Tag Archive for: Poverty In Brazil

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Boca de Rua Empowers Homeless Individuals Through Journalism

Boca de RuaBoca de Rua, a unique street newspaper based in Porto Alegre, Brazil, continues to empower people experiencing homelessness by involving them directly in journalism. According to The Guardian, the publication creates opportunities for participants to write, photograph and sell the paper, offering both income and visibility to marginalized voices.

About the Newspaper

Founded in 2000 by journalists Rosina Duarte and Cristina Pozzobon, Boca de Rua—which translates to “Word on the Street”—operates as a quarterly publication where contributors attend weekly editorial meetings and determine the paper’s content. Vendors sell each issue for R$3 (around $0.53) and keep the proceeds.

According to Global Voices, about 50 people contribute to each edition. Topics range from street abuse to positive community stories, with recent issues covering tragedies like a fire at a state-run homeless shelter and flood impacts on the city. More than a source of income, the paper builds confidence and public presence for its contributors. Since its founding, Boca de Rua has supported more than 400 individuals through this model of participatory journalism.

Addressing Homelessness in Brazil

Homelessness remains a significant issue in Brazil. According to Development and Cooperation, the population of unhoused individuals grew by 38% between 2019 and 2023, largely driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. As of 2022, more than 281,800 people were registered as homeless in Brazil and economic insecurity remains the leading cause. In response, the Brazilian government relaunched the Minha Casa Minha Vida (“My House My Life”) program. Initially implemented in 2009, the initiative offers housing subsidies to low-income families, particularly those earning under $400 per month, according to The Rio Times.

Stories of Ambition and Impact

Elisângela Escalante, a contributor for six years, shared with Global Voices how the paper helped her transition off the streets and into a home. Previously dependent on her partner financially, Escalante was able to regain independence through earnings from the newspaper. “Through it [Boca de Rua] I got a lot of things and I helped a lot of people too,” she said.

A memorable edition that she worked on featured the cover story “Why Can’t We Be Mothers?”—a piece that explored the challenges of motherhood while experiencing homelessness. During production, some participants even reconnected with their children, underscoring the paper’s emotional and social reach.

Another contributor, Michael Vasconcelos, told The Guardian that he became homeless after a family fallout. He later joined Boca de Rua, where he describes himself as a “paperboy and journalist.” “Now, I steal people’s attention and deal in information,” Vasconcelos said.

Media Representation and Inclusion

Community-led media initiatives like Boca de Rua play a crucial role in amplifying marginalized voices and fostering media diversity. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), empowering Indigenous voices in the media is essential for fostering pluralism and diversity, which are vital elements of a vibrant society. 

Despite this progress, gaps remain. As of 2025, UNESCO reported that:

  • About 25% of media outlets that are non-Indigenous have no editorial guidelines that correlate with Indigenous social issues.
  • Only one in five of media outlets cite marginalized individuals as sources, while 8% say that they never have.
  • Roughly 16% of media outlets that are non-Indigenous are required to publish in Indigenous languages by quotas.
  • Around 49% of media workers who are Indigenous have been exposed to harassment, danger and intimidation.

By offering contributors a direct platform, Boca de Rua helps counter these inequities and drives awareness through lived experience.

Looking Ahead

As Boca de Rua continues to grow, its impact reaches far beyond housing. Co-founder Rosina Duarte emphasizes that the paper’s core mission is to provide income and reduce the harm caused by silence and isolation. The organization aims to deepen its role as a platform for dignity, self-expression and community-driven change.

Contributor Michelle Marques dos Santos, who joined as a teenager living on the streets, is now preparing to publish a book about her life—an opportunity she attributes to the confidence and visibility gained through the newspaper. Now expecting her seventh child—the first she will be able to raise herself—Santos’s story reflects the transformative potential of community-led media initiatives. As Boca de Rua continues its work, it holds promise not only for current contributors but also for future generations seeking visibility and purpose.

– Clarissa Dean

Clarissa is based in Bowling Green, KY, USA and focuses on Good News and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Bolsa Família: Poverty Alleviation in Brazil

Poverty Alleviation in BrazilSince 2003, the Bolsa Família program has been working on poverty alleviation in Brazil. The program has helped 46 million Brazilian families by partnering with the World Bank. It has reduced Brazil’s poverty to 59 million from 67.7 million.

Hunger Reduction

With the provided cash offerings, many families who had previously suffered from hunger have food security. Last year, the Brazilian Ministry of Social Development and Assistance, Family and the Fight Against Hunger (MDS) gave $30 billion to needy families through the Bolsa Família.

Improved Health and Education

For years, youth mortality rates in Brazil remained high, mainly due to limited access to routine checkups and vaccinations. In response, the Bolsa Família program introduced conditional cash transfers, requiring families to take their children for regular medical visits to receive financial support. So far, more than eight million people have benefited from the initiative, which strongly emphasizes improving family health care.

Furthermore, the initiative has increased educational development with evidence of higher enrollment and academic successes from disadvantaged citizens. A prominent aim of Bolsa Família is to stop children from inheriting the poverty their parents endured by focusing funds toward advancing schooling. As a result, the school enrollment rate has increased by 5.5-6.5%. Similarly, the dropout rates declined by 0.4 and 0.5 points and the grade promotion rate increased by 0.4-0.5 points.

Women Empowerment

Career training and greater access to social assistance programs have opened new job opportunities for women and provided affordable child care services. Women make up 54% of Brazil’s conditional cash transfer program beneficiaries, an investment widely seen as one of the most effective ways to empower women. With increased autonomy, many can now make informed decisions about family planning, creating ripple effects that improve their long-term well-being.

Eliminating Child Labor

Since their consolidation into the Bolsa Família program, initiatives like Bolsa Escola, Bolsa Alimentação, Cartão Alimentação, Auxílio-Gás and the Child Labor Eradication Program have significantly contributed to reducing child labor in Brazil. In 2023, the government reinstated Bolsa Família, enhancing financial support to low-income families. Eligible households now receive approximately R$150 (about $30) per month for each child under age 6, bolstering assistance to vulnerable communities.

What’s Next?

The Bolsa Família program has had a global impact, serving as a model for other countries seeking to address the challenges of poverty and prevent its persistence. Looking ahead to 2030, the program aims to remove Brazil from the Hunger Map while significantly reducing nutritional insecurity across the country.

The goal is to increase disposable income to result in more grocery shopping, recognizing those needing protection and engaging the government to collaborate to eradicate hunger. The program’s lifespan has made a world of a difference to many lives for nearly 23 years and will continue its efforts of poverty alleviation in Brazil.

– Melody Aminian

Melody Aminian is based in Irvine, CA, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Initiatives to Improve Education in Brazil

brazil educationBrazil is the largest country in South America, with a population of around 211 million people. In 2022, 50.7% of the population completed high school, approximately 2.19 times more than in 2000. There have been many successful initiatives to improve the access and quality of education in Brazil, some of which this article explores further, such as Indique and the Salvador Assessment Program (PROSA), monitoring systems in Salvador, Brazil.

Indique, PROSA and Chegando Junto

Indique is a tool that allows parents, carers and other members of the Salvador community to voice their feedback and opinions about students’ education. This allows educators to see what initiatives are having a positive impact and what they could do to support students further.

Since 2022, Brazil has implemented PROSA in every primary school grade in Salvador. This test allows educators to see the extent of the majority of students’ knowledge and so helps indicate what areas are effectively being improved and what areas require more practice. It also tests the efficacy of government education programs. Due to the high number of students who take the exam, results are more generalisable and representative of students.

This initiative groups students who are two or more years behind their grade in terms of educational achievement together, according to the World Bank. This allows them to learn in an environment alongside learners who have a similar level of understanding, therefore allowing the teacher to focus more on helping them catch up. It also makes the learning environment more comfortable and less daunting for learners.

Technology

The Lemann Foundation has employed the help of technology to aid students in their learning. It supported the education ministry’s Programa Educação Conectada, a scheme that provided 6 million students with strong and secure internet connections. This would be vital as internet connections will allow pupils to complete homework, assignments and revision as well as access extra learning resources that can strengthen and deepen their understanding.

The Lemann Foundation has contributed to the provision of such resources by partnering with the Khan Academy to give approximately 600,000 students access to courses on maths, history, science and more, every month, helping improve education in Brazil. This allows students to go beyond the material they are learning at school, as well as enhancing their knowledge of the content in the curriculum.

Bolsa Familia and the Favela Foundation

This program creates incentives for families to send their children to school, providing approximately $35 to families living in poverty. It helps families send their children to school, and for health checkups, something that poverty prevents many children from accessing. It has benefited 50 million people in Brazil and is very beneficial for families living in poverty. The program has also inspired many other countries to develop their version of this, including countries like Indonesia, Mexico and South Africa.

The Favela Foundation funds educational and sports projects for children. For example, it has worked with the Alfazendo Ecorede organization to provide teacher training in the City of God favela in Rio de Janeiro. This training ensures that teachers know how to successfully support and teach students in favelas.

The Future

These programs and numerous others have grown and helped millions of people and inspired other countries. Statistics show that such initiatives are making a significant impact—the number of Brazilian graduates has tripled from 2000 to 2022. Hopefully, in the future, education in Brazil will continue to improve and prosper.

– Maryam Abdalla

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

Photo: Flickr

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5 Global Leaders Driving Poverty Reduction

5 Global Leaders Driving Poverty ReductionGlobal leaders often play a critical role in driving poverty reduction by casting decisive votes and implementing impactful policies. Indeed, around the world, several leaders have introduced programs that contribute to measurable poverty alleviation. Here are five global leaders who have focused on poverty reduction in their countries.

5 Global Leaders Driving Poverty Reduction

  1. Xi Jinping. Xi Jinping serves as the president of China, one of the world’s largest economies. Since he assumed office, the Chinese government reports that it has lifted 98.99 million people out of extreme poverty, defined as living on less than $1.69 per day. Poverty reduction has remained a central focus of national policy during Xi’s leadership.
    The nearly 100 million people affected by this effort live in diverse regions. The government supported more than 128,000 villages in improving community development.
  2. Katrín Jakobsdóttir. Katrín Jakobsdóttir is the Prime Minister of Iceland, one of the northernmost countries in the world. Jakobsdóttir is a well-respected feminist, known for her achievements in addressing poverty among women. In 2018, her administration enacted a law that prohibits unequal pay between men and women for the same work. In 2017, 13.6% of women in Iceland lived in poverty. Following the new law, that number dropped to 11.3% in 2018. By 2023, the poverty rate had fallen further to 8.9% for women and 9% for men.
  3. Narendra Modi. Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister of India, the most populous country in the world, located in South Asia. Since he took office in 2014, the Indian government reports that it has lifted 250 million people out of poverty. Over the last decade, India’s GDP per capita rose by $2,000, while 17% of the population moved above the poverty line. Modi’s administration continues to focus on sustainable development as part of its broader economic strategy.
  4. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is the President of Brazil, the largest country in Latin America. His success in reducing poverty is largely attributed to a social program he implemented called “Bolsa Família.” This program has reached more than 50 million people in Brazil, offering families in poverty financial benefits on the condition that they attend regular medical check-ups and ensure their children receive an education. This compromise has shown to be effective.
  5. Paul Kagame. Paul Kagame is the President of Rwanda, a country in central Africa near Lake Victoria. Upon taking office in 2000, Kagame launched a program called Rwanda Vision 2020, which has exceeded its initial expectations. In 2000, Rwanda’s poverty rate was 75.2%. However, by 2024, this figure had fallen to 38.2%. Rwanda has invested in agriculture, health care and education to improve livelihoods across the country. However, ongoing regional conflict involving the M23 militia poses challenges to further development.

Leadership and Poverty Reduction

These political figures demonstrate a range of approaches to poverty reduction, from equal pay laws to social protection programs. While each country faces unique challenges, the common thread among these leaders is their early and sustained commitment to addressing poverty through policy and investment. Their efforts offer useful models for other nations and underscore the importance of leadership in global poverty reduction.

– Nicholas East

Nicholas is based in Ashby, MA, USA and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva: Reducing Poverty in Brazil

Reducing Poverty in BrazilBrazil’s president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, also known as President Lula, has returned to lead the country after winning his third non-consecutive term in 2023. When he assumed office, Brazil’s poverty rate stood at 23.5%, based on the poverty line of $6.85 USD per day per capita. Within one year, President Lula managed to reduce poverty in Brazil to 1.7%. Although Lula’s leadership has driven significant progress in Brazil, he continues to face challenges.

Lula’s First Two Terms

On October 27, 2002, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva secured election as Brazil’s president, becoming the first former laborer to achieve this role. During his first term, he tackled issues that burdened Brazil, such as income inequality, the minimum wage and economic record-keeping.

He launched social programs like Bolsa Família and enacted reforms to address these challenges. Despite these accomplishments, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva faced criticism for neglecting education and crime as well as for a scandal involving his party’s illegal campaign funding.

In 2006, Lula triumphed in the presidential election again through two rounds of voting. His leadership fostered Brazil’s prosperity, symbolized by the selection of Brazil to host the 2016 Summer Olympics.

Under Lula’s guidance, Brazil thrived; however, constitutional limits prevented him from pursuing a third consecutive term. Consequently, Lula endorsed Dilma Rousseff to succeed him as Brazil’s leader.

Lula’s Absence From Office and Incarceration

Rousseff secured consecutive election victories, but during her second term in 2014, a corruption scandal implicated Lula, business owners and other Workers’ Party politicians. Over the next few years, dramatic events led to Lula’s incarceration and eventual release. Although Lula faced charges, the Supreme Court of Brazil annulled all accusations against him in 2021, clearing the way for his re-election bid.

Lula’s Reelection and Reconstruction of Brazil

In 2022, Lula campaigned against Jair Bolsonaro, a far-right politician who accelerated Amazon deforestation and mismanaged the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in more than 600,000 deaths in Brazil. Lula emerged victorious in the election’s second round and began his third term.

Lula reinstated the policies he introduced during his first two terms. Since his return to office, 8.7 million Brazilians have moved above the poverty line. To illustrate this achievement, 10,875 individuals per day escaped poverty after Lula’s return.

Poverty reduction in Brazil is largely credited to Bolsa Família, the social program Lula initiated. Bolsa Família provides financial support to families in poverty on the condition that they ensure their children receive education and healthcare. Inspired by this program’s success, nearly 20 countries have adopted similar initiatives. Its broad reach is evident, as 42.7% of children aged 0-14 benefit from its provisions.

Unsolved Issues

Despite Brazil’s notable progress under Lula’s leadership, the country struggles with persistent racial inequality. Among Brazilians aged 15-29, 10.3 million remain unemployed and disconnected from education.

Of this group, 45.2% are black or brown women, and 23.4% are black or brown men. Altogether, 68.6% of this demographic identifies as black or brown.

What Lula and the Rest of the World Can Learn

Lula has undeniably advanced Brazil’s development during all three presidential terms. Brazil stands to benefit by maintaining Lula’s policies while expanding efforts to support disadvantaged populations, whilst reducing overall poverty in Brazil.

Brazil has already extended aid to previously underserved groups, as evidenced by Bolsa Família’s reach. Taking further steps to address the needs of marginalized communities could perfect the program’s impact.

For the world, Lula’s leadership and Bolsa Família serve as examples of effective governance. Nations facing similar challenges can adopt programs like Bolsa Família, which deliver substantial benefits with relatively simple implementation.

– Nicholas East

Nicholas is based in Ashby, MA, USA and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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PretaHub: Stimulating Growth in Brazil

pretahubIn Brazil, where economic inequality disproportionately affects Black communities, one woman is driving transformative change through entrepreneurship. Adriana Barbosa, founder of PretaHub, has dedicated her career to empowering Black entrepreneurs and reducing poverty by fostering economic inclusion. Through initiatives like the Feira Preta Festival, Barbosa has built a thriving network that strengthens Black-owned businesses, promotes financial independence, and challenges systemic barriers.

PretaHub: A Platform for Economic Empowerment

Adriana Barbosa launched PretaHub as a business accelerator that focuses on supporting Black entrepreneurs, many of whom face limited access to funding, mentorship and networking opportunities. The platform provides essential resources such as business training, financial literacy programs and investment connections.

PretaHub helps create sustainable businesses that generate employment and uplift communities by equipping entrepreneurs with these tools. It helps entrepreneurs overcome challenges they often face, such as denied credit.

Barbosa’s work through PretaHub directly addresses these disparities by creating opportunities for economic mobility. PretaHub is responsible for investing $2.2 million into assisting entrepreneurs, as of February 2024. By strengthening Black-owned businesses, she not only helps individuals but also contributes to broader economic development, reducing poverty by increasing financial stability within marginalized communities.

Celebrating Black Innovation

A key initiative of PretaHub is the Feira Preta Festival, an annual event that highlights and supports Black entrepreneurship, culture and innovation. This festival serves as a marketplace and networking hub where Black business owners can showcase their products, connect with potential investors and gain media visibility. It also includes workshops, panel discussions and mentorship programs designed to equip entrepreneurs with valuable skills, according to the Atlas of the Future.

The festival has become a crucial platform for economic inclusion, attracting thousands of participants and contributing to a growing ecosystem of Black-owned businesses in Brazil. Furthermore, by fostering visibility and market access, Feira Preta directly supports financial growth and job creation, helping to break the cycle of poverty in Black communities.

Reducing Poverty Through Business Growth

The impact of PretaHub extends beyond individual business success—it is part of a larger movement that could reduce poverty by empowering historically excluded communities. When small businesses succeed, they strengthen local economies while creating jobs for the working class.

PretaHub’s initiatives have provided Black entrepreneurs with the tools to grow, helping them achieve financial independence and, in turn, uplift their communities. One of the most significant ways PretaHub reduces poverty is by addressing the financial barriers that often prevent Black entrepreneurs from scaling their businesses. Through partnerships with financial institutions, PretaHub has facilitated greater access to microloans, grants and investment opportunities, ensuring that small businesses have the resources needed to grow, according to the Atlas of the Future.

Additionally, the organization provides training in financial literacy, helping entrepreneurs manage their businesses more effectively and build long-term stability. This financial support and education not only help individual business owners but could also contribute to broader economic development by fostering job creation and local economic stimulation. By empowering Black entrepreneurs to succeed, PretaHub is actively working to close the racial wealth gap and create a more equitable future for all.

Creating Initiatives That Reduce Poverty

Adriana Barbosa’s leadership in PretaHub exemplifies how women-led businesses can be a driving force for economic and social change. Through initiatives like the Feira Preta Festival, she has created opportunities for Black entrepreneurs to thrive, reducing poverty and challenging systemic inequality. Indeed, her work is a testament to the power of innovation, resilience, and community-driven economic development. As PretaHub continues to grow, its impact on Brazil’s economic landscape will only strengthen, paving the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future.

– Bailie Cross

Bailie is based in Pensacola, FL, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Food Systems in Brazil: Key Challenges and Opportunities

Food Systems in BrazilFood systems in Brazil are diverse, complex and influenced by the country’s size, geography and rich cultural heritage. With 90% of its food domestically produced, the country is a leader in agribusiness and one of the world’s largest producers of agricultural products such as soybeans, coffee, sugarcane, beef and chicken. Yet, Brazil still faces a paradox—despite these impressive numbers, the nation struggles with hunger and inequality.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact

Brazil faces significant challenges in ensuring equitable food systems and access to healthy food, particularly for low-income populations. In 2021, 36% of Brazilians experienced food insecurity, according to research by FGV Social, a crisis exacerbated by changing weather patterns—one of the world’s most pressing concerns today. Droughts and extreme weather events have severely impacted food systems in Brazil, while industrial agriculture, particularly soybean and cattle farming, has contributed to deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions, further escalating environmental challenges.

Regions dependent on industrial agriculture are continually suffering from soil degradation and water pollution due to intensive farming practices, which affect food availability and increase the vulnerability of rural communities, especially in regions like the Northeast and Central-West, where the Amazon and Cerrado biomes are located and under threat.

Government subsidies often favor large agribusinesses over small-scale farmers, creating economic disparities and hindering the growth of sustainable local food systems.

Challenges and Opportunities

Brazil has strong food security and school feeding policies, but their effectiveness depends on political priorities. Changing weather patterns, global trade dynamics and social inequalities will continue to shape food systems in Brazil. The country’s current food system comes with significant hidden costs, estimated at about $500 billion annually, mainly due to unsustainable practices.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva emphasized this issue, stating: “Hunger is not the result of external factors. It is, above all, the result of political choices. Today, the world produces more than enough food to eradicate [hunger]. What is missing is creating the conditions for access to food.”

Addressing these challenges and adapting to these changes requires building resilient food systems, which will demand a multifaceted approach, including policy reforms, sustainable agricultural practices and initiatives to improve food access and equity. This was a key focus in the Webinar from the Sovereignty and Climate Center in partnership with the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), where experts analyzed the relationship between changing weather patterns and food security in Brazil.

PNAE & Bolsa Família

The Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar (PNAE) ensures that more than 40 million students in public schools receive free, nutritious meals daily. Established in 1955, PNAE prioritizes local food procurement, benefiting small-scale farmers while improving children’s access to healthy meals. The program has played a crucial role in reducing malnutrition and promoting food security in low-income communities.

As for the Bolsa Família Program, one of the most successful conditional cash transfer programs in the world, it benefits more than 21 million families. Launched in 2003, it provides financial aid to low-income families under the condition that children attend school and receive vaccinations. Through the program, extreme poverty reduced by 15% and significantly improved child nutrition and school enrollment rates across Brazil.

Strengthening these programs can help further advance sustainable food systems in Brazil, ensuring food security, supporting local farmers and reducing economic disparities.

Looking Ahead

There is a growing push toward more sustainable agricultural practices, such as agroecology and organic farming, driven by concerns over health and environmental sustainability. Transitioning to more sustainable food systems presents great potential for significant cost savings and ecological benefits.

One example is ProVeg Brazil, an organization promoting plant-based diets and sustainable food choices in a country where meat consumption and production are widespread. In 2024, 14% of Brazilians identified as vegetarian, reflecting a shift in dietary trends. While the vegan and organic markets are expanding, challenges remain, as organic and plant-based products are often more expensive than conventional options. Additionally, small-scale organic farmers face difficulties in distribution and certification, along with cultural preferences favoring traditional diets.

Despite these challenges, the growth of veganism and the organic food market signals a transformation in food systems in Brazil, offering promising opportunities for sustainability, health and economic innovation.

– Rhasna Albuquerque

Rhasna is based in Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil and focuses on Good News and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Impact of Foreign Aid on Brazil

Impact of Foreign Aid on BrazilIn 2022, Brazil received an estimated $577 million in foreign aid from countries such as the United States (U.S.) and international organizations like the United Nations (U.N.). Given that Brazil is home to two-thirds of the world’s largest rainforest, much of this aid is focused on environmental conservation, particularly in the Amazon rainforest. The SOS Amazônia Association has worked extensively on deforestation prevention through the Fundo Amazônia (Amazon Fund), a state fund supporting indigenous communities and conservation efforts.

Several countries, including Norway, Germany, the United Kingdom (U.K.), the U.S. and Switzerland, contribute to the fund. According to gov.br, these combined efforts led to a 30.6% decrease in deforestation. However, future funding remains uncertain. Since August 2024, the U.S. has donated $50 million and, in November, pledged another $50 million to further support foreign aid efforts in Brazil.

Infrastructure Development in Brazil

Brazil has attracted significant foreign investment to strengthen its infrastructure and boost economic growth. In November of 2024, Brazilian development bank BNDES negotiated a deal with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) for a 16.7 billion reais ($2.89 billion) investment to develop the country’s infrastructure. With this, Brazil looks to improve its economy while creating transport infrastructure to encourage trade between Asia and South America. Additionally, in September 2024, the World Bank Board of Directors approved a $150 million loan to improve road infrastructure in the state of Bahia. The project prioritizes road safety improvements, climate adaptation and reduced transport costs. If successful, this initiative will increase mobility, lower carbon emissions and stimulate economic growth in one of Brazil’s key regions.

Welcoming Migrants Through Foreign Aid

Brazil’s “Operação Acolhida” (Operation Welcome) is a humanitarian program providing housing, employment and resources to Venezuelan migrants resettling in the state of Roraima. The program has received substantial U.S. foreign aid, allowing thousands of migrants to integrate into Brazilian society. However, the uncertainty surrounding future U.S. funding has put the program at risk, prompting officials to seek alternative sources of financial support.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has expressed a willingness to provide additional support to keep Operation Welcome running. The program is recognized as a model for managing migration crises in Latin America, highlighting the importance of continued international aid in maintaining humanitarian assistance.

From Recipient to Donor

Brazil, South America’s largest economy, has historically been a major recipient of foreign aid. However, recent economic growth has allowed Brazil to transition into a donor nation, assisting developing countries. The country now contributes aid to Haiti, Guatemala, Paraguay and Portuguese-speaking African nations such as Mozambique, Timor-Leste and Guinea-Bissau. The country’s annual foreign aid contributions total approximately $1 billion, positioning it alongside India and China as an emerging donor. While foreign aid to Brazil is expected to decrease in the coming years, the country remains one of the largest aid providers among developing nations, focusing on regional stability and economic cooperation.

Looking Ahead

Foreign aid has significantly contributed to Brazil’s environmental conservation, infrastructure development and humanitarian initiatives. Programs like Fundo Amazônia, Operation Welcome and infrastructure partnerships with international banks have demonstrated tangible benefits. However, the potential decline in funding poses challenges to maintaining progress. Strengthening domestic investments, leveraging private-sector partnerships and fostering regional collaborations could help bridge funding gaps. While foreign aid has been instrumental in Brazil’s economic and social advancements, the country aims to increase self-sufficiency, playing a greater role in global development efforts.

– Naseem Rahman

Naseem is based in Staten Island, NY, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Migration to Brazil and Its Effects on the Economy

Migration to BrazilFrom 1870 to 1930, between two to three million immigrants resettled in Brazil. In the early days of migration to Brazil, most settlers were Europeans. However, toward the latter ’30s, Brazil saw a massive influx of Middle Eastern and Asian immigrants settle in various parts of the country. Due to the multiple types of settlers, Brazil has become known for its rich and diverse culture, which has spread across the country. With this, Brazil’s economy greatly benefited in the mid-2010s, seeing sizable economic growth. With fewer migrants coming in the 2020s, Brazil’s economy has dipped.

Economic Benefits

Immigration to Brazil has led to many economic benefits across the financial landscape. According to the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB), when Brazil sees an increase in immigration, it could see up to a 35% increase in total imports. The IADB concluded through a specialized study that an increase in the Haitian population led to a 6% increase in exports to Haiti.

Brazil has also been the relocation destination of more than 100,000 Venezuelan refugees. Through a government initiative, the country relocated them to the border of Roraima, where they received access to proper housing, food and jobs. A 2021 follow-up survey of 2,000 Venezuelans found they took advantage of education and housing opportunities during their relocation, with eight in 10 adults securing employment or starting businesses.

Migrant Challenges

While migration to Brazil has brought people from all over the world, many struggle not with reaching the country but building a sustainable life once they arrive. Due to inadequate asylum procedures and limited proficiency in Portuguese, many migrants face challenges in their early days in Brazil.

Recognizing the inequality of opportunity for migrants in the Brazilian workforce, foreign agencies such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have looked to create initiatives in Brazil to immerse migrants into formal work.

Brazilians of Lebanese Descent

Home to the world’s largest Lebanese diaspora, Brazil is estimated to have between seven and 10 million people of descent, according to Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Migration from the Middle East, primarily Lebanon, began in 1870, deeply integrating Lebanese culture into Brazilian society. In August 2016, Michel Temer became Brazil’s first president of Lebanese ancestry. While many Lebanese migrants faced the same challenges and discrimination as today’s newcomers, at one point, 10% of the Brazilian Congress had Lebanese origins.

A Bright Future

Although migration to Brazil has been at a plateau in recent years, the previous and continued migration allows for the potential of a bright future for migrants and natives alike. Economic growth, along with migrants’ rights reform, opens the door for more migrants to enter Brazil. Despite challenges at the beginning of migrants’ journeys in Brazil, the work of government initiatives and foreign agencies gives hope for a bright future in Brazil.

– Naseem Rahman

Naseem is based in Staten Island, NY, USA and focuses on Business and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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5 Things to Know about Renewable Energy in Brazil

Renewable Energy in BrazilBrazil is one of the largest energy markets in the world, and the largest energy market in Latin America. There are over 88 million consumers of electricity in Brazil, including residential, commercial and industrial consumers. With Brazil producing and consuming that much energy, renewable energy sources such as hydroelectric, solar, and wind power are incredibly popular throughout the country.

Renewable Energy Efforts

  1. Brazil is a world leader in renewable energy. The global average for renewable energy sectors is 25%, whereas renewable energy accounts for more than 80% of Brazil’s energy network, according to the International Trade Administration (IDA). Brazil also has one of the cleanest energy matrices in the world, with the vast majority of its energy production being renewable. For the most part, Brazil also focuses on domestic energy production, instead of outsourcing or importing their energy.
  2. The most popular form of renewable energy in Brazil is hydropower. In 2020, hydroelectric power produced 66% of all electricity generated in Brazil, which is five times more than the amount of electricity that fossil fuels produced. Most hydroelectric power plants operate in the Amazon River Basin, which is in northern Brazil. Brazil has more than 150 active hydropower plants.
  3. Plastic water bottles are providing energy. Several areas in Brazil still do not have reliable access to electricity. Some organizations, like Litro de Luz, are working to provide access to electricity through the use of recyclable materials. The organization uses these materials, including plastic bottles and PVC pipes, to create solar panels that function as lanterns or lamp posts. Litro de Luz focuses on low-income families in impoverished regions. Their inventive solar energy methods have provided reliable renewable electricity to more than 20,000 people.
  4. While solar energy only accounted for less than 10% of energy produced in Brazil in 2020, it is rapidly becoming more popular as a renewable energy source, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). There has been a focus on providing solar energy in low-income areas due to the low cost of installation and upkeep. Organizations like ABSOLAR work with Brazilian solar companies and energy companies to promote the increased use of solar energy throughout the country. By 2030, Brazil hopes to have solar energy account for the majority of its power expansion.
  5. Wind turbines are another form of renewable energy in Brazil. The first wind turbine in Brazil began operations in 1992, and Brazilians have steadily increased the use of turbines since. The Brazilian Wind Power Association estimates that 16% of renewable energy in the country comes from wind power. There are also more than 1,100 wind farms in Brazil, both onshore and offshore. In addition to providing clean energy, wind power is also helping to provide jobs in Brazil. Each wind turbine installed creates roughly 11 jobs.

A Booming Industry

Renewable energy in Brazil is a booming industry. It provides thousands of jobs and access to clean, reliable energy to those in need. Brazil utilizes several renewable energy sources, including hydroelectric, solar and wind power. There are also many organizations working to make renewable energy available to everyone, such as ABSOLAR, Litro de Luz, and the Brazilian Wind Power Association. Renewable energy is helping to make electricity access affordable, reliable, and clean around the world. Brazil is steadily growing as a leader in this mission.

– Lizzie Mazzola

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

Photo: Flickr