Archive for category: Technology

Information and stories about technology news.

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Interventions Boosting Adoption of Digital Agriculture in Uganda

Digital Agriculture in UgandaFor underdeveloped countries with largely rural populations, digital interventions for agriculture face geographic and systemic barriers to national expansion. Several interventions, including digital apps and tools, digital literacy campaigns and the development of rural digital infrastructure, aim to enhance digital agriculture in Uganda.

Agriculture is a vital source of economic output and employment in Uganda, as 73% of the country’s workforce is employed by the agriculture sector. The country consists of a predominantly rural population, with more than 70% living in rural areas. About four million households rely on smallholder farming for survival and approximately 30% of the population lives below the poverty line.

Digital Agriculture in Uganda

Digital innovations for agricultural markets and productivity can enhance the country’s agricultural sector. However, low levels of digital literacy and financial constraints limiting digital technology adoption result in low participation from the general population. Rural communities mainly suffer from gaps in access to digital infrastructure.

This contributes to lower adoption of digital technologies in the agriculture sector than in other sectors. Currently, several projects and interventions are bridging these gaps and increasing smallholder farmers’ participation in digital agriculture in Uganda.

Kilimo Farmers Call Center

In 2018, 81% of smallholder farmers in Uganda lacked access to agricultural extension and advisory services, resulting in weak market and supplier connectivity. Consequently, in 2018, smallholder farmers received an estimated 28% of the expected yields for their crops, leading to poverty and malnutrition. The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) identified the lack of access to quality extension services as a main constraint in the nation’s agricultural sector, especially in the West Nile region.

In this region, only one agriculture extension worker serves 2,000 farmers. In response, the UNCDF built the Kilimo Farmers Call Center in northern Uganda to reach farmers located in the most remote areas. The Center uses both technology and a network of community influencers, called digital extension agents.

The hybrid model makes it easier to reach more farmers by combining instant digital services with the connections and rapport built by extension agents. After farmers complete their farming profile on the Kilimo Farmer Call Center app, they are geo-mapped to receive relevant weather and market price updates. Farmers also receive agronomic tips based on their location and access to advisory and extension services.

The CABI Crop Sprayer App

The CABI crop sprayer app minimizes waste production and the environmental impact of pesticides by helping farmers determine precise application for their crops. In 2024, the app aided coverage for more than 600 acres in Uganda with optimized pesticides, reducing costs for farmers by up to 30%. In the Nakasongola District, the app reduced crop loss from pests by 35%.

Plantwiseplus Digital Tools

Farmers optimize crop production and their resource investments using digital tools developed by PlantwisePlus. Anthony Ssenyonga is a crop scientist and ambassador for PlantwisePlus in Uganda. He established a digital advisory hub, serving more than 500, where farmers can send in a picture of diseased crops and receive a diagnosis and treatment advice.

Ssenyonga trained 50 people to use the digital tools and share what they learned with farmers in their communities, which resulted in a 20% increase in tomato yields in 2024.

  • PlantwisePlus Factsheet App: Downloaded on a smartphone, farmers receive expert advice on protecting their crops against pests and diseases and advice on managing infected crops. This tool contributes to greater food security, as farmers generally lose 40% of their crops to pests and diseases.
  • PlantwisePlus Knowledge Bank: Farmers use the Knowledge Bank to access information on specific pests affecting their crops and learn to manage them properly. They can also send in pictures of their infected crops for diagnosis by a trained plant doctor and receive accurate treatment advice.

Digital Literacy for Farmers

EzyAgric, a mobile platform digitizing the agricultural market in Uganda, designed a digital literacy intervention to increase farmers’ engagement with its platform. The need for digital literacy training was identified after the company discovered that only 20% of the 300,000 farmers registered on its digital platform actively engaged with it. EzyAgric provided training for 253 farming households across three districts, for both male- and female-headed households.

Subsequently, these households experienced a fivefold increase in e-seed purchases and farmer engagement with the platform increased significantly. EzyAgric continues its expansion into new regions of Uganda, using the initial intervention as a guide, to improve smallholder farmer engagement with the digital agricultural market.

Conclusion

Digital solutions to Uganda’s inadequate extension services infrastructure, poor marketing systems and climate instability susceptibility can revitalize the country’s agricultural sector. Indeed, by increasing the accessibility of digital services and educating smallholder farmers in digital literacy will increase rural participation in digital markets and the widespread adoption of digital agriculture in Uganda.

– Sarah Merrill

Sarah is based in Matthews, NC, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Role of AI in Developing Nations

AI in Developing NationsArtificial intelligence (AI) is becoming seen as the technology of the future, something speculative, experimental or confined to advanced economies. But the role of AI in developing nations today is already shaping decisions that affect food security, public health and poverty reduction. Far from the abstract, these systems are becoming deeply embedded in the daily work of governments, humanitarian agencies and farmers responding to real-world crises.

The question is no longer whether AI will influence development, but how and under what conditions it can support, rather than undermine, human well-being.

Predicting Hunger Before It Becomes Famine

One of the most consequential uses of AI in developing nations is in forecasting food insecurity. Historically, famine response has been reactive: aid arrives after a visible crisis, often too late to prevent mass suffering. AI-driven early warning systems aim to change that.

The World Bank developed the Famine Action Mechanism (FAM) in collaboration with the United Nations (U.N.) and the World Food Programme (WFP). It uses machine learning models to forecast food insecurity months in advance by integrating satellite imagery, climate indicators, market prices, conflict data and household surveys. Complementing this effort is HungerMap LIVE, a real-time food security monitoring platform developed by WFP.

HungerMap LIVE is currently used across Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan and Bangladesh. The platform integrates mobile phone surveys, remote sensing and predictive analytics to produce continuously updated risk assessments. These systems directly inform when and where resources are deployed, enabling earlier cash transfers, targeted food assistance and preventative interventions.

Evidence from WFP and the World Bank shows that anticipatory action is both more humane and more cost-effective than emergency response after crisis onset.

AI on the Farm: Empowering Smallholder Farmers

Agriculture remains the primary livelihood for hundreds of millions of people in developing nations. Yet smallholder farmers often lack timely agronomic expertise. AI is beginning to close that gap.

In Kenya and across East Africa, the PlantVillage Nuru app uses smartphone-based computer vision to diagnose crop diseases in real time. Designed to operate offline, Nuru enables farmers to identify threats such as cassava mosaic disease and fall armyworm by photographing affected plants. Research published by Penn State University and FAO partners shows that early detection through AI-based diagnostics significantly reduces crop losses and improves smallholder resilience.

Still, limitations remain. Unequal smartphone access, language localization challenges and the need for contextual agronomic knowledge highlight that AI tools must be embedded within broader agricultural support systems, not treated as standalone fixes.

Expanding Health Care Access Through AI Screening

In health care, AI’s most immediate promise lies in early detection, particularly in regions where trained specialists are scarce. In India, the health-tech company Niramai has developed Thermalytix. This AI-based breast cancer screening system uses thermal imaging rather than mammography.

The technology is portable, radiation-free and significantly lower-cost, making it viable for rural clinics and mobile health camps. Clinical studies published in peer-reviewed medical journals show that Thermalytix demonstrates high sensitivity in detecting early-stage breast cancer, particularly among younger women. Importantly, though the system is designed to assist clinicians, not replace them, it reinforces AI’s role as decision-support rather than autonomous authority.

How Institutions Are Integrating AI

AI adoption in developing nations is not happening in isolation. Major institutions, including the World Bank, WFP, FAO, UNICEF and national ministries, are integrating AI into policy planning, service delivery and crisis response. This integration involves building a larger infrastructure for data models and storage, training local staff, establishing accountability mechanisms and partnering with local organizations.

The Risks Beneath the Promise

Despite its potential, AI, while still in its development stages, raises serious concerns. Predictive models are only as good as the data they rely on. In many developing regions, data is incomplete, uneven or biased.

U.N. reports warn that algorithmic bias, financial incentives and extractive data practices can entrench inequality and potentially harm individuals if governance safeguards are absent. The U.N. Technology and Innovation Report 2025 warns that up to 40% of global jobs could be affected by AI, with economies that rely on low-cost labor potentially losing their competitive edge. There is also the risk of over-reliance on algorithmic forecasts, in which predictive outputs are treated as objective truth rather than probabilistic guidance, sidelining local knowledge and accountability.

Recognizing these risks, international bodies and governments are developing safeguards. UNESCO’s Ethics of Artificial Intelligence framework emphasizes human rights, transparency, accountability and data sovereignty. Similarly, UNICEF’s Guidance on AI and Children focuses on protecting children and vulnerable populations from harm, surveillance and exclusion resulting from AI’s prevalence.

Meanwhile, multiple developing nations are drafting national AI strategies to align technological deployment with development priorities rather than external commercial interests.

AI as Development Infrastructure

AI will not end poverty or hunger on its own. But when treated as infrastructure rather than innovation, embedded in institutions, guided by ethics and grounded in local realities, it can meaningfully improve how societies anticipate crises, allocate resources and expand access to essential services. The role of AI in developing nations will not be decided by algorithms alone, but by governance choices: who designs these systems, who controls the data and whose lives they are built to improve.

– Matt Irwin

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

Photo: Pixabay

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Digital Opportunity Trust: Promoting Digital Inclusion

Digital Opportunity TrustDigital innovations in online education and e-commerce have created new avenues for poverty reduction through economic inclusion. The digital economy can drive inclusive development by equipping people with the tools to lift communities out of poverty. Access to the internet provides better education and skill development, enhancing employability and market participation.

Digital Opportunity Trust

Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT) is a Canadian organization that delivers programs to young entrepreneurs on how to profit from the digital economy. Since 2002, DOT has been working to bridge the digital divide by connecting young people globally to essential digital skills. More than 3 million people in impoverished communities across more than 20 countries have benefited from DOT’s youth leaders.

DOT fosters inclusive development by preparing young leaders to participate in the digital economy and support economic growth at a local level. DOT’s Youth Entrepreneurship program aims to mitigate barriers to digital inclusion by providing young people with access to digital tools in addition to skill training and development. With a solid foundation in digital competencies, DOT is positioning young entrepreneurs as leaders of economic growth.

Initiatives like the Digital Bridge Project aim to educate 10,000 young people in Kenya and Ethiopia on how to use digital tools for their professional and personal development by April 2026. This initiative cultivates a new generation of digitally literate leaders prepared to drive poverty reduction in the digital age.

Economic Benefits of the Digital Economy

We can look to Kenya’s progress for how digital inclusion can transform a society and strengthen its economy. The “Silicon Savannah” has seen steady growth in its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector since 2016, creating jobs across almost all industries. Kenya’s investment in developing human digital capital aligns with DOT’s efforts to create a “digitally savvy workforce” capable of tapping into new opportunities for economic growth in the digital sphere.

Creating more jobs, especially for young people and promoting sustainable development by leveraging digital markets. The combined efforts of the public and private sectors support job creation and economic diversification in the digital age. Furthermore, Kenya’s adoption of broadband infrastructure has positioned the country as a leader in Africa’s digital economy.

Through its progressive digital strategy policies, Kenya aims to create 300,000 new jobs by 2028 by integrating digital technologies across the agriculture, transport, manufacturing and trade sectors.

Rural Barriers and New Pathways

While progress is being made, the digital divide disproportionately impacts rural populations. Limited internet access among 83% of rural residents limits digital skill development and market participation. To bridge this gap, DOT Kenya youth leader Samuel Mathenge led training sessions that enabled youth in Nyeri County to engage with the digital market.

Through DOT’s Youth program, he strengthened his own skills and trained more than 600 young people in digital literacy. “My journey with DOT Kenya has not only transformed me into a confident digital skills facilitator but also a compassionate and patient leader,” Mathenge stated. Fresh off his DOT training and equipped with the confidence to lead, Mathenge worked with other young people to not only master digital tools but also prepare for the job market.

Together, they searched for careers in the tech sector, refining their CVs and preparing for interviews. DOT’s investment in one young entrepreneur has created a cycle of youth empowerment in Kenya. Mathenge is just one of thousands of DOT Youth leaders globally, working to foster inclusive development in their communities.

Digital Foundations for Poverty Reduction

Digital inclusion opens pathways for education, skill development and youth participation in the labour markets, laying a digital foundation for economic growth and poverty reduction. Indeed, initiatives by DOT empower young entrepreneurs to engage with the digital economy, equipping them with the skills and agency to drive sustainable growth. DOT places economic power in the hands of young leaders, enabling them to thrive in their communities and create lasting change.

– Hope Jowharian

Hope is based in Paris, France and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Renewable Energy in Kiribati

Renewable Energy in KiribatiKiribati is a nation consisting of 33 islands in the Pacific Ocean lying directly along the earth’s equator in Micronesia. The territory gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1979. Kiribati’s location makes it the only country in the world that falls into all four hemispheres. Sitting on the International Date Line, it has the earliest time zone in the world. The country’s natural resources are coconuts and fish. Due to the threat of rising sea levels possibly engulfing the low-lying nation as a result of climate change, Kiribati has purchased land in Fiji for potential resettlement of its citizens (approximately 116,000 people). Still, the country continues to progress, improving its infrastructure, creating jobs and advancing its resilience to fluctuating climate conditions. The use of renewable energy can be key to Kiribati’s continued growth.

Kiribati’s Energy Challenges

As a developing nation in the remote continent of Oceania, Kiribati has distinct economic challenges. Among these is its ability to provide reliable, affordable energy to all of its citizens. Not only is Kiribati dependent upon imported fossil fuel (currently about 80% of its power comes from foreign oil) but energy distribution to its outlying islands is difficult due to their long ocean distances from the inner islands. Kiribati’s outer islands currently derive their energy from limited-capacity solar power systems and biomass (mainly wood).

Burning of biomass can release particulates and chemicals that can cause respiratory issues, heart problems and cancer. A lack of reliable, affordable energy can affect the health and well-being of island inhabitants. The use of renewable energy in Kiribati can provide a sustainable, economic solution to the country’s energy challenges and could push Kiribati’s current long-term growth rate from slightly over 2% to 4% and significantly reduce poverty.

Kiribati’s Energy Roadmap

In 2017, Kiribati developed an “Integrated Energy Roadmap” to address its energy dilemma. The roadmap defines a plan for making Kiribati’s energy supply not only more cost effective, but also greener, targeting a 22% reduction in fossil fuels. Reducing fossil fuel use will not only help to lessen the global carbon footprint but can also manifest social inclusion by providing affordable energy to all of Kiribati’s citizens. The country’s proposed strategy can help Kiribati to achieve energy independence and enhanced economic development by harnessing natural resources and utilizing indigenous workers. The energy roadmap includes strategic choices tailored to various islands’ characteristics. Plans for renewable energy in Kiribati include more efficient solar programs, wind power, biofuels and ocean energy.

The Green Hope Foundation

Kiribati has made progress towards its goal. The Green Hope Foundation has installed solar water distillation systems that purify seawater for drinking and agricultural use on several islands. Purification systems are essential as Kiribati’s groundwater is being depleted due to rising sea levels. Indigenous women help manage the facilities and educate their communities on water conservation. The distillation systems currently serve 1,900 people on three islands. Green Hope has plans to serve five additional communities of 6,500 individuals. Also in the works is a grid-connected solar photovoltaic project in Tarawa, the nation’s capital city that holds almost half of its 116,000 residents.

Other Types of Energy

Wind power holds promise for some of Kiribati’s islands. Kiritimati (also known as Christmas Island) has sufficient wind speeds to provide energy generation for its population of about 7,000 people. However, certain issues, such as noise, safety and the need to cut down coconut trees that provide much of the country’s income must be resolved prior to implementation.

Biofuel from coconut oil holds potential as nearly 80% of Kiribati’s land is covered in coconut trees. A coconut oil mill owned by Kiribati Copra Mill Limited in Tarawa has done trials mixing coconut oil with diesel fuel and with kerosene. The trials were reasonably successful, and commercialization is feasible in the near future. This biofuel could potentially be used across the country. 

Kiribati’s location and environmental conditions are optimal for ocean energy development. Indeed, the country’s energy roadmap includes plans for a 1-megawatt ocean thermal energy conversion plant. Testing and development have already occurred in South Tarawa. Though results demonstrated that such a plant would be feasible, it would require high startup costs and has logistical challenges such as the need for specialized vessels, ongoing maintenance, subsea cabling and material corrosion issues.

Outlook for Implementation of Renewable Energy in Kiribati

The use of natural resources for energy is an economical and environmentally friendly choice; however, implementation does not come without complications and challenges, including high installation costs. Kiribati and other developing countries do not always have the funds to build the required energy infrastructures. However, large-scale renewable power projects can attract investors who expect to receive a substantial return on their investment. The World Bank has contributed a considerable amount of funding, helping to enable renewable energy in Kiribati to become a reality.

Not only does Kiribati’s energy plan benefit the environment and help to accelerate its rise from poverty, but it also addresses social issues such as inclusion and women’s resilience. Indeed, Kiribati’s approach is a reminder that a well-thought out, inclusive policy to address energy challenges can have benefits far beyond the dollar.

– Debbie Barto

Debbie is based in Monroe, WA, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Emerging Role and Evolution of AI in the Caribbean

evolution of AI in the CaribbeanThe Caribbean consists of 16 independent countries and 18 associated territories, resulting in many unique problems that AI can solve. In an interview with The Borgen Project, University of Central Florida (UCF) Professor Rohan Jowallah, who works as a consultant for AI and AI policies in the Caribbean, provided necessary insight into AI in the Caribbean and what the future potentially looks like with AI.

Professor Rohan Jowallah’s Insight

In The Borgen Project’s interview with Professor Rohan Jowallah, The Borgen Project asked him about his most recent presentation on AI in the Caribbean and how the region has used AI. The organization also questioned him on how his role as a consultant has been beneficial to the Caribbean as a whole and the impact of the policies the region has enacted.

AI has benefited a wide range of sectors, including hospitality, transportation, hospitals and agriculture. There have even been instances of people using ChatGPT to promote real estate. According to Jowallah, the Caribbean is using AI “to simulate how guests should be served” in restaurants. Meanwhile, Trinidad is using AI in education. AI has become more prominent in the education field as it can support learning by being available to students at any time of the day.

When asked about his presentation on AI in the Caribbean and how he felt about the impact of that presentation, Jowallah stated that there is a lot to keep in mind, such as “the transformation of teaching and learning, how it’s going to shape how people learn, and how it’s going to shape how content is delivered.” He also stated that the way teachers teach will not be the same in the future as new advancements occur, also noting that “critical AI literacy” is going to be a necessity in order to navigate spaces with AI.

Upon being questioned about his role as an AI consultant, Jowallah said that the main thing to consider through the use of AI is how to safeguard the future. Finally, the last question that The Borgen Project asked was about where he thinks policies are regarding ethical concerns for AI, with his main thought being that it was simply too early to tell.

Addressing Problems With AI

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Trinidad & Tobago, Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten aligned itself with CARICOM to address problems with AI. It implemented AI in public administration to resolve problems like limited institutional capacity, scarce resources and heightened vulnerability. The hope is that with AI, and also knowing the opportunities and risks to worry about, there will be a greater understanding of how AI can accelerate sustainable development and resilience in the Caribbean, with many experts in their respective fields all coming together to better understand what AI can do for the region.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) also has pillars already set regarding the speed at which the emerging role and evolution of AI in the Caribbean is happening. Examples of a few of these pillars include culture and creativity, safeguarding intellectual property rights and promoting AI-driven creative industries. Another pillar is education and upskilling, which aims to integrate AI education/training across sectors to best utilize AI’s potential, thus leading to economic growth. With these policies, the emerging role and evolution of AI is finding a more definite role in the Caribbean.

In the case of the emerging role and evolution of AI in the Caribbean, the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) has recently opened up the door to permitting the usage of AI in exams in 2026. This is for the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination, Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate and Caribbean Certificate of Secondary Level Competence with clearly defined rules and regulations in place to ensure smooth sailing.

Looking Ahead

The Caribbean is right there as far as AI discussions go, as there is a foundation in place to ensure that in any capacity AI is being used in, it can be used safely and in any imaginable sector. Experts like UCF Professor Rohan Jowallah are at the forefront of the emerging role and evolution of AI in the Caribbean, looking to continue to push boundaries and innovate. With AI being readily available to assist in education or provide training for jobs, AI in the Caribbean could transform lives.

– Amari Jennings

Amari Jennings is based in Orlando, FL, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Mobile Technology & Community Health Care in Malawi

Health Care in MalawiIn many rural communities in Malawi, the health care system continues to face significant challenges in delivering accessible, affordable services to its rural population. More than 80% of Malawians live in rural areas, where limited funding, inadequate medical supplies, bribery and unaffordable costs restrict access to essential health care. Many rural families walk long distances to reach the nearest clinic, thereby delaying health care until health complications become severe.

Limited access to health care increases the risk of death among young children in Malawi, as people who live far from health centers are less likely to receive medical care. This also affects pregnant women who live farther away from those facilities, as they are less likely to get prenatal checkups or professional help during childbirth. To address these challenges, Malawi has increasingly relied on Community Health Workers (CHWs), locally known as Health Surveillance Assistants (HSAs), who serve as important links between communities and health systems.

Recently, the introduction of mobile technology has paved the way for more effective health care delivery. Using mobile phones, digital reporting tools and health apps, CHWs can now track patient data, communicate with clinics and respond more quickly to medical needs and emergencies. These digital efforts are supported by organizations such as the Malawi Ministry of Health, which oversees community health programs and digital health systems and VillageReach.

This global nonprofit organization strengthens supply chains and digital health tools for frontline health workers in Malawi. Together, these technologies improve access to health care, support health education and strengthen health systems in rural communities.

Mobile Technology Strengthening Community Health Work

Mobile technology has become an important tool in strengthening HSAs across Malawi. Smartphones, tablets and SMS-based platforms enable HSAs to collect patient data, monitor symptoms and communicate directly with health facilities. One of the most widely used systems is the Malawi Ministry of Health’s mobile system, which enables live disease surveillance and medicine stock monitoring.

The Integrated Community Health Information System (iCHIS) is a mobile system implemented by the Malawi Ministry of Health. It supports HSAs by enabling them to record patient data digitally and submit accurate, up-to-date reports. This system replaces paper-based reporting and data collection, improving accuracy and speeding up communication with district health offices.

By helping track diseases and monitor maternal and child health, iCHIS strengthens community-level health care and improves response times in rural areas of Malawi. In a published report, Malawi’s Ministry of Health emphasized that digital reporting systems such as the iCHIS have reduced delays in community-level data reporting and improved decision-making at district health offices. Officials noted that real-time digital data allows faster responses to disease outbreaks and improves monitoring of maternal and child health services, particularly in hard-to-reach rural areas.

In addition, digital systems support health education by providing HSAs with updated information on nutrition and disease prevention. These tools strengthen communication between health workers and communities, improve trust in local health services and help ensure that patients receive timely and appropriate care. Overall, mobile technology has become an important tool for strengthening community-based health care delivery in Malawi, particularly in rural areas.

Organizations Supporting Digital Health Initiatives in Malawi

  • VillageReach: VillageReach supports Malawi’s health system by deploying digital tools that strengthen last-mile service delivery. The organization works with frontline health workers to use mobile reporting systems that improve data accuracy, reduce medicine stockouts and strengthen coordination between community health workers and health facilities. These tools also help health officials quickly identify supply gaps and respond before shortages affect patient care.
  • Partners In Health (PIH): PIH is another organization that works with Malawi’s Ministry of Health to strengthen rural health care delivery through technology and training. The organization focuses on improving data collection, disease surveillance and quality of care by supporting digital health systems used by HSAs. PIH also helps strengthen digital systems and supports CHWs with tools that improve patient tracking and follow-up care, especially for maternal health, HIV and infectious diseases.
  • Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI): CHAI supports Malawi’s Ministry of Health by strengthening digital health systems, improving supply chain management and expanding access to essential health services. The organization implements data-driven health programs that enhance disease surveillance, improve access to medicine and strengthen overall health system performance. Through partnerships with government agencies, CHAI also develops and improves digital tools that enhance health care delivery.

Through the combined efforts of these organizations, the workload of CHWs has been greatly reduced. These efforts show how combining community health work with mobile technology can expand health care access and improve outcomes even in developing regions.

Looking Ahead

As Malawi continues to invest in digital health, mobile technology is becoming an important tool for improving health care delivery. Indeed, expanding mobile network access, strengthening digital skills among health workers and improving data systems will help ensure progress. With continued support and partnerships, mobile health systems can address health care challenges, improve patients’ well-being and strengthen the country’s health system.

By giving HSAs better digital tools, Malawi shows how technology can help to reduce challenges in health care access. These systems support CHWs and provide a practical example for other low-income countries seeking to improve rural health care in affordable, effective ways.

– Emmanuel Fagbemide

Emmanuel is based in Winnipeg, Canada and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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How Internet Access in the Solomon Islands Reduces Poverty

Internet Access in the Solomon IslandsLack of internet access in the Solomon Islands significantly impacts daily life in many rural communities, limiting access to education, income opportunities and essential services. Students in remote areas often lack access to online learning platforms, forcing schools to rely on printed materials, radio lessons and audio resources as alternatives. Schools use these alternative learning methods to avoid excluding students who lack access to digital devices or reliable internet connections.

Limited electricity further worsens the situation, as many rural schools are not connected to a stable power grid and depend on generators or solar systems to operate basic technology. Teachers working in these communities often face severe resource shortages. They must adapt their lessons creatively without access to modern teaching tools.

Why Internet Access Remains Uneven

The Solomon Islands comprise hundreds of islands scattered across a vast oceanic area, making infrastructure development challenging and costly. Although fiber-optic cables now connect some provincial centers, many outer islands still rely on slower satellite-based connections. This uneven development has created a digital divide in which urban communities experience stronger connectivity while rural areas remain largely offline.

As a result, internet access in the Solomon Islands varies sharply depending on geography.

How Digital Exclusion Deepens Poverty

More than 25% of the Solomon Islands’ population lives below the poverty line, with more than 80% of those affected residing in rural areas. Limited internet access prevents many families from using digital financial services such as e-wallets and electronic transfers. In regions where bank branches are scarce or nonexistent, poor connectivity makes it difficult for households to save money, receive remittances or build financial security.

Small businesses, women and young entrepreneurs also struggle to reach broader markets or adopt digital payment systems, which limits their income growth and innovation. Students face similar challenges, as weak digital infrastructure hinders their ability to acquire the skills necessary for future employment.

The Solomon Islands government has identified digital transformation as a key pathway toward inclusive economic development. Its ICT in Education Master Plan aims to connect schools to the internet and equip them with computer labs to support digital learning. Earlier initiatives, such as the Distance Learning Centers Project, expanded satellite-based internet access to rural schools and community centers.

Together, these efforts help reduce isolation by improving affordable access to information and communication technologies.

Evidence of Progress and Future Impact

Improved connectivity has supported platforms such as the iResource online portal, which distributes educational materials digitally across the country’s islands. The national curriculum directly links digital skills to self-reliance and paid employment, showing how technology supports improved living standards. Expanded internet access in the Solomon Islands also improves the growth of an inclusive digital economy that benefits women, youth and small businesses.

By continuing to invest in digital infrastructure, the Solomon Islands can reduce geographic isolation and create new opportunities to help families lift themselves out of poverty.

Conclusion

Better internet access in the Solomon Islands can make a real difference for people living in remote areas. When communities can access the internet, students have more opportunities to learn, families can utilize basic financial services and small businesses have a better chance to grow. These changes may seem small, but together they can help reduce poverty over time.

By continuing to expand internet access, the Solomon Islands can give more people the tools they need to improve their lives and build a more connected future.

– Aila Alsakka

Aila is based in Nottingham, UK and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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Solar-Powered Fridges are Fighting Hunger in India

Fighting Hunger in IndiaFood loss and waste drive hunger and poverty across the world. Each year, people lose or waste 1.3 billion tons of food, reducing incomes and leaving families without reliable nutrition. India illustrates this crisis clearly. In 2019, India lost or wasted 56 million tons of food worth about $10 billion, largely because producers lacked cold storage.

Perishable foods such as milk, fruits, vegetables, meat and fish spoil quickly without temperature control. Developing countries lose 23% of perishable foods before they reach markets. These losses reduce farmer incomes and restrict access to nutritious food, especially in rural areas.

Amid these challenges, solar-powered fridges are fighting hunger in India. By providing reliable, off-grid cooling, they help farmers preserve perishable crops, maintain income streams and reduce food waste. These fridges also support health and nutrition by safely storing vaccines, medicines and dairy products while lowering dependence on polluting diesel generators and unreliable electricity grids.

What Is a Solar-Powered Fridge?

Cold storage plays a central role in reducing food loss, but traditional refrigeration creates serious risks. Conventional systems rely on fossil-fuel electricity and refrigerants such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which trap heat far more effectively than carbon dioxide.

Exporting these systems to low-income regions would lock communities into carbon-intensive infrastructure. Solar-powered refrigeration offers a different path. These systems run on renewable energy and avoid dependence on unreliable grids or diesel generators. In India, where power cuts remain common, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, solar refrigerators provide consistent cooling for food, medicine and vaccines. As a result, solar-powered fridges are fighting hunger in India directly.

Real-Life Impact

In northeastern India, farmer Lalmuankimi Bawitlung experienced the impact firsthand. Rising heat forced her to discard about one-third of her 350-kilogram annual orange harvest after fruit ripened too quickly to sell. In January, the state installed a 10-ton solar-powered cold storage unit in the nearby village of Khawzawl.

The Mizoram Science Technology & Innovation Council worked with Inficold to build the facility, which now serves about 235 farmers. The system uses solar-powered ice battery technology that stores thermal energy and keeps produce cool for months. Lalmuankimi stored oranges until the off-season and sold them for five times the usual price, turning losses into income.

India already has more than 8,200 cold storage facilities, but most rely on the electricity grid. High energy costs and frequent outages force farmers to use diesel generators or abandon cold storage altogether. Solar-powered units address both problems. They reduce operating costs and continue working during power cuts, which often follow floods, landslides or heat waves.

Solar-Powered Fridges Supporting Health

Solar refrigeration also supports health and nutrition. Refrigerators allow households to store food longer and reduce trips to markets. During the COVID-19 pandemic, off-grid refrigerators helped families limit exposure while protecting food supplies. In an Indian pilot, 70% of solar refrigerator customers reported monthly profit increases of about $57 by selling cold beverages and dairy products from home-based businesses.

Health systems also depend on refrigeration. Clinics require cold storage for vaccines, blood, insulin and other temperature-sensitive medicines. Millions of children missed routine immunizations before the pandemic, largely because health facilities lacked reliable cooling. Delivering COVID-19 vaccines to 60%–70% of the world’s population requires a massive expansion of cold chain infrastructure, especially in poorly electrified areas. Solar-powered refrigerators provide a practical solution.

Looking Ahead

Solar-powered fridges are already transforming rural communities by keeping food fresh, protecting incomes and strengthening health systems. Across India, these systems reduce food loss, expand access to nutritious products and create opportunities for women and small-scale farmers. By cutting reliance on polluting energy sources, they also contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future. Solar-powered fridges are fighting hunger in India by offering a practical, scalable solution that improves lives village by village.

– Mollie Skogen

Mollie is based in London, UK and focuses on Technology and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Schools Advance Tsunami Readiness in the Asia-Pacific

Tsunami Readiness in the Asia-PacificCountries in the Asia-Pacific are among the most vulnerable to tsunami hazards. The region accounts for a significant portion of the Ring of Fire, a string of coastal countries along the Pacific Ocean where nearly 80% of all tsunamis occur. Asian-Pacific nations also have a significant number of coastal communities, including some of the world’s largest megacities. This high level of coastal residence puts millions at risk, evident in the fact that the region accounts for 99% of global tsunami deaths. To reduce fatalities and enhance tsunami readiness in the Asia-Pacific, many affected countries are taking unified action. Central to this effort is increasing the resilience of school communities to these threats.

The Regional Tsunami Project

Responding to a widespread need, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Japan created a joint initiative to help countries across the Asia-Pacific enhance their tsunami preparation. The Regional Tsunami Project works with governments, schools and communities to develop locally adapted plans of action to address tsunami risk. More than 800 schools across 24 Asia-Pacific countries are involved, integrating tsunami education and evacuation drills into their curricula.

Evacuation drills give community members the knowledge and tools they need to take quick action in the face of danger. It is especially important for schools to participate in regular drills, as children remain highly vulnerable to disasters. The project’s guidebook, Regional Guide for Schools to Prepare for Tsunamis, provides actionable steps for administrators and educators to enhance planning and implement safety curricula. Widely adopted practices include educating students on how to identify tsunami hazards, using the phrase “Feel. See. Hear. Run.” as a guiding technique. During evacuation drills, students learn where their nearest safe zones are and practice moving from classrooms to these areas.

The Use of Digital Tools

Technology is changing the way communities advance tsunami readiness in the Asia-Pacific. In fact, within school administration and disaster planning, digital tools have become essential. One tool developed by the Regional Tsunami Project is STEP-A (Strengthening Tsunami and Earthquake Preparedness Assessment), an online platform used in Indonesian schools.

STEP-A helps schools determine their tsunami preparedness through self-assessment, engaging students, educators and administrators. Once preparedness levels are identified, the application provides recommended steps for improvement. School readiness information across Indonesia is then integrated into InaRISK, the national disaster-monitoring tool, which provides real-time information on community hazards.

Schools are also adopting other innovative digital tools. In Samoa, students use virtual reality headsets that simulate what their surroundings may look like during a tsunami. This technology helps younger students, many of whom have never experienced a natural disaster, visualize evacuation routes and understand flood scenarios.  Research shows that immersive exercises improve knowledge retention and help students feel more confident in their ability to respond quickly during an emergency.

A Safer Future for the Asia-Pacific

The Regional Tsunami Project has laid a strong foundation for natural disaster resilience and tsunami readiness in the Asia-Pacific, especially in schools where preparation is essential to keeping younger generations safe. Digital tools will continue to play an important role, strengthening cooperation and enhancing preparedness among communities. Tsunamis will remain a serious threat in the region; however, by building the capacity to respond effectively, the Asia-Pacific can move toward a safer and more resilient future.

– Quinlan Bohannon

Quinlan is based in Portland, OR, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The IRC’s Use of AI in Crisis Zones

AI in Crisis ZonesArtificial intelligence (AI) is creating new solutions for communities living through instability and displacement. From Bangladesh’s ongoing political turmoil to Nigeria’s Boko Haram–related violence and Afghanistan’s post-2021 upheaval, millions continue to face barriers to basic services. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is applying AI in crisis zones to broaden access to education, trusted information and social support. This article explores how three IRC-supported innovations, aprendIA, Signpost and ALMA (AI for Life Mapping and Assistance), show the impact of AI in crisis zones on people rebuilding their lives.

How Crisis Disrupts Education

Education offers critical skills that support children’s safety, development and long-term well-being. For those living through conflict or disaster, the loss of stable schooling can limit future opportunities. Education Cannot Wait reports that by the end of 2024, an estimated 234 million school-aged children in crisis settings required urgent assistance to access quality learning. This figure represents an increase of about 35 million in three years. Of this total, 85 million children, around 37%, were not attending school at all. Ten countries with the largest crisis-affected student populations, including Nigeria, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, account for more than 60% of these children.

How Crisis Drives Displacement

Crisis often forces people to leave their homes, whether through internal displacement or by crossing borders as refugees, asylum seekers or migrants. Displacement brings loss of housing and community as well as reduced access to essential services such as food assistance, health care and social support. Language barriers and legal restrictions can further limit services for those who have fled.

According to the United Nations (U.N.) Refugee Agency, around 123.2 million people were forcibly displaced by the end of 2024 due to persecution, conflict, violence and human rights violations. This represents one in every 67 people across the globe. Furthermore, the global figure rose by 7 million in one year. The conflict in Sudan created the largest displacement crisis, with 14.3 million people displaced. Syria and Afghanistan followed with 13.5 million and 10.3 million displaced people, respectively.

IRC Solutions in Action

The IRC began in 1933 as the International Relief Association, formed at the request of Albert Einstein to support people fleeing persecution. Today, the IRC assists communities affected by humanitarian crises. In recent years, the organization has expanded its efforts by integrating artificial intelligence tools such as aprendIA, Signpost and the newly launched ALMA. These innovations aim to strengthen access to information. Additionally, they improve service delivery and support people in crisis zones with faster and more reliable assistance.

  • AprendIA. AprendIA is an AI-supported chatbot platform that delivers learning content through mobile messaging apps, allowing children to access education at any time and on any device. The IRC aims for the tool to reach more than 1 million learners by the end of 2026. The IRC has adapted aprendIA to support learning facilitators in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe in northeast Nigeria. In Bangladesh, where students face severe disruption from natural disasters, aprendIA provides lesson plans, activities, community tools and quizzes to help schools continue learning during climate-related emergencies.
  • Signpost. Signpost, launched in 2015, is a digital information platform that provides people affected by a crisis with reliable, localized guidance. The project uses service mapping, community-led content and two-way communication that allows users to ask questions and receive answers in less than 24 hours. Signpost now reaches communities in 20 countries and operates in 25 language. The long-term goal is to support half of the world’s displaced population. According to the IRC, Signpost played a vital role for Maryam, who fled Afghanistan with her family and arrived in Italy in 2021. Through Italy’s Signpost platform, she accessed timely information that helped her family navigate essential services.
  • ALMA. On Nov. 10, 2025, the IRC introduced ALMA. The multilingual virtual assistant is designed to support refugees, Special Immigrant Visa holders and other newcomers in the United States. ALMA operates through WhatsApp and provides round-the-clock guidance on social services, employment, financial literacy, local resources and information about rights and responsibilities in the U.S. Furthermore, the tool currently offers support in Dari/Farsi, English, Spanish and Swahili.

Toward Safer Futures

The IRC’s use of AI in crisis zones shows how technology can strengthen humanitarian responses. Indeed, tools like aprendIA, Signpost and ALMA help crisis-affected communities access education, information and essential services more quickly and reliably. With continued collaboration and refinement, AI in crisis zones can play an even greater role in supporting people working toward safer and more stable futures.

– Sammi Li

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

Photo: Unsplash