half of the surveyed mothers had used motorcycle ambulances to reach health facilities for delivery and emergency care. Health workers report that these ambulances help women arrive at clinics faster, reducing delays that can lead to serious pregnancy and childbirth complications. Increased access to health facilities also encourages more women to give birth under the supervision of trained medical professionals rather than at home. This improves outcomes for both mothers and newborns and helps reduce preventable deaths.

A Cost-Effective Solution

Motorcycle ambulances are significantly less expensive to purchase and maintain than conventional ambulances. Their affordability allows local governments, health organizations and community programs to operate them in areas with limited resources.

According to Africannews, motorcycle ambulances have become an important tool for connecting isolated villages to health centers. Their ability to navigate difficult roads means patients can receive treatment sooner, even during the rainy season when travel becomes more challenging. The success of motorcycle ambulances in Uganda demonstrates how low-cost innovations can address major barriers to health care access.

Expanding Access to Health Care

The success of motorcycle ambulance programs has attracted support from international organizations focused on maternal and child health. Similar programs supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) have demonstrated how innovative transportation solutions can strengthen rural health systems and increase access to life-saving services.

Motorcycle ambulances also help transport sick children and emergency patients who require urgent care. By reducing travel times, they increase the likelihood that patients receive treatment before their conditions become life-threatening.

Looking Ahead

Motorcycle ambulances in Uganda show how a simple innovation can create meaningful change. By overcoming transportation barriers, these vehicles help patients receive treatment sooner and improve access to essential health services. As motorcycle ambulances in Uganda continue to expand, they are proving that practical and affordable solutions can save lives. For many families living far from hospitals, they are more than a means of transportation—they are a pathway to healthier futures and stronger communities.

– Masa Qasim

Masa is based in Toronto, Canada and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Understanding Poverty in South Sudan with Poverty Simulations

poverty in south sudanPoverty in South Sudan is among the worst in the world. More than 70% of the population is on or below the poverty line, and only around 30% of the population is literate. This intense poverty is a result of national fragility, prolonged conflict, economic collapse and the inability of the government to provide for its citizens. More than two-thirds of the South Sudanese people need to rely on humanitarian aid for their survival. And though the amount of aid sent to South Sudan is an inspiring metric, things will not change without stronger efforts. And efforts won’t be strengthened unless the people of the world band together in support of poverty eradication.

Poverty Simulations

Now, Poverty Simulations are taking effect all across the U.S. and are enlightening the general public to the candid realities of poverty. Poverty simulations are simulations that imitate what real people in poverty go through. They are garnering more and more support for poverty relief efforts across the globe by educating the public

Poverty simulations are the exact thing that is necessary to help increase support for South Sudan. Most people know about poverty, but few truly understand it. Understanding poverty in South Sudan more deeply is now possible with poverty simulations.

What it is Like to Live in South Sudan

South Sudan is the world’s newest country, having gained independence from Sudan in 2011, less than two decades ago. This youth comes with significant struggles for the population. First of all, the population of the nation is very young. More than 70% of the population is below 18 years old. The young, inexperienced government of the country has struggled since its birth to provide for its people and manage conflict. This has led to a nation overrun by food insecurity and division.

There are few large towns in South Sudan, and most people live in compact, makeshift houses in very small villages. In some regions, people do not even use money for transactions; instead, farming and harvesting are the main sources of sustenance. Sources of aid, like schools, churches and social services, are near nonexistent. Civil conflict is rampant as well. Daily violence often prevents people from going about their daily lives

This level of poverty can be difficult to comprehend, but there is now an accessible way to begin understanding what it’s like on a deeper level.

What are Poverty Simulations and How do They Work?

Poverty simulations are group activities mostly for schools, nonprofit workers, nurses or other individuals who may encounter poverty in their field of work. They aim to help people who live in developed countries, like the U.S., understand and sympathize with people who live in extreme poverty. The activities themselves are comparable to role-play games.

Jason Morrow, an internist and an ethics professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, was responsible for running a poverty simulation for his medical students to help them empathize with patients who are living in poverty. According to Morrow, “The (poverty) simulation is an immersive experience where students play a role within a family.” “In the exercise, they have to survive and try to thrive with low income and limited resources.”

