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3 Reasons Indigenous Wisdom Is Essential to Planet Safety

Indigenous WisdomIndigenous peoples constitute only 6% of the global population and these communities are three times as likely to fall victim to extreme poverty compared to non-Indigenous people. However, their profound connection to the land and nature offers invaluable insights into modern environmental challenges. This article highlights three crucial reasons why this cultural wisdom is essential to impoverished Indigenous groups as well as the future health of the planet.

Protecting Biodiversity

Indigenous wisdom plays a crucial role in preserving biodiversity and protecting the environment. Central to their beliefs is the Natural or First Law, which focuses on ethics, reciprocity and gratitude toward the Earth, according to PLOS Global Public Health. According to Diné musician, scholar and cultural historian Lyla June, Indigenous peoples have historically acted as “keystone species,” essential to the balance and support of their ecosystems.

Research shows that indigenous-managed lands show higher biodiversity and lower deforestation rates, resulting in these areas becoming carbon hotspots in the environment. For instance, The Ecuador Biodiversity Conservation in Pastaza Project focused on benefiting communities in Ecuador by supporting sustainable biodiversity usage. Although this project ended in 2007, it greatly benefitted the Yana Yacu, Nina Amarun and Lorocach territories.

Families who participated in the project saw a mass increase in crop production. This surplus food can be used for trading and preparing seed banks, which boosts the local economy and provides opportunities for struggling families. In addition to their environmental contributions, Indigenous peoples maintain rich cultures, values and traditions, while navigating poverty-related issues, further strengthening their role as key protectors of the environment.

Managing Environmental Changes

Indigenous groups have long recognized and prepared for environmental concerns, often attributing these issues to the impacts of colonialism and capitalism. Their adaptation strategies, honed through generations of experience, offer critical insights for managing unique challenges that disrupt community work and food systems, according to One Earth. These communities have historically navigated drastic environmental shifts and natural disasters, providing a rich understanding of resilience and adaptation.

For instance, the Skolt Sámi tribe of the European Arctic has recently made protective efforts to restore rivers damaged by man-made changes. By restoring ecosystems such as the Vainosjoki River, this tribe has created a home for many types of fish, plants and animals that were previously unavailable in the area, One Earth reports. This introduces a home and a food source to local communities, supporting the tribe as well as the Earth.

Valuing Indigenous Knowledge in Policy Making

Indigenous populations, despite their significant contributions to environmental conservation and carbon storage, remain underrepresented in government decision-making processes, according to PLOS Global Public Health. Despite the implementation of the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in 2007, Indigenous voices continue to not be heard. Despite not being a part of crucial policy-making decisions, Indigenous groups around the world today are making great strides in expanding their rights throughout the Arctic, Africa, the Pacific and Asia, according to PLOS Global Public Health.

As a marginalized group, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Indigenous populations around the world had to rely on cultural remedies often without access to the vaccine or proper health care. The Indigenous response to the pandemic further demonstrates the value of traditional medicinal and recovery practices, according to PLOS Global Public Health. Specifically, the Mbuti, Efe and Baka tribes in Africa have been environmentally impacted by an increase in logging and mining in forest-dependent areas.

Additional issues throughout the pandemic forced many to relocate, food and water shipments were often delayed and many lost their jobs due to the lockdown. The pandemic hit Indigenous groups the hardest, forcing them further into poverty, according to Elsevier. Despite these struggles, many groups such as tribes in Brazil and South Africa widely used herbal medicines and traditional techniques to treat symptoms. Mainstream discussions often overlook these practices despite their value as efficient and safe solutions. Incorporating Indigenous knowledge into policy-making and scientific research could benefit efforts to preserve biodiversity and combat environmental damage.

Embracing Indigenous Wisdom

Indigenous people manage about 25% of Earth’s surface, which is notably in better ecological condition in comparison to other regions. One organization, the African Conservation Center (ACC) is an East African group that focuses on working with local Indigenous communities to create innovative solutions to environment-related issues. The organization began its journey in the 1970s and has helped 11,700 homes in Magadi access clean water. Clean water allows families to cook, clean, bathe and hydrate, lack of access to clean water can lead to infection and disease. This effort shows the effectiveness of their practices and the benefits of prioritizing protective conversations.

