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5 Countries Leading the Fight Against Poverty – And Winning

Fight Against PovertyAround the world, many developing and emerging countries are leading the fight against poverty. Among them, some are achieving remarkable success through innovative strategies.

China 

China has recently made significant investments in rural infrastructure to connect remote populations to economic opportunities, with the ultimate goal of reducing poverty. Between 2006 and 2015, the country, with the support of the World Bank, rehabilitated approximately 1,299 roads. These projects have directly benefited more than 1.3 million people by improving their connectivity and access to essential services. These infrastructure improvements not only enhance access to these essential services but also facilitate economic growth by linking rural areas to larger markets, enabling local businesses to thrive.

Beyond road rehabilitation, China has implemented several other initiatives to enhance rural infrastructure and lead the fight against poverty. For instance, investments in irrigation and drainage facilities have directly improved agricultural production conditions. This is enabling farmers to adjust crop structures, develop large-scale breeding programs and engage in processing and non-agricultural industries, thereby reducing poverty.

Bangladesh

Bangladesh has made significant strides in education and workforce development, increasing literacy rates and creating new job opportunities. The country, still one of the neediest in the world, has been making notable progress through two key areas: education and workforce development. In terms of education, Bangladesh has seen significant improvements in its literacy rate. In 2021, the country’s literacy rate reached 76.36% (15 years old and above), reflecting a 1.45% increase from 2020. This improvement demonstrates the nation’s ongoing efforts to boost educational access and quality.

In addition to its focus on education, Bangladesh has prioritized job creation, with significant growth in the tourism sector. As the industry expands, it is driving the creation of jobs across various fields, “including hospitality, transportation, food services, handicrafts and retail.” This tourism growth is contributing to both economic development and job opportunities, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

Ethiopia 

Ethiopia has been focusing on agricultural development, exemplified by the Agricultural Growth Program. This program has enabled more than 700,000 farmers to benefit from the initiative, leading to a 25% revenue increase. Farmers’ productivity has risen by approximately 10%, contributing to poverty reduction and economic stability in these remote communities.

Furthermore, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) collaborates with the Ethiopian government to enhance the population’s living conditions, focusing on agricultural productivity, food security and rural development. IFAD supports smallholder farmers, pastoralists and agro-pastoralists with loans, helping them purchase the necessary equipment to enhance their productivity and escape the cycle of poverty.

Vietnam

Vietnam’s economic reforms and trade liberalization have created millions of jobs and boosted growth. The country was once among the most impoverished in the world. However, its government has achieved remarkable economic growth relatively quickly. Thanks to the Doi Moi campaign, which focused primarily on agricultural reforms, land was redistributed among small farmers, significantly boosting farm productivity and improving food security. This transformation helped lift millions out of poverty and laid the foundation for broader economic development.

However, the reforms extended beyond agriculture. The government implemented measures to reduce the budget deficit, stabilize the economy and attract foreign investment. A key objective was to integrate Vietnam into the global economy by promoting trade liberalization and joining international organizations such as the World Trade Organization (WTO). These efforts led to a surge in exports, the expansion of the manufacturing sector and the creation of millions of jobs, positioning Vietnam as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.

Rwanda

Rwanda has made significant progress toward achieving universal health care, ensuring that even its most vulnerable citizens can access essential medical services. Since the 1994 genocide, the country has significantly improved health care access, a fact that was evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, when 82% of the population received at least one dose of the vaccine within two years.

Moreover, Rwanda has prioritized the expansion of health care infrastructure to improve accessibility. Since August 2021, the Ministry of Health has established 1,179 health posts nationwide, particularly in underserved communities.

In conclusion, these countries demonstrate that targeted investments in infrastructure, education, agriculture, health care and economic reform can drive significant progress in the fight against poverty. Their diverse strategies offer valuable lessons for other developing nations striving to build more inclusive and resilient economies.

– Eléonore Bonnaterre

Eléonore Bonnaterre is based in London and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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The DFC in Africa

dfc africaStarting in 2020, through the Better Utilization of Investments Leading to Development (BUILD) Act, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) was created by merging the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) and USAID’s Development Credit Authority to expand the U.S. capacity for private sector-led growth in emerging markets. The DFC focuses on funding initiatives in Africa and around the world that improve sectors such as health care and infrastructure. While similar to USAID, the DFC operates as a separate entity.

Health Care Investments

The DFC has invested in health care in Africa by providing $1 million in equity to Kasha Global Inc., a women-founded and women-led e-commerce platform operating in Rwanda and Kenya. Kasha focuses on three core health care themes: access to health products, access to health information and job opportunities for low-income women. Both Kenya and Rwanda face high levels of period poverty due to the cost of sanitary products and a lack of education about menstrual health. In Rwanda, a single pack of sanitary towels costs between 700 Rwandan francs (about 71 cents) and 1,000 Rwandan francs ($1), roughly equivalent to a day’s wage for many women. In Kenya, the cost of sanitary pads can represent a significant portion of a woman’s daily income. A pack of sanitary pads typically costs between 70 to 75 Kenyan shillings (about $0.50 to $0.55), which could be a substantial expense for many. 

The high cost of sanitary products forces many women to choose between purchasing them or meeting basic needs like food. As a result, menstrual products are often considered a luxury. With funding from the DFC, Kasha has expanded its operations in both rural and urban areas of Kenya and Rwanda, increasing access to and education about sanitary products. This investment has helped address issues related to women’s care and has improved health outcomes in the region.

Africa Health Care Network

The DFC is helping to improve infrastructure and expand access to health care by providing funding to the Africa Health Care Network (AHN), the largest operator of dialysis centers in East Africa. A $5 million loan from the DFC enabled AHN to significantly expand dialysis centers and services across sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania. While part of a broader strategy to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19, the funding has also strengthened healthcare infrastructure in the region and improved access to lower-cost care. Without this investment, many communities in these countries would lack access to critical dialysis services.

Renewable Energy Projects

The DFC has invested in renewable energy projects in Senegal and Ethiopia to improve health care infrastructure resilience. In Senegal, DFC supported the 158-megawatt Taiba N’Diaye wind power plant near Dakar, which now supplies about 15% of the country’s power. Indeed, this cleaner, more reliable electricity helps stabilize operations in hospitals and clinics, improving patient care.

In Ethiopia, the DFC committed $1.55 million for the technical development of the Tulu Moye Geothermal project, located about 100 kilometers from Addis Ababa. The project involves building a 50-megawatt geothermal power plant, which will become Ethiopia’s first independent power plant. Once completed, it will stabilize the country’s power grid and ensure a consistent electricity supply for healthcare facilities.

DFC in Africa: Strengthening Infrastructure

While not a direct health care investment, the DFC’s support for renewable energy aligns with a broader strategy to improve health care access by strengthening infrastructure. Ethiopia’s commitment to harnessing renewable energy further reflects in the World Bank’s Geothermal Sector Development Project, which underscores the role of sustainable energy in supporting critical services like healthcare. The DFC’s approach highlights its commitment to innovative investment strategies that enhance healthcare access for vulnerable populations while also bolstering infrastructure development.

The DFC continues to play a crucial role in bridging the gap between private investment and global development. By funding health care, infrastructure and renewable energy projects, the DFC is not only improving lives but also fostering long-term economic stability in emerging markets. As the demand for sustainable solutions grows, its strategic investments will remain essential in driving progress and expanding access to vital services worldwide.

– Oliver Hedges

Oliver is based in Lancaster, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Everything You Need to Know About Poverty in Myanmar 

Poverty in MyanmarMyanmar, also known as Burma, is a republic in Southeast Asia. Stretching from the foothills of the Himalayas to the Thai-Malay peninsula, the region is populated with more than 135 officially recognized ethnic groups (and numerous others). The National League for Democracy’s historic election in 2015 marked the country’s first civilian government after more than 50 years of military rule. Yet, this experiment with democracy was short-lived, as a military coup in 2021 has since plunged the state into a multifaceted conflict and humanitarian crisis. Today, poverty in Myanmar is worsening significantly. A third of the population requires humanitarian aid, and internally displaced people are the most vulnerable.

Crumbling Infrastructure 

The conflict’s impact varies across the states but has reversed years of poverty reduction efforts. In 2018, the government launched the Myanmar Sustainable Development Plan to encourage liberal trade policies, fund infrastructure projects and create more equitable access to markets, information, technology, education and health care. This plan recognized the importance of democratic principles, environmental sustainability and stability in directly addressing the key drivers of poverty.

Warfare has stifled this progress. In particular, the military junta’s scorched-earth tactics to crush actors have damaged civilian access to necessary resources, including health care, medicine, energy and food. Infrastructure destruction continues to isolate communities from economic opportunities and essential services. According to the World Bank, poverty rates have surged from 24.8% in 2017 to approximately 49.7% in 2023.

The humanitarian situation is dire: armed groups damaged 333 health care facilities between January and December 2024; food insecurity affects 15.2 million people; and more than half of the children of internally displaced people, returnees or stateless people can not access formal education. These factors combine to entrench intergenerational cycles of poverty in Myanmar.

Resource Wealth and Corruption

Natural resources dominate Myanmar’s economy, accounting for 43% of economic activity through agriculture, livestock, fisheries and forestry. The country also has significant mining and natural gas industries, with gas comprising 40% of exports. Kachin State produces most of the world’s jade, valued at up to $31 billion in 2014 — half of Myanmar’s GDP.

Despite this immense wealth potential, narrow interests can exploit weak institutions and absent checks and balances to the detriment of the local community. In Kachin, a mosaic of ethnonationalist conflict predates the 2021 coup. The Kachin Independence Army, one of the largest armed ethnic organizations, has fought for regional autonomy since 1961. This has created “war economies” where resource extraction is used to sustain the groups’ survival by maintaining a complex web of alliances and interests rather than supporting development. Despite generating billions in jade revenue, 37.4% of locals in the northern region live below the poverty line.

Human Rights Abuses 

Human rights violations — including torture, illegal killings and collective punishment — characterize the conflict. Both the military junta and opposing factions share responsibility, with civilian recruitment blurring combatant lines.

In many states, armed violence and abuses predate the coup — the Rakhine being a notorious example. The previous civilian government’s genocide against the Rohingya forced approximately 1 million people to flee to Bangladesh, while more than 140,000 remain in camps. Those remaining live under apartheid-like conditions, with restricted movement and limited access to healthcare, education and livelihoods.

These abuses directly perpetuate poverty in Myanmar. Displacement separates people from land and livelihoods; trauma impairs earning capacity; restricted movement prevents market access; and property destruction eliminates savings — creating persistent poverty traps across generations.

Humanitarian Response to Address Poverty in Myanmar

Humanitarian aid is crucial for Myanmar’s vulnerable populations. As Western governments reduce development assistance, the sector faces uncertainty. Recent policy changes under the Trump administration have refocused attention on reform initiatives like The Grand Bargain and Charter for Change, which emphasize locally driven aid. 

The Joint Strategy Team in Kachin and Northern Shan State is one local actor that has led humanitarian efforts in the Kachin State since the re-eruption of conflict in 2011. It is an intermediary body comprised of faith-based and community organizations like the Kachin Relief and Development Committee (KRDC), Kachin Women Association (KWA) and the Bridging Rural Integrated Development and Grassroot Empowerment (BRIDGE). Its 10 governing leaders have demonstrated the success of relevant, flexible and decentralized decision-making. Since August 2021, it has directed foreign-aid funding from the Livelihoods and Food Security Fund (LIFT) and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office to respond to instability and crisis – supporting more than 200,000 internally displaced people as of July 2023.

This localization offers hope for more effective poverty reduction. Local organizations better understand community needs, can access areas international actors cannot and often deliver aid more cost-effectively. However, armed conflict, bureaucratic obstacles and targeted violence of humanitarian infrastructure create significant challenges. Myanmar has one of the world’s most underfunded humanitarian response plans. Donors have provided only 34% of the funding for the 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, leaving 1.4 million people deprived of the assistance they need.

The Future of Addressing Poverty in Myanmar

Addressing poverty in Myanmar requires conflict resolution, governance reforms, infrastructure rebuilding, economic diversification and social protection systems. Until political stability returns, supporting locally led humanitarian initiatives provides the best path to mitigate extreme hardship while building foundations for recovery. Sustainable poverty reduction ultimately depends on achieving inclusive peace.

– Bijal Manoj Daialal

Bijal is based in Leicester, UK and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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A City on the Sea: Floating Cities and Infrastructure to the Maldives

Floating Cities in the Maldives: Building Jobs and ResilienceFor decades, the Maldives has been an oasis of beauty and tranquility. Located at the tip of the Indian Peninsula, it serves as a touch of paradise for wealthy tourists seeking an escape from the busy modern world. Yet, the island nation faces a growing challenge: a shortage of space for both its rising tourist population and the 500,000 inhabitants who power its economy. With tourism growing by 16% annually, the Maldives now confronts the pressing issues of overpopulation and land scarcity.

The Maldives relies heavily on tourism, which directly contributes 40% to its economy and a projected indirect contribution of 79% in 2022. Its limited natural resources—primarily fish and timber—leave the country dependent on external investment for infrastructure development. While allies like the UAE, India and China have historically provided aid, private European investment has emerged as the most viable path forward.

A Floating Solution: Jobs and Opportunities

In response to this challenge, Dutch Docklands, in collaboration with architectural firm Waterstudio, has proposed an ambitious solution: a floating city designed to house up to 20,000 residents. This innovative project not only promises to expand living space but also offers a significant economic boost by creating thousands of jobs, particularly for Maldivian locals. Beyond job creation, the floating city could transform local communities by promoting skills development and increasing access to essential services. As the project evolves, prioritizing local hiring, vocational training and knowledge transfer will be key to ensuring that Maldivians, not just foreign investors, benefit from this development.

Social and Environmental Impact

The project extends beyond economic benefits. Floating infrastructure can mitigate the long-standing threat of coastal erosion, a problem that has plagued Maldivian communities for generations. By creating more resilient housing and infrastructure, the floating city offers protection against rising sea levels, safeguarding both homes and livelihoods.

Dutch Docklands has emphasized the project’s sustainability, claiming it will be powered by renewable energy and designed to minimize environmental impact. However, the success of these initiatives will depend on how well they integrate with existing Maldivian efforts to promote sustainable tourism and protect marine ecosystems. Moreover, the project could improve access to education and health care, especially if planners include community centers, clinics and schools within the floating city. For low-income families in the Maldives, these services could be life-changing, breaking cycles of poverty while strengthening community resilience and improving the infrastructure in the Maldives.

Balancing Opportunity with Local Autonomy

While the floating city offers promising opportunities, concerns remain regarding local autonomy. The Maldives currently maintains control over key infrastructure through its central bank and firms like Dhiraagu, the country’s primary telecommunications provider. Handing over control to a Dutch firm raises questions about long-term ownership and decision-making power. To align with the Maldives’ national interests, project agreements should ensure that the Maldivian government retains oversight and that local communities remain key stakeholders. Promoting community-led development and ensuring profits are reinvested locally could be essential for maximizing the project’s benefits while preserving national sovereignty.

A Model for Vulnerable Communities Worldwide

If successful, the Maldives’ floating city could serve as a blueprint for other vulnerable coastal regions, from Thailand to Panama. Floating infrastructure could provide sustainable housing and job opportunities for millions living in flood-prone areas, reducing poverty while enhancing climate resilience. Prioritizing local employment, education and health care access can potentially ensure that this initiative does more than just expand the infrastructure in the Maldives—it could build resilience and opportunity for the communities that need it most.

– Caspian Davies

Caspian is based in the UK and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Everything You Need to Know About Poverty in Chile 

Poverty in ChileChile is located on the west side of South America and is an area rich in natural resources and minerals, like copper. These resources make up a large part of the Chilean economy, making the country a relatively wealthy one – however, the wealth is not equally distributed, leaving many people living in poverty. ‘Poverty’ equates to different things in different countries; poverty in Chile includes people who struggle to afford enough food for survival and people who have to spend the majority of their income on food.

Economic Inequality and Poverty in Chile

Of all the world’s most industrialized countries, Chile has one of the highest levels of economic inequality. The wealth inequality has often been so extreme that in 2006, for example, the richest 20% of the population was earning 10 times more than the poorest 20%, leaving a large divide between people living comfortably and people living in poverty.

As so much of the country’s wealth comes from the copper industry, the economic growth does not benefit everyone, as people in rural or marginalized areas lack access to high-paying mining jobs or industrial resources. Without these roles, many citizens end up struggling to deal with the rising cost of living, and cannot easily break out of the poverty cycle.

Inequalities in Education and Work

Children face the impacts of gender and economic inequality as soon as they start school. People in different education systems have noticed that teachers in Chile often encourage boys to focus on math and science, while girls do not often access these topics. This leads to the underrepresentation of Chilean women in STEM subjects and professional roles.

The quality of a child’s education also depends on whether their family can afford a private education, creating another economic divide. This means children from richer families are much more likely to get a better education, better grades and a better job in the future than their peers with a lower socioeconomic status. Additionally, children in rural areas without internet access miss out on a lot of key learning – this was a big issue during COVID-19 lockdowns when all learning occurred online, leaving a lot of children unable to access the lessons they needed.

Student-led peaceful protests are a huge factor in changing the education systems in Chile: in 2019, high school students convinced the government to give discounts on public transport to school, and university students achieved free tuition for almost half the country. Many teachers and other workers in the education sector are also battling to give students better opportunities and more equality in their learning.

Infrastructure

Poor infrastructure in rural areas is a major issue in reducing poverty in Chile. While most urban areas are well equipped, there are many rural areas that struggle to access clean water, reliable electricity, internet connection and good health care. These areas are therefore separated from the modern economy, and the citizens have to travel longer distances and pay more money for any kind of medical help. This disproportionately affects poorer families who are struggling with the cost of living and a lack of resources.

 Improved transport infrastructure could have a big impact, by removing geographic barriers to economic activities. When travel is easier, businesses grow and more resources become available to people all over the country. As it stands, a lot of rural areas have challenges accessing these resources and end up in a poverty cycle. 

Progress Addressing Poverty in Chile

Over recent years, wages have been increasing and poverty has been decreasing, with GDP growth at 2.5% in 2024. The economic conditions of Chile are steadily improving, with help from organizations like the World Bank Group (WBG), which has supported the country’s development for more than 75 years with loans, insurance and technology. For example, the WBG is currently working on a project providing universal health care to Chileans, improving the efficiency of reliable medical care for the whole country. Families in rural areas often struggle to access hospitals and have to travel long distances only to receive very basic support. This project aims to relieve this issue and help more than half of Chile’s population by 2027.

However, poverty in Chile is still prevalent. The Chilean President, Gabriel Boric, stated, “We have reduced income poverty and multidimensional poverty to historic levels…but there are still so many people living in poverty. This is good news, but it is not news to celebrate, because the poor have to come first.” The government, as well as other global organizations, are still constantly and actively fighting to improve conditions for everyone suffering from poverty in Chile and begin to close the gap between the richest and poorest parts of the country.

– Maisy Brown

Maisy is based in Leeds, UK and focuses on Technology and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Uruguay’s Water Crisis

Uruguay's Water CrisisDespite championing itself as the first country to enshrine the right to clean drinking water in its constitution, Uruguay has had a tumultuous relationship with water in the last few years. Uruguay’s water crisis, which began in 2018 and was triggered by severe droughts and a lack of rainfall, combined with poor government management and crisis response, reached a dangerous peak in the winter of 2023. Given Uruguay’s reliance on agricultural exports, this threatened the availability of safe drinking water, public health and economic productivity.

Thankfully, Uruguay’s water crisis ended in August 2023, with heavy rainfall and efforts by the government and international organizations to help replenish depleted supplies. However, this does not mean that policymakers in Montevideo can sit back and relax. On the contrary, efforts to improve infrastructure and protect water sources must be continued so that the country does not find itself in the same situation soon.

Why Was There a Water Crisis in Uruguay?

Many blame climate instability for Uruguay’s water crisis. The “La Niña” weather phenomenon contributed to rising temperatures and worsening droughts, persisting much longer than in the past. However, many argue that the climate emergency alone cannot be blamed. Poor government planning in the wake of these meteorological changes greatly worsened the effects of global warming.

It meant that Uruguay quickly found itself in a very vulnerable position. Water resource exploitation is very high in Uruguay; around 80% of freshwater is dedicated to farming and agriculture, limiting the amount of water for personal use. The government’s priority has been using water for “productive activities- agriculture, irrigation and big industry” and sufficient measures were not taken to prevent Uruguay’s water crisis.

Additionally, there was a historic lack of progress regarding water infrastructure projects. Before the crisis, the most recent reform to the waterways took place in 1987, as there has been a clear lack of political incentives to pursue projects to improve water infrastructure until now. For example, ex-president José Mujica proposed the Casupá Project in 2013, “which would have been able to fulfill 70% of Montevideo’s demand.” However, this program never came to fruition, as successive administrations made no moves to make it a reality.

What Were the Impacts of the Water Crisis?

Uruguay’s water crisis spelled trouble for its citizens, specifically for those living in Montevideo (home to around one-third of the total population). The Paso Severino Reservoir, the capital city’s main water source, reached around 1.7% of its total capacity in July 2023. In response to this scarcity, the State Sanitary Works Administration took water from sources near the River Plate, much more brackish than water from the reservoirs.

Although it was deemed safe, sick people and pregnant women were advised not to drink it. The sodium and chloride levels of the water pumped through the taps “exceeded what the World Health Organization considers safe for human consumption.” Bottled water was available and made exempt from taxes, but these quickly became scarce, partly due to panic-buying. The government provided free bottles to the most impoverished communities in affected areas.

Uruguay’s water crisis also had a significant impact on agricultural production. This sector accounts for around 7% of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) and 70% of total exports. The lack of water greatly affects agricultural output, especially between the end of 2022 and the beginning of 2023, “when it declined by 25% on a year-on-year basis.” The lack of water hit soybean production and cattle farming the hardest.

Another significant consequence of Uruguay’s water crisis was the growing political unrest due to poor drinking water quality and negative public perceptions of President Lacalle’s emergency response. Around 60% of the population was affected by the government’s decision to reroute water from rivers for public consumption, with the most vulnerable groups being especially affected. Around 63% of the population condemned the government’s response to the drought, with organized protests and campaigners shouting, “¡No es sequia, es saqueo! — It’s not drought, it’s pillage!”

What Was the Government’s Response?

Short-term solutions were enacted at the height of the drought to address immediate needs. Similarly, the government embarked on a long-term strategy to manage the current emergency and prevent future occurrences. Vowing it is “committed to improving the country’s water infrastructure and resilience to drought,” the government invested $500 million into plans to improve Uruguay’s waterways.

These included renovating sanitation systems, constructing another potable water source for the capital city and more reservoirs and desalination plants. There are also plans to repair damaged pipes to reduce water losses, with reports indicating that around 50% of the state-owned water company’s potable water supplies were lost due to leaks. The company has proposed a plan to reduce this by 25% in the next two decades.

What Role Have International Organizations Played?

During the crisis, the government also called on the Uruguayan Red Cross to help deal with demand and support plans to mitigate the consequences of shortages. The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) also approved a $200 million loan “to support a program in Uruguay to boost water security and environmental sustainability.”

This loan aimed to improve water resource management and solid waste management to minimize contamination of potential future drinking water sources. Also, the IDB investment helped to improve Uruguay’s crisis responses, boosting resilience to changing weather dynamics alongside government refurbishments of its water systems.

Final Note

President Luis Lacalle Pou announced the end of the water crisis in August 2023 after three years of shortages and drinking water scarcity. This was mostly due to heavy rainfall in the region, which helped to refill water sources that were gravely depleted. However, the repairs to the water systems and programs to improve water security and management will hopefully pay dividends in the future, protecting Uruguay from the same situation.

– Ciara Howard

Ciara is based in Brighton, UK and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pxhere

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Poverty in Southeastern Turkey: A Brighter Future

A Brighter Future for the Southeastern Regions of TurkeyThe southeastern regions of Turkey face significant challenges as the poorest part of the country, struggling with underdevelopment and ethnic tensions. Recent developments, however, provide hope for a revitalized future in this historically rich area. The government plans to invest $14 billion in the region, a move aimed at reducing poverty and creating economic opportunities. Coupled with the normalization of relations with post-Assad Syria and Kurdish groups, this could transform the area and stimulate growth. This investment focuses on developing agricultural infrastructure to bolster the regional economy. Officials expect the initiative to create more than 500,000 jobs, offering a much-needed boost to local livelihoods.

Poverty in Southeastern Turkey and the GAP Project

Southeastern Anatolia ranks among Turkey’s regions with the lowest average income. Despite limited research on poverty in the region, existing studies indicate that conditions have seen little improvement since the early 2000s. The $14 billion investment aims to partially fund the Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP) with the hopes it can continue its construction of needed infrastructure.

The GAP project was launched in the 70s as a region-wide investment project to provide the energy and water infrastructure to support an economic boom. However, throughout its history, the project continues to falter in its aims of revitalization. With renewed government support, the region now has a chance to attract further investment and drive sustainable development.

Insights from Mardin

The city of Mardin illustrates many of the challenges facing southeastern Turkey. This ancient city, which dates back to the Neo-Assyrian period, highlights the region’s rich history and its socioeconomic struggles. Mardin suffers from one of the country’s highest relative at-risk-of-poverty rates at 14.4%.

In 2021, Dr. Nurdan Atalay conducted ethnographic research in Mardin, revealing how top-down financialization and investment strategies exacerbate economic inequality and limit employment opportunities for women. In her book chapter, she noted, “…the women in this neighborhood have very limited opportunities to change their position in society… The impending economic crisis has the potential to worsen their situation.”

Mardin also accommodates a large population of refugees who fled Syria’s civil war and the 2023 earthquakes. More than 88,000 Syrian refugees live in the city, contending with the trauma of displacement and the strain on local resources. Reports detail the economic burden that border cities faced during the Syrian conflict. With the end of Assad’s rule, many refugees now look toward a hopeful future and the possibility of returning home.

The Potential of Tourism

Neighboring political progress isn’t the only cause for optimism in southeastern Turkey. The tourism industry holds immense potential to reduce poverty in the region. This area, rich in historical monuments and natural beauty, stands poised for economic growth if supported by infrastructure and investment.

The 1982 Tourism Incentives Act excluded southeastern Turkey, denying the region the development needed for a thriving tourism sector. Despite this, cities like Mardin actively seek to expand their tourism potential. Research indicates that Mardin’s residents support tourism growth, which promises to benefit both urban and rural communities.

In 2023, Mardin welcomed nearly 650,000 tourists, reflecting the industry’s growing role in the local economy. By fostering tourism, southeastern Turkey can unlock new opportunities for sustainable development and cultural preservation.

A New Chapter for Southeastern Turkey

With the government’s $14 billion investment and the prospect of peace in Syria, poverty in southeastern Turkey faces a turning point. The region’s lack of infrastructure has long created a cycle of poverty and underdevelopment. This new funding and strategic focus could break that cycle, paving the way for meaningful progress and prosperity.

– Charley Dennis

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

Photo: Flickr

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The Fall of Assad’s Regime and Challenges Facing Syrians

The Fall of Assad’s RegimeIn the past decade, Syria has dealt with “one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises.” More than 5 million Syrian refugees live in the five countries neighboring Syria. Since 2011, Syria has been marred by civil war. The brutal dictator, Bashar Al-Assad, has led a tyrannical regime over the Syrian people. In response to protests following the Arab Spring, the government used “deadly force” against the peaceful demonstrators. This violence escalated into a bloody civil war.

Additionally, “more than 14 million Syrians have been forced to flee their homes in search of safety” since 2011. The United Nations (U.N.) also reports that about 70% of the country’s population needs humanitarian assistance, with 90% living below the poverty line. However, the fall of Assad’s regime has happened and many Syrians are thinking of returning home. Although the fall of Assad’s regime can be seen as a positive development, the future for Syria and its people remains unclear. Here are five obstacles for the Syrian people after Assad fell from power.

Destruction of Infrastructure

Although Assad is gone and Syrian refugees consider the possibility of going back, Syria’s infrastructure has been obliterated by the 13-year civil war. “Basic amenities like clean water, electricity and housing are difficult to find,” Vox reports. For people whose homes were not destroyed, some of them have other people living in them now and “many refugees lack documentation to prove they own their properties.” 

On top of that, the new government will unlikely be able to resolve “property disputes” as they are stretched so thin. The vast majority of the country’s population needs aid. The U.N. Refugee Agency reports that 90% of the population depends on humanitarian assistance. In addition, it is the beginning of winter. If refugees start returning now, they will need “shelter, food and water.” There are continuous obstacles for the Syrian people.

Economic Problems

Syria’s economy is in dismal condition and high inflation presents problems for people in Syria, as well as refugees considering returning. The Central Bank of Syria reports that inflation reached 122% in April 2024. In addition, schools have been destroyed, leaving many children without education. In tandem with that, few job opportunities exist for people to earn a reasonable living. Employment is yet another one of the obstacles for Syrian people. 

During Assad’s reign, countries like the U.S. put heavy sanctions on Syria, hurting the nation’s economy even further. However, the current “de facto leader of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa,” is asking for sanctions to be lifted; he asserts that Syria does not pose a threat to other parts of the world as it did under Assad’s regime. The sanctions are currently still in place.

Uncertain Future

Although many feel joy at the end of Assad’s tyrannical and oppressive regime, the future remains uncertain for Syria. Ahmed al-Sharaa is the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), “the dominant group in the rebel alliance,” which defeated Assad. HTS is designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S., U.N. and others. Also, the group was formerly part of the terrorist organization Al-Qaeda. Many are skeptical about whether or not the new leadership will bring peace to Syria.

Many countries hosting Syrian refugees are eager to send them back. However, too many people returning at once could cause new problems, as the government is already dealing with great hardship. Obstacles for Syrian people in and outside of the nation are ever-present. In the north of Syria, Turkish-backed groups are fighting Kurdish-led groups, which might lead to further violence. Even more, many Syrians are doubting that HTS will bring a peaceful future, as they led an authoritarian rule in the northwest of the country. 

Humanitarian Aid

Syria Relief & Development (SRD) is a nonprofit organization that addresses Syria’s most urgent need for aid. It was founded in 2011 and intends to provide humanitarian relief and encourage sustainable development in Syria. Since 2011, SRD has been involved in more than 18 million humanitarian interventions in Syria. The organization continues to provide support in health care, education, disaster relief and much more. 

Final Thoughts

Syria’s future may be unclear, but there is no doubt that the fall of Assad’s regime has brought great joy to the Syrian people. Obstacles for Syrian people are still present and much aid is still needed. However, there seems to be a hope that Syria will be able to forge a newer and better future.

– Michael Messina

Michael is based in Newburyport, MA, US and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Poverty and Water Infrastructure in Vietnam

Water Pollution and Poverty in Vietnam Rapid economic development and inadequate water infrastructure pose significant public health challenges in Vietnam. Climate changes exacerbates these issues by increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Vietnam, with its landscape rich in porous river systems, hosts more than 3,500 rivers longer than 10 kilometers. Around 70% of its population lives along these waterways, which are crucial to the nation’s culture and economy. These essential resources face threats from natural and human-induced challenges, putting the livelihoods, cultural heritage and economic stability of Vietnam at risk.

Water Threats in Vietnam

  • Freshwater Access and Pollution Threatening Public Health. Many critical water infrastructures are insufficient or in a state of disrepair. Water access from centralized supply systems has reached only about 48% of the rural population. This has led to poor handwashing and other hygienic practices in some disadvantaged areas. Nearly 30% of people in Dien Bien, Gia Lai, Kon Tum and Ninh Thuan provinces had limited availability of basic handwashing facilities at home—one of the fundamental practices to prevent COVID-19.
  • Groundwater Over-extraction. Groundwater over-extraction is recognized as the main driver of land subsidence. The decline in groundwater levels leads to the compaction of the aquifer, causing the land surface to sink. Over the past 25 years, the Mekong Delta has sunk by an average of 18 cm due to groundwater withdrawal. This sinking land has exacerbated the vulnerability of Delta residents to floods and storm surges.
  • Climate Threat. Vietnam ranks among the countries most susceptible to climate changes. Its extensive coastline and river deltas are highly exposed to rising sea levels. Flooding alone is projected to affect an estimated 10 million people. Over the next 15 years. This climate-induced flooding poses a significant long-term threat to Vietnam’s agricultural production, economic development, food security and poverty reduction efforts.
  • Salt Drought. Drought and saltwater intrusion further extend the threat to the river deltas of Vietnam. Saltwater has intruded up to 60 kilometers from the river mouth of Ben Tre province. Saltwater intrusion changes the salinity of groundwater, significantly impacting agricultural productivity and challenging the regional freshwater supply. Major infrastructural and landscape-scale interventions are necessary for the future sustainability of the deltas.

Alleviating Water-related Poverty in Vietnam

The World Bank has been instrumental in supporting Vietnam’s water and sanitation sector. Through the Vietnam Urban Water Supply and Wastewater Project, the World Bank has aimed to improve water services in major cities while addressing the needs of low-income households. This project includes developing sustainable water management practices and enhancing wastewater treatment to improve both health and environmental conditions. In addition, UNICEF has played a key role in promoting water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) programs in Vietnam, particularly in remote areas and schools. The organization works with the Vietnamese government to improve access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities, emphasizing hygiene education to reduce water-borne diseases, particularly in children.

Looking Forward

Efforts to improve the water infrastructure and promote sustainable practices are vital for reducing poverty in Vietnam. International support, such as initiatives by the World Bank and UNICEF, plays a significant role in enhancing access to clean water and sanitation facilities, particularly for vulnerable populations. Building resilience to climate impacts and prioritizing long-term water management could help safeguard the country’s health, economy and natural resources.

– Yuhan Ji

Yuhan is based in Cambridge, MA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Migration to Bosnia and Herzegovina

Migration to Bosnia and HerzegovinaThe Balkan country of Bosnia and Herzegovina experienced the displacement of more than 2.2 million of its citizens during the 1992-1995 Bosnian war. However, now Bosnia and Herzegovina is at the forefront of a new migration crisis due to increased rates of global poverty and conflict. Since 2018, more than 110,000 migrants have entered the Balkan country. The numbers first increased in 2018 after 24,067 migrants and refugees arrived in the country compared to 755 in 2017. Despite migration challenging the infrastructure of Bosnia and Herzegovina, obstacles are often overcome thanks to the cooperation of various international institutions and charities

Western Balkan Migration Route

Bosnia and Herzegovina falls within the Western Balkan route, popular among migrants who look to enter EU countries. From January to September 2023, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) recorded 128,871 migrant, refugee and asylum seeker arrivals through the corridor. The large number and potential for an unexpected increase of migrants strain Bosnia and Herzegovina’s resources.

However, the IOM, UNHCR and EU provide financial support for the country to ease the pressure of this corridor on countries like Bosnia and Herzegovina and to protect migrants. The “Individual Measure to Strengthen the Response Capacity to Manage Migration Flows in Bosnia and Herzegovina” project aims to transfer the migration response to Bosnian authorities.

This project continues to receive considerable funding. In August 2024, The IOM confirmed 100% of the financing for protection management for the arrival of migrants into Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Accommodation for Migrants

The increased number of migrants in 2018 strained infrastructure in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Collaboration between the country’s Ministry of Security (MoS) and the IOM facilitated the creation of seven temporary reception centers (TRCs) to house more than 8,000 migrants.

In 2018, the IOM revealed that the national infrastructure was not adequate to house the sudden influx of migrants in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The closure of TRC Lipa and Bira in 2020 reduced overall accommodation capacity from 8,282 to 3,540 beds.

Despite the challenges of accommodating migrants, international cooperation has helped resolve these problems. In 2021, a newly built TRC Lipa increased its accommodation capacity to 1,500 migrants compared to its prior 1,400 migrant capacity. Johann Sattler, Head of the EU Delegation, commented on the opening of TRC Lipa: “This is a good reminder for all of us that those crises can be solved, and the only way to resolve crises is through dialogue and a willingness to compromise.”

War and Poverty

In July 2024, the UNHCR reported that the top three countries of origin of migrants in Bosnia and Herzegovina were the Syrian Arab Republic (35%), Afghanistan (29%) and Morocco (8%). The high number of Syrians and Afghans in Bosnia and Herzegovina correlates to the high levels of poverty in these countries due to war. In 2022, poverty affected 69% of Syrians and 90% of Afghans.

Mental Health

Migrants often face traumatic journeys that have psychological impacts. Adil, a Moroccan migrant who resides in TRC Lipa expressed how migration impacted his mental wellbeing to the IOM: “This journey is hard and dangerous. I have seen and experienced things that I do not want to remember.”

There are ongoing efforts by the IOM and Bosnian authorities to provide mental health support for migrants. The IOM continues to provide mental health screening for migrants inside and outside TRCs and aims to increase mental health support access for migrants in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Between April 2024 and July 2024, the UNHCR assisted 585 migrants with psychosocial support.

Cultural Programs for Migrants

Alongside the efforts of international organizations and the Bosnian government to integrate migrants into the workplace and provide psychological aid for migrants, cultural programs also help improve their well-being.

In 2024, IOM ran creative programs in multiple TRCs. TRC Blažuj held a canvas painting workshop which allowed migrants to express their creativity. TRC Lipa has a creative zone where handcrafting workshops were held for migrants and refugees from Afghanistan, Gambia, Iran and Syria.

Cultural programs extend beyond reception centers in Bosnia and Herzegovina into mainstream society. Migrants from reception centers contributed to a fashion collection for The No Nation Fashion brand showcased at the 30th Sarajevo Film Festival.

Cooperation for Solutions

The impact of global poverty meant the influx of migrants to Bosnia and Herzegovina from 2018 onwards presented challenges to the country’s infrastructure and the safety of migrants. However, cooperation between the former Yugoslav country, international governments and organizations shows the capacity to overcome the potential challenges of migration to improve the quality of life of migrants.

– Sofia Brooke

Sofia is based in Oxfordshire, UK and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr