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The Luminos Fund’s Second Chance Program

Luminos Fund's Second Chance ProgramThe Luminos Fund’s Second Chance program achieved significant success in Ethiopia, providing accelerated learning opportunities to more than 10,000 out-of-school children affected by COVID-19 and internal conflicts. This initiative, renowned for its innovative, child-centered teaching methods, compresses multiple years of curriculum into one, facilitating rapid reintegration into mainstream education. It addresses urgent educational gaps exacerbated by disruptions, emphasizing holistic child development alongside robust emotional and social support frameworks.

The Second Chance Program

Recent studies demonstrate significant improvements in literacy and numeracy among program participants. For example, a study conducted by the Ethiopian Ministry of Education found that children enrolled in the Second Chance program showed notable progress in their academic skills. Children who participated in the program “outperformed other students by an average of 10% across math, English and the local language (Sidama).”

Hana’s story epitomizes the transformative impact of the Second Chance program. Despite missing two years of schooling due to the pandemic, Hana not only caught up with her peers but also excelled academically. She had become a top-performing student in her class, inspiring her community and demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in restoring educational opportunities to disadvantaged children.

The Education and Life Skills Program

Moreover, World Vision Ethiopia’s Education and Life Skills (EdLS) Program is dedicated to improving developmental outcomes for children in targeted communities. It focuses on enhancing literacy skills, supporting early learning and ensuring readiness for primary education among children aged 7-14.

Throughout 2023, the program was active across 34 Area Programmes (APs), implementing three distinct project models: Learning Roots (LR) in 21 APs, Basic Education Programme (BEP) in 19 APs and Unlock Literacy (UL) in 19 APs, all aimed at achieving these crucial outcomes. With an investment surpassing $4.9 million, the EdLS positively impacted approximately 294,000 children, with a strong emphasis on benefiting more than 150,000 girls.

This significant investment underscores the program’s commitment to enhancing the educational quality and fostering a supportive learning environment, ultimately contributing to long-term educational and social development in these communities.

The Impact of the Programs

The success of the Second Chance and the EdLS programs extend beyond individual achievements to encompass community-wide benefits and offer inspiration to other organizations for a domino effect. Active community involvement and engagement have been integral to the sustainability and impact of the Second Chance and the EdLS programs. Local stakeholders, including parents, teachers and community leaders, play a vital role in supporting children’s educational journey and fostering a conducive learning environment.

The Luminos Fund’s Second Chance program in Ethiopia exemplifies the transformative potential of targeted educational interventions. By equipping disadvantaged children with essential academic skills and comprehensive support systems, the program not only addresses immediate educational challenges but also cultivates long-term resilience and prosperity within communities. Through rigorous academic studies and compelling success stories like Hana’s, the program underscores the critical role of education in empowering children and building a brighter future for Ethiopia’s next generation.

– Demi Olin

Demi is based in Huntington, WV, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Rapid Economic Development in Ethiopia

Economic Development in EthiopiaEthiopia is a low-income country in the Horn of Africa. It is one of the world’s oldest countries, but the territorial borders have changed multiple times during its existence. The country has a history of conflict and war.  In 2020, a civil war broke out in the country, which lasted for two years. Not long before this war started, the long-lasting conflict with Eritrea ended. Ethiopia also has a history of famine and poverty. However, in the last few years, the economic development in Ethiopia has been booming and the economy continues to grow.

About Poverty in Ethiopia

Ethiopia is one of the poorest states in Africa and the second-most populated country after Nigeria. According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), approximately 68% of Ethiopia’s population was multidimensionally poor in 2021. Poverty has various adverse effects on the country, including the prevalence of serious diseases.

The population is highly susceptible to diseases such as malaria, HIV, tuberculosis and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). In 2019, NCDs caused 43% of deaths in Ethiopia. Furthermore, its average gross domestic product (GDP) per capita is $1,028 as of 2022 and a significant portion of the population struggles to access an adequate food supply. This widespread food insecurity in Ethiopia is attributed to overall poverty, droughts and past conflicts, among other factors.

Economic Growth

Ethiopia is experiencing rapid economic growth, with an impressive 7.2% increase in the 2022/23 fiscal year. The country has made significant progress in reducing poverty. Between 1995 and 2015, the percentage of Ethiopians living below the international poverty line decreased from 69% to 27%. The list below showcases the main reasons why Ethiopia’s economic development is booming:

  1. In 2018, the Ethiopian government launched an Urban Institutional and Infrastructure Development program. The program’s goals are to promote structural and economic transformation through increased productivity, build resilience and inclusiveness, support institutional accountability and confront corruption. The program, which will end in July 2024, has improved the living conditions for at least 6.6 million Ethiopians living in the countryside.
  2. Agriculture is an essential driver of economic development in Ethiopia. The industry accounts for 40% of Ethiopia’s GDP and an estimated 75% of the country’s workforce finds itself in this field. The government has set a plan to replace wheat imports with local production. It has introduced farming techniques that allow wheat to be harvested twice a year. By 2022, Ethiopia had become completely self-sufficient in producing wheat for its inhabitants. In the same year, it made more than one million tons of surplus, which it exported. The wheat initiative has been a great success.
  3. Due to the rapidly growing population, the government is facing challenges in creating enough jobs. Small and medium-sized enterprises play a crucial role in the Ethiopian economy. Therefore, the government has begun to focus on supporting small and medium-sized businesses as part of its plan to create three million more jobs annually.
  4. Some of the elements mentioned are part of the government’s Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda. This is an economic reform that was launched in 2021 and focuses on:
    • Ensuring macroeconomic stability to sustain the rapidly growing economic growth.
    • Rebalancing the public and private sector’s role in the economy.
    • Unlocking new and existing potential.

Looking Forward

In January 2024, the leaders of Ethiopia and Somaliland signed a memorandum of understanding. Ethiopia, which is landlocked, will be allowed to use Somaliland’s port for commercial traffic. In return, Somaliland will get a share of Ethiopia Airlines. This deal has irritated Somalia, which considers Somaliland to be part of its territory. However, if or when this deal is set in motion, Ethiopia’s economic development will likely reach new heights.

– Sigrid Nyhammer

Sigrid is based in London, UK and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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4 Countries Improving Malnutrition with RUTF

4 Countries Improving Malnutrition with RUTFThe global malnutrition crisis significantly impacts millions in underdeveloped nations. According to the World Food Programme, severe food insecurity affects more than 309 million people across 72 countries. This crisis stems from factors beyond poverty, including inadequate dietary intake, limited healthcare services and a lack of access to safe drinking water and resources. Ready-to-use therapeutic Food (RUTF) has become a key intervention in combating global malnutrition effectively.

Improving Malnutrition with RUTF

André Briend and Michel Lescanne developed RUTF more than 25 years ago to offer effective nutritional treatment for malnourished children. This high-energy paste includes ingredients like powdered milk and peanuts, along with essential vitamins, providing substantial nutritional value without the need for water or concerns about rapid spoilage. UNICEF reports that consuming three packets of RUTF daily for six to eight weeks can significantly address acute malnutrition in children and the agency currently distributes approximately 80% of the global supply. Additionally, numerous nongovernmental organizations are involved in distributing RUTF. Several countries have revealed notable improvements in the nutritional status of children and adults facing chronic malnutrition through the use of RUTF.

Yemen

Yemen faces a severe food security crisis, with 56% of its population lacking proper nutrition and nearly 500,000 children suffering from acute malnutrition. In response, UNICEF has partnered with USAID’s Office of Food for Peace and the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance to combat starvation among children using RUTF. In the Tur Al Bahah district’s Al-Khatabiah area, 20% of children are acutely malnourished. Local health centers, supported by UNICEF, screen for malnutrition, provide RUTF treatment and conduct follow-up check-ups. The treatment has significantly aided recovery, improving conditions for affected families. USAID/BHA has supplied RUTF to address more than 144,000 cases of malnutrition in Yemen, underscoring the critical role of RUTF in combating the nation’s food insecurity.

Haiti

In Haiti, the struggle against malnutrition intensifies amid natural disasters, poor sanitation and economic challenges. With a population of 11.7 million, nearly 4.3 million face acute malnutrition and more than 22% of children under age 5 experience chronic hunger. The country’s escalating violence often hampers access to healthcare centers. To combat this, nongovernmental organizations, like Meds and Food for Kids, deliver nutritional support with their RUTF known locally as “Medika Mamba” or “Peanut Butter Medicine.” This product effectively restores essential micronutrients and is produced following standards set by PlumpyField and Nutriset, global leaders in nutritional solutions. Annually, Meds and Food for Kids produces more than 1000 metric tons of RUTF, achieving a 92% treatment success rate for malnourished children within 8 to 12 weeks.

Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, environmental challenges such as droughts and declining livestock productivity exacerbate food insecurity. The COVID-19 pandemic’s lockdown measures further worsened the situation as nearly one million children lost access to school feeding programs. This has led to acute malnutrition and a rise in micronutrient deficiencies, including iron deficiency anemia and Vitamin A deficiency. To combat this, Ethiopia’s government and UNICEF have committed to protecting vulnerable populations, such as children and pregnant women. Since 2007, Hilina Enriched Foods has collaborated with UNICEF to distribute RUTF to communities in urgent need. This partnership leverages ‘last-mile distribution’ strategies to deliver RUTF directly to health facilities, ensuring timely supply across 240 districts and improving malnutrition management in hard-to-reach areas.

Democratic Republic of Congo

In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), malnutrition affects 40% of children. From June 2023 to June 2024, about 1.1 million children ages 6 to 59 months and 605,000 pregnant women experienced high rates of acute malnutrition. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines child wasting as rapid weight and muscle loss due to insufficient nutrient intake, often exacerbated by inadequate feeding practices and scarce resources. To combat this, the DRC has integrated RUTF into its national healthcare strategy, including listing it on the Essential Medicines List. UNICEF, the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), the World Bank and various NGOs with private funding have supplied RUTF.

Moving Forward

UNICEF has acknowledged the integration of RUTF in national clinical guidelines for malnutrition management across 71 countries. This adoption underscores a growing reliance on RUTF to combat global malnutrition effectively. Nations such as Yemen, Haiti, Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of Congo have made significant strides by incorporating RUTF into their health strategies, revealing marked improvements in severe malnutrition cases. The support from UNICEF, USAID and various nongovernmental organizations has been instrumental in these ongoing efforts. Continued investment and focus on the programs could be essential for reducing malnutrition and improving health outcomes globally.

– Abigail Lobo

Abigail is based in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Improving Child Mental Health in Ethiopia

Improving Child Mental Health in EthiopiaEthiopia, a landlocked country in East Africa, is the continent’s second-most populous nation with an estimated 129 million people. Despite its large population, poverty is pervasive, with 68.7% of its residents classified as multidimensionally poor, according to the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative. The impact on children is particularly severe, with an estimated 13 million living in poverty and two million in extreme conditions, lacking necessities such as housing, sanitation, clothing, food and education. Additionally, mental health in Ethiopia remains a significant concern, with a noticeable lack of resources and awareness compounding the challenges faced by those living in poverty. The United Nations (U.N.) emphasizes that “…it is most threatening and harmful to children, leaving them unable to enjoy their rights, to reach their full potential and to participate as full members of the society.”

Mental Health in Ethiopia

Childhood and adolescence are crucial phases for physical and mental development and poverty could hinder a child’s ability to focus on studies and connect with peers. In sub-Saharan Africa, the prevalence of depression among 10 to 19-year-olds is about 27%, significantly higher than in Europe and other high-income countries. In 2023, around 24.68% of Ethiopian children experienced mental health issues. The stark disparity in mental health prevalence between regions stems from differences in socioeconomic status, living conditions and public childcare resources. High-income countries, with more advanced childcare systems, provide minimally adequate care for depression to approximately one out of every five individuals, contrasting sharply with one out of 27 in lower-middle-income countries like Ethiopia.

Tackling the Root Source

In Ethiopia, the lack of a defined mental health system for children stems not just from inadequate resources but also from a pervasive lack of awareness. Many Ethiopians hold traditional views on mental disorders, encapsulated in the phrase “Lij Bedilu Yadgal,” which translates to “children will grow by their chance or luck.” This perspective aligns with the belief that mental health issues are spiritual and best treated through cultural or religious practices. Combined with the challenges posed by poverty, this has led to significant gaps in child psychiatric services within the health care system. Addressing these issues requires a focus on community mental health care to enhance awareness, reduce stigma, support recovery and foster social inclusion.

A New Direction

Recently, Ethiopia’s Federal Ministry of Health has initiated new mental health initiatives, including the Enrichment Center Ethiopia’s Support the Care-givers Intervention Program (SCI). This innovative program brings together a team of professionals and volunteers from around the globe to assist infants and children in meeting critical developmental needs. Despite scarce resources, SCI focuses on children aged 0 to 6, aiming to elevate caregiving knowledge by training mothers, social workers, teachers, teaching assistants and childcare staff in orphanages. The training encompasses four weeks of comprehensive sessions in eight different groups, covering essential caregiving skills such as attachment and secure base, insightfulness, reflective functioning and dialogue, emotional regulation and empathy. This approach is designed to enhance the early developmental environment for Ethiopia’s children, particularly in settings where traditional support structures may be lacking.

So far, the Enrichment Center Ethiopia’s training program has educated more than 400 caregivers, with overwhelmingly positive outcomes. Participants report reduced instances of violence, enhanced family dynamics, deeper emotional bonds with children and increased job satisfaction. Leveraging local resources and manpower, ECE’s experience serves as an inspiring model for other communities, demonstrating a cost-effective approach to raising awareness and improving mental health care for young children.

Looking Ahead

Ethiopia’s challenges with widespread poverty and inadequate mental health resources, especially for children, require ongoing attention and intervention. Initiatives by the Federal Ministry of Health and programs like the Enrichment Center Ethiopia’s caregiver training are making strides in addressing these ongoing issues. By focusing on enhancing caregiving practices and providing support, these programs aim to improve the mental health and well-being of Ethiopian children. Continued dedication to these ongoing efforts could be vital in creating a healthier and more resilient future for the country’s youth.

– Kewe Chen

Kewe is based in Memphis, TN, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Innovations for Poverty Action Is Helping Fight Poverty

Innovations for Poverty ActionInnovations for Poverty Action (IPA) was founded in 2002 and works to find tested and proven solutions to fight poverty. The organization has offices and projects in 20 countries and four continents. Through research and evidence, the IPA has implemented programs in many of these countries to help poverty-stricken areas.

Innovations for Poverty Action in Colombia

IPA first came to Colombia in 2010 and has since completed much research regarding poverty in the country. It has worked in various capacities, including education and migration. One of IPA’s major projects in Colombia, ConsultIPA, came from researching the effects of different programs and their impact on areas facing poverty.

ConsultIPA is an initiative that aims to help small, local nonprofit organizations develop programs. This branch of IPA works out of Colombia and provides support for these nonprofits in their commitment to the right monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) system. So far, ConsultIPA has helped multiple nonprofits start their foundations and implement working strategies. Two of the bigger nonprofits that IPA has helped are Fundación Iguaraya and Planeta Rural. Both of these organizations have impacted their local communities and led to bigger initiatives and practices.

Fundación Iguaraya focuses on sustainability in Colombia and promoting a greater quality of life for its residents. Its initial mission regarded local communities and their involvement in conservation efforts to achieve greater biodiversity. Over time, the mission has evolved into learning more about the local communities and how to best amplify their voices as it relates to the cultural heritage of the people. The initiative has also provided jobs, specifically as tour guides for people traveling to these local spots.

Planeta Rural has also developed into a very important organization in Colombia. The nonprofit works with young people in the rural countryside to provide help for those in need. Planeta Rural has established programs to help the more impoverished areas grow food and explore newer technologies in support of these areas.

IPA in Ethiopia

IPA has also started developing more programs in Ethiopia. Although the group does not have a base in the country, it has partnered with local groups to provide training and support for the Ethiopian people. One of its major programs has been helping the “ultra-poor” through a graduation process. The IPA took a sample group of 925 households and divided them in half: one group would receive the program’s benefits and one would not.

After the households were picked, the project was based on five components: an asset, a training program, a support program, a savings program and home visits. Each component provided the households with much-needed support and had long-lasting impacts on these homes. The impacts of this study have been overwhelming for these families. Exit surveys have shown that the families reported economic impacts, including better saving methods. Families also said that they had enough food daily after the program. Another benefit of this program has been an increase in revenue as more families have been able to find jobs and profit from the new livestock provided during the IPA program.

Looking Forward

IPA continues to provide increasing support for areas affected by poverty and will continue pursuing new evidence and results in the fight against poverty.

– Dorothy Howard

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

Photo: Pexels

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Circular Economy Innovations and Poverty in Ethiopia

Poverty in EthiopiaEthiopia is a country with a cultural heritage and natural wealth. Yet, it faces high rates of poverty and environmental challenges. Even in this adversarial backdrop, innovative approaches toward a circular economy are emerging as one of the transformative solutions. These efforts shed light on how zero-waste initiatives, resource recovery programs and upcycling enterprises are not only mitigating environmental degradation but also creating economic opportunities and combating poverty in Ethiopia.

Poverty in Ethiopia

Ethiopia is among many African countries that face pervasive poverty. According to estimates by the World Bank, more than 20% of Ethiopia’s population lives below the poverty line and has little access to clean water, education and health facilities. Furthermore, rapid population growth and climatic changes raise the difficulty of the already existing challenges, making sustainable development a matter of high priority.

The principles of circular economies stress the use of resources in ways that are more regenerative, wasting little and reaping full value. It is within this argument that the circular economy opens a promising pathway for poverty alleviation in Ethiopia by inspiring economic growth while at the same time protecting the environment.

Zero-Waste Initiatives

Zero-waste initiatives aim to eliminate waste through redesigning production, reusing and promoting responsible consumption. In Ethiopia, organizations like the Zero Waste Ethiopia project pioneered such waste management strategies, with the core of reuse and recycling. By diverting waste away from landfills and incinerators, these initiatives effectively reduce environmental pollution while creating employment opportunities in the waste collection and recycling sectors.

An example of this progress is the Addis Ababa Waste-to-Energy Facility, which commenced operations in 2018. This facility converts municipal solid waste into electricity, offering a sustainable energy source to the capital while reducing methane emissions at landfill sites. In addition, community-based initiatives like the “Clean and Green Ethiopia” campaign encourage citizen participation in waste segregation and recycling, promoting environmental stewardship and community empowerment.

Resource Recovery Programs

Resource recovery programs tap into innovative technologies that release value from waste materials. Such initiatives in Ethiopia include producing biogas from organic waste and wastewater treatment plants, reducing environmental pollution and producing renewable energy and organic fertilizers. These programs empower locals by providing them with access to clean energy sources and enhanced agricultural productivity for poverty reduction.

With the support of international organizations, the Ethiopian Biogas Program began in 2009 and has since installed more than 42,000 biogas digesters in rural households, substituting traditional sources of biomass fuels and hence improving indoor air quality. The same applies to the wastewater treatment plant of the Hawassa Industrial Park, which recycles and treats industrial effluent to prevent water pollution of Lake Hawassa, sustaining the industrial development of the region in an environmentally friendly way.

Upcycled Ventures

Upcycled ventures give otherwise discarded material a high-value new life, creating a circular economy where waste represents a valuable resource. In Ethiopia, social enterprises like Sabahar and SoleRebels typify transformational potential through upcycling. Sabahar produces exquisite textiles from recycled materials, which gives artisans sustainable livelihoods while preserving traditional weaving techniques. Similarly, SoleRebels transforms old tires into fashionable footwear, offering opportunities for employment among marginalized groups while reducing waste in landfills.

These businesses not only help reduce poverty but also promote social inclusion and cultural conservation. These enterprises combine traditional craftsmanship with innovation in design, projecting cultural heritage to the world while generating income for their local communities.

Final Remark on Poverty in Ethiopia

The impacts of circular economy innovations extend into environmental sustainability dimensions, such as social and economic benefits, by creating new markets for recycled materials, employment opportunities and efficiency in resource use that contribute to poverty reduction and inclusive economic growth. However, such scaling up would involve a collaborative partnership among government, private sector and civil society stakeholders, coupled with investment in research, infrastructure and capacity building.

For a country like Ethiopia, which faces huge challenges regarding poverty and environmental issues, embracing circular economy innovations could show the way toward sustainable and inclusive development. The potential of zero-waste initiatives, resource recovery programs and upcycling enterprises can secure resilience in communities, protect natural resources and uplift the most vulnerable populations in Ethiopia. 

– Honorine Lanka Perera

Honorine is based in Highland, NY, USA and focuses on Business and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Give a Future: Fighting for Gender Equality in Ethiopia

Gender Equality in EthiopiaEthiopia is a landlocked country located in the Horn of Africa. It is Africa’s oldest independent country and holds the second-largest population on the continent, with a population of 113.6 million. It has sentiments of a Marxist past, with highly restrictive media environments and tensions within the government. Notably, in October 2018, Sahle-Work Zewde was elected as president, marking a historic milestone as Ethiopia’s first female head of state since Empress Zawditu. With her inauguration came a pledge to champion gender equality in Ethiopia, aiming to translate rhetoric into tangible progress.

Gender Equality in Ethiopia

Ethiopia has committed to improving gender equality, especially with Zewde, who made women hold half of the positions in her cabinet. Nevertheless, when it comes to female education, the improvement does not seem so drastic. Similarly, despite women’s significant contribution to the agricultural sector in rural regions of Ethiopia, their contributions often go unrecognized and they face restrictions in accessing resources and community participation.

Recent findings by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) found that one in three women experience physical, emotional, or sexual violence and only 50% of girls who enroll in primary schools ever make it to grade five. This seems to be an issue in Ethiopia, where many girls are unable to transition to secondary and tertiary school due to distance, personal security and economic challenges. Women often face more constraints in regard to less access to credit and limited market access and 30% of Ethiopian women do not make decisions on individual and family issues such as birth control methods.

Give a Future and Gender Equality

Give A Future is a nonprofit run by a group of dedicated individuals who believe in sustainable change through cost-effective programs. It was founded almost 20 years ago by Stephanie Ferrario and her team. The initiative started with homes for street children, which then turned into many homes, three schools, a large scholarship fund for girls, a large microfinance program for women and family programs to help families with their responsibilities. Its ethos builds upon providing knowledge, training and access to credit to create changes that last a lifetime and carry on into the next generations. As they say, “Educated women make the world a better, safer, more resilient place and are good for business.”

All of Give A Future’s programs are run by Ethiopians who are motivated to make their country a better place. Recognizing the vital role education plays in shaping the future, particularly for girls, Give A Future emphasizes the classroom as a sanctuary, providing not just learning opportunities but also a haven of safety and empowerment. The Borgen Project spoke with founder Ferrario, who highlights that “education is the one thing nobody can ever take away from you” and it is always the way to build the foundations for a better life. Therefore, Give A Future provides support for girls and women who want to finish university and supports women in its microfinance program, enabling them to create and run small businesses.

This has a ripple effect and contributes toward dismantling gender inequality once and for all, one woman at a time. The small number of women in business and politics, which Ferrario tells us has remained relatively the same since Zewde was appointed head of state, is a testament to this and highlights the importance of increasing female representation and empowerment at a higher level.

Impact

Recently, Give A Future created shecan.world. On this platform, women have a voice and can tell their stories to others, creating a plethora of role models for women who have overcome challenges and tackled the obstacles in front of them. Ferrario explains how this began during lockdown by telling Ethiopian women’s stories and has now grown into a large online library of women role models with more than 400 women, 100,000 listeners and 600,000 views. The aim is to inspire other women and create a log of powerful and incredible women.

What Can We Do?

When asked what people in the Global North could do to help combat poverty not only in Ethiopia but in the Global South as a whole, her response was insightful. Central to Ferrario’s approach is the cultivation of trust, a vital component in empowering local communities to drive their own development trajectories. Rather than imposing external solutions, she advocates for investing in understanding the root causes of poverty and collaborating closely with local stakeholders and organizations. By prioritizing local expertise and perspectives, interventions can be tailored to address the specific needs and challenges faced by communities, fostering sustainable, long-term change.

– Cordelia Moore

Cordelia is based in Exeter, UK and focused on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Work of the FAO in Ethiopia

Supporting Ethiopia: The Work of the FAOEthiopia remains one of the poorest countries globally despite significant reductions in its poverty rates, from 44% in 2000 to 30% in 2011. However, the World Bank notes that Ethiopia’s economy has experienced some of the strongest growth rates in the region. With continued improvements planned by its government, Ethiopia aims to reach lower-middle-income status by 2025. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Ethiopia supports these efforts.

Barriers to Economic Progress

To achieve lower-middle-income status by 2025, Ethiopia must overcome several challenges, according to the World Bank. These include recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, which has left high urban unemployment and an overall increase in poverty levels. Additionally, environmental and natural crises, such as locust invasions and adverse weather conditions, have driven food price inflation. The World Bank also notes that the 2022 drought, the worst in half a decade, has contributed to severe food insecurity affecting an estimated 20 million people as of 2023.

Furthermore, expansion of the labor market, reducing learning poverty which remains high at 90% and preventing the impact of further conflict within the nation are crucial to the continued growth of its economy. To encourage these circumstances, overseas aid is of vital importance and one such provider is the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (U.N.) or the ‘FAO’. 

The Country Programming Framework (CPF)

A subdivision of the FAO, the CPF has worked in Ethiopia providing the government with priority areas to focus on. The FAO’s website cites that the CPF was realized after a series of consultations with departments such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Resources, among others. Together, these departments devised a four-year plan to take effect between 2022 and 2025. The priority areas to be focussed on during the plan are as follows: 

  1. Innovation for sustainable agriculture production
  2. Nutrition for the most vulnerable and safe food for everyone
  3. Natural Resource management and agricultural production system
  4. Promotion of inclusive economic growth and reducing inequalities
  5. Addressing cross-sector issues

Sustainable Agricultural Practices

To address the first three priority areas, the CPF is promoting new agricultural methods to produce sustainable crops and encouraging the development of sustainable livestock and fishery approaches. In this way, it aims to create climate-resilient systems to strengthen and grow food security and improve overall nutrition. This includes continued research into how to utilize drylands and ensure better drought resilience. To address the fourth priority area, the CPF outlines its aim to provide support to households to develop alternative sources of income, such as eco-tourism and support small and medium-scale businesses such as milk, hides, skins and grain enterprises.

Success Stories from the FAO

The work of the FAO has had particular success in the agricultural sector of Ethiopia. Supporting programs such as fruit nurseries across the nation, its website highlights Aleje as a beneficiary of such initiatives. The nursery sought to increase local farmers’ stock by growing and distributing seedlings of highland fruit. The nursery received 20,844 Italian rootstocks and 24,160 grafted seedlings in total. Beyond this, the nursery also provides opportunities for local workers, with 437 farmers being trained on its practices like irrigation and sustainable planting methods. 

Priest Habte Yiheyis was one such farmer. After participating in training given by the nursery, he received seedlings of apricots, plums, almonds and apples. Habte has since begun to harvest the yield, generating 7,500 Ethiopian Birr. The FAO notes that this gave him the opportunity to “cover all necessary expenses such as school stationary and uniform for his children, health care and other needs of his family.” He has since passed on his training and knowledge to an additional 35 local farmers, demonstrating the positive impact of the FAO in his case.

Looking Ahead

Ethiopia’s strategic partnership with the FAO and ongoing efforts in sustainable agriculture and economic diversification offer a promising pathway to achieving its lower-middle-income status by 2025. These initiatives continue to empower local communities and lay the foundation for a resilient, inclusive economy.

– Kayleigh O’Brien

Kayleigh is based in Leeds, UK and focuses on Good News and Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Poverty Reduction in Ethiopia

Poverty Reduction in EthiopiaEthiopia is Africa’s oldest independent country and is the second most populous country in Africa. With a growing population of 128 million as of 2024, the United Nations estimates that more than 68% of all Ethiopians live in poverty. Poverty reduction in Ethiopia is difficult due to prolonged drought in the Horn of Africa has left 13 million Ethiopians to experience acute food insecurity. Due to damage to agriculture and El Niño’s effects, Ethiopia has a significant humanitarian risk.

Additionally, the issue of poor housing poses an urgent danger to the health and sanitation of many Ethiopians, as 70% of houses require total replacement. These staggering numbers emphasize the urgency for assistance in Ethiopia, where the public health crisis is worsening. However, significant efforts have been made internationally to combat poverty in Ethiopia and the public health crisis.

The Productive Safety Net Program

One major catalyst for poverty in Ethiopia is food insecurity, which affects millions of Ethiopians. Food insecurity is rapidly growing in the nation due to a drastic increase in droughts since 1999. Ultimately, this impacts Ethiopia’s crop and livestock production, which accounts for nearly 60% and 25% of the Ethiopian agricultural income.

The Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP), implemented by the Government of Ethiopia in 2015, targets households without secure access to food, providing short-term relief and long-term solutions. For example, financial opportunities through cash transfers, reducing food insecurity and increasing resilience to a crisis in Ethiopia.

As a safety net, it prevents starving Ethiopians from selling important assets to overcome food shortages. Since 2015, there have been clear improvements to poverty in Ethiopia; statistics of Ethiopians who live below the poverty line have reduced by 21% and there is a significant reduction in food insecurity.

International Humanitarian Support

The U.S. and the U.K. are continuously making significant efforts to provide vital humanitarian assistance to the people of Ethiopia. They are funding millions to protect their health and improve the quality of life for Ethiopians who are affected daily by poverty.

As the largest single-country provider of Ethiopia, the U.S. has funded more than $331 million in humanitarian assistance towards the country’s poverty crisis in 2023. The funding supports Ethiopians affected by droughts and food insecurity, providing life-saving support such as food, shelter, sanitation and safe drinking water.

In addition, the U.K. has funded £100 million (approximately $126 million) since 2023, focusing on ending preventable deaths targeted at children as well as pregnant women. The U.K.’s objective is to help around three million individuals. Additionally, 75 health centers will be aided in tackling malnutrition and deadly diseases such as malaria and cholera.

Improvements to Sanitation and Housing

Addressing the difficult living conditions generated by poverty in Ethiopia is important. Poorly built housing has a major impact on the public health of Ethiopians, where a staggering 70% of houses require complete replacement. The houses are made of wood and mud with cracked walls, dirt floors and unstable roofs, which are at risk of leaks. Further, only 28% of homes have access to sufficient sanitation facilities, 38% of Ethiopians have no toilet facilities and 48% use open pits or latrines.

Habitat for Humanity has been assisting vulnerable Ethiopians living in poverty since 1993, providing safe homes with water facilities and access to sanitation. Multiple projects provide different objectives to improve the health of Ethiopia, such as the urban slum upgrading project, the water and sanitation project and the Resilience Building Assistance Network (RBDC). Statistics show that since 2022, Habitat for Humanity has been serving more than 97,000 struggling Ethiopians, building more than 65 new homes and improving more than 96,000 homes in need of urgent repair.

Poverty Reduction in Ethiopia

Over the years, Ethiopia has shown remarkable progress. Ethiopians living below the poverty line have decreased by 21% as a result of many factors, including international support and PSNP. However, poverty persists due to natural disasters and extreme population growth, which pose a serious risk to the lives of many. Poverty in Ethiopia is complex and requires continuous support and sustainable solutions for a lasting impact.

– Emily Whatley
Photo: Flickr

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“Water Life” in Ethiopia

Water LifeAida Muluneh is an Ethiopian photographer and cultural entrepreneur. Born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, she works as an educator “developing projects with local and international institutions in Ethiopia and Côte d’Ivoire.”

Shining Light on Water Poverty

In 2018, alongside WaterAid and the H&M Foundation, Aida created a series of works focusing on the scarcity of safe water. WaterAid is an NGO established in 1981 to provide clean water and sanitation to people around the world. Its mission is to “transform the lives of the poorest and most marginalized people by improving access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene.”

Founded in 2013, the H&M Foundation is an NGO based in Stockholm, Sweden that uses “philanthropic resources to find, fund and facilitate disruptive innovations, initiatives and research that enable a socially inclusive and planet positive textile industry.” Its website states “We believe that change is best achieved when a diverse group of people join forces and commit to a common agenda to solve complex challenges.”

WaterAid gave Aida “complete artistic freedom” and provided her with “information about the issues around water security, especially in Ethiopia.” The Water Life exhibition developed from a conversation about the pairing of art and advocacy, the issues of access to safe water and the impact that water scarcity had on women and children in Africa.

For the Water Life exhibition, Aida photographed the women in the Afar region in Northern Ethiopia, “one of the hottest and driest places on Earth.” Her goal was to address the issue of water scarcity without the clichés that mainstream media and aid organizations often represent, stating that she realized that “art can be a form of advocacy,” Canon reports.

Water Scarcity

Water scarcity is the lack of sufficient clean water to meet daily demands. Access to fresh drinking water dwindles due to both human factors and extreme weather conditions. Globally, 785 million people do not have access to clean drinking water. Each day more than 800 children die from preventable diseases that poor water causes in many communities around the world. The scarcity of safe water supplies can cause families and their communities to become locked in poverty for generations.

In the past 20 years, “Ethiopia has made remarkable strides in ensuring access to safe drinking water,” USAID reports. However, it continues to “face challenges in overall water, sanitation and hygiene and WASH coverage.” According to USAID, “in Ethiopia, diarrheal disease is the second cause of hospital admission and death among children under 5 years of age.”

Water scarcity affects women and children the most. According to World Vision, children are “more vulnerable to diseases of dirty water” and women and girls ” often bear the burden of carrying water for their families for an estimated 200 million hours each day.”

In Conclusion

Access to safe water and sanitation is a precondition to life and a declared human right. Water is vitally important to sustainable development – from health and nutrition to gender equity and economics. The artistic perspective of Aida Muluneh transitioned from a conversation into a vibrant artistic advocacy addressing the global issue of water scarcity.

Aida intended to create images that showed the challenges of water scarcity and emphasize the strength and resilience of the women who face these daily difficulties framed by the beauty, heritage and culture of the continent. “I could not stop thinking about the time it takes to collect water. Today, and every day, girls and women will spend more than 200 hours walking for water. If a young girl must spend three hours transporting water, whether for cooking feeding, bathing or drinking, that is three hours she could have been in school, getting an education,” Aida wrote for WaterAid.

– Pamela Fenton
Photo: Flickr