Embracing Indigenous wisdom not only helps restore and protect natural habitats but also fosters sustainable practices that can benefit future generations. As the Earth faces escalating environmental challenges, the collaboration between Indigenous knowledge and contemporary science emerges as a beneficial strategy for ensuring the planet’s health and safety. These time-tested practices offer valuable lessons for designing life systems that are sustainable and capable of nurturing the Earth for generations to come.

– Lauren Sellman

Lauren is based in Rochester Hills, MI, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Reverse Osmosis: A Path to Clean Water in Jamaica

Clean Water in JamaicaAccess to clean, safe drinking water is integral for maintaining the health and everyday life of any human being, with the World Bank stating that it is “essential for human and economic development.” However, with less than 1% of the water on Earth being drinkable, not everyone has access to clean, safe water.

Access to Clean Water in Jamaica

The anthropogenic change in the climate is placing further stress on natural freshwater sources due to increasingly irregular rain patterns and more frequent extreme weather, such as droughts and flooding. This affects access to safe drinking water and damages water infrastructure, further limiting availability. In Jamaica, this has led to indefinite water restrictions in some areas as reservoirs like the Hermitage System and Mona Reservoir operate well below capacity, at 37% and 33%, respectively.

In recent years, Jamaica has even had to resort to water shutoffs where water is only accessible at certain times. This demonstrates that although Jamaica is known as “the land of wood and water,” access to clean and safe water remains an important issue and is only predicted to worsen if no intervention is undertaken to combat the impact of climate emergency.

Increasing Access to Clean Water in Jamaica

Jamaica’s National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), in response to the nation’s worsening clean water situation and the threat posed by adverse climate conditions, signed a grant agreement with the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) on July 31, 2024. The grant “will support the development of reverse osmosis technology” by facilitating a study undertaken by the NEPA into 13 different national reverse osmosis sites and four international sites “that are environmentally responsible and reduce the impact on groundwater and marine life.”

Advancements in Reverse Osmosis Technology

Reverse Osmosis (RO) “is a multistage water filtration process that is used to remove up to 99.9% of contaminants.” This could simply be removing salt from seawater and turning it into safe and clean potable water for households or industries. However, it can also have other less obvious applications, such as removing heaving metals and dangerous chemicals from industrial wastewater, allowing it to be reused or distributed to the public. Both these applications of RO technology can help reduce water insecurity and help provide greater access to clean water in Jamaica.

Current developments in RO technology are also promising, offering increased efficiency at lower energy costs through a new pressure exchange system that fully automates the RO process. These new technological developments, combined with the implementation of RO systems made possible by the USTDA grants, can reduce Jamaica’s water insecurity while reducing the operation costs of such technology, making these services much more cost-effective and viable for a developing economy such as Jamaica’s.

Safe Water, Health and Poverty

While most people intuitively understand the importance of access to safe and clean water because it’s used copiously in daily life, it is also inextricably linked to health and, by extension, poverty. Clean water is essential not only for drinking and basic sanitation but also for many industries, including agriculture, which accounts for about one-twentieth of Jamaica’s gross domestic product (GDP). Therefore, a lack of access to clean and safe water can cause diseases such as cholera or diarrhea and reduce economic growth by impacting and limiting industries such as agriculture, which accounts for 29% of GDP and 65% of jobs in developing countries.

Poor health is a major cause of poverty and a significant barrier to escaping it, as medical treatment often forces those living in or near poverty to cover out-of-pocket expenses. Ill health also prevents the sick individual or those caring for them from working, creating a loss of earnings that “is often larger than that through medical expenses.” Therefore, disease and poor health caused by unsafe water, often resorted to when clean and safe water is unavailable, can directly impact or cause poverty. A lack of safe and clean water can also affect early childhood development due to time spent fetching water and associated illness with poor hygiene and sanitation, leading to disrupted education, another factor directly linked to increases in poverty.

Final Remarks

Achieving 100% access to clean water across Jamaica is essential for reducing poverty-related factors and fostering economic growth. The USTDA’s support will help accelerate progress toward this goal while facilitating the implementation of sustainable, long-lasting infrastructure to meet Jamaica’s ongoing demand for clean water. Advancements in RO technology further support meeting future water demands while lowering energy costs, making RO a more viable long-term solution for Jamaica’s clean water needs. This will help reduce the impact of a lack of clean and safe water as an influencing cause of poverty and its continuation, hopefully paving the way for further poverty reduction measures in the country.

– Archie Day

Archie is based in St Andrews, Scotland and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Everybody Water Helps Women Achieve Their Dream

Everybody WaterAccess to clean water is a basic necessity many of us take for granted. Yet, this is a harsh reality for more than a fourth of the population. While the lack of clean drinking water affects both genders, the women often bear the burden of trekking long distances to fetch water. They collectively spend around 200 million hours a day on this task. However, the provision of clean water has the potential to transform lives, offering hope and optimism for a better future.

Additionally, a lack of clean water can cause water-related illnesses and promote poor sanitation. These issues prevent children from having the resources and ability to attend school and receive an education. In some countries, such as Malawi, UNICEF reported that on average, women spend 54 minutes collecting water, and men spend six minutes. The journey to collect water can often be dangerous or long, especially in intense heat or cold. On top of cooking, cleaning, and caring for children, collecting water is just another job that takes away from the education of young girls. With access to clean water, typical duties placed on girls are made much more accessible, allowing more time for school and independent endeavors.

Founders Story

Megan Hayes and Kimberly Reilly, two women who desire to contribute something through their passion project, founded Everybody Water. The two women are good friends and neighbors who have become business partners. While the organization started its charity work within the community, the company’s efforts quickly expanded past that. When asked why they started the charity, both women expressed their strong desire to have a social impact past their entrepreneurial goals.

Not only does the organization provide clean water, but it also empowers girls and women to pursue education. Reilly says, “Do not underestimate how big of an impact you can have – think big.” Hayes mentions, “Find a way to have giving back be a part of your work, it feels good when you can help others.”

Helping Women in Honduras

Everybody Water contributes 3% of its annual gross revenue to fund clean water and sanitation infrastructure projects, providing homes with running water, sinks, showers and toilets. Its first initiative was in Honduras, where it implemented a 10-mile pipe to run into the village and supply water to people. One woman says, “I had 14 children, raised them with only a gourd on my head. I have been to the water hole every day since I was born, until today.”

Additionally, Reilly speaks about the community’s contribution to the project. Everybody Water helps plan and build the water sources, providing jobs for the men in the village. Furthermore, they are not only providing a water source but also giving hope to these communities. One villager speaks about how, before the water source, there was no school or kindergarten. Now, she says, everything looks different. It is a new environment.

The organization’s impact inspires many and motivates entrepreneurs, showing that it is possible to achieve goals while also giving back. Reilly and Hayes’s social impact in these countries will make a considerable difference in improving the education opportunities and independence of young girls living in these villages.

– Sofia Hattiangadi

Sofia is based in New York City, NY, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Enhancing WASH Services in Yemen

WASH Services in YemenThe people of Yemen, a country devastated by conflict, struggle with the lack of access to sanitation services and clean water, also known as Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Services (WASH). According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), more than 16 million Yemenis urgently need WASH services.

One of the main factors that increase the need for WASH services in Yemen is displacement as a result of conflict, natural disasters and epidemic outbreaks. Another factor is the disruption of public services in Yemen, which left only one-third of the Yemen population connected to a piped water network. Therefore, countries and international organizations have been working together to provide and facilitate access to WASH services.

Saudi Arabia-WHO WASH Services in Yemen

On July 30, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSRelief), Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian aid agency, announced a $3.75 million project to enhance WASH services in Yemen to help the most vulnerable populations across the country.

The project will upgrade WASH infrastructure in two hospitals, enabling 10 health facilities to sustain water and water services in 60 other facilities. An estimated 580,231 internally displaced people and vulnerable groups will benefit from this project, which will also improve maternal health and disease prevention. This project aligns with the United Nations’ (U.N.) “Yemen Humanitarian Response Plan 2024,” which seeks to provide more relief and assistance to vulnerable groups in Yemen.

KSRelief’s Efforts to Support WASH Services in Yemen

Before the announcement of this joint project with WHO, Saudi Arabia provided support for enhancing WASH services in Yemen. On December 22, 2023, KSRelief pumped more than 39 million liters of water for the people in the Hajjah and Sa’adah governorates in Yemen to support WASH services in the country. In Hajjah, 3.443 million liters of the 39 million liters were used as potable water and 35.013 million were used as usable water.

Furthermore, in Hajjah, KSRelief provided 308 waste transportation services and conducted nine insecticide spraying campaigns. In Sa’adah, 300,000 liters of water were used as both portable and usable water, benefiting 30,100 people. Although these efforts were large in scale, Saudi Arabia also required collaboration with international organizations with the resources to expand its support for WASH services.

International Organizations’ Key Role in WASH Services

Enhancing WASH services in Yemen requires the collective power of international humanitarian organizations such as WHO and UNICEF, which have a record of facilitating Yemenis’ access to WASH services. For example, in 2021, UNICEF managed to help primary health care facilities (PHCF) and schools in Yemen rehabilitate and upgrade their water and sanitation systems with funding from the World Bank. The total number of PHCFs supported was 496 and the number of schools supported was 118 as of October 2021.

Similarly, from 2017-2021, the WHO conducted WASH rehabilitation in 70 hospitals across Yemen and provided 1,100 million liters of chlorinated water to 42 governorate hospitals, district hospitals and inner-district hospitals. All of this has benefitted 5.5 million Yemenis, highlighting the necessity for countries to work with international organizations to provide greater access to WASH services to more vulnerable individuals.

Access to Water and Hygiene Services

Enhancing WASH services in Yemen is important because it helps prevent global disease outbreaks, given the existing epidemics in Yemen, such as Cholera. Therefore, seeing countries like Saudi Arabia and organizations such as WHO work together on large-scale projects aimed at rehabilitating and facilitating access to WASH services is proof that there are good people to protect public health globally. However, given the numerous issues in Yemen, more has to be done to support WASH services.

– Abdullah Dowaihy

Abdullah is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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South Africa’s Water Safety Issue

South Africa’s Water Safety IssueSouth Africa’s central water infrastructure is deteriorating below acceptable levels–its negative effects threatening the health and wellbeing of the nation’s poor.

The Hammanskraal Cholera Outbreak

In May 2023, 29 people died from contracting cholera in the region of Hammanskraal in South Africa. Cholera outbreaks have happened before in the country, but they usually occur in rural areas, not in city centers. Hammanskraal is only 20 miles away from South Africa’s capital Pretoria and is part of the Gauteng province that is known for its high level of urbanisation.

Piped water had the reputation for being the safest form of water compared to other improved water sources (public taps, protected boreholes/springs, rainwater) and surface water sources (rivers, ponds, irrigation channels) in South Africa.

The singular fact that a devastating cholera outbreak occurred in South Africa’s urban center indicated that the country’s water treatment infrastructure had deteriorated to a level that made it unreliable–signaling a scarcity of safe drinking water throughout the nation. The poor of South Africa, lacking the economic ability to access costly clean water, therefore face a serious health threat.

The Mismanaged South African Water System

The 2023 BlueDrop investigation found that 46% of the country’s water supply systems failed to prevent contamination of pathogens and bacteria. Many researchers find fault in the fact that 90% of the wastewater plants in South Africa are dysfunctional, unable to treat incoming wastewater and tragically releasing back “raw or partially treated sewage directly into the country’s already scarce water resource.”

The rural and poorest demographic relies on surface water for their drinking needs and therefore faces critical health threats. Even the demographic living in areas with piped water coverage faces similar health concerns due to the dysfunctional central water system of South Africa which has 47% of its distributed water leaking, providing opportunities for contamination, according to The Conversation.  Contaminated water can lead to outbreaks of diarrheal diseases that are especially lethal to the poor demographic who has limited access to appropriate medical services.

Professor Anja du Plessis writes in The Conversation, “Reactive management, lack of political will, transparency and unaccountability over the past two decades have contributed to the current state of affairs.” Expert opinion on South Africa’s water safety crisis is that it was a preventable crisis. More than technological limits or economic incapacities, South Africa’s water issue arises from management mishandling.

The Conversation reports that 67% of workers in the water treatment facilities did not receive appropriate training. There was also a significant underinvestment of governmental funds in the repair and maintenance of the water infrastructure. Out of 257 Municipalities, 151 reported being “close to collapse.” The Conversation also reports that there were no appropriate water quality monitoring systems that alerted consumers of detected contamination in the water distribution systems.

The Solution – Decentralized Water

Decentralized water systems are water systems that are smaller in scale, delivered by non-governmental organizations and often utilize local water sources for decentralized water harvest units. While centralized water systems are an efficient way to distribute water to plenty of individuals, their massive scale and complexity require costly investments and high-level expertise within the management to facilitate the system safely.

Murendeni Mafumo, CEO of Kusini Water, notes that municipal organizations do not have the financial ability to build new infrastructures, especially considering that they are even struggling to maintain the system for 5-6 million people in urban cities. He reflects that the best way to improve the water infrastructure is “through commercial companies.”

Commercial companies like Kusini Water are utilizing the relatively low cost of decentralized water treatment units and they can be run through off-grid renewable energy to independently install water treatment plants across vulnerable communities in South Africa. The rise of decentralized water technology is enabling innovative social entrepreneurs to make a lasting impact and improve South Africa’s water safety.

Mafumo explained to AfricaX that a decentralized treatment unit that supplies 300 Households may cost around $8,000 to install. Kusini Water subsidizes its operation by establishing business deals with large companies such as Red Bull or high-income households. It offers decentralized, clean water treatment units for office buildings and corporate events and subsidizes 20 liters of water for vulnerable communities for each liter of water it sells under the deal. This effectively “trickles down money” from high-income communities to low-income communities. The company uses a 3D-printed main body and sources the filtration modules locally to lower its costs. It also creates carbon filters through local macadamia nut shells and uses its nanofibers from a local university.

Conclusion

The mismanagement of the central water system of South Africa is threatening the health of poor communities. Central water systems being very large and complex makes management difficult and building new infrastructure in water-scarce areas challenging. The development of decentralized water system technology is enabling social entrepreneurs like Kusini Water to provide clean drinking water to communities that cannot afford it, holding a bright future for gradually solving South Africa’s water safety issue.

– Siwon Kim

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

Photo: Flickr

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How Chile’s Water Reform is Reducing Poverty

Chile's Water ReformIn recent years, Chile has faced significant challenges related to water scarcity, with more than half of its population living in areas experiencing severe drought conditions. Recognizing the importance of sustainable water management, the country has implemented reforms since 2022 to address water scarcity and improve quality across the nation. These ongoing reforms, supported generously by the World Bank, have enhanced water resources and played a crucial role in reducing poverty to foster a more equitable future.

Modernizing the Water Code

On Jan. 12, 2022, Chile undertook a major overhaul of its Water Code, a legislative framework that governs the use and distribution of the country’s water resources. The updated code prioritizes human consumption and sanitation needs over agricultural and industrial uses, recognizing the human right to water and improving allocation mechanisms among different sectors. These changes are designed to protect the most vulnerable populations, ensuring they can access clean and sufficient water supplies. 

Chile’s water reform essentially enshrined the right to water in its constitution. This legislative guarantee provides a strong legal foundation for water management policies and ensures that future governments prioritize the protection and equitable distribution of water resources.

Investing in Infrastructure

Investment in water infrastructure has been a cornerstone of Chile’s reform efforts. The government has allocated substantial funds toward developing and maintaining water systems, including reservoirs, pipelines and treatment plants. By enhancing infrastructure, Chile has been able to capture better, store and distribute water, mitigating the impacts of drought and ensuring a reliable supply of clean water to both urban and rural communities. Additionally, Chile has embraced green infrastructure solutions, such as reforestation, wetland restoration and green spaces in urban areas. These ongoing efforts help to naturally regulate water cycles, improve quality and increase groundwater recharge. Chile is building resilience against the changing climate by integrating green infrastructure and creating sustainable water systems that benefit the environment and local communities.

The World Bank Finances the Hydrogen Industry

The World Bank plays a pivotal role in supporting Chile’s water reform efforts. Through financial assistance, technical expertise and capacity-building initiatives, it has helped Chile achieve 100% treatment of urban wastewater, a significant milestone in improving water quality and protecting public health. This accomplishment has been instrumental in reducing waterborne diseases and enhancing the overall well-being of urban populations.

The World Bank’s $150 million loan to Chile is a significant step toward advancing the country’s green hydrogen industry and supporting its broader environmental and economic goals. This loan is part of a larger initiative, the Chile Green Hydrogen Facility to Support A Green, Resilient and Inclusive Economic Development project, which aims to position Chile as a global leader in green hydrogen production. The project’s primary objective is to harness Chile’s abundant renewable energy resources, particularly solar and wind power, to produce green hydrogen, a clean and sustainable energy source that can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Impact on Poverty Reduction

Chile’s water reform policies have had a positive impact on poverty reduction, particularly in rural areas where access to clean water has historically been limited. By ensuring reliable and safe water supplies, these policies have improved the quality of life for many Chileans. Access to clean water is essential for health, education and economic opportunities. In rural areas, improved water access has enabled communities to engage in agriculture more effectively, increasing food security and income. In urban areas, enhanced water infrastructure has supported economic activities and improved living conditions, contributing to poverty alleviation.

Looking Ahead

Chile’s comprehensive water reforms, bolstered by substantial investments in infrastructure and support from the World Bank, have significantly improved water access and quality. These ongoing efforts have not only addressed the immediate impacts of drought but also laid the groundwork for sustainable water management. By prioritizing human consumption and integrating green infrastructure, Chile is enhancing resilience against the changing climate and fostering equitable development, particularly benefiting the nation’s most vulnerable populations.

– Asiya Siddiqui

Asiya is based in Fremont, CA, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Alleviating Poverty in Honduras

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

Water Crisis and Educational Challenges

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

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

Government Initiatives Alleviating Poverty in Hondorus

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

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

Nonprofit Initiatives

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

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

Looking Ahead

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

– Madeline Rozmus

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

Photo: Flickr

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USAID in the Central African Republic

USAID in the Central African RepublicThe Central African Republic is one of the world’s poorest countries, despite its abundant valuable resources such as diamonds, gold, oil and uranium. The government has faced instability since its inception in 1960 when the country became an independent country. It has since seen multiple military coups which have become especially disruptive since 2013 and more than 60% of the country lives in poverty. This amount of poverty combined with weak governance has led to multiple humanitarian issues, such as high maternal mortality rates and low life expectancy. Many people and organizations within the country and around the world work to aid struggling or displaced people in the Central African Republic. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has programs committed to focusing on humanitarian aid and responding to crises in the Central African Republic but also invests in economic growth, trade and the environment.

Economic Growth and Trade

Currently, USAID programs in the Central African Republic are restoring an 85-mile stretch of road in the northwest region. The construction of this road creates jobs for locals and upon completion it connects two northern cities, opening their markets to each other. Unemployment in CAR stood at 6.34% in 2022. While little information is given on this project, USAID boasts community involvement and job creation as well as the potential for new trade, all of which can aid in reducing unemployment.

Environment

USAID programs in the Central African Republic also fund the Central Africa Regional Program for the Environment (CARPE) which aims to protect the world’s second-largest rainforest. Located in the Congo Basin, the rainforest is threatened by deforestation, biodiversity loss, environmental destruction and growing global demand for resources.

About 70% of the country’s population depends on agriculture and nearly half of its population is food insecure. It is also facing an increasingly common issue with cattle farmers who cannot find grazing land. They have to travel farther than they used to graze, often causing them to cross borders into the Central African Republic because of its abundant fields. This puts a heavy strain on CAR’s resources and causes possibly violent disputes.

USAID supports the region by building up local, regional and national organizations to mitigate natural disasters, improve management of natural resources and sustain biodiversity. It also enforces logging regulations, reforms natural resource policy, engages communities in resource management and shares the benefits of forest resources.

CARPE is the largest environmental program from USAID. Its mission is to create a Congo Basin with healthy ecosystems and dynamic local leadership that supports stability and prosperity in communities. USAID works with partners such as the World Wildlife Fund to fund conservation, development, and community projects and improve the livelihoods of farmers across the region.

Crises and Conflict

Although recognizing the importance of economic growth and the environment, USAID places most of its focus on humanitarian crises in the Central African Republic. Fighting between the national army and rebel forces permeates across the country, regularly affecting civilian safety. In 2022, the government tried to remove the president’s two-term limit from the constitution, which only fueled the fire. This has led to an increase in abductions and hostages from both sides.

Because of ongoing instability, violence and displacement within the country people are often left without necessities. USAID works to combat food shortages and delivers medical aid such as measles vaccines and malnutrition treatment, according to its website. In places with more extreme conflict, they also provide emergency relief supplies, food aid, health and nutrition supplies, protection, water, sanitation and hygiene supplies and coordinated humanitarian efforts.

Food and Water

As of March 2024, USAID works with different partners to provide food security, health and nutrition, logistics support, water, protection and shelter and settlement in the Central African Republic. UNICEF, for example, partners with USAID to provide access to safe water for nearly 100,000 people through the rehabilitation and repair of more than 90 boreholes, the implementation of emergency water supply systems, and the distribution of household water treatment kits.

The World Food Program (WFP) implements cash transfers, locally procured food, food vouchers, and some U.S.-sources crops and supplementary feeding programs for young children and pregnant or breastfeeding women. These are just two of their many partners and programs which also include things such as humanitarian air transportation due to insufficient roads, latrines and hygiene kits, community safety awareness sessions, emergency case management, emergency shelter kits and more.

The Central African Republic is facing political and economic instability and a major climate crisis at the same time, leading to skyrocketing poverty and food insecurity rates. USAID programs in the Central African Republic are designed to target these issues and help remove people from violence, poverty and hunger.

– Anna Thibodeau

Anna is based in Omaha, NE, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Ceramic Filtration: A Possible Solution To Water Stress

Ceramic FiltrationAccording to UNESCO’s U.N. Water, “Globally, two billion people do not have safe drinking water and 3.6 billion lack access to safely managed sanitation.” Ceramic filtration is a helpful creation that can reduce contaminated water in various developing countries at a low price.

What Is Ceramic Filtration?

Ceramic filtration uses clay to create a case to remove impurities from water sources, such as water-borne bacteria, microplastics, heavy metals and toxic chemicals. The process of creating ceramic filtrations is quite simple. In a bucket, shifted powdered clays will be mixed gradually with water and combustible burn-out material (natural materials that can be burned), such as coffee grounds, crushed charcoal, sawdust, or ground rice husks. Mixing these materials will create a soft, moldable paste. Then, the clay will be pressed into the bucket to mold around the bucket’s shape and eliminate excess water.

With the clay is in its desired shape, the crafter will leave it to air dry properly for 30 days on a dry shelf. After air drying, the clay is placed in the kiln at 877 to 1006 degrees Celsius. Once the ceramic pot is assembled and adequately dried, ridding water of bacteria and chemicals is simple. Pouring water into the clay pot with a bucket underneath allows water to permeate through but not sediments and bacteria into the bucket.

Why Is Ceramic a Possible Solution To Water Stress?

Ceramics is a viable option for developing countries as clay is an ample resource and can be found easily in different climates. The cost of water filtration systems is too expensive for most developing countries to afford, “[Industrial water] systems costs can range significantly due to these variables, with some simple, low-flow systems running as low as $45,000, to high-end, high-capacity systems with price tags exceeding tens of millions of dollars.”

According to the World Bank, “Low-income economies have 2021 GNI per capita of up to $1,085.” This indicates that leaders in these countries may struggle to afford essential goods for their populations, let alone invest in filtration systems. Ceramic filtration is a possible solution to address water stress, offering an easily accessible and cost-effective resource. The creation of a ceramic filter typically costs around $50.

As stated by John Howarter, an assistant professor of materials engineering and environmental and ecological engineering at Purdue University, “A filter in Kenya costs about $50 in materials, with labor and transportation as additional costs, but that filter will last five to 10 years, so the overall cost is very low.”

Conclusion

Ceramic filtration is a possible solution to water stress, allowing billions of people to have clean, accessible water at an affordable cost. The dissemination of knowledge about inexpensive and easily deployable filtration methods is crucial in empowering individuals in underdeveloped countries, offering them a fair chance at a healthier life.

– Jessica Jean-Baptiste
Photo: Pixabay

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The Children of Guinea-Bissau and Poverty

The Children of Guinea-BissauThe small, West African country of Guinea-Bissau, comprised of 88 islands, is home to 1.8 million people. Its beautiful landscapes, pristine beaches, cultural traditions and natural source of mangoes, cashews and papayas attract tourists to its UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Yet of the 873,000 children of Guinea-Bissau, 70% are living in poverty. 

Children under 5 years of age account for 291,000 of the population and face the highest risk of malnutrition, stunting and high mortality rates. Child poverty in Guinea-Bissau has a detrimental effect on a child’s future by restricting opportunity. Poverty forces children as young as 5 into work, becoming debt slaves, and into sexual exploitation, with “17% engaging in child labor.”

Health and education challenges in Guinea-Bissau limit opportunities for children due to factors such as poverty, malnutrition and cultural norms. These obstacles hinder a child’s prospects. Efforts to address period poverty are ongoing, including increased pad donations, aiming to make lasting progress in ending this issue.

High Child Mortality Rates

For children under the age of 5, malaria, diarrhea and pneumonia account for 27% of deaths, with death in the first month of infancy accounting for 43%. These diseases pose a greater risk in urban areas where only 35% of children are vaccinated.

Between 2014 and 2019, child mortality rates dropped from 8.9% to 5.1%. The COVID-19 pandemic had a detrimental effect on child mortality rates, due largely to health care strikes, lack of vaccinations and essential medicines, which has left them unable to access appropriate medical care. 

Malnutrition

Child poverty in Guinea-Bissau causes wasting, affecting 5% of children under the age of 5, with 28% also having stunted growth.

Limited education around infant feeding and consuming food that is poor in nutrition, alongside preventable illnesses like diarrhea and malaria, have raised the rates of malnutrition. 

For children living in poverty in Guinea-Bissau, 40.6% of children experience stunting, and even for those with a more significant income, stunting still affects 17.8%.

Health and Access to Clean Water

Accessing pediatric care for children under 15 is difficult in Guinea-Bissau due largely to the lack of pediatricians. According to UNICEF, the country has three pediatricians for every 720,000 children, and 66% of the population has to walk at least one hour to a health center. 

In terms of health, inadequate sanitation exacerbates conditions. Approximately 84% of households lack access to soap and water for proper handwashing. In 2019, merely 18% of households could access uncontaminated water, free from fecal bacteria, while just 45% had access to water points. These challenges contribute to public health issues.

Diarrhea is the second-highest cause of death for children under 5. Inadequate access to clean water causes diseases and can lead to infection or even death. 

Children’s health is a priority with Vitamin A supplements and deworming becoming “routine activities of community health workers.”

Supported by UNICEF, the integrated management of acute malnutrition (IMAM) has created training and supplies for adequate treatment. It has opened up 78 healthcare facilities nationwide to treat malnutrition. 

Education

Guinea-Bissau Annual Country Report conducted in 2022 found that “93% of cases of children who had to repeat an educational year in primary school were strongly linked to malnutrition.” 

Guinea-Bissau’s children struggle to gain an adequate education, resulting in a lack of basic skills. Teachers are often under-trained and lack suitable knowledge and resources, resulting in substandard teaching outcomes. 

For children aged between 7-14, 88% do not have basic literacy skills, and 93% are unable to demonstrate numeracy skills, with Guinea-Bissau having “a primary education completion rate of under 30%.”

Positive Steps

The World Food Programme (WFP) is working with the Guinea-Bissau government to tackle the impact of malnutrition. 179,000 children receive hot and nutritious meals. In May 2023, WFP implemented a program to provide vegetable gardens in schools, focusing on children with special needs. The program aims to promote home-grown produce that can be used in schools. 

The WFP provides nutritious meals to children, and alongside the Social Behavior Change and Communication campaign, the organization is tackling cultural views on eating habits and locally sourced food. 

Children in Guinea-Bissau with disabilities face further challenges when accessing education. The Humanity and Inclusion U.K. has been working to make schools more accessible to disabled children, and while its education program ended in March 2022, it is working toward implementing further programs and improvements. 

The children of Guinea-Bissau face difficulties accessing health care, education and getting out of poverty. However, key steps by organizations like UNICEF, WFP and Humanity & Inclusion U.K. are creating opportunities for children to reach their full potential. With continued support and investment, there is hope for the children of Guinea-Bissau to rise above poverty and access better health care and education.

– Isabel R. Burnside
Photo: Flickr