Individuals are put into groups or families, and each is assigned a particular role. The individual must perform that role as best they can. Resources are also set throughout the setting of the simulation, like social services, the grocery store, the church, and others, where the participants can go for help and amenities. However, the participants can not always receive exactly what they need to thrive. Often, they’re turned away from the help they need; this mirrors the reality that most people in poverty face.

Morrow claims that poverty simulations bestow participants with an understanding of poverty beyond just reading about it: “It’s one thing to read about how poverty strains cognition. It’s another thing to spend two hours running from one side of the room to the other so you can try to pay your utility bills, not get evicted, and make sure your child has some sort of supervision.”

These simulations are extremely valuable for understanding any kind of economic struggle, but this fictional poverty doesn’t even come close to some of the things that people in South Sudan go through. Many live a life without money altogether. They must grow their own food and trade for resources. However, that does not mean poverty simulations don’t help people sympathize with the struggle for wellness. On a fundamental level, all who live in poverty go through a similar mental strain of not knowing how they will make it to tomorrow.

Hope for the Future of South Sudan

With a better understanding of South Sudan’s immense hardships, it’s also important to understand that hope is still there. There are organizations working hard in and around South Sudan to bring relief to those suffering from extreme poverty. Here are a few examples:

Global Care has partnered with the Diocese of Wau to put more than 50 students through educational training to become teachers for the children of South Sudan. Global Care has also established several other schools in the region, which have helped hundreds of children receive an education who would not otherwise have received it.

The United Nations has an ongoing peacekeeping operation in South Sudan. It has established camps to protect civilians from conflict and stationed officials around the country to respond to violent incidents, according to CFR.

Hopeland has partnered with Medair to manufacture and distribute shelter kits in South Sudan to communities affected by severe flooding. Shelter kits are packages made from recycled materials that can be used to create makeshift shelters to shield from harsh weather conditions.

South Sudan has some of the worst poverty rates in the world, but if developed countries are consistently sympathizing more and more with poverty thanks to poverty simulations, then support for relief efforts in South Sudan will remain strong and grow even stronger.

– Lucas Cain

Lucas is based in Pittsburgh, PA, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Friendship’s 3-Tier System and Health Care in Bangladesh

Health Care in BangladeshBangladesh is at the heart of the battle against the changing climate. According to the World Bank, around 21% of the country is prone to annual flooding. This leaves many inhabitants isolated without access to health care and makes it difficult to build permanent hospitals. Approximately 12 million people live on the chars, which are river islands formed by sediment deposits due to flooding. Accessing hospitals can be difficult for these people due to damaged infrastructure.

In 2002, Bangladeshi entrepreneur Runa Khan began Friendship, a social purpose organization. The organization aims to address the challenges faced by the inhabitants of the chars with floating medical boats and other community initiatives using a three-tier system.

Friendship’s Three-Tier System

  • Tier 1: Floating Medical Boats Expand Health Care Access in Bangladesh: On the frontline of the system are three floating medical boats that serve the chars, as well as the land hospital located in Shyamnagar. The purpose of the boats is to expand medical care to those in rural areas who cannot access hospitals due to seasonal flooding, which damages roads and infrastructure. The floating medical boats offer free surgeries, check-ups, and medicine, along with pediatric, gynecological, dental and eye care. The boats help up to 175 people per day.
  • Tier 2: Satellite Clinics Focus on Prevention and Women’s Health: Satellite clinics carry out frequent visits to rural and isolated zones to educate communities on hygiene and nutrition, as well as providing basic treatments and free medicine. The main focus of these clinics is prevention and follow-ups. For instance, Friendship screens more than 18,000 women per year for cervical cancer and treats around 150 women for precancerous lesions.
  • Tier 3: Community Medic-Aids Support Health Care: The Friendship Community Medic-Aids (FCMs) are women trained by the organization to give primary health care to the communities. Some of these women are also trained as Community Skilled Birth Assistants (CSBAs) to give ante- and post-natal care, deliver children and provide basic childcare. In 2022-23, a study showed that over 90% of people asked had taken health care services from FCMs, demonstrating the impact they have on the communities.

Combining Health Care and Climate Adaptation

Friendship not only provides health care services but also addresses other issues like climate resilience. To prepare the communities for natural disasters, Friendship has carried out preventative measures such as restoring forests to protect villages from cyclones. More than 650,000 trees have been planted on the southern coast of the country, protecting at least 125,000 people.

Actions like these help combat many issues suffered due to storms. The destruction of villages and infrastructure can lead to malnutrition from a shortage of resources, a lack of health care due to isolation and an increased risk of waterborne diseases from living in flooded areas. Friendship’s three-tier system with floating medical boats, satellite clinics, and FCMs allows medical staff to reach vulnerable communities in times of need, while also implementing preventative measures to save more lives.

In 2025, Friendship was a finalist for the Earthshot Prize for its incredible work protecting the communities in Bangladesh. The organization’s holistic three-tier system demonstrates how health care and climate adaptation can work together to support the vulnerable communities in Bangladesh.

– Emma Wheeler

Emma is based in Valencia, Spain and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

 

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AI Health Care in Southeast Asia

AI Health Care in Southeast AsiaSoutheast Asia is a diverse and dynamic region with a population of 675 million. Southeast Asia consists of 11 countries divided into mainland and maritime Southeast Asia. Indonesia, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and East Timor (Timor-Leste) are archipelagic countries. In some of these archipelagos, health care crises have persisted for a very long time. Some islands are isolated and remote, where the traditional doctor-to-patient ratio is low. Building hospitals across the scattered islands is a slow and challenging process.

However, artificial intelligence (AI) is helping address this medical challenge by transforming standard smart devices into diagnostic hubs and clinical tools instead of relying solely on the construction of physical infrastructure. Local health care workers are utilizing low-cost, AI-integrated handheld devices and natural language processing platforms to conduct clinical screening and triage at the doorstep. AI-powered health care in Southeast Asia is serving as a modern solution to these challenges.

Handheld Diagnostics

Portable handheld devices are actively reducing the need for heavy and expensive hospital equipment and machines. Clarius Ultrasound is a transportable imaging tool that is improving the workflow of community health workers. It is a wireless handheld ultrasound scanner that can be connected to a smartphone. These scanners are cordless, which makes them easy to sanitize and carry anywhere. In remote areas of Southeast Asia, expectant mothers and patients traditionally needed to travel by boat to reach the regional hospital, which often put their lives at risk. The emergence of handheld scanners is transforming this situation.

Smarter Triage

Processing a large volume of patients and identifying who needs urgent care is another major challenge. In regional clinics with limited resources and a large number of patients, traditional triaging methods can be slow and exhausting for the workforce. Bot MD and Halodoc have emerged as solutions to this challenge. Bot MD is AI-powered, providing clinical assistance and a platform for patient engagement. It is specifically designed to assist hospitals and health care workers in automating workflow and remote monitoring.

AI-integrated health care in Southeast Asia is enhanced with the emergence of platforms such as Halodoc. Halodoc is an Indonesian platform that provides digital health care services. It allows patients to access specialists and doctors round the clock through calls, text messages and video consultations. It also allows users to order prescribed medicines and health care products. Options for booking laboratory tests are also available. It is improving health care access across Indonesia’s 17,000 islands.

Optimizing the Sparse Medical Workforce

These AI-integrated health care technologies in Southeast Asia also aim at workforce optimization. In remote areas where few doctors might be handling an entire island, their time becomes extremely valuable. When AI-integrated health care technologies handle language translation, preliminary documentation and baseline image analysis, they effectively reduce the burden on doctors.

Health care workers and volunteers can conduct initial screenings and save the information. AI-powered triage systems can then identify and alert health care professionals about severe cases. Therefore, doctors are not required to focus on routine administrative intake procedures or easily treatable cases. Instead, they can devote their time and energy to high-risk patients who require immediate, complex clinical intervention. AI-integrated health care in Southeast Asia serves as a solution to these challenges of isolated and remote islands.

Conclusion

The digital health care revolution is transforming health care dynamics in Southeast Asia. It demonstrates that it does not always take massive concrete infrastructure to overcome health care challenges; equitable health care can be achieved through small, handheld AI-powered devices. Technologies such as Halodoc, Bot MD and pocket ultrasound systems are helping to bridge the health care gap. AI-powered health care in Southeast Asia is successfully improving patient treatment and access to care.

– Noor Ul Ain Ameer

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

Photo: Flickr

 

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Vertical Agriculture and Food Security in Saudi Arabia

Food Security in Saudi ArabiaAgainst the hyper-arid backdrop of the Arabian Peninsula, standard farming has historically been a losing battle against nature. Importing more than 80% of its food, the region has long been vulnerable to international supply chain shocks and volatile global market prices. The World Health Organization (WHO) previously projected that half of the global population would reside in water-stressed regions; currently, that milestone has become a stark reality as localized water demands consistently outstrip available supplies.

A major technological breakthrough is shifting the paradigm by combining two things the Arab Peninsula has an ample supply of; seawater and sunlight. A new method of desalination is allowing completely solar-powered greenhouses to operate using saltwater piped directly from the sea into wells, creating ideal growing conditions. The innovation was adopted over the last decade in sun-coated countries like Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The technology draws inspiration from ancient architectural designs built for extreme heat. Traditional palaces in Persia, for example, integrated cascading wall fountains and courtyard pools to harness evaporative cooling, effectively creating a primitive, self-sustaining air conditioning system.

What is Vertical Agriculture?

To address mounting agricultural threats, Dickson Despommier, an American professor of public and environmental health, introduced the concept of the vertical farm in 1999. A method that optimizes food production by cultivating crops in vertically stacked layers within strictly controlled indoor environments. Because these systems are completely enclosed, they can thrive in any geographic location, spanning from dense city centers to arid, scorching deserts.

While standard vertical farms rely heavily on municipal fresh water, a groundbreaking twist on this design uses the ocean to fuel production. Rather than needing expensive, energy-intensive air conditioning to shield crops from desert heat, specialized facilities trickle raw seawater down porous cooling pads. As hot desert winds pass through the moisture, evaporation cools the interior air by up to 15 degrees Celsius.

Additionally, the moisture-laden air condenses against cold water pipes, creating a constant internal supply of pure freshwater drops that hydrate the vertically stacked plants. According to global infrastructure reports by corporations like Mitsui, scaling these closed-loop ecosystems allows arid nations to generate massive agricultural yields using zero net freshwater.

What Does This Mean for Food Security in Saudi Arabia?

With a landscape that is 95% desert and a population approaching 37 million people, Saudi Arabia faces a critical ecological challenge as it relies on diminishing groundwater reserves that cannot be replenished. Vision 2030 is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s strategic blueprint for economic diversification and long-term environmental sustainability. As the country faces extreme water stress, the initiative heavily prioritizes water resource protection by cutting down on the depletion of natural aquifers.

With vertical agriculture in Saudi Arabia, the government aims to dramatically improve water efficiency by integrating a “circular economy” model that scales up wastewater recycling, implements smart irrigation technologies, and mandates clean, eco-friendly food production systems like vertical farming. By transitioning away from traditional open-field flood irrigation in Saudi, the expansion of vertical farming and high-tech hydroponic systems delivers up to 95% water savings while enabling reliable, year-round yields without pesticide reliance.

How is it Being Implemented?

According to analysis by PwC Middle East, Saudi Arabia has accelerated the adoption of these modern greenhouse solutions through multi-billion Riyal investment plans managed over the past few years. A prominent real-world deployment for vertical agriculture in Saudi Arabia is taking place at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). Located on the shores of the Red Sea, it has served as the primary testing ground for spin-out enterprises like Red Sea Farms. Additionally, Red Sea Global (RSG) – the massive state-backed developer behind the region’s regenerative tourism destinations – has integrated these saltwater-cooled, indoor agricultural networks directly into its food development zones. Strategically placing these commercial facilities along the coast allows them to draw directly from an infinite marine supply, proving that hyper-arid desert terrain can be transformed into localized, climate-resilient food centers without placing any pressure on inland freshwater resources.

Looking Ahead

Ultimately, this agricultural evolution represents a vital structural shift toward self-sufficiency and food security in Saudi Arabia. As international partners continue to invest in climate-resilient food infrastructure, the lessons learned on the Red Sea coast will provide blueprints for other drought-prone nations across East Africa and the Middle East. The scaling of vertical agriculture in Saudi Arabia stands as a powerful testament to how creative engineering can safeguard human livelihoods, protect precious natural resources and pave a sustainable path toward resource-independent food security.

– Celine Dib

Celine is based in London and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Hydroponic Farming in Grenada Can Increase Food Security

Hydroponic Farming in GrenadaAs a small island nation in the Caribbean, Grenada faces challenges with food security and production due to extreme weather events, climate challenges and soil degradation. Extended periods of drought, rising temperatures and Hurricane Beryl in 2024 have further exacerbated these struggles, causing Grenada to import about 70% of its consumed food. Additionally, the agricultural sector comprises 24% of the country’s workforce, meaning difficulties in production affect both food security and poverty simultaneously. Recently, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Green Climate Fund began a readiness project to establish systems for hydroponic farming in Grenada. These systems will primarily benefit local farmers by providing them with an efficient and less weather-dependent cultivation method.

Need for Alternative Farming

Grenada’s traditional cultivation methods remain under constant stress. In 2024, Hurricane Beryl, a Category 4 storm at the time of landing, destroyed many buildings on the islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique, including agricultural infrastructure. The yearly dry season from January to May often brings extended droughts, leading to water shortages and groundwater depletion. Increased global temperatures have created advantageous conditions for pests that endanger crops. The inconsistency of Grenada’s rainfall has caused soil degradation. All of these factors necessitate a new system, specifically addressing cultivation with limited soil, space and water.

Why Hydroponics?

Hydroponic farming in Grenada is a viable solution because it offers stability through covered structures, a reduction of soil-borne pests, efficiency of space and reduced water usage. Compared to traditional methods, hydroponic farming uses up to 90% less water. Additionally, farmers can grow crops inside or under cover, using steadily flowing nutrient-rich water rather than soil. Hydroponic systems are also relatively low maintenance and require less physical exertion, as there is no need to till the soil. These factors create a controlled system free of inconsistencies in rainfall and extreme temperatures. Hydroponic farming is also compatible with many fast-growing, edible crops such as lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, spinach and kale.

However, the system does have limitations. Upfront costs can be high, as effective systems require a greenhouse, hydroponic system, solar pump and access to electricity. Also, the process relies on a precise flow of water that must be balanced and adjusted over time, so farmers new to hydroponics will need training before managing their own systems. The FAO addressed these concerns by providing local farmers with all of the necessary equipment and training, as well as solar panels to reduce electricity costs. With a concerted effort from the Grenadian government, alongside outside aid, hydroponic farming in Grenada could become a widespread success, particularly for small family farms.

Looking Ahead

In March 2026, Reach Within, a local charity in Grenada, announced it had received funding from Irish Aid to build one hydroponic technology system for training Grenadian youth in food production. Fork Farms, a hydroponic technology company in the Caribbean, will provide the equipment. Fork Farms has also provided hydroponic technology to Barbados, Anguilla and the Cayman Islands through the Caribbean Climate-Smart Accelerator. Reach Within will give 30 children the opportunity to learn job and life skills centered around hydroponic farming in Grenada. As the FAO begins assisting local farmers in building their own systems, this project will provide valuable skills that could alter the future of Grenada’s food production.

– Josh Megson

Josh is based in Albemarle, NC, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Tech Hubs and Youth Economic Empowerment in Iraq

Youth Economic Empowerment in IraqYouth in Iraq are no longer looking towards the oil fields for their future; they are looking toward the cloud. In a country where more than 90% of government revenue relies on the fluctuating oil market, a new generation is staging a digital alternative.

Background

The urgency for youth economic empowerment in Iraq is driven by demographics, with roughly 60% of the population under the age of 25. The private work sector finds itself limited in size and scope while trying to accommodate this influx of talent. While the public sector remains the traditional anchor of the economy, it has become a room with no remaining seats; today’s graduates are stepping into a workspace that is already at capacity.

As a result, Iraq records a higher percentage of 13.5% unemployment and lower labor force participation rates of 38% than the regional average. This highlights why digital hubs have become the primary engine for youth economic empowerment in Iraq. As of 2026, in an economy where petroleum still anchors over 90% of the national budget, these hubs are carving out a non-oil economy and growing steadily since last year.

Digital Leap

By providing high-speed internet infrastructure, resources often unavailable in private homes, these centers enable a “digital leap” for a generation entering the job market. Through courses in high-demand fields like AI data labeling and cybersecurity, the internet could connect young Iraqis to the global “gig economy.” This could allow graduates to bypass a stagnant local labor market and earn stable, international-level wages.

This decoupling is a critical lifeline, ensuring the financial future of Iraqi youth is no longer tied to global oil prices. Furthermore, these hubs could help narrow the gender gap; by 2024, targeted outreach has begun to raise the historically low female labor participation rate by offering remote work pathways that respect local cultural contexts.

Silicon Valley of Baghdad

The “Silicon Valley of Baghdad” narrative finds its blueprint in the south, within a specific Public Youth Center.

