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The UN Early Childhood and Sustainable Development Program

The Early Childhood and Sustainable Development ProgramThe United Nations’ (U.N.) joint program, the Early Childhood and Sustainable Development Program, was a key part of the COVID-19 recovery plan, running from March 2020 to February 2022. With an investment of $2.6 million for more than 24 months, the program aimed to address significant challenges in early childhood care. The pandemic exacerbated existing disparities in access to early child care services across different regions and income levels in Argentina, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions to support the most vulnerable communities.

Overview

The goal and impact of the Early Childhood and Sustainable Development Program are noteworthy since it has worked toward breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty and inequalities for the most vulnerable groups: women, children, girls, people with disabilities, Indigenous groups and migrants. Promoting access to equitable childhood care services would provide an opportunity for children to get the proper intervention and education needed for their development, leading to a higher possibility of economic mobility. Additionally, child care services could allow parents to work or continue their education, enhancing the families’ economic stability.

In collaboration with the International Labor Organization (ILO), the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office (RCO), the United Nations Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (U.N. ECLAC), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the Early Childhood and Sustainable Development Program has benefited 5.2 million children aged 0-6, including 2.7 million from low-income backgrounds. The program aimed to reduce inequality gaps through strategies such as policy enforcement, funding and training for child care workers.

Impact in Argentina

The program supported the Argentine government to initiate the national early childhood strategy (ENPI) at regional and national levels. The government’s ongoing commitment is anticipated to guarantee that child care services remain well-distributed and accessible across the country, even beyond the duration of the U.N.’s joint program.

Another initiative of the U.N.’s Early Childhood and Sustainable Development Program in Argentina was the creation of the Federal Care Map. This tool collects and monitors data on child care services using geo-referenced information. It helps assess which regions require funding most urgently. It also ensures the effective allocation of resources, particularly for Indigenous children in rural areas.

Lastly, the Early Childhood and Sustainable Development Program trained 3,000 early childhood education and service care workers across Argentina. The program provided tools to address the psychosocial effects and developmental issues in children caused by the pandemic. It also supported the implementation of a new curriculum that emphasizes child care centers as places of belonging, care and comfort.

Moving Forward

The U.N.’s Early Childhood and Sustainable Development Program in Argentina is a remarkable example of an effort to confront the root cause of continued poverty. It is anticipated that the long-lasting poverty can be overcome with national and sub-national efforts and active participation from the residents.

– Sein Kim

Sein is based in Bellevue, WA, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Strategies to Help Reduce Violence and Poverty in Argentina

Violence and Poverty in ArgentinaViolence and poverty in Argentina have been increasing in recent times. The statistics concerning violent crimes, including homicide, domestic disputes and gang violence, have become concerning. From 2018 to 2021, the percentage of violence was recorded as “5.37, 5.16, 5.37, 4.62.” While the trend shows a steady decrease, much remains to be done to curb this problem. Economic disadvantage is a catalyst for why perpetrators commit crimes.

Violence in Childhood and Beyond

Alejandra Martínez, in his article “Masculinity, Poverty and Violence in Argentina – Analyzing Children’s Discourse,” shows that violence and poverty in Argentina root back to childhood when poor male children are indoctrinated with a gender role emphasizing strength as essential for navigating a brutal world. To get something, you need to take it. This is conveyed through gender norms, which are not always articulated explicitly. Instead, they are conveyed implicitly through language and symbolism. These norms are models for perceiving and reproducing valuations characteristic of their gender norms.

As such, gender norms play a role in shaping how individuals interact. It is vital to understand the implicit messaging conveyed by gender norms and to strive for equitable and inclusive practices that do not reinforce traditional gender roles. By doing so, individuals and organizations promote environments that value diverse perspectives and foster success. In the context of the lowest social strata, boys strive to distinguish themselves by emphasizing physical value and masculine honor. These attributes are necessary to prepare for physical challenges and violent activities. This aspect leads to countless factions vying for superiority in a cacophony of ingrained violence, spilling out and affecting those not directly involved in violence.

Míguez’s study found that violence and poverty in Argentina are reflected in crimes recorded in statistical records involving predominantly young males below 25 years of age hailing from impoverished urban areas. The social profile of those involved in criminal violence originates from impoverished urban enclaves of major cities. For instance, poverty was a recurring factor in 90% of the households with juveniles undergoing legal proceedings.

Bouzat and Gabriel, in their study “Inequality, Crime And Security In Argentina,” state that violence and poverty in Argentina are fueled by income inequality, which is associated with education inequality, impacting crime rates. Education is critical in reducing crime by promoting social capital, facilitating communication and peaceful conflict resolution. A lack of quality education hinders the development of social capital and contributes to increased crime. Although there is debate regarding how education reduces crime, research has demonstrated a positive correlation between the years spent in formal education and reduced crime.

Psychological and Social Solutions

Maria Esther Epele highlights that one solution being offered is to tackle the psychological consequences of poverty, which cause violent behavior. One strategy for reducing violence and poverty in Argentina is “Psychotherapeutic treatments,” where trained professionals are consulted to talk with individuals with histories of violence. They help the criminal understand their issues using ordinary language to help the subject relate to them.

The most important feature of this method is that the violent individual may have never been listened to or had their interior life considered, leading to lashing out to express themselves. They are taught to ask questions later because they were never listened to. Instead of punishing violence with violence, a more holistic approach is taken. This method will not work in all cases, but it has obvious benefits if you are looking to rehabilitate rather than punish.

As Krook indicates, social media is a powerful strategy for increasing awareness and combating violence. In Argentina, the U.S. Agency for International Development has funded programs offering gender training to targeted women. This two-pronged approach aims to enhance gender sensitivity in media coverage, with an emphasis on exposing acts of violence against women and violence broadly. Social media serves as a compelling tool for individuals and communities to expose such acts of violence and mobilize support for initiatives that empower women. In summary, leveraging mainstream and social media is a practical approach to combating violence by raising awareness and taking steps toward a safer and more equitable society.

Conclusion

By increasing awareness and visibility, Argentina is taking a critical step towards reducing violence. The country’s efforts have the potential to allow victims to share their experiences while encouraging perpetrators to recognize the harmful consequences of violent behavior. By creating an environment that fosters understanding and encourages communication, Argentina is taking significant steps towards reducing the impact of violence on its society.

– Jordan Cunningham
Photo: Flickr

Farming for the Future: Regenerative Agriculture in Argentina

Regenerative agriculture in ArgentinaDespite the industrial and cultural changes that have occurred throughout history, the fundamental need for sustenance persists. Whether derived from crops, livestock or vegetation, the ability to sustain a source of nutrients remains the cornerstone of every nation.

In Argentina, agriculture plays a major role in the lives of the country’s 44 million residents. The second largest nation in South America, Argentina has 23 provinces, with Buenos Aires, Cordoba and Santa Fe being the most agriculturally dominant. Although the country impressively produces enough food to feed 450 million people, the rate of production is adversely impacting the environment. Additionally, factors such as inflation and the COVID-19 pandemic have taken a toll on the nation’s economy, pushing some individuals into poverty. As climate change and damaged soil make the future of farming unstable, regenerative agriculture in Argentina may be the solution to what should come next.

Poverty in Argentina at a Glance

Despite the substantial food production in Argentina, a portion of the population is grappling with extreme poverty. Within the country, 44.7% of the population, totaling 17.5 million people, is considered impoverished, with 9.6% living in conditions of extreme poverty.

Some of the poverty in Argentina appear to stem from the unstable economic conditions that have persisted since COVID-19. During the pandemic, there was a significant spike in food prices compared to other market items, disproportionately affecting families with middle and low economic status the most.

The most extreme inflation spike occurred in 2022. Poverty climbed drastically during this time, with four out of every 10 Argentinians living in poverty. By the end of 2022, Argentina had one of the highest inflation rates in the world and had experienced a 3% point increase in the proportion of impoverished people in the last six months of the same year.

Agriculture in Argentina

Many may not imagine the viability of Argentina’s agricultural economic sector because of the increasing amounts of Argentinians living in poverty. However, the country boasts one of the most noteworthy agricultural sectors in the world. A quarter of Argentina’s exports are agricultural goods, making it the tenth largest agri-food exporter globally. This sector provides a third of the jobs available in Argentina and primarily exports corn, meat, soybeans, wheat, wine and wool.

The critical role agriculture plays in Argentina’s economy leaves the nation very vulnerable to experiencing adverse effects from climate change and over-farming. 

Regenerative Agriculture in Argentina

Regenerative agriculture is an environmentally conscious method of farming that emphasizes the preservation and enhancement of soil health and nutrient content. This method of farming is important for ensuring the proper cultivation of crops and livestock.

Regenerative agriculture can serve as a tool to stabilize the nation’s economy by providing reliable food sources and creating jobs in the agricultural sector that will survive climate change while also prioritizing environmental protection.

The impact of agriculture on global warming is significant, highlighting the need to develop sustainable farming methods. In Argentina, farmers have started to realize this necessity, leading to a growing adoption of climate-conscious and sustainable farming practices.

La Delia Verde

La Delia Verde is a farm practicing regenerative agriculture in Argentina. After genetically modified soybeans became a common crop in Argentina, farmers quickly realized the potential to make lots of money. Capitalizing on the naturally fertile soil, soybean production experienced a rapid surge throughout the region. However, over 25 years, the nation’s natural soil fertility began to diminish rapidly.

Upon recognizing the detriment intensive agriculture had to Argentina’s environment, the team at La Delia Verde decided to practice regenerative agriculture on their farm. In 2019, La Delia Verde focused its business on farming without harm. The group pledged to preserve the farm’s soil, water, biodiversity and air.

Currently at La Delia Verde, the farm is undergoing a complete redesign to coexist within the land. The goal is to safeguard the naturally occurring resources on the farm. Protecting biodiversity and creating environments for it to thrive is at the heart of La Delia Verde’s mission. This is evident in the team’s additional work to plant trees and provide pastures for their livestock to integrate.

Looking Ahead

Regenerative agriculture stands out as a robust strategy in the global fight against climate change. In Argentina, the adoption of this sustainable farming method promises to not only generate employment but also bring economic stability and enhance food security. The advancements witnessed at farms like La Delia Verde signify just the beginning of the positive changes occurring in this transformative journey.

– Alexandra Straumann
Photo: Flickr

Public Health in Argentina

Public Health in ArgentinaSince the beginning of the ’90s, many Latin American countries have implemented reforms hoping to improve health systems and reduce inequalities in access to health care. Yet, considering the disparity between what is medically achievable and economically viable, some form of rationing becomes unavoidable. In other instances, there is no efficient allocation of resources. As a result, the inability to expand coverage and the reduction of health inequalities remains a challenge in Latin America.

Argentina is one of the leaders in Latin America concerning health care expenditure per capita. When compared to other countries in the region, its health care system performs well on several key indicators, including life expectancy, child mortality rate and access to health services. However, like other countries in Latin America, Argentina struggles with challenges related to equity and efficiency.

Argentina’s Health Care System

Health services in Argentina are divided into three main parts: the public sector (national, provincial, and municipal), social insurance (Obras Sociales) and private health services. Approximately 35% of the population depends on public health care. This division helps manage and deliver health services to different groups of people. The public sector covers a significant portion of the population, ensuring access to healthcare services for those who rely on it. The rest have some form of health care coverage, either from the Obras Sociales (60% of the population) or the private health care system (13%). Approximately 10% of the population has access to more than one coverage system.

An administrator at the Secretary of Public Health of San Isidro, Buenos Aires, stated in an interview with The Borgen Project, “Due to the economic situation, many people are falling out of the private system, which is overwhelming the public system.” To combat this high influx of patients and ensure that everyone’s needs are met, the administrator stated the government set up a 35-day window for the maximum number of days that a patient can wait to receive an appointment. However, this wait is often greater in rural areas. This stems from the discrepancies between resources available between urban and rural areas. For example, the Hospital Central de San Isidro contains around 300 beds, while a hospital 500 miles away could have only 12 beds. The number of beds offered is calculated based on the size of the population.

Public Health Disparities

While public health care is accessible to everyone, significant disparities exist at the provincial level in terms of public health care expenditure, the availability of medical professionals and infant and maternal mortality rates. For instance, the mortality rate in colorectal and cervical cancer is 7 and 5.4 times higher, respectively, between the most affluent and the most economically disadvantaged provinces in the country.

These disparities in cancer mortality have been linked to variations in provincial capabilities for early detection, diagnosis and patient treatment. For instance, just 29% of women aged 50 to 70, who depend solely on public health services, have had a mammogram. One reason for this is the elevated transportation costs encountered by residents in rural communities when going to hospitals.

New Initiatives for Addressing Disparities

To enhance public health care access, the World Bank Board of Directors has sanctioned a $50 million investment for Argentina. This funding aims to assist 6.5 million vulnerable residents in Buenos Aires province. Under this initiative, the province will provide high-quality health care services to all citizens, regardless of their location, whether in rural or urban areas. This endeavor seeks to bridge health care gaps and ensure comprehensive coverage for the province’s diverse population.

In 2019, cardiovascular diseases and cancer accounted for 50% of deaths in the province. Treating these diseases requires constant attention and ongoing efforts. Noncommunicable diseases disproportionately affect the vulnerable population group due to lifestyle dynamics influenced by social and economic factors. In tackling these challenges, the investment will concentrate on strengthening electronic medical records and advancing the implementation of telemedicine.

Argentina’s Recent Successes Against Health Disparity

The Protecting Vulnerable People Against Noncommunicable Diseases Project Project (also known as PROTEGER) aims to strengthen the preparedness of Argentina’s public health facilities. This involves expanding and improving services for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) specifically tailored to vulnerable population groups. The project’s overarching goal is to shield these vulnerable groups from prevalent risk factors associated with NCDs.

From 2015 to 2022, Argentina achieved several noteworthy outcomes through this project. For example:

  • The percentage of participating public health clinics certified to provide quality health services for the detection and control of NCDs increased from 0% to 69.8%.
  • The number of health institutions that provide new services for the early detection of colon cancer hit 877 by 2022, exceeding the goal of 850.
  • The percentage of vulnerable patients regularly monitored for type-2 diabetes who had an HbA1c lower than 9% increased from 7.1% to 11.5%.
  • The percentage of vulnerable patients regularly monitored for hypertension with an arterial pressure lower than 140/90 (i.e., the threshold between elevated and high blood pressure) increased from 6.1% to 8%.

Looking Ahead

Argentina still faces challenges related to public health, but substantial progress has been achieved. The nation remains steadfast in its commitment to enhancing the accessibility, equity and effectiveness of its health care system for the benefit of all citizens.

Speaking on the future of health care in Argentina, the administrator stated, “Public health care is a real thing that can be applied in every country of the world because it has been verified by many countries. I can say from my experience in Argentina that you can have the best equipment and resources you could [under any other system of health care].”

– Cameron Alcocer
Photo: Flickr

Urban Poverty in Argentina: The Struggle for Big City Survival

Urban Poverty in ArgentinaArgentina has struggled economically for decades. While the entire nation suffers during times of crisis, urban poverty has become a prominent facet of the nation’s dwindling economy. Urban poverty in Argentina has been growing, and its effects go beyond financial hardships. Poverty entails multiple dimensions of deprivation, including poor access to food, health services, basic amenities, housing, a clean environment and education.

The Dimensions of Urban Poverty

The extent of urban poverty in Argentina has had devastating effects. During the first semester of 2020, millions of city dwellers were burdened by poverty levels. The impact is widespread, with almost 12 million Argentines living below the national poverty level, constituting 40.9% of the urban population. Additionally, 3 million people live below the extreme poverty level, representing 10.5% of the urban population. This marked the most significant rise in urban poverty since 2016. While the impact is felt across various age groups, there is an unequal distribution of its effects. The age group between 15 and 29 experienced the most pronounced increase in poverty. Notably, the highest concentration of urban poverty is in children between 0 to 14.

A Multifaceted Lack of Access

Alarming statistics from 2021 reveal that 26% of urban Argentinians struggle to access adequate food and health services, while 28% lack basic amenities like running water and electricity. Housing conditions exacerbate the issue, with 21% enduring insecure living arrangements and limited access to health care. Environmental factors further compound the hardships, as 26.5% live in polluted surroundings. Education for adults and youths, a crucial pathway out of poverty, remains a concern, with 31.5% lacking suitable opportunities.

Furthermore, a 2016 national exam showed that students from urban primary schools scored lower on average than rural establishments in both language and math.

Labor Market

Underdeveloped neighborhoods and those who live in these communities have also been experiencing a harsh labor market with a growing presence of impoverished workers, as half of the urban workforce is grappling with labor-related challenges. These workers receive a monthly income 30% lower than the average employed worker. The Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina (UCA) published a report on national employment from 2003 to 2022, showing disheartening results. The report highlights the alarming dominance of unregulated and informal jobs in urban Argentina. A shocking 43.8% of the urban labor force worked in the informal sector in 2022. Argentinian urban poverty leaves millions working in an industry without social protection and with income instability and exploitative working conditions.

Fundación Si

While urban poverty in Argentina is a damming issue, some people work tirelessly to improve these people’s livelihoods. Fundación Si Argentina is an NGO founded in 2012 that specializes in tackling poverty nationwide. Its focus is to improve the quality of life and chances of social inclusion for those in vulnerable economic positions. The NGO has projects regarding youth housing, homelessness, community development and natural disasters. 

Fundación Si Argentina offers housing and financial aid for underprivileged graduates to promote access to education. It also performs nightly trips to provide food, medical attention and emotional support to the nation’s homeless. Community involvement is prevalent, as programs give the young and underprivileged a sense of togetherness, solidarity and social responsibility while also creating a nurturing space for expression and belonging. Moreover, the organization swiftly provides aid as it collects donations and plays its role in rebuilding affected communities when natural disasters occur. 

The organization´s Argentinian altruism has had an impressive impact. Fundación Si Argentina has over 3,000 volunteers across the country who address the realities of urban poverty. There are 520 students living in Fundación Si Argentina’s student housing centers, 1,147 people are supported on a nightly basis, more than 2,100 kids participate in its weekly programs and more than 400 food shelters are supported. Numerous Argentinians are getting consistent aid due to the tremendous work of this organization. 

Looking Ahead

Urban poverty in Argentina is a pressing issue that hinders the quality of life of millions of people. The struggle to access essential resources like food, health care, housing and education is compounded by an arduous labor market, leaving these people in a state of vulnerability. Nevertheless, efforts like those of Fundación Si Argentina provide a glimmer of hope. Individuals are working tirelessly to remedy these harsh realities and enable citizens to achieve improved standards of living.

– Agustín Pino
Photo: Unsplash

Examining Poverty in Argentina 

Poverty in Argentina
Currently, 37% of people live below the poverty line in Argentina and are struggling due to the inconsistency of prices and jobs from inflation and changes in unemployment. Poverty in Argentina affects over 17 million people in the country, learn more about the unique struggles in Argentina.

Historic Inflation and Recent Economic Disaster

Argentina has felt the effects of intense inflation since the 1980s, but in recent months has seen record increases in these rates. The year-on-year inflation rate is the highest it has been in the past 30 years, exceeding 60 points, according to Peoples Dispatch. This increase has hurt those in the lowest income bracket the most, but the poverty rate is on the rise. It is estimated that 2,800 people are forced into poverty every day.

Despite that alarming amount, economists predict more could be hurt as the inflation rate could reach 90% by the end of 2022. The instability of inflation has made prices different on a variety of items that change weekly. This hurts those struggling to afford groceries and other necessities. The recent economic instability is a huge threat to those living in Argentina.

Unemployment, the Working Poor and the COVID-19 Pandemic

World events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic further impacted poverty in Argentina. The poverty rate hit between 46% and 47% towards the end of June 2020, at the height of the COVID-19-induced shutdown. The high poverty rate was due in part to the 3.5 million jobs lost during the pandemic. In 2020, the poverty rate related to an income of 14,718 pesos, or $193, per month.

The unemployment rate dropped to 7% at the beginning of 2022, however, the poverty rate includes 28% of Argentinians who hold jobs. The research found that from 2018 to 2022 that due to inflation and a combination of currency devaluation wages lost 20% of their purchasing power. The increase in unemployment during the pandemic increased the poverty rate, but as the unemployment rate decreased, the poverty rate did not.

The effects of outside events, like war or pandemics are global, but Argentina’s sensitive economy sees drastic changes easily. Changes in habitable actions and consumption also show the increase in poverty. For example, in 2021, Argentinians consumed the lowest amount of beef per capita (47.8 kilos) since the 1920s, Peoples Dispatch reported. The changes in unemployment and the increase in the working poor are changing poverty in Argentina.

The Future of Poverty in Argentina

The IMF began working with the Argentinian government in May 2018 and has a plan to help those most at risk. This calls for actions like the central banks to be independent and protect social spending. Those in poverty in Argentina need help since they are sinking even deeper into poverty.

Additionally, in May 2022, the Total Basic Food Basket increased by 4.6%. This means that a family of two adults and two children in Greater Buenos Aires must require an income of 99,677 pesos (or $796) per month to stay above the poverty line, according to Peoples Dispatch. This increase shows how difficult it is to survive in Argentina due to the fickle movements of the economy.

Changing economy and the socioeconomic inequalities that often affect employment rates further complicate poverty in Argentina. The recent increase in inflation implies there is a strong need for stability to save those falling below the poverty line every day.

– Ann Shick
Photo: Wikipedia Commons

Top 10 Facts About Hunger in Argentina

Top 10 Facts About Hunger in Argentina

Argentina is the eighth-largest country in the world and the second-largest country in South America with a current population of almost 46 million people and the third-largest economy in Latin America. While Argentina has seen some progress in reducing its rates of hunger and malnourishment, the country still struggles with food insecurity among many children and families.

Top 10 Facts About Hunger in Argentina

  1. Argentina has 334,000 farms, with 251,000, or approximately 75%, being owned by families. These family-owned farms supply roughly half of the locally consumed food and also play a significant role in the country’s exports, which totaled $10.8 billion in 2021.
  2. Argentina has significantly reduced hunger rates in recent years, achieving a Global Hunger Index score below five. However, in February 2024, 254% inflation saw thousands participating in protests demanding food aid for the poor. 
  3. Food insecurity in Argentina has become a reason for concern, with multiple causes, including inadequate strategic vision, unstable agricultural policies, drought and climate vulnerability, rising global prices, food production focus on exports and increasing poverty. Between 2019 and 2021, there was a 30% rise in the number of hungry people. 
  4. According to 2020 research, 16 million tons of food were lost or wasted annually in Argentina, while more than 11% of Argentinians were experiencing severe food insecurity. In 2019, the country implemented a National Food Donation Law and a National Plan for the Reduction of Food Loss and Waste. The National Plan addresses food processing technology, transportation and storage infrastructure and market mechanisms to assure timely distribution.
  5. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations reports that Argentina’s agriculture and food sectors account for 54% of its land use and 54% of employment. The FAO also reports that the country contributes to 2.1% of global emissions and as such has prioritized various approaches related to the role of agriculture in addressing climate change.   
  6. An NGO fighting hunger in Argentina is The Huerta Nino Foundation, established in 1999. A nonprofit organization located in Buenos Aires, its mission was to reduce rural child hunger by building organic gardens in rural schools. The foundation, now working in both rural and urban areas, has reported 600 projects over 23 provinces, involving 50,000 children. Besides providing diversified foods, the gardens serve as a setting for discussing family eating habits with the community. 
  7. Yet another organization that contributes to child nutrition in Argentina is Love Volunteers. It is a volunteer organization that has benefitted almost 3,500 unprivileged children. Love Volunteers’ Nutrition Volunteering Program provides nutritious food products to underprivileged children and their families, educates families—especially single mothers and children under 13—on the importance of good nutrition, teaches children healthy habits and overall facilitates the development of underprivileged children. 
  8. The White Helmets Commission is funded in Argentina by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is part of a regional initiative to replace the welfare model with a partnership and capacity-building model. The local volunteer corps in Argentina is one of 16 participating countries. One of the initiative’s several aims is to strengthen the local volunteer agencies fighting to reduce hunger and poverty. The network has agreements with regional and international organizations including FAO, the World Food Program and PAHO. In 2004, among several other resolutions, the Organization of American States resolved to continue to support the program fund and also requested the Argentine White Helmets Committee to provide technical assistance to other member countries.
  9. Barrios de Pie is a social organization and movement established in 2002 that aims to decrease hunger in Argentina. Between 2020 and 2022, its promotion of community vegetable gardens resulted in 90 gardens outside Buenos Aires and more than an additional 900 across the rest of Argentina.  
  10. In May of 2024, a federal court ordered Argentina’s Human Capital Ministry to immediately release five tons of food designated for the poor that had been held up, awaiting an audit, citing “the vast number of Argentines ‘acutely suffering from food insecurity.’” 

These top 10 facts about hunger in Argentina represent the country’s consistent efforts in fighting and eliminating hunger. The many organizations operating in the country provide hope to find solutions and strategies to end the hunger epidemic in Argentina.

– Staff Reports
Photo: Flickr
Updated: June 29, 2024

Addressing the Systemic Causes of Poverty in Argentina

Causes of Poverty in Argentina
The poverty crisis in Argentina is extreme. The government estimates more than a full third of the population is living below the poverty line, and 20% live on less than two dollars per day. Poverty in Argentina means that 11% of people are estimated to be unable to meet basic food needs, and the poverty crisis hits minority groups the hardest.

Those that live in the mountainous regions of the northwest have poverty rates of over 50%, and those residing in the rainforest regions of the northeast are even higher, at over 60%. Women and children are disproportionately affected as well, with poverty rates roughly twice that of the national average.

The causes of poverty in Argentina are systemic and deeply rooted in the history of the country. The late 1980s and early 90s marked when the Argentine economic system collapsed due to inflation rates of nearly 20,000%. No system has seemed to work properly since then, with severe economic recessions occurring in 2002 and 2016.

Inflation and Poverty in Argentina

Currently, inflation rates hover around 40 percent, which is one of the most significant causes of poverty in Argentina. Industries nationwide have been hobbled, and Argentinian exports have gotten reduced. Additionally, due to high inflation, both foreign investors and domestic consumers have little confidence in the potential of their purchasing power.

Despite the multitude of causes of poverty in Argentina, the country is far from without hope. Mauricio Macri, who got elected in 2015 as President, has staunched the flow of inflation and economic recession. He has eliminated many unnecessary government subsidies and tariffs, increased export revenue and unified the national exchange rate. This political change has led to increased production from the agricultural, real estate and construction sectors, as well as slowed inflation.

The struggle is far from over. With midterm elections approaching, Macri and his party recognize that the relatively minimal improvements may not be enough to allow his party to continue the good work they have begun. The deficit remains high, debt levels are rising and many of the worst affected people have yet to feel the end of the recession. There remains a great need for foreign investment and aid.  This support is necessary to both alleviate regions perennially affected by economic strife and to assist the country as a whole in raising itself to self-sufficiency.

– Connor Keowen

Photo: Flickr