Posts

, ,

Fighting Malnutrition in Refugee Camps With Microgreens

Malnutrition in Refugee CampsIn many parts of the world, malnutrition in refugee camps remains a persistent and deadly challenge. Refugee families often lack access to nutrient-rich foods due to limited agricultural space, inconsistent supply chains and poor infrastructure. Yet, a promising solution is emerging, one that requires minimal space, water or sunlight: microgreens.

The Power of Microgreens

Microgreens are tender, immature greens harvested just after sprouting, typically within seven to 21 days. Though small in size, they hold quite a bit of nutritional value. According to the Cleveland Clinic, microgreens are rich in vitamins C, E and K and beta-carotene and antioxidants that support heart health, reduce inflammation and may help fight chronic disease. Their concentrated nutrient content makes them an effective dietary supplement, especially in low-resource settings.

Since microgreens grow quickly and require minimal space, water and equipment, they are well-suited for refugee camps where access to fresh produce is limited. They can thrive in shallow trays with basic soil or growing mats, using only sunlight or low-energy lights. This makes them an efficient, low-cost solution for improving food security and nutrition in overcrowded and under-resourced environments.

Growing Health at Home

Families in refugee settlements across Lebanon and Jordan are improving their nutrition through small-scale gardening initiatives. Supported by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and local partners, refugees are adopting keyhole gardens. This includes circular raised beds that use compost and greywater to grow various vegetables in spaces of limit and restriction. These gardens are built using readily available, recycled materials, making them affordable and sustainable for displaced households.

UNHCR reports that such gardens help increase access to fresh produce and empower families to participate actively in food production. By cultivating vegetables at home, refugees can supplement their diets with fresh, nutritious ingredients while reducing reliance on food aid.

Growing Solutions Across Africa

Refugees are improving their food security and nutrition in parts of sub-Saharan Africa through sustainable gardening practices. In Kenya’s Kakuma refugee camp, programs like the permagarden initiative have trained residents to grow vegetables using climate-resilient techniques that conserve water and enhance soil health. These small plots can be built with locally available materials and thrive in limited space, making them ideal for approaching malnutrition in refugee camps.

According to Devex, participants in the permagarden program reported increased access to diverse vegetables and greater household nutrition. Beyond physical health, gardening has also helped reduce stress and build a sense of purpose among participants. However, as the Humanitarian Practice Network notes, efforts like these face challenges from environmental extremes, such as drought and flooding, which threaten the fragile resilience systems in Kakuma.

Organizations Making an Impact

The Lemon Tree Trust is transforming how displaced communities interact with their environments by promoting gardening as a tool for resilience, dignity and self-reliance. Working primarily across the Kurdistan Region of Iraq in fighting malnutrition in refugee camps, the organization helps residents reclaim unused spaces for growing food and flowers. Through initiatives like garden competitions, community garden spaces and the distribution of seeds and plants, the Lemon Tree Trust supports displaced families in creating green spaces that nourish both body and spirit. These gardens improve access to fresh produce and foster community cohesion, mental well-being and a sense of home in uncertain settings.

Mercy Corps is also taking bold steps to support refugee self-reliance by integrating food security initiatives like microgreen farming into broader economic and social development programs. Its approach goes beyond immediate relief, aiming to unlock the long-term potential of displaced individuals. For example, Mercy Corps has significantly invested in job training, agricultural innovation and women-led entrepreneurship. These efforts are helping refugees transition from reliance on aid to lead productive, independent lives. Through partnerships and strategic funding, the organization is scaling initiatives offering nutritional and economic benefits, enabling communities to thrive even in the most challenging environments.

A Path Toward Self-Reliance

Microgreens are not a complete solution to malnutrition in refugee camps, but they offer an affordable, fast-growing and scalable way to improve health outcomes. More importantly, they place the power of food production back into the hands of the people who need it most. As international aid agencies look for sustainable ways to enhance food security, microgreens represent a small but mighty innovation with the potential to transform lives.

– Vasara Mikulevicius

Vasara is based in West Bloomfield, MI, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

, ,

Everything You Need To Know About Poverty in Rwanda

Poverty in RwandaThe Republic of Rwanda, colloquially referred to as the Land of a Thousand Hills, is a small nation situated to the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Comparable in size to the state of Massachusetts, three main ethnic groups live in Rwanda: the Hutu, the Tutsi and the Twa. Although these groups share a common culture and language, people have sustained historical tensions, most tragically culminating in the 1994 genocide that significantly shaped the country’s identity. Rwandan officials and the United Nations have made remarkable efforts to alleviate the deep-rooted poverty in Rwanda that these tragic events exacerbated. Nevertheless, challenges remain, with approximately 38.6% of the population living below the poverty line.

Land Scarcity

In a country where 82% of the population resides in rural areas and 62% of the workforce is employed in agriculture, land scarcity is a significant issue and exacerbates poverty in Rwanda. Since the 1940s, the Rwandan population has increased almost sevenfold; now, with 525 people per square kilometer, Rwanda is the most densely populated country in Africa. The average farm size in Rwanda is a mere 0.4 hectares, which is far too small to sustain a single family, resulting in challenges to food security and livelihood sustainability.

Consequently, as the population continues to boom in size, the struggle for arable land intensifies, contributing to a cycle of land degradation and increased rural poverty. For instance, overploughing and soil erosion has degraded 45% of Rwandan land. Policymakers have urgently needed to address the scarcity of arable land in Rwanda, who have launched initiatives to reduce these intertwined social and economic issues. Government responses have included encouraging farmers to merge plots and increase productivity, which inheritance laws have hindered; promoting high-yield crops like maize on smaller plots of land; and implementing anti-erosion projects to restore soil fertility.

The Link Between Chronic Malnutrition and Poverty in Rwanda

Intrinsically linked to overpopulation and land scarcity, chronic malnutrition is another defining cause of poverty in Rwanda. Approximately one-fifth of Rwandan households experience severe food shortages, perpetuating a cycle of diets that are deficient in essential nutrients. Subsequently, more than 60% of Rwandan children rely on a starch-based diet, causing them to be small, underweight and chronically malnourished, with the average life expectancy being less than 70 years old. As a result, Rwandan children, particularly in rural areas of the Western provinces, suffer from stunted growth. The stunting rate in Rwanda has declined from 44% in 2010 to 33%, which is now in line with the average for Sub-Saharan Africa.

Governmental initiatives and NGO projects have worked to relieve the malnutrition plaguing Rwanda. Government programs include the Girinka program, which provides cows to low-income families to increase milk consumption, and the 1,000 Days program, which targets pregnant women and infants with fortified food. Meanwhile, the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) has advocated for fortification policies that mandated iron and zinc in staple foods since 2016.

Changing Weather Patterns

Despite experiencing notable economic growth in recent years, Rwanda remains vulnerable to the multifaceted impacts of unpredictable weather patterns, which have substantially exacerbated existing poverty levels. Climate phenomena particularly affect the agricultural sector, a cornerstone of the Rwandan economy and the primary source of livelihood for most of its population. Erratic rainfall patterns have led to reduced crop yields. At the same time, catastrophic flooding events in 2020 destroyed more than 9,383 hectares of farmland, damaging or destroying approximately 8,143 houses and disrupting local food systems.

Moreover, changing weather patterns have intensified the prevalence of severe food insecurity and agricultural failure within the country. In the aftermath of the 2023 drought, staple food prices surged to 40.4%, further straining the economic capacity of low-income households. Notably, around 80% of Rwanda’s rural poor population relies heavily on rain-fed agriculture. Thus, weather shocks push them deeper into the cycle of poverty. While people have admirably made climate resilience, with the Green Climate Fund pledging $39.1 million for Rwandan adaptation projects, without global aid, it is the most vulnerable who will continue to bear the brunt as drastic weather changes exacerbate poverty in Rwanda.

Future of Poverty in Rwanda

While the Rwandan government, with the aid of various NGOs and global organizations, have made a remarkable effort to reduce poverty in Rwanda, it is still prevalent. The road ahead demands local empowerment and international solidarity. While Rwandan progress has been commendable, lasting progress necessitates scaling up climate-smart agriculture, strengthening safety nets and global investment to bolster grassroots activism, initiatives and infrastructure. Poverty in Rwanda is not inevitable, and with continued collaborative innovation, the struggles of today can become opportunities of the future.

– Emilia Bartle

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

Photo: Wikipedia Commons

, ,

Malnutrition in Guatemala

Malnutrition in GuatemalaWith nearly half of the population unable to afford basic foods, malnutrition in Guatemala remains a critical barrier to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger. This global target aims to eliminate all forms of malnutrition by 2030, yet progress in the country has been slow. However, support from local organizations and international aid efforts offers a path forward.

The Current Situation of Hunger in Guatemala

Since 1960, Guatemala has struggled with high levels of food insecurity. At that time, 60% of children under 5 suffered from stunting. By 2023, that figure dropped to 46.5%, an improvement of just 0.21 percentage points per year over six decades. This slow progress reflects deep-rooted challenges. Malnutrition severely limits brain development in children, reducing educational outcomes and increasing vulnerability to illness. According to Seeds for a Future, malnourished parents often pass on these disadvantages to their children, reinforcing the cycle of poverty across generations.

More than 2.9 million Guatemalans face crisis or emergency levels of food insecurity. Migrant flows also strain resources, with 223,000 people passing through the country between January and September 2024. Many of these individuals require food assistance, emergency nutrition and protection during their transit. Without swift humanitarian support, vulnerable populations face rising health risks. Aid groups urge donors to fund safe transit points and deliver nutritional support to prevent widespread health consequences.

Understanding the Root Causes

Systemic poverty continues to drive hunger in Guatemala. Environmental shocks, especially in the Dry Corridor, worsen the crisis. Many families rely on agriculture to survive, but droughts and erratic weather often destroy crops and slash incomes. As food prices rise and yields drop, households face greater difficulty feeding their children. In October 2024 alone, the Food Security and Nutrition Secretariat recorded 25,000 cases of acute malnutrition among children under 5.

Short-term food distributions can save lives but rarely lead to lasting change. Many programs unintentionally create dependency by failing to build skills or resilience. Long-term strategies that focus on education, sustainable farming and economic empowerment provide communities with the tools to escape malnutrition permanently.

Organizations Supporting Guatemala

  • Seeds for a Future. Seeds for a Future is an organization that supplies rural families and communities with the training and essential resources to grow sustainable crops and understand nutritional health requirements for mothers and infants. Since 2009, the Seeds program has been addressing the issue of malnutrition in Guatemala with a 12-month program, mentoring families for their individual needs at a low cost. Currently, the organization has helped 5,400 families in 19 communities with its easily replicable food security and health training program. The program continues to implement its training strategies and hopes to expand to even more communities. 
  • World Food Programme (WFP).  The WFP has operated in Guatemala since 1974. Working closely with government ministries and United Nations (U.N.) agencies, the program assists with food security and nutrition for the country’s most vulnerable individuals and families. To achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 2), the WFP is strengthening social programs to minimize food insecurity and malnutrition in Guatemala. Workshops and nutrition-sensitive interventions were put in place to detect and better the conditions of malnutrition, especially for children and pregnant women. Considering the struggles that families go through after climate shocks, the program also works to enhance resilience and provide access to affordable markets.

Looking Ahead

In 2025, humanitarian agencies plan to scale up operations in 60 of Guatemala’s 81 most food-insecure municipalities, including Alta Verapaz and Huehuetenango. These regions experience the highest rates of crop failure and child malnutrition and are in desperate need of food security interventions. Despite the high number of malnutrition cases in Guatemala, efforts are being implemented to improve the community’s resilience and health stability. The most vulnerable are receiving the necessary resources and support with the hopes of eliminating all forms of food insecurity by 2030. 

– Sarina Francis

Sarina is based in Tallahassee, FL, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Food Crisis: Malnutrition and Poverty in Peru

malnutrition peruPeru has had a volatile relationship with poverty for decades. In the mid-1980s to early 1990s, people had suffered the peak of poverty in Peru in the past 100 years; about 50% of the population lived in poverty. After decreasing, in 2024, the poverty rate rose again to about 30%. Malnutrition has also become a prominent issue in Peru and is one of the most significant health risks that continues to affect Peru’s poverty to this day.

Background

Peru suffers not only from malnutrition but overnutrition as well. To combat these issues, there are policies put that only address one issue or the other, leading to an imbalance in the progress towards both malnutrition and overnutrition.

Another leading cause for malnutrition in Peru is inaccessible health care due to the lack of professional health care providers and limited government funding for public health in Peru. In 2022, for every 10,000 people, there were only 12.2 physicians and 12.8 nurses. Rural areas face the most trouble when it comes to accessing healthcare, with only 17.6 health care professionals for every 10,000 people.

A large majority of Peru’s population suffers from food insecurity. While Peru is known for its agricultural biodiversity, a lot of necessary nutritious food is expensive and inaccessible to lower income families and especially those in poverty, leading to malnutrition.

The Effects of Malnutrition

Nutrients are a human necessity. building up the body, muscles, bones, nerves, skin, immune system and keeping the blood circulating. It also gives the brain the energy it needs to keep the body going and is an important factor in cognitive thinking.

Without proper nutrition, the body faces many consequences. Malnutrition leads to a weakened immune system, making the body more susceptible to infection, illness and disease. It also hinders recovery, making it exceedingly more difficult to heal from illnesses already present.

A lack of nutrients has not only an effect on the health of the body, but the health of the mind as well. Those suffering from malnutrition have an increased risk of depression and anxiety. It also obstructs cognition, making it difficult to make decisions, problem-solve and regulate emotions.

Malnutrition and Poverty in Peru

Children under the age of 5 are one of the biggest victims of malnutrition, particularly indigenous children. Approximately two out of 10 children suffer from malnutrition in Peru, 38% of indigenous children and 24% of children in rural areas are malnourished, compared to 20% of non-indigenous and 7% of urban children who lack nutrients.

Due to the negative effect malnourishment has on the mind and body, it impacts people’s health and productivity, making work more strenuous, not only leading people to poverty, but also making it significantly more difficult to escape it. This pattern makes it challenging to reduce poverty in Peru.

It also influences the economy. Without decreased productivity from workers due to malnutrition, economic growth decreases and health care costs increase. Not only does this affect the economy, but it also highly impacts the already vicious cycle of poverty and malnutrition. Without proper economic flow, the country cannot provide enough resources or help to those suffering from low income and food insecurity, and therefore, the issues only increase.

Current Solutions for Malnutrition in Peru

Without proper finances, it is difficult to access healthcare, especially as a parent with responsibility over one or multiple children. However, with help, it is possible. That is what the World Bank’s Juntos program provides. To combat malnutrition and poverty in Peru, it provides financial support to families, particularly aimed towards mothers in poverty and low-income households, in exchange for taking their children to regular health care check-ups.

There are also many organizations that fight against poverty, one of them being Action Against Hunger. It partners up with local governments to strengthen the health care system, improve food security and access to clean water, provide hygiene supplies as well as give women opportunities to make their own income.

Nutrients are an important factor in human life. They are necessary to perform any task, no matter how big or small. Without them, the human body would cease to function. To improve productivity, health and poverty in Peru, every person must have access to nutritious food. The happier and healthier the people, the more a country will thrive.

– Sevyn Whatley

Sevyn is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Combating Malnutrition in Indonesia: New Free Meals Program

Malnutrition in IndonesiaIndonesia suffers from a triple burden of malnutrition (TBM) problem. TBM refers to a population at threat of undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies and overnutrition. Other problems in the country, such as poverty, low education levels, gender inequities and poor infrastructure, alongside frequent natural disasters and environmental and climate-related factors, further aggravate these deprivations.

Stunting and Wasting

A 2022 survey conducted by the Ministry of Health reveals that, in Indonesia, one in 12 children aged less than 5 five is wasted. Additionally, one in five is stunted. Stunting and wasting are two major nutritional problems Indonesian children face that need to be detected and treated.

Wasted children have skinny appearances, are low in weight and have small upper arm circumference. It stems from poor nutritional intake, low food quality and frequent illness in children. Out of all problems with malnutrition, wasting has the highest risk of death. The mortality risk for wasted children is 12 times more likely than for children with adequate nutrition.

Stunting, on the other hand, develops in a short period and is often a sign of chronic malnutrition. Stunted children are relatively shorter than those around them. A child becomes at risk of stunting when they are malnourished from pregnancy until the child is 2 years old or has lived 1,000 days of life.

Wasting and stunting often correlate, with both problems having the same risk factors and one condition making the other worse. When left untreated, wasted children are three times more likely to develop stunting and stunted children are 1.5 times more likely to become wasted. Child mortality rates also increase when they experience both stunting and wasting at the same time, which many children in Indonesia do.

The first two years of a child’s life are the best time to prevent both problems; however, if preventative measures fail, health workers must give immediate care and treatment to ensure the child’s survival.

Maternal Nutrition

Maternal nutrition also contributes to malnutrition, as many micronutrient deficiencies start with the mother. It begins from preconception and continues to adolescence. Indonesia has a high rate of maternal malnutrition alongside high rates of maternal and neonatal mortality. According to a malnutrition report published by UNICEF in 2018, one in two pregnant women is anemic, one in six is thin and one in three is short stature.

Indonesia’s government has been working hard to implement programs to combat malnutrition. Programs include postpartum vitamin A supplementation, supplementary feeding for undernourished pregnant women, nutrition education and counseling.

Obesity

The final major malnutrition problem faced by Indonesia is obesity. According to the Indonesia Health survey and the Family Life survey, the number of overweight adults in Indonesia has doubled in the past two decades. One in five school-age children is affected by obesity and overweight and obesity are among the top five death risk factors.

Genetics play a role; however, unhealthy diets and insufficient exercise are the primary causes. Individuals consume more calories than required and their bodies store them as excess fat. The high availability of unhealthy foods in schools and a sedentary lifestyle using phones and TV do not mix well regarding health.

Free Meals

Although combating malnutrition may seem challenging, Indonesia has made much progress. On Jan. 6, Indonesia’s President, Prabowo Subianto, launched a multibillion-dollar program to provide free meals to more than a quarter of Indonesian citizens, feeding around 570,000 on its opening day. This ambitious free meal program was the center of Subianto’s election campaign. However, it had no official launch date. The program initially involved only 190 kitchens that prepped meals for school children and pregnant women in no more than 20 provinces.

Subianto has big targets for the program and hopes that by 2029, 82.9 million of the country’s total 280 million will be reached and helped. The government and military will help prepare and distribute meals and the number of meal recipients hopes to increase to 3 million by March of this year, according to Dedek Prayudi, a spokesperson for the President’s office.

Spokespeople from the Office of the President have said that President Prabowo Subianto is considering ways to reach nearly 83 million of Indonesia’s population by the end of 2025, much earlier than the initial target of 2029. Subianto also stated that the program aims to fight the stunting of growth that afflicts 21.5% of Indonesian children younger than 5 and would raise farmers’ income. He hopes to develop the nation’s human resources so that they can achieve a “Golden Indonesia” by 2045.

Slow Progress

The government aims to reach 19.5 million schoolchildren and pregnant women in 2025. The budget is set at $4.3 billion to keep the annual deficit under a legislated ceiling of 3% of GDP. According to the 2023 Indonesian Health Survey, the national stunting prevalence was 21.5%, down around 0.8% from the previous year.  Although some progress has been made, it is still slow. The Indonesian government hopes this program will speed up the success rate in lowering the rate of malnourishment. So far, feedback has been positive.

Catharina Yenny Indratno, the principal of an elementary school in East Jakarta, said there had been a positive response from families and students. “Our children don’t really bring their own food from home. Their parents come from mid-low income, so their pocket money is small,” she said. She said, “With this program, it’s very good because they’ll have enough nutrients.” Parents also welcomed the program, as it helps reduce their daily burdens. One parent in West Jakarta stated: “Thank God, this helps us.”

MUFPP Community

Indonesia has also implemented other policies to combat malnutrition, including active participation in the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact (MUFPP) community. The MUFPP has collaborated with 15 cities in Indonesia to support the implementation of school meal programs. The Milan Pact is firmly committed to supporting the Indonesian government’s mission of implementing school meal programs via advocacy and facilitating learning exchange sharing. This is done with ASEAN, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation.

Indonesia still has a long way to go regarding combating malnutrition. However, developing this new program, alongside other policies the government is undertaking, will help reduce the problem massively.

– Ayat Aslam

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

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

,

Malnutrition in South Sudan

Malnutrition in South SudanSouth Sudan is believed to have one of the highest malnutrition rates among children, with an unsettling rate of 1.4 million. This problem extends to adults, as shown by the estimation that 7.8 million adults face food insecurity at some level. What makes the situation in South Sudan unique is that these are the highest levels of malnutrition in its history, making the nation a top priority for global aid agencies in the past years.

About Malnutrition

Malnutrition is a serious issue directly correlated to extreme poverty, making access to basic necessities like food essential when supporting developing nations. Tremendous steps have been taken in the global fight against malnutrition, largely driven by foreign aid. Foreign aid enables developing countries to invest in sustainable agriculture, ensuring food security until they can establish self-sustaining systems.

Efforts to combat malnutrition often start with direct food assistance, followed by investments in sustainable agriculture. While this approach is generally effective, some countries face external challenges that hinder progress, such as natural disasters and conflicts, which disrupt food production and distribution.

What Makes South Sudan’s Situation Different

South Sudan faces external challenges that complicate the fight against malnutrition, with one of the primary issues being widespread flooding. The region has endured severe flooding for several years, resulting in extensive damage. Areas affected by these floods often experience high levels of malnutrition.

The flooding hampers foreign aid efforts by preventing resources from reaching certain areas. For malnutrition, the issue lies in the inability of crops to produce sufficient yields. The combination of these problems makes the whole situation much harder to control. Another thing making things harder for South Sudan is the recent war. War has displaced millions of people in South Sudan, making the problem harder to track and keep control over.

Organizations Helping

The combined efforts of major organizations such as the World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have helped with damage control. WFP has supported more than 600,000 people in South Sudan with fortified biscuits, cash transfers and nutrition support for children and mothers.

Similarly, UNICEF has responded to the needs of people affected and displaced by floods by providing them with basic supplies, such as soap, drugs and education materials. The organization has also strengthened local communities’ flood resilience and preparedness efforts, “including pre-positioning supplies during the dry season when roads are still accessible.”

Conclusion

Addressing malnutrition in South Sudan requires sustained international support and innovative solutions to overcome the country’s unique challenges. While foreign aid and humanitarian organizations have played a crucial role in providing immediate relief, long-term strategies such as improving flood resilience, strengthening food security and restoring stability remain essential. As South Sudan continues to face the highest malnutrition rates in its history, ongoing global efforts will be vital in ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the necessary resources to survive and build a more sustainable future.

– Kaleb Monteith

Kaleb is based in Greeley, CO, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Malnutrition in Madagascar

malnutrition in madagascarMadagascar is a large, rural island country and has a relatively young population, with 41% of citizens aged 15 years and under. The predominant public health issue in Madagascar is malnutrition, with the region fourth highest in the world in terms of its rates of chronic malnutrition. Approximately 50% of the Madagascan population has stunted growth, a key indicator of chronic malnutrition.

Natural Disasters and Malnutrition

Madagascar is highly susceptible to extreme weather patterns, with an average of three natural disasters per year occurring, according to USAID. Studies indicate that natural disasters impact approximately 5 million people, with a further 8.8 million facing food insecurity. Natural disasters cause flooding, spread disease, and are one of the key precipitators of malnutrition in Madagascar, USAID reports.

Recently in 2022, Madagascar experienced two life-threatening cyclones – Batsirai and Emnati – which decimated infrastructure and destroyed crops through wind and flooding which significantly diminished living conditions The Batsirai and Emnati cyclones wiped out crops through high winds and devastating floods, with the majority of crops destroyed in areas hit by the cyclones. This significantly reduced the accessibility, availability and capacity of agricultural fields, food supply and production, resulting in food insecurity and malnutrition.

Floods also cause a spike in diarrheal infections as they increase the frequency of water parasites, according to Harvard T.H. Chan. Contamination of rivers as a result of flooding means that infections such as diarrhea and malaria are highly prevalent amongst rural populations, contributing to malnutrition as people do not have the resources to eat well following infection. In 2022 alone, 19,195 children aged 5 years and under were malnourished in Madagascar, according to Medecins Sans Frontiers (MSF).

Frequent Disruption of Agriculture

Natural disasters in Madagascar are recurring, and so is malnutrition. The frequent disruption of agricultural fields and contamination of water culminates in extreme hunger, with very few people able to access hospitals or obtain medicine.

In the South of Madagascar, 340,000 children could be experiencing malnutrition in some form as a result of extreme drought. Precipitation in Southern Madagascar has been decreasing for the last two decades and researchers have predicted that drought will continue to increase in intensity, duration and rate of occurrence, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The constant lack of rainfall has disastrous implications on agriculture and food supply, with dried-out fields and vegetables common. The U.N. has found that many people have adopted coping mechanisms to subsist the drought, such as selling assets, cattle and houses in exchange for food and resources. According to UNICEF, 115,000 children in the Southeastern areas of Madagascar have acute malnutrition and require treatment.

Effects of Malnutrition

After 24 months of chronic malnutrition, the physical and psychological implications are irreversible. The effects of malnutrition on children include stunted growth, anemia, cognitive impairment and depleted resistance to disease. These effects are prolonged and will impact affected people for life, such as depleting the ability to concentrate and having a low height for their age. Those struggling with malnutrition may also have low energy levels, making it more difficult to attend school or work. As a result, their life prosperity is impaired and their already limited access to opportunity is limited further.

Fighting Malnutrition in Madagascar

The World Food Program (WFP) is helping to alleviate malnutrition in Madagascar through a series of support programs. Namely, the WFP supplies emergency food assistance to those who have experienced crises such as natural disasters like flooding and drought. It functions in the South and Southeast of Madagascar and aims to promote community building and help people prepare for emergencies.

To support regions vulnerable to natural disasters, the WFP provides short-cycle farming activities, cash transfers and disaster-resistant seed. The organization also distributes climate-related warnings to inform people of how and when to respond to natural disasters.

Additionally, the WFP offers technical and practical training and workshops that enhance the capabilities of communities across the country. It also issues national authorities with equipment to help in the event of an emergency. These schemes help to prepare communities for likely natural disasters so that they have the resources to survive and be properly nourished following climate changes such as floods and drought. In doing so, measures are in place to prevent malnutrition caused by natural disasters.

The WFP also supplies nutritional information and support to 42,000 children, pregnant women and breastfeeding women through the MIARO approach. This aims to act as a preventive measure for malnutrition, as the project offers feeding and activities that educate on market gardening and nutrition. This project strives to enhance community knowledge, access and availability of nourishing food and ameliorate malnutrition.

– Ella Dorman

Ella is based in Worcestershire, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

,

Top 10 Facts About Hunger in New Zealand

Hunger in New ZealandNew Zealand, located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, is one of 14 countries comprising the region of Oceania. Originally a British colony, it gained independence in 1907 and remains a member of the British Commonwealth. It boasts a high-income economy of over five million people, with strong manufacturing, agriculture and tourism sectors. Nevertheless, the country is not without issues of hunger and food security, especially for particular segments of the society.

10 Facts about Hunger in New Zealand

  1. World Vision reported that in 2023, despite an overall global decrease in food prices, New Zealand joined some of the world’s poorest countries in the cost of an average food basket, with a 56% increase over 2022. The impact of climate change, along with import costs and lack of competition, were seen as the causes of this change. At the same time, however, the average New Zealander worked fewer hours—three hours as compared to 25 days in the Central African Republic—to pay for the same basket of food items.
  2. The prevalence of food insecurity in New Zealand was reported to have increased from 10% in 2014-2016 to 16% in 2020-2023. According to the New Zealand Health Survey, between 2021/22 and 2022/23, the proportion of children living in households where the food runs out sometimes or often increased from almost 50%, to 21.3%. Tamariki Māori and Pasifika were the worst affected, with 35.1% and 39.6% respectively living in such households.
  3. The Ministry of Health’s 2022/23 Annual Update of the New Zealand Health Survey reported that 45% of adults ate the recommended amount of fruit and but only 11% ate the recommended amount of vegetables; respective figures for children ages 2 to14-years-old were 70% and 5%. Almost a third of adults were classified as obese, as were 13.5% of children ages 2 to14-years-old.
  4. Obesity was a disproportionately greater problem among the Māori and Pasifika children, children in the most deprived neighborhoods and disabled adults and children. 
  5. Over 20% of children lived in households where the food sometimes or often ran out (an almost 50% increase), with higher percentages among the indigenous children, as well as for the disabled and those in deprived neighborhoods.
  6. The years 2022-2023 saw the biggest increase in children’s food insecurity in a decade. A 2022 study by the Program for International Student Achievement for the first time including measures of food poverty, saw a drop in NZ teenagers’ math, science and reading proficiency, at least in part ascribed to missing meals for financial reasons. New Zealand had the second worst ranking for missed meals in the OECD, and these students were up to four years behind students not so classified.
  7. Recently, the country has seen increasing efforts to tackle hunger. New Zealand Food Network, the country’s largest not-for-profit food distribution service, reports demand for food up 42% (2023-2024), an increase of 83% since 2021. In 2023, 630,000 people were supported, a third of whom received this assistance for the first time. Seniors were especially affected. 
  8. Ka Ora, Ka Ako, Health Schools Lunches Programme, which was initiated by the government in 2019 as a free school lunch program, addressed food insecurity by providing daily nutritious lunches to school students in greatest need of this support. They were helping approximately 235,000 students in about a quarter of the most disadvantaged schools through four different delivery models. By 2024, the government planned to abandon Ka Ora, Ka Ako to save money. In spring 2024, Health Coalition Aotearoa, a coalition of organizations advocating for evidence-based policies, organized a campaign that petitioned the government not to cut the free school lunches. They referenced the Ka Ora, Ka Ako assessments of program success, and collected 70,000 signatures of support. 
  9. The government at first agreed not to include primary schools in the cuts, but in October 2024 they decided to “downsize” lunches for all students up to age 13. The cuts affected up to over half of schools on the internal model (food cooked and delivered within the school) to over 66% for schools using external providers.
  10. As of the first week in December 2024, there was expressed dissatisfaction with the new government program, especially regarding meal size. The government claimed that the new $3 per meal budget would save $30 million, while principals criticized the expectation that identical meals for children in all grades, from 1 to 8, would equally satisfy both hungry teenagers and primary school students.  It remains to be seen whether the government’s plan will survive or the more individualized local efforts will return.

– Staff Reports
Photo: Flickr – Daniel Orth

,

Poverty in Nauru: The Country That Had and Lost It All

Poverty in NauruNauru is a small island country in the Pacific Ocean with a population of slightly more than 12,000 people. Once known as the world’s wealthiest nation, it now ranks among the lowest in national income, with an average gross domestic product (GDP) per capita of $10,000 to $12,000. About one in four people live below the basic needs poverty line, giving Nauru the worst human development indicators in the region.

In Nauru, poverty often reflects a lack of opportunity to participate fully in socioeconomic life and insufficient resources to meet household and community needs, according to the 2006 Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) report. Living in poverty in Nauru is challenging due to limited social services and resources, which can lead to restricted access to education, health care and other necessities.

Historical Background

Nauru gained independence from Australia in 1968 and simultaneously became the owner of a highly profitable phosphate industry. Considering the size of its population and territory, which can be equated to that of an international airport, the income generated from phosphate mining made Nauru one of the wealthiest countries in the world. From 1970 to the early ’80s, Nauruans benefited from universal health care and education and many were unemployed by choice.

Yet, inadequate governmental management and the notion that the nation’s financial standing was never-ending drove it into its current impoverished state. By 1990, the land had been stripped of its natural resources and the phosphate mining industry collapsed, sending Nauru into a deep socioeconomic crisis. In an attempt to reestablish its vigorous economy, the government attempted to sell banking licenses and passports. However, this decision further fueled Nauru’s debacle as, in 2002, the U.S. treasury defined it as a “money-laundering state” for allowing the “establishment of offshore banks with no physical presence.”

Health Care

Health care specialists and Nauruans consider the health care system unsatisfactory and less equipped to serve the community. The Nauruan government faces a worsening health crisis. Although Australia invests considerably in Nauruan health facilities, the medical treatment is still inadequate.

Patients often required medical treatment overseas, as many doctors and residents alike described the Republic of Nauru hospital as “substandard, poorly staffed and ill-equipped,” according to Dr. Nick Martin in an article for The Guardian. Nonetheless, many have been denied transfer to Australian hospitals, which has led to exacerbated health concerns and fatal consequences.

Food Poverty

One of the most prominent issues in Nauru is food poverty and malnutrition. The original Nauruan diet mainly consisted of seafood and various vegetables. However, after 20 paradisiacal years that transformed Nauru into a consumer society and left behind an environmental wasteland, the people moved away from fishing and agriculture in favor of less expensive and more convenient imports.

Mass imports of alcohol and industrial foods further encouraged a sedentary lifestyle, which Nauruans still need to recover from. Consequently, Nauru has the highest obesity and type 2 diabetes rates in the world, with 71% of the population classified as obese and more than 90% considered overweight.

In a 2021 ministerial statement at the U.N. Food Systems Summit, Rennier Gadabu, Nauru’s minister for commerce, industry and environment, called for increased cooperation to prevent price spikes and food shortages in “vulnerable countries,” as Nauru relies heavily on imported food. Gadabu also reaffirmed Nauru’s commitment to restructuring its agriculture to boost domestic food production and improve food security and nutrition.

Education

Nauru is currently facing high levels of truancy, which results in decreased youth literacy and numeracy rates. A lack of job prospects primarily fuels this as graduates fail to see returns from their investment in education. In response, the Waqa government implemented the Nauru Education Assistance Trust Scheme (NEATS). NEATS provides trust funds for primary and secondary school students, who receive $5 each day they attend school.

According to teachers and school officials, this scheme has already produced efficient outcomes in reversing truancy rates. “Every day the children come to school, they’re investing in their future with the allowance they receive, because it’s not given to them on a daily basis but put into a trust fund which they can access when they leave school,” said Charmain Scotty, Nauru’s Minister for Education. In addition, the scheme will be monitored to encourage responsible spending and the money saved will be invested toward a bright future, “such as starting a business or buying a home.”

Measures and Possible Solutions

Australia is Nauru’s largest bilateral donor. Australian official development assistance (ODA) to Nauru totaled $32 million in 2022-23, with an estimated $46 million for 2023-24. The aid aims to improve public sector management, invest in infrastructure and support human development. Nauru’s 2024-25 development plan prioritizes health, education and climate-resilient infrastructure. Australia’s program aligns with these goals, supporting broader health initiatives, including funding for talent, training and infrastructure to strengthen medical services and the Ministry of Health.

Furthermore, the Raña Tsimorum (“Look After Your Life”) program will be implemented in 2025 to support specific population groups and bolster the Nauruan health system. The program aims to build a more robust health system through health-strengthening interventions and the efficient delivery of quality health services, including public health. It also seeks to improve health outcomes focused on demand, as prioritized in the National Health Strategy.

Further plans focus on reinforcing governance and resource allocation and enabling an environment for economic diversification through the Nauru-Australia Partnership on Economic Governance. As of May 2024, Australia reassured its commitment to supporting Nauru’s financial sustainability and contributing to its long-term budgetary self-reliance as a Nauru Intergenerational Trust Fund Committee member. More than ever, it is of utmost importance to build a more sustainable culture and society so that Nauruans can return to their once healthy and prosperous lifestyle, alleviating the challenges of experiencing poverty in Nauru.

– Beatriz Cicci

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

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Tackling Malnutrition with Sanku’s Dosifier Technology

Sanku’s dosifier technologyFood insecurity and malnutrition remain critical global issues, with 821 million people worldwide suffering. Among the most affected regions are countries like Nigeria, Somalia, Yemen and South Sudan. Malnutrition affects 52 million children under 5, with $3.6 billion needed annually to combat the issue. To combat this, Sanku is using innovative technology with fortified flour and equipping small-scale flour mills in Africa. By doing so, it is bringing essential nutrients to millions of people in some of the most vulnerable communities. 

The Problem of Micronutrient Malnutrition

Micronutrient malnutrition, often referred to as ‘hidden hunger,’ affects 2 billion people globally. This type of malnutrition results from a lack of essential vitamins and minerals, which can lead to severe health issues. In rural communities in Africa, where poverty rates in Africa are high, nutritious food is limited. In Tanzania, 95% of the population, more than 50 million people, do not benefit from large-scale food fortification programs because they rely on small-scale mills that cannot fortify their flour. These people mainly consume maize flour. Maize flour, although calorie-dense, is nutritionally low. This, in turn, makes them susceptible to preventable diseases and increased mortality rates. 

Sanku’s Innovative Dosifier

Sanku’s solution to this is its award-winning dosifier, a device designed specifically for small rural mills in East Africa. The dosifier adds precise amounts of critical nutrients such as iron, zinc, folic acid and vitamin B12 to the calorie-dense maize flour during the milling process. By partnering with local millers, the organization ensures that the fortified flour reaches those who need it most. Sanku has installed nearly 500 dosifiers across 400 mills in Tanzania and Kenya and, therefore, provides this fortified flour to 7.1 million people. The dosifier allows millers to sell the fortified flour at the same price as unfortified flour. 

Leveraging IoT

To further expand its reach, Sanku had partnered with Vodafone, incorporating Internet of Things (IoT) technology into its dosifiers. This partnership allows for real-time monitoring of the fortification process, ensuring they are working effectively. With Vodafone’s IoT SIM cards, one Sanku working can now monitor 100 mills, fortifying flour for 500,000 people. This real-time data helps Sanku track maintenance needs, power supply and fortification levels remotely. Moreover, Vodafone’s mobile payment service, M-Pesa, simplifies financial transactions for millers, making it easier for them to purchase fortification premix. 

Reaching Millions

Sanku’s ambition is to reach 25 million people in East Africa by 2025, ultimately preventing malnutrition-based diseases, In 2023, the organization also launched a nutrient-premix facility in Tanzania, giving it more control over its supply chain and reducing cost. Sanku’s impact extends beyond just health improvements. By providing fortified flour to vulnerable communities, the organization saves billions in GDP and helps boost productivity. In 2019, Sanku’s dosifier technology was recognized by Time Magazine as one of the top 100 inventions of 2019, highlighting its potential to transform food insecurity globally. 

Vision 2030

Sanku’s long-term goal is to reach 100 million people with fortified flour by 2030. The organization is already scaling its efforts beyond Tanzania and Kenya with plans to expand into Malawi and Rwanda. With the continued support of partners like Vodafone, it is set to make a significant dent in global malnutrition. Sanku’s dosifier technology represents a breakthrough in the fight against hidden hunger by enabling small-scale mills to fortify flour with essential micronutrients. With ambitious plans to scale further and reach 100 million people by 2030, Sanku is on its way to making a lasting impact on global food security. 

– Ellisha Hicken

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

Photo: Flickr