Souq Al-Shoyukh Community and Climate Hub (SSCH) is Iraq’s very first government-based community innovation center. With the efforts and partnership of UNDP-Iraq, the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Nahr Al-Uloom Foundation, this shared space now harnesses local knowledge into real solutions and ventures.

While most tech hubs cluster in northern cities like Erbil or Mosul, the South has historically lacked opportunities for technical development. Indeed, the SSCH model addresses this gap by creating a government-supported infrastructure that bypasses the short lifespans of private, donor-dependent hubs. By providing reliable electricity and industrial-grade equipment, hubs like this act as a safe space for digital creation and a rescue from existing infrastructure gaps.

Looking Ahead

The expansion of these digital hubs signals a fundamental shift in Iraq’s social contract. By 2026, the success of centers like the SSCH proves that the future of youth economic empowerment lies in a high-tech synergy between public infrastructure and private initiative.

Rather than replacing traditional sectors, these hubs could act as a bridge, equipping a new generation to modernize Iraq’s economy from within.

By connecting local talent to the global digital frontier, Iraq is repositioning its most valuable resource: the intellectual capital of its youth.

– Celine Dib

Celine is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Innovations in Poverty Eradication in Jordan

Poverty Eradication in JordanJordan’s poverty challenge is shaped by unemployment, water scarcity, limited natural resources and the long-term responsibility of hosting refugees. However, the country is also showing how innovation can make poverty reduction more precise, practical and sustainable. Instead of relying only on traditional aid, innovations in poverty eradication in Jordan are combining digital assistance, job creation, climate-smart solutions and humanitarian technology to help vulnerable communities build more stable futures.

Digital Aid That Reaches Families Faster

One of the strongest examples is Jordan’s National Aid Fund Cash Transfer Program. According to the World Bank, the program provided monthly support to 220,000 households in Jordan. In 2021, it reached an estimated 62% of the most impoverished people in the country, making it one of the largest cash transfer programs in the Middle East and North Africa in terms of coverage for low-income individuals. 

The innovation lies not only in the money itself, but in the system behind it. The program uses digital payment methods, including basic bank accounts and e-wallets, to make support easier to receive and more efficient to manage. This matters because families experiencing poverty often face barriers to banking, transportation and public services. Digital cash assistance can reduce those barriers while giving families more control over how they meet urgent needs.

Turning Assistance Into Opportunity

Jordan’s anti-poverty innovation also focuses on employment. The World Bank reports that supported operations have helped 48,000 Jordanians secure formal-sector jobs, with women accounting for 52% of those placements. In addition, 30,000 people are receiving on-the-job training and more than 4,000 individuals have received training in the digital sector.

This is important because poverty reduction becomes stronger when families can move from short-term support to long-term income. Job training, formal employment and digital skills help people enter sectors with more stability and growth potential. For young people and women, these programs can create access to opportunities that were previously harder to reach. In this way, Jordan’s approach connects social protection with economic mobility.

Youth-Led Water Innovation

Water scarcity is one of Jordan’s most serious development challenges. It affects agriculture, household costs, food security and job opportunities. The United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) “Scaling Up Water Innovation for Climate Security in Northern Jordan” project addresses this issue by supporting youth-led businesses that develop practical water and agricultural solutions. The project received a $570,000 grant from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) through the SDG-Climate Facility and focuses on climate security, water management and economic opportunity. 

The project trained 25 startups in financial modeling, customer development and value proposition design. Seven youth-led small and medium enterprises then developed solutions using artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, hydroponics, vertical farming and improved irrigation. The UNDP reported that some of these innovations reduced water consumption by up to 20% while improving agricultural productivity at the household level.

These efforts show why climate innovation is also a form of poverty innovation. When water becomes easier to conserve and agriculture becomes more productive, families and small businesses can reduce costs, protect income and adapt to environmental stress. In a country where water scarcity affects both rural and urban communities, youth-led innovation offers a practical way to connect environmental resilience with economic survival.

Humanitarian Technology for Refugees

Jordan’s innovation also extends to humanitarian assistance. The World Food Programme’s (WFP) Building Blocks system uses blockchain technology to coordinate cash-based food assistance. WFP reports that Building Blocks serves more than one million refugees in Jordan and Bangladesh and has processed $555 million in cash-based interventions through 25 million transactions. 

This technology helps aid organizations reduce duplication, protect data and save money on bank fees. For refugees and vulnerable communities, better coordination can mean more reliable access to assistance. Although blockchain alone cannot end poverty, it can make humanitarian systems faster, more transparent and more efficient in places where resources are limited and needs are high.

Looking Ahead

The most powerful innovations in poverty eradication in Jordan are not isolated projects. They are part of a larger shift that uses technology and entrepreneurship to make poverty reduction efforts more targeted, inclusive and sustainable. Digital aid helps families survive immediate hardship. 

Employment programs help people build a stable income. Water innovation helps communities adapt to climate pressure, while humanitarian technology helps assistance reach people more efficiently.

Jordan’s progress shows that poverty eradication is strongest when aid is connected to opportunity. By linking social protection, digital inclusion, youth employment and climate resilience, innovations in poverty eradication in Jordan are helping transform short-term support into long-term opportunities.

– Adriana Carolina Herrera

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

Photo: Unsplash

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How Smart Irrigation in Morocco is Changing Agriculture

How Smart Irrigation in Morocco is Changing Agriculture Morocco’s farms are running out of water. After years of recurring drought and rising temperatures, the country’s agricultural system is under mounting pressure and farmers are being pushed to adapt. In response, a new approach is gaining ground: the use of artificial intelligence to manage irrigation more efficiently, for a sector representing 15% of the nation’s GDP.

The Irrigation Challenge

Agriculture accounts for 85% of Morocco’s water consumption, yet much of it still relies on traditional irrigation practices inadequate to today’s climate realities. In many regions, farmers continue to use flood irrigation or fixed watering schedules, applying water regardless of soil conditions or weather forecasts.

This leads to significant inefficiencies. Large quantities of water are lost through evaporation, runoff and over-irrigation, particularly during hot and dry periods. As climate change intensifies, rainfall patterns have become more erratic, making it harder for farmers to rely on seasonal cycles. The result is a growing mismatch between water supply and agricultural demand.

In a country already facing structural water scarcity, these inefficiencies are no longer sustainable. They threaten not only agricultural productivity but also long-term food security.

Smart Irrigation in Morocco

AI-powered irrigation systems offer a way to move beyond approximation by introducing precision and adaptability. These technologies rely on real-time data to determine when and how much water crops actually need.

One of the key tools is soil moisture sensing. Sensors placed in the ground continuously monitor moisture levels, allowing farmers to irrigate based on actual conditions rather than assumptions. This prevents both under-watering, which stresses crops, and over-watering, which wastes resources.

Another important feature is the integration of weather forecasts. AI systems can analyze upcoming rainfall and adjust irrigation schedules accordingly. If rain is expected, watering can be delayed, reducing unnecessary water use.

Automation further enhances efficiency. Smart systems can operate independently, delivering water at optimal times — typically early morning or late evening — when evaporation is lower. This ensures that more water reaches plant roots, maximizing its impact.

Benefits of AI-Powered Irrigation

The advantages of these systems are both immediate and long-term. One of the most significant is water conservation. By aligning irrigation with actual crop needs, farmers can reduce water consumption substantially, in some cases by up to 70%. In Morocco’s water-scarce context, such reductions are significant.

Improved irrigation precision also boosts agricultural performance. Crops receive consistent and adequate hydration, leading to higher yields and better-quality produce. This can enhance farmers’ competitiveness in both domestic and export markets.

Cost savings are another key benefit. Using less water reduces expenses linked to pumping, storage and distribution. Over time, these savings can offset the cost of adopting new technologies.

Beyond these measurable gains, digitalization is reshaping daily farm management. Tasks that were once time-consuming and labor-intensive can now be automated. In Sefrou province, a farmer growing vegetables and olives described how this shift has affected his routine: “Automating and remotely managing my irrigation system has freed up time. I now dedicate one day each week to another business activity that generates additional income.” For many farmers, this flexibility opens the door to new economic opportunities.

Where AI Has the Greatest Impact

The potential for smart irrigation in Morocco is particularly high in traditional farming systems. These account for around 85% of cultivated land and consume roughly 70% of irrigation water.

Because these systems are often the least efficient, they offer the greatest scope for improvement. Precision irrigation technologies could reduce water use in this area, representing a significant shift in resource management. By contrast, more controlled systems such as greenhouse or urban agriculture, are already relatively efficient, leaving less room for substantial gains.

Startups and Digital Innovation

A growing number of startups and initiatives are driving the adoption of smart irrigation in Morocco. Agrilink, originally founded in Europe, has developed Internet of Things (IoT)-based solutions that connect soil sensors, irrigation systems and mobile applications. This allows farmers to monitor and control water use remotely, in real time.

SOWIT is another key player, combining climate data and agronomic expertise to deliver tailored recommendations. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between technology and sustainable employment by enabling young people in rural areas to gather actionable agricultural data, enhance production efficiency and support better outcomes for farmers. It targets two key groups: 280 women engaged in agriculture who are being trained in the use of precision farming technologies, and 100 independent field agents providing advisory support and expanding client networks across eight regions.

These initiatives are contributing to the emergence of a digital agricultural ecosystem, creating new opportunities for both efficiency and employment.

Looking Ahead

The expansion of AI in agriculture is closely aligned with Morocco’s Green Generation 2020–2030 strategy, which aims to modernize the sector and improve its resilience. A central objective is to connect up to 2 million farmers to digital platforms by the end of the decade.

As adoption increases, AI-powered irrigation could play a key role in conserving water, stabilizing yields and strengthening food security. Challenges remain, particularly in ensuring that smallholder farmers can access and effectively use these technologies. Addressing these barriers will require continued investment in infrastructure, training and digital literacy.

– Riccardo Chiaraluce

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

Photo: Flickr

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AI, Data Annotation and Global Poverty

Data Annotation and Global PovertyThe rise of AI is leading to remarkable changes in society. Many people are concerned about AI’s influence on job opportunities as the technology continues to advance and automate tasks once performed by humans. While there are definitely consequences to the pervasiveness of AI, this new development can actually create and foster new jobs for many. 

Data Annotation and Global Poverty

The development and accuracy of AI are heavily dependent on its training data. However, before this data is fed to AI for training, it needs to be labeled or annotated with the necessary context. This process has led to a new occupation known as data annotation or data labeling, in which individuals review raw data and label it with the context needed by the specific AI model. 

These annotations include outlining specific objects in pictures so that AIs know to pay special attention to that item or explaining the semantics of a word or phrase that could only be understood colloquially. The overall range of annotations depends on the model’s use. However, these examples showcase the wide range of responsibilities and the need for data annotators. 

Furthermore, human annotators provide nuance in their work that computers lack, which helps make AI models more accurate. This job is traditionally outsourced to countries in Africa and Asia, where populations live in impoverished communities. These data annotators work in poor conditions, with their workplaces even being referred to as “digital sweatshops.”

However, the tides might turn in favor of these communities with the right business practices and national policies. This is because AI companies want more qualified individuals to step into this role and annotate academic content. This shift in demand indicates the potential for AI to address economic poverty in areas with large populations of data annotators.

Impacts

Many large technology firms routinely outsource jobs to countries with highly skilled but undervalued workforces. Data annotation represents just one segment of the broader outsourcing trend within the Western AI industry. This fosters economic prosperity, benefiting the countries receiving foreign investment. 

On that note, data annotation is a new sector these countries can capitalize on for proper foreign investment. Many countries have skilled and knowledgeable human capital working in “lower-level” jobs, such as data annotation, due to a lack of opportunities in their countries. However, with the aforementioned shift in data annotation, these same individuals could easily qualify for “higher-level” positions, demand higher wages and advance professionally.

Sama’s Role in Africa’s AI Labor Economy

Sama is a subcontracting company hired by major technology firms to source and manage data annotation work in Africa. Through this model, the company has become a key part of the AI supply chain, connecting global tech companies with large workforces that label and process the data used to train artificial intelligence systems. Sama has helped lift more than 59,000 people out of poverty since 2008.

Its client and partner network includes companies such as Microsoft, Walmart, Getty Images and other AI-focused firms seeking large-scale human annotation services. 

Final Thoughts

Due to the rigorous nature of data annotation, the labor market is expansive. By leveraging current business practices, outsourced workers can capitalize on the shift to make this job more lucrative and even on par with other, more traditionally skilled occupations. This would lead to a holistic alleviation of poverty in local communities, as companies provide new opportunities to impoverished populations without losing the benefits of paying less for the same skill set.

Additionally, if national governments enact policies that both attract foreign investment and protect business practice standards, data annotation could become a powerful force in lowering global poverty and empowering international trade.

– Saanvi Mudpa

Saanvi Mudpa is based in Seattle, WA, United States and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash