Archive for category: Technology

Information and stories about technology news.

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Improving Waste Management in Southeast Asia

Waste Management in Southeast AsiaThe growth of Southeast Asia in recent decades has been startling. This growth has improved the economies and living conditions in the region and has contributed to reduced poverty rates. However, the rapid expansion of industry and population size has resulted in huge waste production. Six of the top 10 countries with the highest polluting levels are in Southeast Asia. The countries have inadequate waste management systems and are not capable of handling large quantities of waste.

Waste Management in Southeast Asia

Currently, landfills are used, which are not sustainable due to the increasing amount of land mass needed daily. The region is the fastest-growing waste generator among the East Asian and Pacific regions. It has produced approximately a fifth of all waste produced globally. Southeast Asia is projected to produce an additional 300 million tonnes by 2030. The region is the main global center for waste imports after China banned unclean waste imports, adding to the overall tonnage of waste. By 2050, plastic waste is projected to be one-tenth of all waste produced, reaching 12,000 million tonnes.

The United Nations Environmental Assembly has identified pollution as the third great environmental crisis of our time. It stresses the need for improved waste management in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). For ASEAN, investing in sustainable processes is a must if it is to continue growing and improving the livelihoods of its population. The sustainability industry is an area of huge interest to investors as it is in its early stages of development.

The Problem with Waste

Poor waste management causes a multitude of problems, including health risks, pollution, resource depletion, economic losses and environmental degradation. Harmful diseases are spread in areas of inadequate waste management, threatening public health. Economic losses occur as resources are used inefficiently to handle the waste. Subsequently, governments have to act reactively to mitigate the consequences. These consequences of ineffective waste management disproportionately impact people experiencing poverty, who live in the most polluted areas and who feel the effects of poor health and environmental degradation the most.

Finding Solutions with Technology

There is a need for ASEAN to implement more effective waste management strategies to address the consequences laid out above and to promote sustainable development. Innovation and technology are being used to tackle the waste management problem in ASEAN. The gap in the market has drawn sustainable start-ups and investors to the region. Here are three companies that are using technology to improve waste management in ASEAN:

Rezbin

Based in Iloilo in the Philippines, Rezbin won the 2024 ASEAN start-up award. It targets the habit of recycling, providing bins at certain locations where plastic can be donated. Rezbin uses technology to track plastic donations and reward individuals who do. Rezbin’s CEO has stated that it is researching other tech solutions for the waste disposable industry. They hope to move into different areas of the waste value chain in the future.

Octopus

Octopus is a circular economy start-up based in Indonesia. It is a reverse logistics platform that producers can use to track and collect used waste to prevent it from ending up in landfills. The company ensures waste can be collected efficiently, providing incentives for manufacturers to collect and recycle their waste. Octopus hires people who have previously tried to make a living picking plastics for recycling and provides them with a monthly salary. Octopus benefits the ecosystem and individual livelihoods simultaneously.

Magorium

Based in Singapore, Magorium uses technology to convert plastic waste into a material called NEWBitumen, which can be used to build and pave roads. This material can be made from all types of plastic, clean or unclean, reducing the masses of unclean plastic ending up in landfills and cutting out the need to clean all plastics. Magorium provides businesses with the ability to get rid of plastics sustainably without them ending up in landfills, incinerators or the ocean.

The Future

Investment in improving waste management in ASEAN can lead to better outcomes for the region’s economies. The cost of uncollected waste is approximately five times higher than it would be to implement a sustainable waste management system. Start-ups using sustainable technology can help economies implement sustainable waste management systems and create a competitive market focused on sustainable development and waste reduction.

Revenue made from more efficient systems can be reinvested in the local economy and into initiatives tackling poverty. Overall, improving ASEAN’s ability to tackle its waste issue can benefit the poorest of society, who suffer most from the consequences of poor waste management.

– Lauren Alkhalil

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

Photo: Flickr

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Using Technology to Combat Drought in Kenya

How Kenya Uses Technology to Combat DroughtIn Kenya, only 27 weather stations are operational and they are spread over vast distances. This scarcity leaves many farmers without accurate weather forecasts, particularly rainfall, crucial for their agriculture. Farming in Kenya, a region prone to droughts, depends heavily on timing. The absence of reliable rainfall predictions forces farmers to risk planting seeds that may fail if expected rains do not materialize. This ongoing challenge is compounded by the region’s climate, which is not only prone to erratic rainfall and frequent droughts but is also expected to experience worsening conditions over the next decade.

The Impact of Drought in Kenya

Droughts in Kenya pose severe threats to the livelihoods of the poorest populations, who are predominantly smallholder farmers and pastoralists. These groups rely heavily on rainfall for irrigation and extended droughts often deplete alternative water sources like boreholes and rivers. The primary impact of drought is the destruction of agricultural assets. Without adequate water, crops fail prematurely, leaving farmers without food or income from harvests. Additionally, the loss of crops prevents future planting due to the loss of seeds. Livestock farmers face similar challenges, with water scarcity leading to the death of essential forage and, subsequently, their animals. Recent reports have highlighted extreme conditions, with visuals of even camels perishing from dehydration, symbolizing the dire situation in the region.  

Recurring and intensifying droughts in Kenya have left more than 4.35 million residents of arid and semi-arid regions facing severe food shortages and limited access to clean water, leading to widespread malnutrition. These droughts not only pose immediate threats but also perpetuate chronic poverty. A study from the Technical University of Berlin reveals that households impacted by drought often experience deteriorating living conditions and reduced educational spending up to 10 years later. Moreover, early exposure to malnutrition significantly impairs cognitive development in children, affecting their abilities into adolescence and adulthood.

The Bridge Between Bird Songs and Weather Stations

Information Technology and Indigenous Knowledge with Intelligence (ITIKI), is a groundbreaking drought forecasting tool. This system integrates conventional meteorological data, inputs from locally stationed wireless sensors and indigenous weather indicators, processing all this information through artificial intelligence to deliver highly accurate weather forecasts.

ITIKI stands out among forecasting tools because it uniquely incorporates local indigenous knowledge into its predictions. This allows for highly specific, micro-level forecasts that the Kenyan National Meteorological Services cannot provide. Indigenous knowledge includes local signs that correlate with weather patterns, such as specific bird calls or the behavior of dragonflies, which are traditionally recognized as indicators of imminent rainfall. Residents report these signs through communication channels and the ITIKI system processes this data with artificial intelligence. Professor Masinde, a user of ITIKI, recounts, “My sister and I would hear that bird, we’d have to run home because it would rain precisely three hours later. It’s so precise.”

Kenya’s youth often dismiss indigenous knowledge as outdated, viewing it as a primitive forecasting method. Yet, from a data analysis perspective, indigenous knowledge represents a long-standing correlation between natural phenomena and meteorological patterns, as recognized by local observations. Although these traditional indicators may be too general to serve as the sole method for predicting droughts, when integrated with modern forecasting technologies, they significantly enhance accuracy at the local level by contributing specific meteorological insights.

ITIKI Combatting Drought in Kenya

With a remarkable micro-level precision of 500 meters, ITIKI boasts a 98% accuracy rate for forecasts up to 18 months and 70% for those extending to four years. This precision enables smallholder farmers to receive specific rainfall predictions for their villages, enhancing their agricultural planning. Professor Muthoni Masinde explains the practical applications: farmers can save seeds and funds by not planting ahead of anticipated dry spells, investing in drought-resistant crops if only limited rainfall is expected or even relocating if long-term forecasts predict insufficient rainfall.

The 2019 USAID performance report on ITIKI highlighted its impact on agricultural practices, with 74% of users reporting improved crop yields due to the system’s accurate forecasts. Additionally, all interviewed users expressed their endorsement of ITIKI to other farmers. The adoption of drought-resilient crop varieties increased among ITIKI users, who, leveraging precise weather predictions, often planted before anticipated rainfall, enhancing crop survival rates.

ITIKI’s Future

The ITIKI project, currently operational in Kenya, Mozambique and South Africa, assists smallholder farmers in managing drought in Kenya. According to a USAID report, while ITIKI has been beneficial, farmers have shown reluctance to pay for subscriptions themselves. In response, Professor Masinde has pivoted to a business-to-business model, partnering with government institutions keen on enhancing self-sufficiency among these farmers. Furthermore, Professor Masinde plans to broaden ITIKI’s user base across Africa, refine forecast accuracy and incorporate predictions for other environmental threats like locust invasions. This project offers a promising avenue for enhancing drought resilience and addressing poverty in innovative ways.

Looking Ahead

ITIKI’s integration of traditional knowledge with modern technology offers precise weather forecasting, vital for smallholder farmers in managing drought in Kenya. By providing accurate, village-specific rainfall predictions, ITIKI helps farmers make informed decisions, improving crop yields and reducing losses. As the system expands across Africa and incorporates additional environmental threats, it promises to enhance agricultural resilience and combat poverty in the region.

– Siwon Kim

Siwon is based in Boston, MA, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Colombia’s Digital Divide: Internet Access Opens up Opportunities

Colombia’s Digital DivideColombia’s digital divide represents a significant barrier to economic development, especially in rural areas. While urban regions enjoy robust internet infrastructure, rural Colombia often remains disconnected. Only 16.2% of people in rural regions have internet access, compared to 63% in urban regions. This hinders access to information, education and economic opportunities, perpetuating cycles of poverty. Bridging this divide through targeted initiatives can unlock transformative potential, fostering digital inclusion that lifts communities out of poverty.

The Digital Divide in Colombia

Colombia faces significant disparities in internet access between urban and rural areas. Urban centers typically have better internet infrastructure and higher rates of connectivity. In contrast, rural communities often lack access to reliable internet services. This digital inequality exacerbates existing socioeconomic inequalities. The lack of access limits opportunities for rural residents to participate in the digital economy and access essential services such as education, health care and financial resources.

Limited internet access directly impacts economic opportunities. Without reliable connectivity, rural residents face barriers to accessing online job opportunities. They are unable to market their products and services and engaging in e-commerce. This hampers entrepreneurship and economic growth in rural areas, perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality.

Internet Access and Economic Opportunities

Internet access opens up new avenues for rural entrepreneurs to sell their products and reach a broader market. Online platforms and marketplaces enable farmers, artisans and small businesses to showcase their goods. Accessing the internet allows sellers to connect with customers beyond their local communities. By expanding market access, e-commerce empowers rural entrepreneurs to increase sales and generate higher incomes, thereby contributing to poverty alleviation.

Government Initiatives and Digital Inclusion

The Colombian government has recognized the importance of bridging the digital divide and promoting digital inclusion as a means of fostering economic development and reducing poverty. One such initiative is the Computadores para Educar (CPE) program, which included setting up free public WiFi hotspots at community centers. Previously, the Vive Digital program provided access to computers, photocopiers, scanners, telephones, digital training and affordable internet through 7,000 digital kiosks.

In addition to infrastructure development, the Colombian government has implemented digital literacy programs to enhance digital skills and knowledge among rural residents. For instance, in 2009, the Ministry of Information Technologies and Communications (MinTIC) funded the Citizen Digital Certification program. These programs provide training in basic computer skills, internet usage and online safety, empowering individuals to navigate the digital world effectively. By equipping rural residents with the necessary digital skills, these initiatives enable them to fully participate in the digital economy and access economic opportunities online.

Final Remark

Internet access is a powerful tool for unlocking economic opportunities and reducing poverty in rural Colombia. By bridging Colombia’s digital divide and promoting digital inclusion, rural communities can tap into the vast potential of the digital economy, including e-commerce, remote work and freelancing. Government initiatives such as the CPE program and digital literacy programs play a crucial role in expanding internet access and empowering rural residents to harness the benefits of the digital age. By leveraging technology to overcome geographical barriers and foster economic empowerment, Colombia can build a more inclusive and prosperous future for all its citizens.

– Jennifer Lee

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

Photo: Flickr

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3 Ways Drones Bring Aid to the Democratic Republic of Congo

Aid to the Democratic Republic of CongoThe Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is one of the poorest nations globally, with approximately one out of six people living in extreme poverty. An innovative approach to addressing poverty in the DRC involves utilizing new technologies to support vulnerable communities. Drones were introduced into the DRC’s weaponry service in February 2013. However, they have been used in numerous ways other than for weaponry usage.

However, they have been used for various purposes beyond military applications. The DRC is using drones to protect and secure its land. This is in the hope of reducing any potential conflicts and ensuring those who are vulnerable feel safer within the community. The government is also utilizing drones to support precision agriculture by monitoring farming regions and delivering medical supplies quickly and efficiently to isolated areas.

Improving Land Tenure and Women Empowerment

Kinshasa, the capital of the DRC, has been actively using drone technology to protect its land and assist vulnerable communities. Many of the city’s residents are women who serve as the primary providers for their families. In Kasangulu, a small city in Kinshasa, the pressure on land has been increasing. Additionally, the lack of clarity regarding land ownership has led to several conflicts.

To combat this, drones have been deployed using a pilot initiative conducted by IRDAC SARL, a local cartography group that was trained on how to effectively use drones and analyze the data received. One of the main aims of this project was to increase women’s awareness of the importance of securing land and knowing their property rights in the hopes of easing any future conflict. The use of these digital tools has supported this community and made it a safer environment for everyone in Kinshasa.

Assisting Local Farmers

Another way drones are used in the DRC is to monitor local farming areas and apply precision agriculture methods to increase crop production and reduce resource waste. Precision agriculture uses remote sensing data, including images and analyzed information collected by drones. This information is used to assess the required amount of water, fertilizers and more.

Although this method may be a popular and mainstream process in some areas, in the DRC, it has improved the farming economy massively. However, considering there are about 140,000 local farmers in the DRC, they still require continuous support to improve crop productivity. Using drones to target specific areas and allocate resources will significantly benefit the farming industry.

Providing Delivery Services to Medical Facilities

In 2019, Swoop Aero and VillageReach began a partnership to improve the distribution of medical supplies and vaccines for the DRC by setting up the Drones for Health Program. These drones provide delivery services to 70 medical facilities in isolated and hard-to-reach areas in case of emergencies. Currently, they cover 22,000 square kilometers of the DRC, serving more than half a million people. Since 2020, the drones have distributed 16,000 vaccines, bringing much-needed services and aid to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

According to Swoop Aero, this has allowed 620 children to be vaccinated for several life-threatening diseases. Another advantage of using drones is the speed at which they can improve the delivery time for medical supplies. According to Swoop Area’s analysis, a 90-minute boat journey has been reduced to just 12 minutes by drone. The importance of drones is explicit in the medical field. Although drone technology is a new innovator, it is making positive strides forward.

Final Remark

It is still too soon to tell if drones will become a staple in conventional everyday activities and bring aid to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Yet, it is evident that drones have improved the efficiency and productivity of the country. This new technology will still be analyzed, researched and put into practice to find the best solution to the problems in protection, agriculture and medicine. However, for now, drones still need the recognition that they deserve for the amazing uses that they bring.

– Charlotte Johnston

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

Photo: Pexels

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Renewable Energy as a Solution to Senegal’s Energy Poverty

Senegal’s Energy PovertyOne may view renewable energy as irrelevant to alleviating extreme poverty due to its higher technology prices (than fossil fuels). In the context of poverty alleviation, basic energy access is the focal point, not a global perspective. However, recent developments regarding renewable energy showcase that the technological quirks of renewable energy offer tools to solve Senegal’s energy poverty in appropriate contexts.

Senegal’s Energy Poverty

Senegal is a country of 18.2 million individuals located at the west end of Africa facing the Atlantic Ocean. According to the World Bank’s 2023 report, Senegal has reduced their incidence of poverty (using the national poverty line) from 43% in 2011 to 37.8 % in 2018. However, under a multidimensional perspective on poverty, the U.N. reports that 50.8% of Senegal faces poverty in health, education and standard of living.

Many studies argue that limited modern energy access (access to electricity) significantly perpetuates income poverty and threatens one’s health and standard of living. In Senegal, 3 million individuals do not have modern energy access. Furthermore, the urban-rural disparity in electricity access is 94% to 44%.

It is important to note that access to modern energy is significant in alleviating vulnerabilities associated with poverty. Modern energy is an access point to electrically charged technologies pivotal in supporting health, income-gaining ability and a higher standard of living. For instance, refrigeration allows quick access and storage of medical assets for the community; automated agricultural tools and internet access could unlock new and more productive income streams; light sources and heating could support better living conditions.

Off-Grid and Local Energy Sources

The use of small-scale, off-grid renewable energy in Senegal could be a complementary solution to the widespread energy disconnection. This is due to two major advantages that off-grid renewable energy provides. Small-scale renewable energy has the advantage of being functional in remote areas, according to the 2023 Stand Alone Solar (SAS) Market Update. The core cause for the disparity between urban-rural access to electricity is due to the rural parts of Senegal lack grid access to central electricity providers.

Fossil-fuel-based energy systems require large-scale infrastructures to connect homes to central energy providers and connecting large distances can be difficult and costly. On the other hand, renewable energy operates from a generally ubiquitous energy source (solar, hydro and wind) therefore being more easily installable in locations distant from the city, according to the Journal of Energy in Southern Africa.

Long-Term Affordability

Energy per unit becomes more affordable for certain utilities such as lighting when using solar energy instead of fossil fuels. The introduction of low-cost LED lights offers the rural population of Africa a form of lighting 50% cheaper than the kerosene lamps that are widely used.

Additionally, the cost of energy could become more stable with the contribution of local sources of renewable energy in Senegal. In 2021, Senegal relied on external fossil fuel imports for 59% of its energy needs. This leaves Senegal’s energy costs vulnerable to supply disruptions from international events. In the past few years, Senegal’s energy prices increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine War, according to the World Bank’s 2023 brief.

Progress in Senegal

Corporations have financed several off-grid solar projects in rural Senegal in recent years. A good example is the installation of an off-grid solar energy generator in Northern Senegal by a renewable energy company GFM FOTOVOLTAICA in April 2024. The solar generators successfully power three water pumps, a cooling system preserving food and livestock vaccines. The generators are designed to be agrivoltaic meaning the space below the panels can be cultivated for food crops.

This is significant as it has been found that a common community backlash towards renewable energy is the loss of farmable land. Projects like this are small in scale but are useful demonstrators for the impact off-grid renewables can have in rural communities in Senegal. It indicates that there is both a potential for a successful market and poverty alleviation.

Favorable Government Policy Moves

There are positive signs within Senegal regarding governmental recognition and support for the use of off-grid renewable energy in Senegal. The Senegalese government began setting a five-year plan in 2020 to achieve universal electricity access, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA) report. There is good evidence that the Senegalese government recognizes that rural residential areas not having grid access (no connection to electricity providers) is a major reason for the disparity and high energy poverty in Senegal.

The 2023 SAS Market Update reports that “there is increasing acknowledgement that [Off-Grid Solar Products] are a complementary and competitive solution” from the government to the issue of electricity access in Senegal. In 2020, the Ministry of Energy enacted a bill that exempts off-grid renewable energy products from value-added tax, contributing to making access to energy more affordable in disconnected communities.

Furthermor, the 2023 SAS market report noted that the Senegalese government also resolved corporate politics where multiple electricity providers banded to obstruct SAS company operations in regions under their influence.

Such reforms and legislations favoring the acquisition of Stand-Alone renewable energy products signal healthy governmental support, making Senegal a great environment for off-grid sources of energy to reach more of its population.

Conclusion

Energy poverty underlies numerous dimensions of poverty. In Senegal, increasing access to clean modern energy is of paramount importance. There are good reasons to consider off-grid renewable energy as a viable method to increase electricity access in rural areas. Numerous experimental projects showcase the impact and feasibility of rural communities integrating renewable energy for their needs. The Senegalese government’s interest and policy-based support for this solution signals bright potential for renewable energy to become a contributive solution to Senegal’s energy poverty.

– Siwon Kim

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

Photo: Flickr

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Supporting Cambodian Farmers With Drone Technology

Cambodian FarmersCambodia, famed for its ancient temples, rich history and vibrant culture, offers unique natural beauty and historical importance. Located in Southeast Asia, its landscape spans the Mekong Delta, which has been an important source of vitality for its surrounding countries for centuries. The lower Mekong basin runs through the East of Cambodia, providing a livelihood for Cambodian farmers. More than 90% of total production in Cambodia along the Mekong basin is attributed to paddy production.

Furthermore, more than 50% of total agricultural production in Cambodia is attributed to rice production. Due to its proportion of national production, the development of this sector can bring great returns to Cambodians. The agricultural sector needs reforming to support the crop’s commercialization in the region, a process encouraged due to its export value. If the government’s aim to make the country a “rice basket” (a major rice exporter) is to be fulfilled, using new technology can aid this endeavor.

The Economic Situation

Cambodia is both one of the most impoverished countries and one of the fastest-growing economies in Southeast Asia. The genocide from 1975 to 1979, which saw the killing of almost one-quarter of the population, has undoubtedly left its mark on the people of Cambodia and the economic health of the country. About 16.6% of Cambodians are multidimensionally poor, meaning they suffer from multiple aspects of poverty beyond monetary means.

One legacy of the genocide is seen in the poverty rate of areas near where the atrocities took place. Villages nearer mass grave sites suffered an increased 4% poverty rate in a study done in 2023. Agriculture is a huge proportion of Cambodia’s production. It is an area where the country can focus on improving to compete further in the export market. Its status as a less-developed nation in the region makes it an attractive prospect for investors, especially investment in the agricultural industry. This makes Cambodia’s agriculture industry a prime sector for increasing overall wealth and reducing poverty.

Cambodia’s Paddy Problems

Paddy production increased by 2.9 million tons from 2012 to 2020, sitting at 10.9 million tons in 2020. Cambodia’s capacity for paddy production is clear. However, it is vulnerable to climatic conditions and the export market is strict about the type of rice seed it accepts.

Varying climatic conditions threaten to lower rice yields as both flooding and shortages of water can reduce the total rice yield for the year depending on the type of rice seed. To make Cambodia’s paddy production sustainable, investing in new technologies can aid the commercialization of the crop and its climate-resistant capabilities.

Drones Can Be a Solution

Drone usage is an example of a technological innovation that can help the government and individual farmers achieve greater efficiency in paddy production. Particular drones can be used for aerial fertilization, saving time during a typically time-consuming part of the production and increasing the safety of administering pesticides and insecticides.

The Cambodian Agriculture and Research Institute (CARDI) has partnered with Queensland University to develop the technology and to deliver training to Cambodian farmers and government officials on how these drones can be used.  A woman in Battambang province has been providing spraying services to farmers in her province for two years already, proving to be a profitable and reliable business venture. She is among a group of women who have invested in drone technology to provide this service, which is guaranteed to use less water than traditional methods.

Another type of drone has been used in the Siem Reap province to sow rice. The community in Siem Reap has successfully used drones to sow the Neang Ang rice seed, covering 70 hectares of rice per day. This is a huge proportion of ground covered, improving the livelihood of Cambodian farmers and providing food security to the community.

Looking Ahead

The successful case of drone usage and the current partnership between CARDI and Queensland University spell optimism for the development of Cambodia’s rice seed systems. The greater efficiency provided by drones can be used to produce greater yields of climate-resistant rice suited to the export market.

This innovative technology can simultaneously improve farmers’ livelihoods and make Cambodia’s export market more sustainable in the face of adverse climatic conditions. Innovation and investment in agricultural technology can be the key to achieving sustainable growth and subsequently reducing poverty in Cambodia. 

– Lauren Alkhalil

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

Photo: Unsplash

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Kuza Freezer and Its Impact on Kenya’s Fishing Industry

Kuza Freezer and Its Impact on Kenya's Fishing Industry Founded in 2021, Kuza Freezer based in Mombasa, Kenya, aims to boost local fishing industries by providing solar-powered cold storage refrigeration. The fishing industry plays a vital role in the lives of many Kenyans, offering them employment and income as well as contributing toward poverty reduction, minimizing food insecurity and expanding the country’s economy through foreign exports. According to Kenya’s National Bureau of Statistics, agriculture, forestry and fishing contributed approximately 22% to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and was the largest employer with more than 20 million workers in 2023, marking a 2% increase. 

Challenges and Innovations in Fish Storage

Proper storage can keep fish fresh for up to three months after catching, but many developing countries lack necessary refrigeration, leading to a much shorter shelf life of just a few hours. This increases the risk of foodborne illnesses such as cholera, diarrhea and typhoid. Despite fish products accounting for approximately 30% of all reported foodborne illnesses, a variety of fish, including tilapia, carp, eel and bass remain popular in Kenyan markets, where locals prefer fresh fish. Fisheries also face significant profit losses due to mass spoilage, often resorting to reprocessing wasted fish as feed rather than selling it.

Technological Advancements and Community Impact

Kuza Freezer provides a sustainable solution with its portable cold boxes that maintain fish at optimal temperatures for up to 30 days. These freezers, lightweight and easy to transport by car or bike, operate on solar energy with battery life lasting up to eight hours. Constructed from recycled plastics sourced from local communities, the cold boxes can reach temperatures as low as -18 degrees Celsius. In Kenya’s fishing industry, these solar-powered units are favored for their affordability and low maintenance, offering a practical alternative to conventional freezers and ice.

Kuza Freezer also markets its emissions-free Kuza Freezer Trike, a combination mobile bicycle cart and freezer, designed for customers requiring enhanced mobility. The company offers training to its customers, along with flexible payment plans and support for repairs to ensure sustainability. Additionally, Kuza Freezer facilitates direct deliveries through its Soka Express App, which conveniently brings fish directly to customers, enhancing the service’s accessibility and efficiency.

Expansion and Broader Applications

Kuza Freezer has achieved significant milestones by delivering more than 350 products, boosting customer incomes by 60%. A study revealed that 99% of fishers reported profit increases with the aid of a cold storage system. Moreover, the benefits of Kuza Freezer’s products extend beyond the fishing industry to encompass dairy, produce and even medical sectors, demonstrating the broad utility and impact of reliable refrigeration solutions.

Looking Ahead

Kuza Freezer’s solar-powered cold storage technology is transforming Kenya’s fishing industry by reducing spoilage and enhancing product quality, which leads to increased incomes for local fishers. The company’s innovative approach to refrigeration has the potential to expand beyond the fishing industry, impacting agriculture and health care by providing reliable cold storage solutions. As Kuza Freezer continues to grow, its technology could play a crucial role in supporting economic development and improving food security in Kenya and beyond.

– Tanita Love

Tanita is based in Chicago. IL, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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How Digital Jobs Could Reduce the Gender Wage Gap in Albania

Gender Wage Gap in AlbaniaAlbania emerged from a 50-year dictatorship in the early 1990s as the poorest country in Europe. Over time it has transformed itself into what the World Bank describes as an upper-middle-income country. However, despite rising wages, the gender wage gap in Albania remains an issue that needs addressing. However, the Digital Jobs Albania initiative from the World Bank could offer women in the country opportunities that can help shrink the gap.

Albania is one of the countries with “the highest proportion of women in government cabinets” in the world. Furthermore, according to the Institute of Statistics, women in Albania are, on average, better educated than their male counterparts. In Albania, 21.3% of women in the country have completed higher education compared to 18.2% of men. But, despite women being better educated and represented in government, they continue to be paid less than men across the majority of professions. What’s more, the gender wage gap in Albania is actually increasing over time, rather than decreasing.

Why Does the Gender Pay Gap Keep Growing?

According to Euronews, the average working individual in Albania was paid 61,898 lek gross per month in 2022, which is an increase of 8.2% from the previous year. Euronews’ research shows that it is the difference in the speed and size of salary increases between men and women that has likely led to the gender wage gap in Albania widening over time, despite women’s increased education and presence in government.

For men, the average salary of 63,773 lek was an increase of 9.2% from the year before. For women on the other hand, the average salary of 59,773 lek was only 7.3% more than the previous year. So, the gap between men’s and women’s pay in Albania increased from 4.2% in 2021, to 6.2% in 2022 thanks to men’s wages increasing faster than their female counterparts, Euronews reports.

Are Digital Jobs the Solution?

The European Institute for Gender Equality has been working with Albania to build its capacity for gender equality since 2013 and the Gender Equality Index that the country released in January 2020 scored 60.4 points. Its score in the Domain of Power of 60.9 was higher than the European Average of 47.6 points. This was primarily due to the aforementioned high levels of women working in government.

However, the index also shows that Albania’s score within the domain of money, which covers gender inequalities in financial resources and the economic situation in which men and women live, is 20.8 points lower than the EU-28 average. This means that women in Albania are more likely to be at risk of poverty than men within the country.

To work to combat the gender wage gap in Albania, the Digital Jobs Albania initiative offers opportunities to help them gain better access opportunities for work online, and so better connection to the global economy.

Digital Jobs Albania offers a three-month intensive training program in digital skills for women aged 16 to 35 aiming to encourage them to connect with rapidly growing industries that specialize in online freelance work, such as graphic design, digital marketing and web development.

Shrinking the Gender Wage Gap

The flexible working hours and the ability to work from home that these careers offer can help more women in Albania stay in the labor market and gain financial independence, therefore shrinking the gender wage gap in Albania.

Between September 2021 and May 2022, the project had already produced results with more than 5,000 women expressing interest in joining the training initiative. This was far more individuals than spots available and demonstrated just how unmet women’s work demands are in the country. Furthermore, the initiative has appealed to young people in the country, with more than 500 enrolling in the initiative.

– Kristina Grant

Kristina is based in Scotland, UK and focuses on Business and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Global Engineering Is Helping Impoverished Communities

Global Engineering Is Helping Impoverished CommunitiesThe field of Global Engineering is helping impoverished communities and making significant strides in addressing global poverty at two major U.S. research institutions. In May 2024, the Mortenson Center in Global Engineering and Resilience (MCGER) at the University of Colorado Boulder partnered with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to visit Armenia in West Asia. The goal of the visit was to improve water management and resources in impoverished Armenian communities.

Additionally, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) recently established the K. Lisa Yang Global Engineering and Research (GEAR) Center, thanks to a $28 million donation from philanthropist Lisa Yang. The GEAR Center focuses on applying engineering research to benefit resource-strained communities.

What Is Global Engineering?

Research Universities like the University of Colorado Boulder believe that global engineering is the application of engineering tools and technology to provide equitable access to safe water, sanitation, energy, food, shelter and infrastructure. The university’s ongoing research projects have included delivering cookstoves and water filters to households in Rwanda to prevent disease and providing research analysis on the safety of reconstructed shelters for hurricane disaster relief in the Philippines and Puerto Rico.

Furthermore, in May 2024, the university visited Yerevan, the capital city of Armenia, to communicate and train with the Government of Armenia, local communities, students and faculty at Yerevan University on modern water management. University of Colorado Boulder also provided a program for Armenian students to understand water resource management, simulation modeling and data analytics.

Engineering is helping address the fact that billions of people worldwide face threats to their health due to poverty. At MIT’s new GEAR Center, a team of MIT researchers and engineers plan to utilize new technologies and science to face real-world global health issues. The team has already visited the Middle East and North Africa, providing water-saving and solar-powered irrigation solutions through exploratory field research.

The Future of Global Engineering?

The global engineering program at the University of Colorado wants to continue to evolve engineering education to adapt to the changing world. The program wants to train future engineers not just in science and technology but also in global development and equity. An interdisciplinary approach to the field of engineering means knowing how engineers can help global poverty reduction and improve the livelihood of people on a global scale.

At MIT, global engineering is helping a new generation of engineers apply research and design strategies to help impoverished communities and meet global challenges. “These talented young students, postdocs and staff have the potential to reach across disciplines — and across the globe — to truly transform the impact engineering can have in the future,” said Dean of Engineering Anantha Chandrakasan.

– Jacob Buckner

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

Photo: Flickr

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Cyber Technology Reduces Poverty in the Dominican Republic

.Poverty in the Dominican RepublicArtificial Intelligence (AI) could help alleviate global poverty. Parts of Africa and Latin America are already using cyber technology to boost agriculture and their economy. Agriculture remains one of the key industries across the Caribbean. Around one-fifth of the Dominican Republic’s workers work in agriculture and the country exports valuable goods, including sugar, bananas, cocoa and rice. Demands for wheat have also accelerated, especially from Haiti, following the uprising crisis. This has paved the way to assist in the reduction of poverty in the Dominican Republic.

About Extreme Poverty in the Dominican Republic

Rates of extreme poverty fell by 10% between 2015 and 2019 but jumped again when the pandemic arrived in 2020. Greater tourism and increased trade with other nations mean that, both internally and externally, poverty in the Dominican Republic has been reduced. The country now has more surplus money to invest in emerging technologies.

AI could come in handy in this area. In Africa, for instance, drones are already being used to detect and prevent poachers. They deliver medical aid and support the conservation of wildlife. Satellites are also being used to improve agricultural yields by understanding shortcomings and adapting plans for farmers to fill these gaps.

Lessons To Be Learned

Since many farmers need more training in advanced agricultural practices, machine learning will eventually come in handy. Cyber technology not only helps to quickly calculate complicated equations but also improves the ease of communication between developing and developed countries. With AI speeding up these processes, less money goes into agricultural work and more funding enters the economy.

The barrier comes in the provision and funding of these technologies. The Dominican Republic has proven itself willing to engage with the next generation of tech by using AI. However, the costs will be high and require greater communication and support from nations with high Human Development Index (HDI) ratings. Embracing e-learning platforms will allow this.

Networking

AI is already being used to boost customer relationships and experiences in the banking sector under the “know your customer” initiative. This process tailors support to the specific needs of customers to provide them with the most relevant support possible. Eight “multiple banks” currently employ AI-generated systems.

A developing ecosystem across the Caribbean is also currently sharing data between multiple economies to overcome generic technological and scientific obstacles. None of this could have been achieved without the benefits of machine learning. With agriculture being such a profitable sector, a growth in exports would create a flourishing economy for the country. Increased connections with other nations would match an accelerated connection to local people.

The Weather Creates Significant Obstacles

Machine learning also warns of volatile weather conditions to help farmers be best informed about how to overcome climate issues. Tackling natural disasters has already been proven a government priority with the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility. The facility provides insurance for natural disasters such as earthquakes, cyclones and excessive rainfalls.

Pangu-Weather, the AI model developed by Huawei Cloud in 2023, offers weather forecasts and predictions for the paths of tropical cyclones. This would come in handy in the Dominican Republic, where unpredictable weather conditions often undermine the hard work of agriculturalists. Alternatively, Google has offered a 10-day forecast called GraphCast, which it could roll out to the international market for greater availability.

The way forward is using drones to gather sensor data. This data analyzes natural nutrient levels to understand how quickly crops will grow compared to how quickly they need to grow. Drones can also deliver 3D mapping, warnings of irrigation leaks and a consistent tracker of livestock health.

Final Remark

Impoverished nations have some lessons to learn from Latin America. The Dominican Republic is in control of its cyber technology. It has the highest regional rating on the National Cyber Security Index and a defense system against cyber attacks. This development is the first step to a bright future, where progress has already been made in tackling poverty through cyber technology and can continue to expand the prosperous agricultural sector across the region.

– Lewis Eyre

Lewis is based in Bournemouth, UK and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash