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How Atmospheric Generators Are Transforming Arid Communities 

How Atmospheric Generators Are Transforming Arid Communities In drought-stricken regions, access to clean water remains a critical challenge. The lack of water affects health, agriculture and everyday life. A technology is offering a new path forward: atmospheric water generators (AWGs). Companies such as Majik Water in Kenya are using this innovation to extract moisture from the air, creating a reliable water source where traditional systems fail. Here is how AWGs function, highlighting real-world success stories and examining their potential for reshaping water access in vulnerable regions.

Atmospheric Water Generators

AWGs are machines that produce water by extracting humidity from the air. The system draws in air and cools it to trigger condensation. After condensation, the water passes through multiple filters that purify it for safe human consumption. These machines come in different sizes. Some are designed for households or small communities. Others, particularly industrial-scale units, generate several thousand liters of water daily—enough to support entire villages or farming operations.

The Impact on Arid Communities

Atmospheric generators have a profound impact on communities living in arid areas. First, regular access to safe drinking water significantly improves public health by reducing water-related diseases, especially among children. The water produced can also be used to irrigate small local crops, allowing families to grow their fruits and vegetables, thus enhancing food security.

Economically, these generators create new jobs related to their maintenance, supervision and water distribution. This stimulates local economies, often constrained by scarce natural resources. By providing a water source independent of rainfall, the generators are strengthening the resilience of villages to changing weather patterns and prolonged droughts.

For example, in Kenya, Majik Water uses air generators to provide drinking water to drought-affected rural communities. This project has improved the living conditions of many families, proving that this technology can be a real lifeline in even the most hostile environments.

Challenges to Overcome

Despite their potential, AWGs present several challenges. The machines require an initial capital investment that is beyond the reach of many communities. In areas without reliable electricity, powering the machines can become a problem. In addition, their efficiency drops in environments with extremely low humidity, limiting water output in the driest areas. These obstacles highlight the need for supportive infrastructure and financing mechanisms. Solar-powered AWGs could offer one possible solution to the energy constraint. Government subsidies or nonprofit funding may also be necessary to make these systems accessible in low-income regions.

Looking Ahead

Atmospheric generators represent a promising innovation to address water scarcity in arid regions. By providing an independent and reliable source of drinking water, they improve the quality of life, support local agriculture and empower communities in the face of climate change. However, widespread adoption potentially depends on efforts to lower costs, increase energy efficiency and integrate AWGs into broader development policies. With the support of public policies and private initiatives, this technology could play a key role in the future of sustainable water management.

– Eléonore Bonnaterre

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

Photo: Flickr

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Aircrafted KIDS: Transforming Aircraft Interiors into Schoolbags

Aircrafted KIDSEmirates Airline, based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, launched its “Aircrafted KIDS” initiative in June 2024 in conjunction with World Environment Day. As part of an environmental strategy focused on responsible consumption, this initiative builds on the Emirates Airline Foundation’s long-standing dedication to children’s welfare programs by upcycling aircraft interiors into handcrafted schoolbags designed to support early education for underprivileged children across Africa and Asia.

From Cabins to Classrooms

Aircrafted KIDS represents a pioneering fusion of sustainability and education. In August 2022, Emirates launched the world’s largest retrofit project – a $2 billion investment to fully refit 191 aircraft, including 110 Airbus A380s and 81 Boeing 777s. While the primary goal was to elevate the passenger experience, the initiative also presented a unique opportunity to repurpose up to 50,000 kilograms of waste materials from cabin interiors.

For example, the retrofitting of 22 Airbus A380s generated more than 5,205 kilograms of materials – primarily seat fabrics composed of 95% wool and 5% nylon, according to Emirates Airline. These textiles, known for their durability and non-flammability, proved ideal for upcycling into functional, child-friendly schoolbags.

Rather than simply sending the scrap material to a landfill, Emirates Engineering established a dedicated workshop where skilled tailors repurposed the recovered fabrics into a diverse range of handcrafted backpacks for children of all ages. Collaborating closely with Emirates’ Corporate Communications, Marketing and Brand team, the initiative identified charitable organizations, schools, orphanages and community foundations to receive the bags – each one thoughtfully filled with essential school supplies. This project not only significantly reduces waste from aircraft refurbishments but also reinforces Emirates’ broader mission to support education and community wellbeing.

Impact in Africa

Nearly a year since its launch, the impact of the Aircrafted KIDS initiative continues to grow. Emirates partnered with six organizations across Africa to deliver more than 1,300 handcrafted schoolbags, each filled with carefully curated items such as stationery, calculators, water bottles, hygiene items, lunchboxes, and other educational essentials—alongside books by local authors that offer culturally rich stories and interactive learning experiences.

In Zimbabwe, Emirates partnered with St Marcellin’s Children’s Village Trust and Rose of Sharon, two non-profit organizations dedicated to supporting vulnerable children. The airline collaborated with the Kucetekela Foundation in Zambia, which supports academically gifted students from underprivileged backgrounds, and the Alliance for Children Everywhere (ACE), which focuses on empowering families through education and economic support – donating 464 special edition schoolbags.

In Ethiopia, Emirates joined forces with Bravehearts Ethiopia, an NGO championing access to quality education, and Roots Ethiopia, which supports rural education initiatives across the country – donating 450 Aircrafted KIDS bags to children in need.

Emirates’ Country Manager in Zambia, Omar Bushlaibi, reflected on the parallel between education and travel, highlighting how both broaden perspectives and drive societal development. He reaffirmed the airline’s long-standing commitment to Zambia since commencing operations in 2012, emphasizing not only its ongoing efforts to expand services but also its dedication to making a meaningful contribution to local community development. Bushlaibi’s words reflect Emirates’ strong sense of social responsibility and its commitment to creating a positive impact in the destinations it serves.

Impact in Asia

Following its donations in Africa, Aircrafted KIDS extended its impact across Asia, distributing 700 handcrafted schoolbags filled with essential supplies to support students in their daily learning and enrich their educational experience.

In India, Emirates teamed up with the Smile Foundation, an organization supporting children aged 6 to 14 through education, health care and livelihood programs. Together, they distributed 400 practical and thoughtfully designed backpacks to students in New Delhi to support their academic journey.

In Bangladesh, Emirates partnered with Kanan, Thikana (Shelter Home), and Ahsania Mission Shishu Nagari—three Dhaka-based organizations that provide shelter and education for women and children. With 187 backpacks donated, Emirates is supporting ongoing efforts to reform the country’s education system and promote equal opportunities for all children. Meanwhile, in Pakistan, Emirates collaborated with SOS Children’s Villages, a world-renowned organization that offers care and education to underprivileged youth.

The next destination for the Aircrafted KIDS schoolbag initiative is Egypt, with additional locations across the MENA region set to follow soon.

Final Thoughts

Education is a fundamental right and a powerful catalyst for societal progress, forming the bedrock of economic empowerment and ensuring that the next generation is equipped with the tools required to create a more prosperous future. Nevertheless, according to UNESCO, 251 million children and young people are currently out of school, with more than half living in sub-Saharan Africa—a situation further compounded by the ongoing challenges many children face in accessing the resources and opportunities needed to reach their full potential.

Aircrafted KIDS exemplifies the innovative possibilities that arise when business and humanitarian values intersect, demonstrating that these two forces need not be in opposition; instead, they can work together to create solutions that benefit both the economy and society.

– Charlotte Codd

Charlotte is based in Waterford, Ireland and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Husk Power Systems Fighting Energy Poverty in Africa

husk power systemsIn 2023, Husk Power Systems, an Indian-origin company, announced a $500,000 funding grant from Acumen’s Hard-to-Reach (H2R) initiative to help bring clean and affordable electricity to people in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). With its focus on supporting clean and affordable energy to almost 80 million people in rural African areas, it aims to deploy 2,500 mini-grids across Africa by 2030. Since its launch in 2008 by Indian entrepreneur Manoj Sinha, the “Africa Sunshot” project has emerged as one of the most significant initiatives in the company’s history. It underscores Husk Power Systems’ commitment to providing affordable energy to rural communities, not only in India and Asia, where the company has been actively operating, but also in Africa, where it is now making a transformative impact.

Husk Power Systems Profile

In 2023, Time recognized Husk Power Systems founder and CEO Manoj Sinha as one of the most influential business leaders in climate and as a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader. Sinha, passionate about solving energy access challenges in rural areas through innovative microgrid solutions, has been working for decades to address these issues. He co-founded Husk Power Systems in 2008 alongside partners Gyanesh Pandey and Ratnesh Yadav. Headquartered in Fort Collins, Colorado, with offices in rural areas across Asia and Africa, the company has been launching energy power plants since its inception.

Positioning itself as an energy company dedicated to providing affordable energy solutions to rural areas, Husk Power Systems adopts a pay-as-you-go model, offering flexible, 100% renewable energy solutions. The company focuses on meeting the needs of households, small businesses and community services, ensuring reliable and sustainable power access. Additionally, Husk Power Systems maintains a strong focus on enabling a rapid and cost-effective energy transition. The company aims to align with not only national Indian electrification goals but also global targets, expanding its reach into Asian and, particularly, African markets.

Empowering the African Energy market

Husk Power Systems now has more than 200 operational sites in Africa and Asia, with an average of 16 mini-grids per month. As of 2022, the company was present in 12 communities in Nigeria, with a plan of “nearly 100 additional microgrids for future development.” In addition to providing innovative energy solutions, the company has created 130 jobs, including 80 full-time positions, as of 2023. Under its Africa Sunshot Initiative, Husk Power aims to deploy 2,500 operational mini-grids across six African regions over the next five years, expanding beyond Nigeria and Congo to areas like Nairobi and beyond.

While focusing on innovative energy solutions in Africa with a $2.5 million investment from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Husk Power Systems also addresses the lack of electricity that limits opportunities for small businesses, agriculture and entrepreneurship. By providing reliable energy, they enable businesses to operate longer hours, increase productivity and create job opportunities in local communities.

Rural Gentrification and Development

Since 2008, Husk Power Systems has provided 400,000 homes and local businesses in rural communities with innovative electricity systems and has no intentions to stop developing innovative electricity solutions in the most vulnerable areas in Africa and Asia. Due to the company’s relentless and intensive work, starting from 2015, Husk Power Systems started to use hybrid systems that allow it to generate power 24/7 by synchronizing dollar and biomass gasification power plants. “Sunshot” project followed by another significant project “Husk Power Systems Investment” where company has decided to expand its work in rural areas of  Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia powered up by equity investment totalling $43 million coming from International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and Proparco showed the companies fast growing development and further movements towards the expanding of gentrification in needed areas.

Focusing on gentrification solutions enables companies to branch into connected ideas for enhancing employment in rural African and Asian areas. In addition to achieving high employment rates and fostering a friendly work environment, companies aim to create supportive training schemes that promote career growth for employees. By offering extensive management and technical skills training, the company nurtures talent both globally and locally, creating employment opportunities for a diverse audience.

Looking Ahead

With its fast-growing solutions, innovative approach and development of employment opportunities, Husk Power Systems demonstrates how true dedication and steady determination can transform rural areas, revitalizing their vulnerable economies and infrastructure. And while it begins with one man’s desire to change the world for the better, it eventually unites millions of dollars in investments, thousands of professionals and two continents to achieve its goal of gentrification for a brighter future.

– Liubov Linnyk

Liubov is based in London, UK and focuses on Business and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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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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Electric Vehicles in India: Driving Affordability and Sustainability

Electric Vehicles in India: Driving Affordability and SustainabilityElectric vehicles are transforming transportation in India, offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fuel-powered vehicles. With India ranking as the third-largest emitter of carbon dioxide globally, the shift toward cleaner transportation is crucial. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the rollout of electric vehicles is set to avoid the need for nearly 6 million barrels of oil per day by 2030. The electric vehicle industry in India experienced an 80% increase in sales between 2010 and 2023, reflecting the growing adoption. Most freight transportation relies on diesel-powered trucks, making electrification a key strategy to reduce carbon emissions while lowering fuel expenses for millions.

Government and Public Adoption of Electric Vehicles

The use of electric vehicles in India continues to rise, with reports showing that more than 2 million electric vehicles were in use by 2023. A primary reason for this increase is the rising cost of petrol. In April 2020, petrol prices in Indian cities averaged 70 rupees per liter, reaching nearly 110 rupees per liter at their peak in 2022. As fuel prices continue to fluctuate, many citizens are turning to electric vehicles to save money on transportation costs. In an interview with AP News, an electric rickshaw driver highlighted the financial benefits of the switch. He reported that charging his electric rickshaw costs 60 rupees, compared to 300 rupees for petrol to cover the same 80-kilometer distance. Given these cost savings, many others are making the transition to electric vehicles.

Supportive Policies for Electric Vehicle Adoption

The Indian government has introduced financial incentives and policies to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles. In September 2024, officials approved a 109 billion rupee ($1.3 billion) incentive package to promote the use of two- and three-wheeled electric vehicles, as well as electric trucks and ambulances. Reducing pollution from diesel-powered trucks remains a primary focus of this policy, as they are among the largest contributors to poor air quality in India. To address this, the government has introduced additional incentives for scrapping old diesel trucks in favor of electric alternatives. By 2030, India aims to have 70% of its commercial vehicles running on electricity, significantly reducing emissions while making transportation more affordable for businesses and individuals.

Charitable Initiatives and Market Growth Projections

The shift to electric vehicles has created opportunities for low-income communities. The Shishu Mandir charity has been donating electric vehicles to individuals in need, allowing them to establish sustainable livelihoods through ride-hailing services. A transgender woman who had previously relied on street begging for survival after being disowned by her family received an electric vehicle donation from Shishu Mandir. The initiative provided her with a safer and more stable income while also contributing to environmental sustainability.

While Shishu Mandir has donated 17 electric vehicles so far, efforts are ongoing to expand the program, providing licenses and driving lessons to those in poverty. These initiatives demonstrate how electric vehicle adoption serves as both a climate solution and a tool for economic empowerment.

Organizations such as the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) are also playing a pivotal role in expanding India’s electric vehicle market. Through investments, policy support and government lobbying, IBEF estimates that India could become the largest electric vehicle market in the world by 2030. The organization advocates for subsidies, improved charging infrastructure and lower production costs to make electric vehicles more accessible.

Looking Ahead

India’s transportation sector is undergoing a major transformation as the adoption of electric vehicles continues to accelerate. Beyond lowering emissions and reducing fuel costs, this shift is creating new economic opportunities for marginalized groups and demonstrating the broader social benefits of sustainable mobility. With government policies, private investments and charitable initiatives driving change, millions more people could gain access to affordable, clean transportation. The rise of electric vehicles in India not only signals progress toward a greener future but also highlights the power of technology and policy in improving livelihoods.

– Lizzie Mazzola

Lizzie is based in Raleigh, NC, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Supporting Cambodian Farmers With Drone Technology

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

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

The Economic Situation

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

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

Cambodia’s Paddy Problems

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

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

Drones Can Be a Solution

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

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

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

Looking Ahead

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

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

– Lauren Alkhalil

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

Photo: Unsplash

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Young Jordanians Who Confront Food Insecurity via Innovation

Young Jordanians Who Confront Food Insecurity via InnovationJordan has been experiencing food insecurity challenges due to multiple factors, such as water scarcity and slow economic growth. As a result, many Jordanians struggle to afford food for themselves. Food insecurity is a pervading problem in Jordan because 63% of its population is under 30 years old, a generational issue. However, young Jordanians have discovered new ways to cleverly tackle food insecurity in their country without successful government policies. The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) and The World Food Programme (WFP) have recently established the Youth in Food Security Innovation Programme, which gathers young Jordanians who confront food insecurity via innovation.

Food insecurity has become the central issue amongst citizens in the developing world primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ukraine-Russia war and economic decline. This made tackling food insecurity in developing countries more challenging especially given the vulnerability of the governments. Therefore, citizens living in the developing world are compelled to find effective alternative methods to feed themselves, their families and their fellow citizens. The innovations in tackling food insecurity presented by these young Jordanians highlight new ways to reduce hunger quickly. The key is to discover the latest methods and adopt them as official development policy.

The Current Food Insecurity Situation in Jordan

The food insecurity situation in Jordan worsened because of the COVID-19 pandemic as it “has affected sustainable development efforts.” On February 28, A U.N. policy brief on Jordan’s food security strategy stated that 53% “of Jordanians are vulnerable to food insecurity” while 3% of Jordan’s households are struggling with food insecurity. Jordan is also facing water scarcity which can heavily impact its agriculture since it absorbs more than 50% of water in order “to produce 45%” of Jordan’s agriculture. The country relies on young Jordanians who confront food insecurity via innovation to solve the hunger issue.

Aya Kreik: The Soil as a Sustainable Source of Food

One of the young Jordanians confronting food insecurity via innovation is Aya Kreik, an architecture student living in Jordan’s capital city, Amman. Aya is part of a team that “succeeded in converting farm waste into organic fertilizers rich in nutrients.” This innovative method revived the soil and compelled farmers to stop using chemical fertilizers. Furthermore, the soil would “retain water in a large proportion,” reducing water irrigation in a water-scarce country. This method that Aya and her team created produces more organic food for Jordanians, which helps tackle food insecurity while promoting environmental sustainability.

Alaa and Nourhan: Plants that Self-Feed

Alaa (Banking and Finance student) and Nourhan (Business Intelligence student) are also young Jordanians who confront food insecurity via innovation. The students teamed up to build a start-up enterprise that specializes in producing “self-watering and self-feeding plants.” This is done by transforming “moisture in the air into pure water” via a type of hydrogel that is made up “of self-absorbing polymers.” This method allows for the availability of more water that produces more food at a time when Jordanians are struggling to find water and food.

Conclusion

Jordan, as with many other Middle Eastern countries, is experiencing severe food shortages and high prices for food items due to COVID-19 and the Ukraine-Russia war. However, despite the seemingly insurmountable odds, Jordanians have proven that tough challenges can be easily overcome via innovation and creativity. The innovative methods the young Jordanians have presented to the world are helping Jordan solve its food insecurity problem by producing healthy organic food that contributes to environmental sustainability. The creative methods show the world that solving development issues and policies in the developing world requires intelligent solutions. In other words, the world may be closer to ending hunger than before.

– Abdullah Dowaihy
 Photo: Flickr

Rappi: The Colombian Unicorn that Has Given Venezuelans a Chance

Rappi: The Colombian Unicorn that Has Given Venezuelans a ChanceThe socio-economic and political crisis in Venezuela has forced millions of citizens to flee the country in pursuit of better opportunities. In fact, there are approximately 4.5 million Venezuelans abroad. Almost 1.8 million are in the neighboring country of Colombia. This migratory movement has generated a demand for blue-collar jobs. Rappi, the Colombian unicorn, has become a very important niche for migrant labor. It allows them to start over and overcome their poor economic and social condition.

Rappi is an innovative App that works as a large shopping center in which the customer gets all kinds of products. The product quickly arrives at the customer’s location. This business model requires thousands of office employees as well as shoppers and distributors. While many of the Venezuelans that enter neighboring countries only have a high school diploma, Rappi has opportunities for them. The Venezuelans can provide for their families with only a bike and a smartphone.

The Presence of Venezuelans in Rappi

With only five years in the market, Rappi has seen a constant 20% growth every month. This reaches thousands across 9 countries in Latin America. This rapid increase has been directly correlated to the massive emigration of people. Today, 57% of Rappi’s distributors, or better known as rappitenderos, are Venezuelans. This is because Rappi only requires the special permit acquired with the traditional migratory process and no previous working reference.

Many studies have shown that Venezuelans in Rappi work considerably more hours and days by choice in comparison to Colombians. Rappi provides a flexible model in which distributors accommodate the hours they work according to their necessities and availability. The Venezuelan rappitenderos work around 10 to 12 hours a day, while Colombian rappitenderos work approximately 8 hours. Moreover, 97% of Venezuelans work up to 7 days a week while only 5% of Colombians work 6 days. 

Rappi has helped Venezuelans find a job in which they can provide for their families. It also has looked for other ways to help their families. Rappi has partnered with Valiu, a Colombo-Venezuelan startup. This collaboration helps the rappitenderos send money to their relatives that live in Venezuela and struggle with poverty. This partnership has created better alternatives for distributors to manage their income and help their families.

The Impact

Rappi is the first fully Colombian, and one of the most important, tech firms in Latin America. It is the perfect innovation that has eased people’s lives, changed consumption habits and helped small businesses thrive. More than anything, it has allowed thousands of Venezuelans that have been looking for a better quality of life. It has become a means to reduce poverty and close the gaps of inequality.

The startup was born with the mission to make people’s lives easier. It extended its main goal to a community that today calls for help and needs to generate extra income for their personal and professional goals. Additionally, Venezuelan migrants contribute to the national economy of Colombia. Despite challenges and migratory processes, they have found their way and Rappi has been the dominant employer for this strong workforce.

– Isabella León Graticola
Photo: Pixabay

Battling Asthma With Smart Inhalers

Battling Asthma With Smart InhalersAsthma is a far-reaching condition that affects many people’s breathing ability. Patients typically use inhalers to treat their symptoms. Unfortunately, only 6% of patients know how to use an inhaler to its fullest potential. As a result, only half of all asthma inhaler users manage their symptoms. However, with smart inhalers being developed there may be a solution.

What is Asthma?

One with asthma may experience coughing, shortness of breath and wheezing. These symptoms are due to the swelling of the airways. It causes the airways to partially close, lessening one’s breathing ability. Asthma experiencers may endure chest pain, an increase in coughing and other symptoms when having a cold or when exercising.

Different circumstances may worsen asthma. Asthma subcategories include allergy-induced asthma, exercise-induced asthma and occupational asthma. Allergy-induced asthma causes asthma symptoms to increase when the patient is near allergens, such as pollen or animal dander. Exercise-induced asthma worsens asthma when doing physical labor because the patient is already breathing heavily. In addition, occupational asthma produces asthma symptoms when working in a place with chemicals or gases.

Asthma and Poverty

Poverty can play a substantial role in asthma and asthma relief. Managing asthma can be difficult when a family doesn’t have enough money to pay for doctor appointments or inhalers. Additionally, families struggling with money may not have a car or be able to attend doctor appointments to get diagnosed or proper treatment. Studies have shown that poverty relates closely with asthma in cities. For example, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania comes in at number four on the overall asthma national capital ranking and number three on the poverty ranking in the United States.

Asthma kills many more people in underprivileged societies than in prosperous areas. A lack of medicine is a large contributor to the deaths involving a manageable condition. Limited treatment, medical knowledge and a high cost of medicine all contribute to the fatalities caused by asthma. Moreover, there is minimal research done on the ways that asthma affects the poor versus the affluent. For instance, due to the varying studies, the rate of the seriousness of the problem in developing countries can range anywhere from 3% to 30%.

Asthma Relief

There are a couple of ways to treat asthma, but nothing makes the condition disappear. Patients struggling with asthma may find it helpful to take allergy medication, as asthma is known to worsen with allergies. Others may find it useful to treat the condition with long or short-term solutions. Long-term medications would include inhaled corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers or theophylline. These medications are pills or inhalers that work to relieve asthma symptoms on a day to day basis. Medicine that relieves symptoms as quickly as possible would include some beta-agonists, anticholinergic drugs and oral corticosteroids.

Smart Inhalers

In the UK, proper treatment could have saved 66% of asthma patients’ lives. The hope for smart inhalers is that it will be able to provide better care than the typical inhaler. A notification may inform patients of conditions such as allergens or chemicals in the air that may worsen their symptoms. The smart inhaler could also alert a patient if they are using short-term medication too much. Excess usage of quick-relief medication would demonstrate that the patient needs a new treatment plan or to see a doctor because the medication is not relieving the symptoms.

Smart inhalers could potentially allow patients to understand and correct their faults with the usage of their inhalers. Hopefully, this would allow patients to have better control over their asthma. For impoverished communities, the smart inhaler would be able to alert the asthma patient when their condition is advancing and when to see a doctor. The patient likely would not avoid going to the doctor if the inhaler notified them that their breathing was putting them in danger. This has the capabilities of preventing many deaths in developing countries. Smart inhalers would need to be made cheap and accessible to poorer countries for it to be a promising solution. However, it may be a good start in the bettering of treatment for this disease and an improvement in the world’s fight with asthma.

– Hailee Shores

Photo: Flickr

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Torch Tile Addresses Housing for Morian Refugees

University of Southern California (USC) has a course called “Innovation In Engineering and Design for Global Crises.” As part of the class, a team of USC undergraduates visited the Moria refugee camp to learn from and engage with the displaced peoples about their experiences. The need for more livable housing was the impetus for students’ project development. The result was Torch Tile — an adaptable, low-cost, user-friendly solution to the sheltering challenges of the displaced peoples in Moria.

Living Conditions of the Sprawling Moria Refugee Camp

On the eastern coast of the Greek island of Lesvos, is the Moria refugee camp. Moria is the largest refugee camp in Europe. It is the landing pad for the daily stream of refugees fleeing from Afghanistan, Syria and Turkey via a harrowing boat trip across a six-mile stretch of the Mediterranean Sea. The camp was originally designed to shelter 3,000 people. Currently, it is overflowing with over 13,000 refugees.

Tents sprawling the foothills surrounding Moria have constituted as impermanent shelters or “homes” for these refugees. Some asylum-seekers have even established residence with flowers, hand-made tandoori ovens and power cords for hijacking electricity. Despite these additions, the tents are no match for the temperature swings of Greece’s climate. In the summers, heat waves can break 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Winters on the island bring lasting snow from the sea moisture. Asylum-seekers can expect to wait a year before their asylum applications are processed ensuring they will experience both extreme weather conditions.

In the past, asylum-seekers have employed cardboard and tarps in an attempt to block out the extreme cold and heat. Increasing the temperature a few degrees led to refugees living in environments with dank, humid air that condenses on the tent inner walls. Running water is only available inside of Moria, and these moist environments put asylum-seekers at risk for health complications. Many suffer from pneumonia and heat stroke, which there are limited resources with which to treat.

In stepped the Torch Tile.

The Product

After over thirty different prototypes and dozens of hours of overnight testing, the team created the Torch Tile. The users’ needs were at the forefront of the creation’s design. The product comes in 36 or 55 sq. ft. sheets that can be laid side-by-side (like tiles) to fully surround a tent. The sturdy, lightweight and flexible material of the tiles is Aluminet.

The knitted screen-like material allows for airflow, reduces indoor humidity and lets light into the tent for visibility. Secured using zip ties and draped over the tent ceiling, the Torch Tile cools the interior by deflecting outdoor heat and light on warm days. Similarly, in winter weather one layers a tarp over the Torch Tile to warm the tent by 5-15 degrees by reflecting body heat inward.

Then, the team founded Torch Global Inc., a nonprofit currently fundraising to mass produce tiles for distribution. The goal is to provide tiles for those in Moria and for the unsheltered populations in Los Angeles.

Protecting Homes during the Coronavirus Pandemic

The distribution of Torch Tiles has been paramount to enabling people to self-isolate during the coronavirus pandemic. One Torch Tile user from Los Angeles shared, “I have COVID and can’t isolate because my tent is too hot. This product will keep my tent cooler, so I can actually stay inside and isolate.” Recently Torch Global Inc. fundraised $13,000 for the ordering of 1,500 more Torch Tiles — protection for 1,500 more people in their homes.

The collective, global mobilization and coordination of resources necessary to resolve the refugee crisis in Greece is unlikely to occur soon enough. Even when it is, situations and conflicts will likely displace more people in the future, and asylum-seekers living in tents will be inevitable. By thermo-regulating shelters, Torch Tiles alleviate one aspect of refugees’ vulnerability and address the downstream effects of displacement.

– Tricia Lim Castro
Photo: Flickr