Tag Archive for: Malnutrition

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How Biofortified Beans in Rwanda Are Fighting Hidden Hunger

Biofortified beans in RwandaWhile many people in Rwanda consume enough food each day, millions still suffer from “hidden hunger,” a lack of essential vitamins and minerals despite getting enough calories. Although Rwanda has made significant progress in reducing poverty over the past two decades, about 30% of the population still lives below the national poverty line, and chronic malnutrition remains a major challenge, specifically in rural communities. Limited access to diverse, nutrient-rich foods means many low-income families rely on staple crops that provide calories but lack essential micronutrients.

One of the most common nutrient deficiencies is iron deficiency, which can lead to anemia, fatigue, impaired cognitive development and reduced productivity. To address this issue, researchers, government agencies and international organizations have introduced biofortified beans in Rwanda, a nutrition-focused agricultural innovation that is helping improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

What Are Biofortified Beans?

Biofortification is the practice of boosting crops’ nutritional content through traditional plant breeding. Biofortified crops are created by choosing and developing plants that naturally contain increased quantities of nutrients, in contrast to genetically engineered crops. Scientists developed iron-rich bean varieties that contain approximately 40% to 60% more iron than conventional beans while maintaining the taste and cooking qualities consumers prefer.

As beans are already one of Rwanda’s most widely consumed staple foods, they are a good candidate for biofortification. Improving the nutritional value of a food that people already eat regularly allows families to increase their iron intake without changing their diets. When consumed consistently, iron-biofortified beans can provide up to 80% of the daily iron requirements for women and children, making them one of the most effective food-based approaches to reducing iron deficiency, according to HarvestPlus. Biofortification provides a workable solution to lower iron deficiency without necessitating significant dietary adjustments by increasing the nutritional content of a frequently consumed item.

Why Iron Deficiency Matters in Rwanda

One of the main causes of anemia in the world is iron deficiency, which has serious health impacts. In Rwanda, anemia remains a widespread public health concern, affecting about 37% of children under 5 and 20% of women of reproductive age, according to the Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey. In addition to promoting healthy pregnancies and child development, these advancements can help people perform better at work and in school.

Regular consumption of iron-rich beans has been shown to improve iron status, memory and attention among women of reproductive age. Studies supported by HarvestPlus also found that women who regularly consumed iron beans experienced significant improvements in iron status and cognitive performance, demonstrating measurable health benefits beyond improved nutrition.

Increasing the iron content of beans, which are already widely consumed across Rwanda, offers an affordable approach that benefits both rural and urban populations. Families can obtain additional nutrients from crops they already grow and eat instead of relying solely on supplements or commercially fortified foods.

Expanding Access Through Partnerships

The Rwanda Agriculture Board (RAB), HarvestPlus and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) collaborated to develop and distribute iron-rich bean varieties across Rwanda.

According to HarvestPlus, partners have concentrated on bolstering seed systems, educating farmers and establishing dependable markets for iron beans. By 2018, more than 420,000 smallholder farming households were growing iron beans, while approximately 1.8 million people consumed them regularly. The partnership also trained more than 1,000 agricultural extension workers and 5,000 lead farmers to support cultivation and community awareness.

These collaborations have made it possible for farmers to not only obtain better seeds but also understand the financial and nutritional value of cultivating the crop. Although expanding access to improved seeds and educating farmers requires continued investment, Rwanda’s success demonstrates that biofortification can be effectively scaled through strong partnerships and government support.

Benefits for Farmers and Families

The benefits of biofortified beans in Rwanda go beyond their nutritional value. In addition to improving nutrition, farmers have widely adopted iron-rich bean varieties because they often produce higher yields than conventional beans. According to HarvestPlus, some iron bean varieties increase yields by 17% to 22%, giving agricultural households more chances to make money.

Additionally, the beans have qualities that farmers find appealing, such as resistance to disease, drought tolerance and difficult growing circumstances. Families may increase food security and make extra money from surplus sales when productivity is higher.

Improved nutrition can also help children do better in school and lower health-related costs. These combined advantages show how agricultural innovation may enhance public health and reduce poverty.

A Solution for the Future

The ongoing expansion of these beans serves as an example of how straightforward agricultural fixes may assist in resolving difficult development issues. Iron-rich beans are now a viable tool for battling hidden hunger due to strong government funding, continuous research and collaborations with organizations like HarvestPlus and the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR).

As more countries search for affordable and sustainable ways to combat malnutrition, Rwanda’s success demonstrates that improving the nutritional qualities of staple crops can have lasting impacts on both public health and economic development. By combining scientific innovation with strong partnerships and farmer participation, biofortified beans in Rwanda are helping thousands of Rwandan families build healthier and more secure futures.

– Avery Hoadley

Avery is based in Toronto, Canada and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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7 Facts About Hunger in Burkina Faso

Hunger in Burkina FasoConflict, the changing climate and displacement are major drivers of food insecurity in Burkina Faso, hindering progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger. Despite these challenges, humanitarian organizations and local communities are working to improve food security and strengthen long-term resilience. The following are seven key facts about hunger in Burkina Faso.

1. Millions of People Face Food Insecurity

Food insecurity is a persistent challenge in Burkina Faso. About 13% of the population faces acute food insecurity and are undernourished. Conflict and climate-related issues have made it increasingly difficult for families to access nutritious food. Rising food prices and limited agricultural land further hinder households from meeting basic nutritional needs. These factors continue to drive hunger in Burkina Faso.

2. Conflict Has Forced Millions From Their Homes

Prolonged insecurity has displaced about 2.1 million people in Burkina Faso. Many families have left their homes, farms and livelihoods, disrupting agricultural production and food supply chains. The northern and eastern regions are especially affected with communities often facing crisis-level food insecurity and depending on humanitarian aid and military-escorted convoys for food and essential supplies.

3. Children Are Bearing the Brunt of the Crisis

Children are especially vulnerable to hunger in Burkina Faso. Save the Children reports that about 1.4 million children face a hunger crisis. During the annual lean season, conditions worsen with projections indicating that around 210,000 children could experience emergency hunger levels. One in seven children may face at least crisis-level food insecurity. In conflict-affected areas, limited access to education and health services further compounds hunger.

4. Malnutrition Continues To Threaten Child Development

Hunger has serious consequences beyond food shortages. About 19.5% of children under five are stunted, which impairs physical and cognitive development. Another 9.8% experience wasting, a life-threatening form of undernutrition. Recent assessments estimate that more than 425,000 children aged 6 to 59 months will face acute malnutrition, including more than 110,000 severe cases.

5. Changing Weather Is Making Hunger Worse

Burkina Faso is in the Sahel, a region highly vulnerable to changing weather. Rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall and extreme weather threaten agricultural production and food availability. As many families rely on farming, poor harvests quickly lead to food shortages and income loss. Climate pressures also increase the vulnerability of communities already affected by insecurity and displacement, contributing to hunger in Burkina Faso.

6. Hunger Has Links To Broader Health Challenges

Food insecurity is closely linked to poor health outcomes. Limited access to clean water, sanitation and healthcare leads to high illness rates among children and families. Recent analyses show that diarrheal disease and respiratory infections significantly contribute to malnutrition in many areas. Poor hygiene and limited safe drinking water further worsen nutrition, making recovery from hunger and illness more difficult for vulnerable populations.

7. Organizations Are Investing in Long-Term Solutions

Despite ongoing challenges, organizations in Burkina Faso are developing sustainable solutions. The Hunger Project, active since 1997, currently supports more than 222,000 people through community-led development initiatives.

The Hunger Project has worked in Burkina Faso since 1997, using its community-led “epicenter strategy” to help rural communities become self-reliant. The approach combines improvements in agriculture, nutrition, education, microfinance, water and sanitation and women’s leadership. Communities identify their own priorities and create local action plans rather than relying on externally imposed solutions. The organization reports that 12 epicenters, serving more than 280,000 people across 169 villages, have achieved self-reliance or are working toward it, while several epicenters have already graduated from direct support. 

Right2Grow began operating in Burkina Faso in 2021 as part of a five-year international partnership focused on reducing child malnutrition and improving access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). The program works by strengthening local advocacy groups, training community leaders, supporting civil society organizations and helping citizens hold governments accountable for nutrition and WASH commitments. In Burkina Faso, Right2Grow has worked with parliamentarians, journalist networks and nutrition advocacy groups to support implementation of the country’s National Multisectoral Nutrition Policy. By 2023, the program had helped train journalist and communicator networks on nutrition issues, strengthened regional advocacy groups and contributed to nutrition and WASH awareness campaigns that reached more than one million people.

Looking Ahead

While Burkina Faso still faces major challenges in achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of Zero Hunger, continued investment in agriculture, nutrition and community development provides hope. By supporting vulnerable families and building local resilience, these initiatives help communities move toward a future without hunger.

– Jessica Begg

Jessica is based in Edinburgh, Scotland and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Food Waste in Uruguay Turn Into Meals

Food Waste in UruguayFood waste in Uruguay involves more than just discarded food. It also concerns food that could reach families, children and community kitchens before losing its value. Uruguay has made progress in food security, but some households still struggle to obtain enough food. The Ministry of Social Development reported that in 2025, 13.2% of households experienced moderate or severe food insecurity. The same report found that 18.9% of households with children younger than six faced moderate or severe food insecurity. This makes addressing food waste in Uruguay crucial, as food access remains challenging for the most vulnerable families.

Food Waste in Uruguay and Redalco

Uruguay’s Ministry of Environment reported that more than 1 million tons of food are lost or wasted in the country each year. The government states that food donation can help prevent edible food from becoming waste and support food security. Red de Alimentos Compartidos, known as Redalco, addresses this issue by focusing on fruits and vegetables still fit for consumption but not selected for the market.

Redalco’s mission is simple: deliver fruits and vegetables to those who need them most while reducing food waste. The organization reports that 125 million kilograms of fruits and vegetables are wasted each year in Uruguay due to factors like shape, size, color or excess production. Some food is not sold because it does not meet buyers’ typical expectations. Redalco sees this as an opportunity to connect nutritious food with those in need.

How Redalco Works

Redalco collects food from companies within the Unidad Agroalimentaria Metropolitana (UAM), Uruguay’s wholesale food market, and from farms. The team and volunteers then sort the recovered fruits and vegetables, pack them into boxes and organize daily orders for beneficiaries. Redalco delivers the food to organizations that assist vulnerable communities, including CAIF centers, children’s clubs, schools, high schools, youth centers, snack centers, community kitchens, shelters and soup kitchens.

This process is important because it organizes food rescue rather than relying on random collection. Redalco has established a system where food moves from producers and markets to social organizations familiar with community needs. While it does not solve all food insecurity issues, its model demonstrates how a local and straightforward idea can provide real support for families.

Growth and Impact

Redalco began in 2016, delivering 22,000 kilograms of food to 12 organizations. Since then, its efforts have expanded significantly. In 2024, Redalco delivered more than 1,550,225 kilograms of food and collaborated with over 400 organizations. Redalco reports that it supplies fruits and vegetables weekly to more than 400 organizations, aiding over 50,000 people. These figures illustrate how food rescue can become a substantial support system when volunteers, markets, farms and organizations collaborate.

Redalco’s impact aligns with national efforts. Uruguay enacted Law No. 20.177 to promote donations of food safe for human consumption. The law aims to support food security and reduce food waste. The country later regulated the law through Decree No. 179/025. According to Uruguay’s tax agency, the regime allows food companies, including producers, distributors, industries and stores, to donate food to approved nonprofits serving vulnerable populations. This provides structure to food donation and encourages more companies to participate.

A Simple Solution With a Bigger Meaning

Food waste in Uruguay connects poverty, food access and market preferences regarding what food appears “good” enough to sell. Redalco’s work shows that solutions do not always need to be complex. Many fruits and vegetables may look different, but they can still nourish children, families or individuals in vulnerable situations.

Instead of becoming waste, Redalco repurposes it. With over 400 organizations reached in 2024 and more than 50,000 people supported weekly, Redalco is transforming food waste into a source of nutrition and dignity in Uruguay.

– Mateo Alcocer

Mateo is based in West Hills, CA, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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How Ghana’s School Feeding Program Helps Reduce Poverty

Children eating meals at a school in Ghana, part of the School Feeding Program.Across Ghana, where approximately 25.9% of the population lives in poverty, one free meal a day is pulling children out of poverty — one school day at a time. The Ghana School Feeding Program (GSFP) does more than address hunger. It drives poverty reduction, improves food security and keeps children in school across some of the country’s most deprived communities.

School Lunches Opening Doors

Launched in 2005 with just 1,900 pupils across one school per district, the Ghana School Feeding Program has grown to serve more than 2.6 million children in public primary schools and kindergartens nationwide. Each school day, children in deprived communities receive one hot meal made from locally grown food. The program aligns with the United Nations (U.N.) Millennium Development Goals on hunger, poverty and malnutrition and contributes to Sustainable Development Goals 1, 2 and 4 — ending poverty, ending hunger and ensuring quality education. This initiative has become one of Ghana’s most impactful social protection programs, reaching all 261 districts across the country.

Education Outcomes

For families living in poverty, hunger is one of the most common barriers to school attendance. When a meal is available at school, attendance rates rise and the decision to attend is easier for both the child and the family. Globally, school meal programs increase enrollment by an average of 9% while simultaneously reducing dropout rates, according to the World Food Programme (WFP).

Ghana reflects this trend directly. A primary school in Gbare, Upper West Region, recorded a 34% increase in learners between October 2023 and October 2024 — attributed directly to the daily hot meal. Beyond attendance, nutrition shapes a child’s ability to concentrate and retain information. A fed child can focus, participate and learn. The GSFP sits at the intersection of educational outcomes and food security, ensuring that no child has to choose between hunger and learning.

Local Economic Impact

The GSFP creates a ripple effect that extends beyond the classroom. By sourcing ingredients from smallholder farmers and local producers, the program channels government spending directly into rural agricultural communities. Farmers gain a reliable and consistent market for their crops, supporting household incomes and reducing vulnerability to market fluctuations.

The jobs created through school feeding extend further along the value chain. Globally, the WFP estimates that approximately 1,377 jobs are created per 100,000 children fed. In Ghana, the program had employed around 24,000 caterers by the end of the 2016-2017 academic year, the majority of them women. These are not incidental benefits — they are structural ones. The economic gains of the GSFP reach far beyond school gates, strengthening the communities that need it most.

A Tool Against Poverty

The cumulative impact of better nutrition, higher school attendance and stronger local economies contributes to a measurable reduction in poverty. Ghana’s poverty rate fell from 26.4% in 2023 to 25.9% in 2024, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) — a shift linked in part to sustained investment in social protection programs, including the GSFP.

Education is one of the most reliable pathways out of poverty. Children who stay in school longer earn more as adults, are healthier and are better positioned to support their own families.

Looking Ahead

Ghana’s School Feeding Program invests in a future of mobility with every meal served, demonstrating that reducing poverty does not always require sweeping reform. As the program continues to expand across Ghana’s 261 districts, sustained investment in school feeding offers one of the most practical and cost-effective tools available for breaking the cycle of poverty — one meal at a time.

– Anna Morin

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

Photo: Flickr

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Everything You Need to Know About Hunger in Venezuela

HUNGER IN VENEZUELAFor years, empty shelves, shortages and long lines outside grocery stores defined Venezuela’s food crisis. While scarcity was once a visible sign of the country’s economic collapse, the current reality is more complex. In many cities, supermarkets and local markets now have food available. However, availability does not always mean access. Hunger in Venezuela is now largely an affordability crisis: food may be present, but millions of families cannot consistently afford a nutritious diet.

The Affordability Crisis Behind Hunger in Venezuela

The central issue is the gap between wages, inflation and the cost of food. In 2026, Venezuela’s official minimum wage remained fixed at 130 bolivars per month, while the government announced that monthly minimum income would rise to $240 through a system that includes bonuses. However, this income structure remains uncertain for many workers because bonuses do not always function as a formal salary increase. At the same time, the cost of a basic family basket remains far higher than regular income for many households.

The Associated Press reported that Venezuela’s monthly minimum wage of 130 bolivars was worth less than $1 in dollar terms in 2025. Even with government stipends, many public sector workers survived on roughly $160 per month, while the average private sector employee earned about $237, according to the independent Venezuelan Observatory of Finances. At the same time, the cost of a basic food basket exceeded $500. This means that even families with some income may still struggle to buy enough food.

As a result, families buy less food, choose cheaper and less nutritious products, skip meals or depend on credit from small local stores. In some communities, corner stores have become a survival tool because families can buy food on credit and pay later when they receive wages, stipends or support from relatives. This shows how hunger in Venezuela is not only about food supply, but also about purchasing power.

Poverty and Nutrition

Food prices make access to protein especially difficult. When prices rise, families often reduce or eliminate foods such as chicken, beef, eggs, milk and cheese. Many households rely on cheaper and more filling foods, including rice, pasta, corn flour, bread and beans. These foods may help prevent immediate hunger, but they do not always provide the nutrients needed for long-term health. Eating something is not the same as being well nourished.

This distinction is key to understanding hunger in Venezuela. Many families may not be completely without food, but they live with incomplete, repetitive and nutrient-poor diets. Health experts cited by the Associated Press explained that families reduce or eliminate animal protein first when prices increase. Poor nutrition can contribute to stunting, headaches, fatigue and other health problems in children.

The 2025 National Survey of Living Conditions, known as ENCOVI, found that 68.5% of Venezuelan households remained in income poverty, underscoring the close relationship between poverty and food insecurity. The survey also found that one in three households did not have enough food. These figures show that hunger in Venezuela is rooted not only in food prices, but also in the persistent poverty that limits families’ ability to buy a balanced diet.

Children and School Meals

Children are among the most vulnerable. Limited access to protein and other essential nutrients can affect children’s growth, immune health and cognitive development. Hunger can also affect their ability to attend school, concentrate in class and perform academically. The Associated Press reported cases of students skipping school or struggling during the school day because they had not eaten enough.

ENCOVI 2025 found that only 29% of schools with a school feeding program served food every day. For some children, a meal at school may be one of the few reliable sources of food during the day. When school feeding programs are reduced, irregular or unavailable, the impact goes beyond nutrition. It can also affect attendance, academic performance and future opportunities.

In a country where many families cannot consistently afford breakfast or lunch, school meals help protect both health and education. They also show why food security is closely tied to poverty reduction: when children eat regularly, they are better positioned to learn, stay in school and build long-term opportunities.

Basic Services and Food Insecurity

The deterioration of basic services also exacerbates hunger in Venezuela. ENCOVI 2025 found that only 10% of Venezuelans had continuous electricity and only 19% of households had continuous running water. These conditions make it harder for families to store, prepare and cook food. Even when a household manages to buy groceries, it may still face obstacles to cooking beans, refrigerating perishable products or maintaining safe hygiene.

Low income, weak public services, limited school attendance and poor access to food reinforce one another. In many cases, students miss school because there is no water, no electricity, no transportation, no food at home or because teachers are absent. Hunger in Venezuela is therefore not only a nutrition issue; it is also connected to education, infrastructure and long-term development.

A Recent Emergency Raises New Food Needs

The earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela on June 24, 2026, added new pressure to a country already facing severe food insecurity. Reuters reported that the twin earthquakes, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, devastated parts of La Guaira state and that the government had confirmed at least 1,943 deaths by June 30. The full scale of the disaster remains uncertain, but aid workers have warned that displacement, damaged infrastructure and disrupted markets are deepening humanitarian needs, including access to food, clean water and health care.

The disaster does not change the underlying causes of hunger in Venezuela, but it makes them more urgent. Families who were already struggling with low wages, weak public services and limited access to nutritious food now face additional barriers when homes, markets, roads and local businesses are damaged. WFP USA reported that homes, markets and food supplies in La Guaira were devastated, leaving families with little or nothing to eat. The organization said it is expanding emergency food assistance to reach up to 500,000 people in the hardest-hit areas.

Humanitarian and Community Responses

Despite these challenges, humanitarian and community-based efforts continue to provide relief. The World Food Programme (WFP) supports school meal programs in vulnerable communities across Venezuela. According to WFP, its school meals program reaches more than 330,000 people across more than 1,100 schools, including students with disabilities. WFP also reports that the program helps boost school enrollment and attendance while providing essential nourishment for children.

The recent earthquake response also shows the importance of rapid food assistance. WFP USA reported that WFP already had more than 3,000 metric tons of food in Venezuela, enough to support more than 10,000 families for two months, and that it is bringing in additional supplies. Reuters also reported that WFP is seeking $50 million to feed 500,000 people affected by the earthquakes. These figures show how existing humanitarian networks can respond quickly when an emergency increases food needs.

However, funding shortages threaten these efforts. El País reported that WFP’s operation in Venezuela was reduced from 11 states to four: Delta Amacuro, Sucre, Zulia and Falcón. The same report stated that 7.9 million Venezuelans needed humanitarian assistance in 2025, while WFP had only 15% of the funds needed to assist its target population of 5.1 million. In the area of nutrition and food security, funding reached only 7% of what was required.

These numbers show both the value and the vulnerability of humanitarian programs. School meals, emergency food distributions and nutrition support can make a measurable difference for children and families, but funding gaps limit their reach. When organizations have adequate resources, they can help families meet immediate needs while supporting children’s health, education and stability.

Local initiatives also play an important role. Churches, community groups, volunteers and family networks help support vulnerable people through food donations, community kitchens and informal aid. After the earthquakes, Venezuelans inside and outside the country quickly organized donation drives and supply networks. The Associated Press reported that Venezuelan communities in the United States collected medicine, water and food, while Reuters reported that international aid included rescue teams, medical supplies, field hospitals, food distribution and emergency funding from several countries and humanitarian partners. Pope Leo XIV also sent emergency aid through the Vatican’s charity fund.

These efforts do not solve the structural causes of hunger, but they provide immediate relief for families who cannot meet their daily food needs. In many communities, this local and international support has become essential for children, older adults, displaced families and households without stable income.

Looking Ahead

The situation in Venezuela shows that food security depends on more than the physical availability of food. It also requires sufficient income, stable public services and consistent support for the most vulnerable households. When families can see food on the shelves but cannot afford to buy it, the crisis remains real.

The earthquakes of June 2026 make that reality even clearer. A sudden disaster can quickly turn an affordability crisis into an emergency food crisis, especially when families already lack savings, reliable services and stable income. Yet the response also shows that humanitarian systems, local volunteers and the Venezuelan diaspora can mobilize quickly when communities need help.

School feeding programs, emergency food distributions, nutrition support and humanitarian aid can help reduce the short-term impact of food insecurity. At the same time, improving household income, strengthening basic services and expanding access to nutritious food are essential for lasting progress.

Continued international cooperation and local action can help protect vulnerable communities and support a more food-secure future for Venezuelan children and families. Hunger in Venezuela remains a serious challenge, but targeted assistance, stronger school feeding programs, emergency relief and sustained support for basic services offer practical ways to reduce its impact and protect the next generation.

– Adriana Carolina Herrera

Adriana lives in Mentor, OH, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Poverty in the Sahel Region: Rural Neglect Versus Urban Bias

Poverty in the Sahel RegionThe WHO has described the north-central band of Africa below the Sahara Desert, known as the Sahel region, as a humanitarian crisis due to factors including poverty, instability and armed conflict. Poverty in the Sahel region is not only shaped by these circumstances. It is also influenced by a persistent policy pattern known as urban bias, in which cities receive disproportionate investment while rural areas are systematically overlooked.

Because poverty is more visible and politically concentrated in cities, government spending, humanitarian aid and infrastructure projects tend to prioritize urban areas. As a result, rural regions like the Sahel receive fewer health facilities, weaker transportation networks and less reliable energy access, despite facing equal or greater levels of need.

Malnutrition and Disease Outbreaks in the Sahel

Nigeria, a Sahel country, has one of the highest percentages of residents living in extreme poverty. Additionally, its arid climate makes it more likely to experience drought. This reality makes the area vulnerable to food shortages.

In context, close to one million children in the Sahel region under the age of 5 experience extreme malnutrition. The average lifespan in the Sahel region is about 20 years shorter than that of someone from Switzerland. Aside from malnutrition, the Sahel region is also particularly vulnerable to disease outbreaks and epidemics. 

For instance, there were more than 110,000 recorded cases of cholera in the area in 2021, compared to two in the U.S. that same year. These nutrition and health outcomes are not solely the result of climate or geography. Urban bias limits rural access to clean water systems, preventative health care and rapid disease surveillance, allowing otherwise preventable health crises to escalate in the Sahel.

Logistics 

Logistical challenges in the Sahel, such as transporting food, medical supplies, staff and other resources, are often treated as natural obstacles but usually stem from decades of urban-biased investment decisions. Limited road networks, underdeveloped supply chains and weak rural transport systems are the result of prioritizing cities over rural connectivity. For solutions to reduce poverty in the Sahel region, there must be measures that enable transportation across this vast, arid area.

The Sahel Adaptive Social Protective Program

The Sahel Adaptive Social Protection Program (SASPP) is a multi-donor trust fund established by the World Bank in 2014. It was created in response to several issues facing the Sahel region. It works with institutions and groups to strengthen social programs in the region.

The program provides technical assistance, capacity building and financial support for pilot interventions in six Sahelian countries. Since its inception, the project has allocated more than $270 million to investment projects, strengthening Adaptive Social Protection (ASP) systems in the region. ASP systems are social programs that help build the resilience of impoverished households. 

They do this by investing in their capacity to anticipate, respond to and recover from crises like climate shocks or economic downturns, ensuring they do not fall deeper into poverty.

Closing Remarks

If access to low to no-cost transportation expands, those living in the Sahel would be able to use these resources much more freely. By expanding technology access, the possibilities could be endless. Current technology is developing in such a way that it could help all of the factors determining extreme poverty in the not-too-distant future.

Redirecting resources to rural infrastructure and services offers one of the most realistic paths to reducing extreme poverty in the region.

– Nicole Miller

Nicole is based in Pittsburgh, PA, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Food Insecurity in Nigeria and Okra’s Value

Food Insecurity in NigeriaFood insecurity in Nigeria affects an estimated 35 million people, including 17 million children facing malnutrition. This marks one of the most severe hunger crises in Africa and places Nigeria among the countries with the highest global burden of hunger. Political conflict and climate-related shocks, including drought, have only exacerbated the crisis, making it difficult to cultivate certain foods.

Okra

One food that is heavily relied on in Nigeria is okra. Sometimes called “lady’s finger,” it is native to Africa and is used in many Nigerian cultural dishes. “Of what I have seen in West Africa, okra is most commonly found in the home garden or closer horticultural patches that are managed rather than large-scale cereal production systems, though it can be intercropped,” says Laurajean Lewis, the global director of genetic resources at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center in Mexico, in an interview with The Borgen Project.

“Okra is not a cereal. It is typically eaten green and you are generally harvesting the seed pods. Sometimes they are cut up and dried, then reconstituted later. They’re from the same plant family as hibiscus, just different species. The flowers of okra are harvested for tea,” Lewis shared.

How Better Okra Breeding Could Boost Nigerian Farmers

The African Vegetable Breeding Consortium (AVBC) is working with farmers in West Africa to explore how okra can be better positioned for the market. Okra is already highly valued in West African markets for its role in regional cuisine, but expanding its potential could increase its global appeal. The AVBC also supports vegetable breeding and crossbreeding different okra varieties could further strengthen the crop’s market potential.

Despite serving as an important source of nutrition for many people, okra has far less monetary value than traditional cash crops such as corn, rice and wheat. However, some scientists are working to improve okra’s marketability by focusing on one of its most distinctive traits: its sliminess. When cooked, okra produces mucilage, which is made primarily of pectin, a substance found in the cell walls of fruits and vegetables. 

Pectin is commonly used as a thickener and stabilizer in food processing, as well as a dissolvable additive in pharmaceuticals that target the colon. Globally, pectin is highly valuable and is typically extracted from citrus peels such as oranges and lemons. Researchers suggest that okra could serve as an alternative source of pectin, particularly in West Africa, where it is widely grown and used. 

This could be especially relevant for regional chocolate production, as Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire produce more than half of the world’s cocoa. Reducing reliance on imported pectin could help lower costs and improve supply efficiency for manufacturers in the region.

Final Remarks

Food insecurity in Nigeria remains a persistent challenge. However, with support from AVBC, okra has the potential to evolve from a subsistence crop into a viable cash crop that can support local farmers.

– Eddie Hofmann

Eddie is based in Seattle, WA, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Boosting Food Security: The Golden Yolk Project in the Bahamas

The Golden Yolk ProjectThe Bahamas, an island country situated in the Atlantic Ocean, comprises approximately 700 islands and has a population of 399,440 as of 2023. With a tropical climate all year round due to the Gulf Stream, the Bahamas’ population continues to suffer from food malnutrition. The Golden Yolk Project initiative involves increasing sustainable egg production, boosting food security, decreasing malnutrition rates and improving employability rates in the country. It is a government-invested scheme which targets lower-middle-income families across the Bahamas.

Malnutrition Across the Bahamas

A very small number of the food consumed in the Bahamas is naturally grown and produced across the region, meaning the population is highly reliant on imported food sources. According to the Global Nutrition Report, obesity rates across the Bahamas are considerably high, with 41% of women (above the age of 18) and 27.4% of men living with obesity. According to the International Trade Administration, the Bahamas imports almost 90% of its food, totaling around $1 billion a year.

These include meat, beef, dairy, eggs, fruit, vegetable juices and oil products. These foods are highly processed and have led to unhealthy dietary challenges. Due to rising and fluctuating prices of imported food, low- and middle-income families are facing food insecurity. Hands for Hunger reports that one in 10 people in the Bahamas lives below the poverty line and experiences extreme food insecurity.

The Golden Yolk Project

Hon. Clay Sweeting (former Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs) launched an egg production project in February 2023. The initiative aims to boost egg production across the Bahamas so the country can achieve sustainable and affordable access to food. According to the Regional Statistics Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Government of the Bahamas invested more than $15 million in the project to:

  • Boost annual egg production and restrict imported eggs
  • Reduce malnutrition rates
  • Provide employability opportunities
  • Increase agricultural production rates through new infrastructural development

Ongoing Work/Targets

  • Implementation Across Islands: The project will be carried out on 12 islands in the Bahamas: Grand Bahama, Abaco, Bimini, Berry Island Andros, Eleuthera, Exuma, Cat Island, San Salvador, Long Island, Ragged Island and Inagua.
  • Job Creation: The project will create a total of 90 jobs, 51 of which will be across the islands.
  • Construction of a New Feed Mill: The government will finance a new state-of-the-art feed mill. A feed mill is a series of machines that use grains to produce nutritional animal feed for different animals.
  • Supportive Environment for Farmers: The government will contract the facility to farms, which will be required to sell eggs to different distributors in the Bahamas.
  • Increase in Egg Production: According to CARICOM, officials say the project will produce 13 million eggs annually across the islands while providing technical support and resources to farmers contracted to manage the facility.

Looking Forward

Malnutrition across the Bahamas remains an ongoing issue, particularly for low- and middle-income families experiencing fluctuating prices for imported food products. Obesity is also a visible problem across the country. Effective solutions, such as the Golden Yolk Project, will facilitate sustainable food production with newly funded technical equipment to enhance food security and reduce malnutrition across the Bahamas.

The former Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs told The Tribune Business that the goal is to raise egg production to 28 million from 700,000 per year once the project becomes operational.

– Zara Ashraf

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

Photo: Unsplash

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From Scholar to Baker: Gaza’s Education System

Gaza’s education systemYears of war and restricted access to humanitarian aid have disrupted food systems and education across the Gaza Strip, forcing residents to rely on informal survival strategies as basic services collapse. As bakeries shut down and supply routes falter, families increasingly depend on community-level solutions. One such effort comes from Bader Slaih, a Palestinian academic who now bakes bread to help feed his family and neighbors.

Gaza’s Education System Disrupted by Conflict

Before the current war, Bader Slaih earned master’s and doctoral degrees in education while studying in Egypt. He returned to Gaza, intending to teach at local universities, according to an Al Jazeera report published in January 2026. Fighting interrupted those plans.

Airstrikes and ground operations forced Slaih and his family to flee their home in the Bureij refugee camp multiple times, the report said. The destruction of Gaza’s education system has been extensive. According to Save the Children, nearly 90% of school buildings in Gaza have sustained damage, leaving hundreds of thousands of children without access to formal education.

UNICEF also reported that all universities in Gaza suffered damage during the conflict, halting higher education for students and faculty. Despite these conditions, Slaih has continued to express a commitment to education. He told Al Jazeera that he intends to teach whenever possible, even in informal or temporary learning spaces.

Turning to Bread for Survival

As food supplies declined, Slaih and his relatives built a small brick oven using salvaged materials to bake bread for their children and nearby families, Al Jazeera reported. Food insecurity across Gaza has intensified as fuel shortages and access restrictions disrupt production and distribution. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported repeated interruptions to food supply routes throughout 2025.

During periods when flour and cooking gas ran out, all subsidized bakeries in Gaza closed temporarily, OCHA reported. The World Food Program (WFP) previously supported dozens of bakeries producing hundreds of thousands of loaves daily. However, those operations depended on consistent fuel deliveries, according to U.N. humanitarian updates.

As bakery closures increased, families turned to community kitchens and shared ovens. OCHA reported that community kitchens provided close to one million cooked meals per day during periods of severe aid disruption. Slaih’s oven became part of that informal food network, supplying bread when commercial options disappeared.

Feeding the Present While Preserving the Future

Although baking bread now occupies his daily routine, Bader Slaih continues to view education as central to recovery. He told Al Jazeera that meeting children’s nutritional needs supports their ability to learn when schooling resumes. UNICEF has linked hunger directly to learning outcomes, reporting that malnutrition undermines concentration, memory and school attendance.

Across Gaza, professionals from various fields have taken on emergency roles as institutions collapse. The U.N. has noted that community-driven responses often provide the most immediate relief during prolonged crises. Slaih’s experience reflects that shift.

Baking bread does not replace humanitarian assistance or rebuild schools, but it helps sustain families while broader recovery remains uncertain. In Gaza, survival increasingly depends on adaptation. For one academic turned baker, feeding his community now remains closely tied to the goal of returning to education when conditions allow.

– Angela ‘Phoenix’ Garrett

Angela is based in Chicago, IL, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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How LEAF is Addressing Malnutrition in Kenya

Malnutrition in KenyaKenya lies in East Africa and borders the Indian Ocean. It is best known for its diversity, its wildlife conservation efforts, and producing some of the most globally recognizable long-distance runners.

Despite its rich history and diverse population, Kenya faces persistent food insecurity and inadequate access to health care, which disproportionately affect their children. LEAF is addressing malnutrition in Kenya through targeted health and agricultural interventions.

According to UNICEF, more than 25% of children under the age of 5 experience stunted growth. Food insecurity and chronic undernourishment commonly cause this condition. An additional 11% of children are underweight and 4% suffer from severe wasting. These problems lead to an increased prevalence and likelihood of death among the Kenyan children.

Root Causes of the Crisis

Many of these issues are a result of a lack of support in education for families and farmers on malnutrition, and farmers’ limited ability to adapt to natural disasters. Without the necessary support, poverty cycles from one generation to the next, preventing households from reaching their full potential.

To break this cycle, the organization Concern began working with government officials and community leaders to design potential solutions. The organization focused its efforts on Tana River County, Kenya.

Agriculture and pastoralism dominate the region, but extreme weather patterns have severely disrupted livelihoods. Hotter days and less rainfall caused animals and crops to suffer. Clinics reported a sharp rise in child malnutrition, prompting the need for immediate intervention.

The LEAF Initiative

The Lifesaving Education and Assistance to Farmers (LEAF) had two main goals: to ensure pregnant women and malnourished children receive lifesaving treatment in a timely manner and to create systematic change in the livelihoods of people living in poverty to prevent future cases of malnutrition

The LEAF initiative began its approach by prioritizing community outreach to reduce acute malnutrition. Through the funding of the Illinois-based food ingredients company Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), they supported the local health department conducting malnutrition screenings.

The organization used monthly house visits to households with pregnant women and/or children where they referred anyone showing signs of malnutrition to local clinics and educated families on nutritional and health topics. LEAF is addressing malnutrition in Kenya, as it estimated that 82% of the families living in the region in 2021 were able to get monthly screenings by the conclusion of the program.

Building Long-Term Resilience

To ensure the screenings did not remain a temporary solution, Concern implemented the second phase of the program. This phase focused on creating systemic change across multiple villages in Kenya. Concern worked with local farmers to reshape their agricultural methods to adapt to extreme climate conditions. Concern provided drought-tolerant seeds to prevent crop loss and irrigation canals to improve village access to affordable water.

These changes proved life-changing. Halim Diramu Jilu, a farmer in Tana River County, praised the program, saying, “Our lives have changed. We have enough water now.” The program reached 39,704 people. Furthermore, crop loss fell from 60% to less than 20%, reinforcing how LEAF is addressing malnutrition in Kenya by strengthening food security at the community level.

The LEAF initiative offers a strong model for how targeted health interventions can combine with grounded community-level agricultural support to tackle poverty and malnutrition. By combining climate education with immediate nutritional support, Concern helped families build independence and improve long-term outcomes for future generations.

– Sachin Kapoor

Sachin is based in Atlanta, GA, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr