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The Divide Between Wealth and Poverty in Abuja

poverty in abujaNigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, has one of the youngest populations in the world, with more than 50% of its citizens aged less than 30. However, survival is a daily struggle for the majority due to limited opportunities and weak job creation. Nigeria’s social and economic situations have made migration attractive to the youth, with more than 3.6 million Nigerians leaving the country between 2022 and 2023.

Similarly, internal migration has become a growing trend in Nigeria, as those without the means to move abroad relocate to urban centers in pursuit of greener pastures. According to the United Nations (U.N.), approximately 49% of Nigerians now live in urban areas compared to 16% in 1960, highlighting the significant shift toward urbanization over the decades.

Internal Migration to Abuja

With terrorism, banditry and kidnappings in the north, along with separatist agitations in the southeast, internal migration to Abuja has been on the rise, especially among those who prefer it over Lagos. Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, is often seen as a city of wealth and opportunity. Skyscrapers, luxury estates and high-end shopping malls paint a picture of prosperity. However, beyond this facade lies a harsh reality for many residents. While the city continues to grow economically, this growth benefits only a small fraction of the population.

Poverty in Abuja

For the majority, poverty in Abuja is a daily struggle. Following a change in administration in 2023, Nigeria’s government removed fuel subsidies and floated the currency, increasing the nation’s inflation rate to more than 30% in September 2024. The government announced a new minimum wage of $43 per month in July 2024 to ease the financial burden on its citizens. However, it has yet to be implemented for primary school teachers and nurses in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Consequently, more than 50% of people living in Abuja experience poverty, according to the Global Data Lab. Low-income earners, including cleaners and security guards, are the most vulnerable. Housing costs are exorbitant, with rents for studio apartments in Abuja ranging from $1,000 to more than $1,300 per year. Meanwhile, the average Nigerian employee earns less than $1,000 annually, forcing many into overcrowded slums or makeshift housing.

Despite Abuja’s reputation as a thriving metropolis, its wealth remains concentrated in the hands of a few, leaving the rest to struggle to make ends meet.

No Middle Ground

Abuja’s wealth gap is striking. In upscale areas like Asokoro and Maitama, luxury cars ply smooth roads, while nearby communities like Mpape and Dakibiyu struggle with poor infrastructure, scarce clean water and unreliable electricity. This stark contrast reflects the deep economic divide, where prosperity is concentrated among the few while many struggle to make ends meet.

The wealthiest 20% of Nigerians control 42% of the national income, while the most impoverished 20% share a mere 7%. This imbalance suggests that economic opportunities are disproportionately accessible to the affluent, leaving a significant portion of the population struggling to ascend the economic ladder.

Increased inflation has reduced purchasing power, making necessities harder to afford. The financial strain has sparked public outcry, with protests in major cities, including Abuja, as citizens demand relief from soaring living costs.

Can Change Come?

The Federal Government of Nigeria has implemented several economic reforms, including devaluing the Naira to stabilize the economy. However, these measures have also contributed to increased living costs, prompting debates about their efficacy and impact on the vulnerable population, especially those in the informal sector.

Therefore, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) like Oxfam have highlighted the urgency of implementing progressive taxation and increasing social investments to bridge the widening economic divide. In pursuit of this goal, Oxfam actively works to enhance livelihoods, promote gender equality, strengthen governance and deliver humanitarian aid, all while creating sustainable economic opportunities for vulnerable populations.

Another NGO, the Ambience of Hope Exceptional Foundation, launched Operation Feed Abuja Municipal Area Council in December 2023, targeting vulnerable people in the city. The foundation distributed food items, sewing machines, generators, wheelbarrows, hair dryers, grinding machines, and more to uplift residents. Similarly, in 2024, the World Bank committed $12.2 billion to Nigeria’s economy to drive diversified growth, job creation and social inclusion, focusing on youth, women and marginalized communities.

Conclusion

While Abuja stands as a symbol of Nigeria’s aspirations and growth, it also embodies the profound challenges of economic inequality. Observing the city’s dual realities underscores the pressing need for policies that foster inclusive growth, ensuring that prosperity is accessible to all residents, reducing poverty in Abuja.

– Staff Reports
Photo: Flickr

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Addressing the Gender Wage Gap in Papua New Guinea

Gender Wage Gap in Papua New GuineaPapua New Guinea is a developing country located in southwest Oceania. In 2021, U.N. Women reported the island country’s designation as a “lower middle-income country,” amassing a gross national per capita income of $2,386. Based on U.N. Women’s study, statistics show that Papua New Guinea’s income poverty sits at 28%, with 90% of those most affected living in rural environments. To complicate this further, rural women and children are among the most vulnerable under these conditions, facing many challenges to live healthy lives sustainably. Here is information about the gender wage gap in Papua New Guinea.

About the Gender Wage Gap

History has repeatedly indicated a significant disparity in power and economic allocations between women and men. In a society where men dominate the public sphere of influence, women are often disenfranchised. Due to this inequality, women are often short-sighted across sectors with limited access to power, resources, rights and wealth. A precedent of unequal pay for women in the labor market, known as the gender wage gap, often perpetuates this disparity.

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) defines the gender wage gap as “the difference between the median earnings of men and of women relative to the earnings of men.”

The Gender Wage Gap in Papua New Guinea

In March 2025, the World Bank (WBG) published research showing significant increases in gender equality across landscapes in Papua New Guinea. However, research still shows gaps in employment along gendered lines. In its study, it found the following information:

  • In 2023, the value of waged and salaried female workers amounted to 15.6, more than a 10% increase from the previously recorded value.
  • Hourly earnings gaps are evident between female and male workers. Reporting a median hourly wage gap of 31.5% across all workers, irrespective of employment status, and 13.3% across wage workers. In addition to this, the mean hourly wage gap is 30.8% across all workers, irrespective of employment status and 16.3% across wage workers.
  • In Papua New Guinea, 81.9% of women are vulnerably employed (those who are self-employed and have lower labor incomes and low job security), with the remaining female population making up employers and wage and salaried workers. However, in comparison to this statistic, their male counterparts comprise 68.5% of vulnerable employment, with the remaining 27.3% fulfilling roles as employers and wage and salaried workers.

Steps in Achieving Gender Equality Globally

In the face of these wage and economic inequalities, various efforts are occurring to address these disparities. In 2024, the World Bank Group launched an initiative to accelerate gender equality, end poverty and cultivate a more livable planet. This conceptual framework will be implemented from 2024 until 20230 across the world. Its objectives include:

  • Ending gender based violence and elevating human capital
  • Expanding and enabling economic opportunities
  • Engaging women as leaders

Project Implementation in Papua New Guinea

Under the WBG’s program, selected countries like Papua New Guinea expressed a vested interest in prioritizing gender equality through various programs and reforms. The World Bank Group has outlined the following approaches.

  • The WBG is aiming to remove “barriers to women’s economic inclusion.”
  • It is prioritizing gender equality and emphasizing women’s participation in the labor force.
  • The WBG is also integrating gender analysis into the “country’s analytics to inform policy dialogue.”

This initiative leverages collective action in the interest of cultivating a world and future committed to nondiscrimination, inclusion and equality of opportunity. Furthermore, economic opportunities will experience expansion through meaningful and transformative impact. By working closely with nations through a country-engagement model, strategies to implement change through innovative financing and policy reforms will enable the advancement of public resources, support and equality for people regardless of their gender identity.

– McKenzie Rentie

McKenzie is based in Dallas, TX, USA and focuses on Celebs and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Everything to Know About Poverty in Ukraine

Poverty in UkraineAs Ukraine remains in a state of conflict and continues to face challenges related to war, a momentum for change is developing, one marked by resilience, global support and notable advancement to reduce poverty.

Ukraine is actively building and laying the foundation for a better future. International organizations, local NGOs, as well as government efforts are proving that even in the darkest of times, change is feasible. When exploring everything you need to know about poverty in Ukraine, it becomes clear that despite ongoing adversity, progress is taking root in multiple areas of Ukrainian society.

Understanding Poverty in Ukraine

As of 2023, more than 29%% of Ukraine’s population, about 9 million people, lived in poverty. This number rose drastically amid the war with Russia. Since 2020, an additional 1.8 million Ukrainians have fallen into poverty due to widespread job losses and a collapsing economy. One in five adults who had employment before the invasion are now without work, and nearly a quarter of households reported struggling to afford food in June 2023. Conditions would be far worse without international aid. Especially for the United States, which has helped fund critical public services like pensions and salaries for teachers and doctors. The war has deepened economic instability, pushing many working-class families closer to the margins of survival. 

Poverty in Ukraine hits families with children the hardest, especially those with four or more children. These families face poverty rates of more than 80% and children are more likely than adults to live in poor conditions. This puts their education and development at risk. Still, the Ukrainian government has kept most health clinics open and helped nearly 89% of students keep learning, often online. Social support, like steady pension payments, has helped many families survive and avoid even worse hardship. 

Global Aid Drives Impact

In late 2024, the World Bank approved more than $2 billion in financial support for Ukraine. This initiative aims to stabilize the economy and fund essential public services. It introduces key reforms that improve transparency, expand the use of renewable energy and strengthen agricultural production, which is a considerable resolve for Ukraine.

Under the THRIVE project, to boost Ukraine’s health system, a separate $454 million package is being used. The initiative aims to improve efficiency and quality of public health care spending by strengthening national health services and expanding access for underserved communities.

Humanitarian Efforts to Address Poverty in Ukraine

In addition to major international funding, the civil society of Ukraine is playing a critical role in local recovery efforts. Razom, a U.S.-based nonprofit founded by Ukrainian immigrants, continues to make a significant impact. In 2023, the organization awarded more than $3 million in grants, reaching more than 330,000 people with support for food, shelter, education and attention to mental and trauma care.

Meanwhile, a leading example of trauma recovery emerges as the Superhumans Center located in Lviv is observed. Since its launch in April 2023, the facility has treated more than 1,000 amputees, a majority being treated for war injuries, being provided with prosthetics, reconstructive surgery and physiological care. It stands as a symbol of resilience and hope, making it more than a medical center. 

Understanding poverty in Ukraine means recognizing how both global and local actions are addressing not just economic hardship, but also the human and emotional costs of conflict. These combined efforts are helping restore lives and rebuild communities.

While poverty remains a reality for many Ukrainians, structural progress is underway. In 2024, grain and oilseed exports increased by 20%, and more than 75% of export operations resumed though Black Sea ports, an essential lifeline for the nation’s economy.

The government continues to improve digital infrastructure, expanding access to online services. For the fourth consecutive year, more government websites have met accessibility standards, allowing a greater number of Ukrainians, including those with disabilities, to access essential information and services.

Looking Ahead

Addressing poverty in Ukraine involves more than statistics. It is about the strength of people and institutions forging a path forward. While poverty remains a pressing issue, Ukraine’s path forward is progressively defined by recovery and renewal rather than survival. Efforts to rebuild a strong and inclusive society are in progress, supported by steady advantage in health care, education and economic infrastructure. Although these developments may unfold indistinctly, they are consistent and measurable. From a noticeable increase in clinics to rising export numbers, the country is making true advancements. For many Ukrainians, that gradual progress signals a shift towards stability and hope.

– Vasara Mikulevicius

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

Photo: Unsplash

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Nepal’s Poverty Reduction Through Local Solutions

Nepal's poverty reductionNepal, a landlocked Himalayan nation, has made significant strides in poverty reduction over recent decades; however, significant challenges persist, particularly in rural and underdeveloped regions. According to the Fourth Nepal Living Standards Survey (NLSS) 2022–23, the national poverty rate stands at 20.27%. Rural areas are disproportionately affected, with a poverty rate of 24.66%, compared to 18.34% in urban regions. Contributing factors include limited access to essential services such as education, health care and clean drinking water. Youth unemployment remains a pressing issue, with more than 19% of young people unemployed, a figure significantly higher than the national average. This has led to increased migration, both internally to urban centers and externally abroad, as youths seek better employment opportunities.

Government Initiatives

The Nepalese government has implemented several programs aimed at poverty alleviation. The 15th Periodic Plan (2019–2024), developed by the National Planning Commission, focuses on achieving sustainable development goals and transitioning Nepal to a middle-income country. Key objectives include economic diversification, infrastructure development and social inclusion. Another significant initiative is the Prime Minister Employment Program (PMEP), which seeks to provide short-term employment opportunities to unemployed individuals, particularly in rural areas. The program aims to enhance skills and increase income levels among marginalized populations.

International Aid and Partnerships

International organizations have played a crucial role in supporting Nepal’s poverty reduction efforts. USAID has been instrumental in sectors such as education, agriculture and health through financial aid. However, recent budget cuts have led to the suspension of several projects, raising concerns about the continuity of essential services.

The World Bank’s Rural Access Improvement and Decentralization Project has improved rural infrastructure, facilitating better access to markets and services. Similarly, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has supported climate resilience and local governance initiatives, including the implementation of Local Adaptation Plans of Action (LAPAs) that empower communities to address climate change impacts.

Community-Based Efforts

Grassroots organizations have been vital in addressing poverty at the local level. READ Nepal, part of the READ Global network, organizes Community Library and Resource Centers that offer educational resources, vocational training and women’s empowerment programs. These centers have reached millions in rural communities, fostering literacy and economic development while reducing income inequality. The Federation of Community Forestry Users, Nepal (FECOFUN) empowers local communities to manage forest resources sustainably. By providing employment opportunities and generating income from selling forest products, FECOFUN promotes environmental stewardship and economic development.

The Role of Remittances

Remittances from Nepalese working abroad account for a significant portion of the country’s GDP. In 2023, remittances totaled more than $11 billion, accounting for more than 25% of the GDP. These funds have been instrumental in reducing poverty, improving household incomes and contributing to economic stability.

Moving Forward

Nepal’s comprehensive approach to poverty reduction—combining government policies, international aid and community initiatives—demonstrates the effectiveness of collaborative efforts in addressing economic challenges. Continued support and investment in these areas are essential for sustaining progress and achieving long-term development goals.

– Giovanni Garcia

Giovanni is based in Long Beach, CA, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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World Bank Decreasing Women’s Poverty in Latin America

Women’s Poverty in Latin AmericaAcross Latin America, poverty and gender inequality trap women in cycles of financial dependence and vulnerability. Women in Latin America are five times more likely to be unemployed than men. Hence, nearly 28% of women living in Latin America experience poverty. The World Bank is tackling women’s poverty in Latin America through targeted initiatives that empower women economically and reduce their risk of gender-based violence.

Honduras’s Safe Municipalities Project

The World Bank’s Safe Municipalities Project in Honduras aims to make Honduran cities safer. First, the project empowers law enforcement locally and nationally. Second, it tackles the underlying causes of rising crime. Finally, the initiative increases the government’s ability to respond to criminal threats quickly and efficiently. Although this project aims to improve Honduran municipalities, it uniquely helps women who are the most affected by crime in Honduras.

More than a quarter of Honduran women experience physical or intimate partner violence in their lifetimes and Honduras has one of the highest global rates of femicide. Often, poverty is at the root of this, prompting the circumstances that put women at risk. However, the Safe Municipalities Project is decreasing women’s poverty in Latin America by supporting women financially and building legal systems that protect their livelihoods.

Peru’s Promoting Gender Equality Program

The World Bank is working to decrease gender-based violence in Peru in collaboration with the Ministry of Women and Vulnerable Populations. To increase awareness and response to gender-based violence, the organizations have pursued four avenues:

  • Increasing teen education on gender inequality through accessible content.
  • Creating a university class on sexual harassment prevention.
  • Endorsing Yanapp, a new platform to help victims of gender-based violence.
  • Supporting ALEGRA centers, offering legal advice to women.

Women in Peru have already seen improvements in equality, including many more women joining the workforce and receiving higher education. Despite this, they face challenges in combating societal stigma and achieving beyond the traditional framework. Therefore, this World Bank initiative is giving women more ability to report violence and introducing developmental ways of limiting gender-based violence.

El Salvador’s Integrated Social Protection Project

The Integrated Social Protection project helps the Red Solidaria program create a new conditional cash transfer system in El Salvador. This system is aimed at helping families access capital to get necessities for their children and uplift underprivileged groups. In tandem with its finance-oriented approach, the program combines social protection measures with gender-based violence prevention. It provides women with financial assistance and links them with services to escape violence, like vocational training and legal assistance.

Women are given unique access to the cash transfer system, allowing them to temporarily limit financial abuse and gain independence. Only 29% of women in El Salvador have access to a financial account, compared to 45% of men, highlighting a significant gender gap in financial inclusion. Therefore, this cash transfer system plays a vital role in bridging that divide by providing women with the same financial access as men. Economic independence is often a key factor in escaping gender-based violence and the Integrated Social Protection Project is gradually dismantling this barrier, empowering women with greater financial security and autonomy.

Brazil’s Recife Urban Upgrading Project

In Brazil, particularly in urban areas, most of the population lacks adequate housing. More than 8% of Brazilians reside in favelas or urban communities with insufficient infrastructure. To address some of the challenges associated with urban poverty, the World Bank launched the Recife Urban Upgrading Project.

The project will improve favelas with roads, drainage, sanitation and formalized housing. By supporting the government in assisting people experiencing poverty in urban areas, the World Bank is also advancing opportunities for women. In Brazil, women are disproportionately affected by homelessness and its consequences. More than one-third of Brazilian women over the age of 16 experience gender-based violence at some point in their lives, with homelessness being a significant contributing factor.

The Recife Urban Upgrading Project gives women access to housing services they would not otherwise access. Through housing and the expansion of welfare services, women gain more protection from poverty-driven violence. Through formal homeownership, women gain a foothold and financial leg up to compete with men and they are connected with new employment opportunities to improve economic stability.

Conclusion

The World Bank’s initiatives across Latin America are breaking cycles of poverty and gender inequality by improving financial inclusion, protection and opportunities for women. While challenges remain, these programs pave the way for a more equitable future.

– Divya Beeram

Divya is based in San Antonio, TX, USA and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Fragility and Rule of Law in Colombia 

Fragility and Rule of Law in Colombia
In international relations, the rule of law is a principle of governance that holds all parties, including the government itself, accountable to the same rules. Colombia, however, has faced challenges in fairly upholding this principle, leading to political instability and violence. This article will focus on the fragility and rule of law in Colombia. While significant progress has occurred in recent years, major challenges remain. Overcoming these challenges and strengthening the rule of law will require continued legislative reforms, domestic activism and sustained international support. Although an uphill battle, there is hope for Colombia’s legal system.

Understanding the Roots of the Problem

Colombia has a simple legal structure, featuring a legislative, executive and judicial branch. The country elects a president every four years. A Supreme Court (Corte Suprema de Justicia) establishes legal precedent, and a Constitution serves as the foundation for addressing the fragility and rule of law in Colombia. In theory, everything should function smoothly. However, corruption, dysfunction and inequality plague the judicial system. Several factors have contributed to these conditions:

  1. Armed Conflict: Since the 1960s, civil war among rebel guerrilla groups and right-wing paramilitary groups has ravaged Colombia. Millions have been displaced or murdered, and this five-decade-long conflict significantly weakened legal institutions and fostered criminal activity, particularly in rural areas.
  2. Organized Crime: Human trafficking, drug cartels and illegal economies thrive in Colombia. This activity fuels violence and significantly undermines state authority. 
  3. Government Corruption: Elected officials frequently accept bribes from cartels, rebels and businesses to manipulate the law. These powerful figures are rarely held accountable, perpetuating a cycle of inequality.
  4. Dysfunctional Judicial System: Colombia’s judicial system itself is inherently flawed. Understaffing leads to a majority of crimes going unpunished. Legal professionals often face large bribes or violent threats, hindering their ability to administer justice. Furthermore, most poverty-stricken areas lack access to adequate legal institutions.

Impact on Citizens

The fragility and rule of law in Colombia has had a debilitating effect on its citizens, as one can see through citizens distrust of their government and the widespread poverty that runs rampant. Here is information about how fragility and rule of law in Colombia has increased distrust and poverty.

  • Distrust in Government: The World Justice Project’s 2022 survey reveals some shocking opinions that Colombian citizens hold:
    • Only 22% believe government officials would be held accountable for breaking the law.
    • Only 27% of citizens feel that local government officials are elected fairly.
    • A staggering 88% believe that most or all members of Congress are corrupt.
    • Only 36% believe the judicial system is effective in prosecuting criminals.
    • Over 70% believe most or all legal officials are corrupt.
    • Only 26% feel the police act lawfully, and a mere 25% trust the police.
  • Poverty: Corruption significantly hinders development and exacerbates poverty. In fact, as reported by the U.S. Department of State, Colombia lost more than $115 million (meant for infrastructure) to bribes and kickbacks. This irresponsible usage of resources prevents the government from providing essential services to the public, disproportionately affecting poor citizens that rely on the assistance. Furthermore, according to the World Bank, 39.3% of Colombians lived below the national poverty line in 2022. Put simply, corruption wastes resources that could be used for poverty reduction programs, infrastructure development or education, further entrenching Colombia’s citizens in a cycle of poverty.

Progress Towards Equality

While the situation is challenging, the statistics above actually represent growth compared to previous years, particularly regarding perceptions of corruption. This indicates that, albeit slowly, Colombia is making strides toward stability.

Several factors have contributed to this progress, including legislative reforms and international efforts:

  • International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI): This group actively works to restructure the Colombian Judicial System. The IBAHRI has conducted fact-finding missions, provided training to judges and lawyers and advocated for legal reform.
  • Colombian Government: Technology is being implemented to streamline judicial processes. One example is the “Justicia XXI” program, which aims to digitize court records and implement electronic case management systems. 
  • The United States: Since 2017, the United States has donated roughly $1.5 billion to Colombia to assist in “peace accord implementation.” These programs have contributed to the resolution of civil war, reduction of poverty and a crackdown on drugs.
  • The World Bank: The World Bank has provided Colombia with two DPFs. A DPF (or a Development Policy Financing) is a type of loan/grant that aims to support poverty reduction. In Colombia, specifically, the money has gone towards the creation of policy that “improves fiscal sustainability, increases productivity and improves economic/social integration of migrants.” 
  • European Union: The European Union Trust Fund for Colombia, established in 2016, supports projects such as the Land Restitution Unit, which helps victims of armed conflict restore their territory, and the Rural Development Project, which looks to increase living standards in underserved regions of the country.
  • Legislative Reforms:

A Plan for the Future

To maintain this positive trajectory, Colombia will need to continue its anti-corruption campaign by continuing to reform the judicial system, implementing technology and expanding access to justice, particularly in rural and marginalized communities. Furthermore, the country needs to improve security measures, specifically by increasing police accountability and trustworthiness. In doing so, Colombia should be able to combat organized crime, one of the largest issues that the country faces. 

Although domestic reform is critical, Colombia cannot act alone. It will need support from the international community. Currently, the United States, the World Bank and the European Union all provide financial aid, and it would be beneficial for more institutions to follow suit. If Colombia can capitalize on international support, reduce corruption and reform its judicial system, a brighter future is within reach. The fragility and rule of law in Colombia will no longer be a burden, but a testament to peace, democracy and equality.

– Josh Weinstein

Josh is based in Chester Springs, PA, USA and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Multidimensional Approach to Reducing Poverty in Thailand

Multidimensional Approach to Poverty Reduction in ThailandThailand, home to more than 70 million people, has made significant progress in poverty reduction. The country has the lowest Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) among ASEAN nations, reflecting its commitment to addressing poverty through targeted policies and economic reforms. In 2012, 909,000 people in Thailand were living in multidimensional poverty. By 2019, this number fell to 416,000; as of 2022, it had dropped further to 352,000. Thailand’s approach focuses on nutrition, housing, clean energy, education and infrastructure, leading to substantial improvements in quality of life.

Understanding Multidimensional Poverty

Multidimensional Poverty is an indicator that assesses poverty across three categories: monetary poverty, education and basic infrastructure services. The MPI measures the intensity of poverty by evaluating how individuals experience deprivation. Within these categories, specific indicators include nutrition, housing, clean water, education and sanitation. In the 2024 MPI report, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) chose not to classify countries as rich or poor. Instead, they identified 10 ways people experience poverty within the categories of monetary poverty, education and infrastructure. This approach allows officials to implement targeted reforms based on regional needs.

Challenges in Addressing Poverty

Poverty reduction strategies vary based on regional disparities. While Thailand has lowered poverty rates nationally, poverty remains concentrated in rural and remote areas. In urban centers, challenges include job insecurity and the high cost of living, whereas in rural areas, limited infrastructure and access to quality education are key concerns. Recognizing these differences, Thailand has adopted a multidimensional approach to poverty alleviation, tailoring programs to regional needs.

Strategies for Reducing Poverty in Thailand

  • Cash Transfer Programs. Thailand introduced a cash transfer program in September 2024, helping to reduce poverty and improve economic growth. The World Bank reported that Thailand’s poverty rate fell to 8.2% in 2024, partially due to this program. The government plans to allocate 305 billion baht to expand the program in 2025. However, concerns remain about the potential increase in public debt if funding is not managed effectively.
  • NXPO’s Sandbox Program for Targeted Assistance. The National Higher Education Science Research and Innovation Policy Council (NXPO) introduced a sandbox program targeting seven of Thailand’s poorest regions, tailoring poverty reduction strategies to local needs. The initiative focuses on strengthening community-led support networks through Poverty Eradication and Life Cycle Development Centers, which promote cooperation and resource sharing among residents. Collaboration with local institutions plays a crucial role in refining poverty reduction policies, ensuring they are data-driven and responsive to the challenges faced by different communities. The program also expands state benefits and reforms the welfare card system, making assistance accessible to individuals who were previously ineligible. A centralized database has been created to track poverty trends and measure the effectiveness of these policies, allowing for continuous adjustments to maximize impact. Additionally, the initiative encourages community-driven business models, providing residents with tools and opportunities to generate stable income and support local economic growth.

Looking Ahead

Thailand’s commitment to poverty reduction has yielded significant progress, but ongoing efforts are needed to ensure long-term economic stability. Expanding cash transfer programs, improving infrastructure and refining data-driven policy strategies could be key to sustaining these gains. The country’s multidimensional approach serves as a model for other nations striving to reduce poverty through holistic, targeted interventions.

– Ella Burke

Ella is based in Lawrence, KS, USA and focuses on Good News and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Addressing Food Insecurity in Haiti

Food Insecurity in HaitiHaiti, a neighbor to the Dominican Republic, is experiencing a food insecurity crisis on account of gang violence, political instability and economic turmoil, increasing poverty and food shortages. The gang violence has led to a disruption in food distribution and access for individuals such as children and families with pregnant women, who are displaced within the capital of Haiti, Port-au-Prince. Changing weather and limited agriculture have contributed to food insecurity in Haiti, resulting in 5.4 million Haitians experiencing hunger. Changing weather patterns is making it difficult for Haitian crops to grow as natural disasters are continuously coming by sweeping the sparse crops away. Haitians in Port-au-Prince, especially those who are displaced, are also having a hard time either being able to afford or reach food supplies, contributing to food insecurity in Haiti. Fortunately, organizations around the world are coming together to help feed Haitians who need help.

Food Insecurity in Haiti and the Malfety Canal

A variety of reasons make it hard for Haiti to feed itself, one of them being its reliance on imported goods. Improving infrastructure could be beneficial in lessening dependence on other countries’ goods and ensuring a more sustainable way for Haiti to feed itself in the future. Different organizations, such as P4H Global, raise money to support community-led building for canals, bridges and various other infrastructures that allow Haiti to become self-sufficient and feed itself.

According to the P4H Global, the Malfety Canal will allow the water located at the border between the Dominican Republic and Haiti to be distributed to the Malfety community. The Mafety Canal will irrigate about 7,000 agricultural land leading to a consistent water supply during dry seasons, and improved crop production by providing controlled water. The controlled water supply will then lead to more diverse crop production and better economic growth for Haiti because it will provide a more stable income for farmers and better prices for consumers. The water will allow the Haitians to start producing food for their people and start the end of the substantial imported goods.

How WFP Is Fighting Food Insecurity in Haiti

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is currently helping feed people in Haiti. The WFP first started helping Haiti back in 1969. It then partnered with the World Bank back in 2019 to maximize its impact on countries struggling with food insecurity. With food insecurity in Haiti getting worse, the WFP, the World Bank and local NGOs have been providing food assistance for hot meals, cash transfers and school feeding programs to ensure that the people are being fed.

Combating Climate Challenges

The World Bank is working tirelessly to help Haiti combat climate issues through climate-smart agriculture. The organization first started helping Haiti through the Emergency Resilience Agriculture for Food Security project in March 2022. The World Bank claims that practicing climate-smart agriculture such as irrigation systems helps minimize the damage of natural disasters which overall leads to the Haitian community not having to rebuild every time there is a catastrophe. The project developed in 2022 has currently led to irrigation and drainage on 2,244 hectares. The World Bank is also funding 115 all-inclusive agricultural schools to teach the Haitians about farming impacting 21,739 farmers (44% of whom were women), covering an agricultural area of 11,113 hectares.

Looking Ahead

In response to food insecurity in Haiti, organizations around the globe are helping Haiti. P4H Global, an organization run by Haitian citizens and descendants, is building infrastructure like the Malfety Canal to provide a reliable water supply for agriculture. Meanwhile, the WFP and the World Bank are working together to feed the Haitian people through hot meals, cash transfers and school feeding programs. Climate challenges have also impacted Haiti but organizations like the World Bank are working with the Haitian people by teaching and providing them with climate-smart agriculture. Hopefully, these efforts will reduce food insecurity in Haiti moving forward.

– Naysa Saint Fleur

Naysa is based in Fort Myers, FL, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Being Poor in Nigeria

Being Poor in NigeriaNigeria is a multiethnic and culturally diverse federation with 36 autonomous states and the Federal Capital Territory. The ruling All Progressives Congress party (APC) partially dominate the political landscape, which controls the executive branch of government and holds a majority of seats in the Senate and House of Representatives in parliament as well as a majority of the states. Nigeria has a sizable population and a thriving economy, making it the largest in the West African sub-region. The oil industry produced a third of GDP, 85% of foreign exchange earnings and 95% of export income. Nigeria’s abundant resource reserves make it a prospective market for foreign businesses looking to create a thriving economy, combat poverty and deliver basic services.

Poverty in Nigeria

Most people would wonder why Nigeria still faces the prospect of poverty even though it is known as the nation with the greatest economy in the West African sub-region. Because its population has few opportunities, poverty is a problem for the government. The World Bank has stated that “Nigerians born in 2020 are only 36% as productive as they could be if they had access to health and education,” and their country has the seventh-lowest human capital index in the world. Many workers emigrate as a result of poor job creation and entrepreneurial opportunities.

In 2023, 87 million Nigerians were living below the poverty level, representing a 38.9% poverty rate. The best-performing regions are compared to upper-middle-income nations, demonstrating the persistence of spatial inequality. Insecurity and violence are pervasive, state capacity is inadequate and service delivery is constrained. Inadequate infrastructure impedes domestic economic integration and limits access to electricity. These difficulties are made more difficult by newly emerging issues like extreme weather events.

What Does It Mean to Be Poor in Nigeria?

Nigeria is facing a wave of violence, including kidnappings, clashes, terrorist attacks, brutal murders, food insecurity, inadequate health care and a disproportionate increase in living costs.

Residents of a refugee camp in Zamfara state in northwest Nigeria said “We are suffering greatly. We have almost nothing to eat and for more than four years we have not been able to dedicate ourselves to agriculture because the bandits have driven us out of our communities. We urgently need the government’s support.”

More than 2.2 million people in Nigeria have experienced displacement.  Many of them are now living in congested, resource-poor camps. In the northeast, continuous battles are also impacting food production and agriculture. Families are afraid to grow outside of military cities. Being poor in Nigeria has led to some families eating cassava husks to survive because food shortages are so bad. As a result of poverty in Nigeria, the Nigerian government introduced the National Multisectoral Action Plan for Food and Nutrition in 2020, a 2021–2025 initiative to address malnutrition and food security. However, this initiative has received enough funding.

More than 30% of Nigeria’s workforce is employed in the agriculture sector, which contributes 24% of the country’s GDP. Yet support for this sector is still below the 10% goal that the African Union established in the 2003 Maputo Declaration. With 32% of children under five suffering from childhood stunting, Nigeria has one of the highest rates in the world.

The Path to Economic Stability and Poverty Reduction

Since May 2023, Nigeria has implemented significant measures aimed at reestablishing macroeconomic stability. There is now a single, better-regulated, and market-reflective official exchange rate as a result of the government’s shift to market-based gasoline pricing and significant FX policy reforms. Nevertheless, this has increased the strain already placed on businesses and people. Although the macroeconomic environment is getting better, further steps are necessary to guarantee long-term deflation and better policy communication. Four main fiscal priorities can lower debt risks and free up funds for pro-poor and development investment. Wage jobs, macro fiscal stability, growth, private sector development and human capital creation are all necessary for long-term poverty reduction.

While higher-paying jobs are unavailable, short- and medium-term initiatives to increase production in household businesses, both farm and non-farm, can offer assistance. Youth and women’s policy measures can also increase the labor market’s capacity to reduce poverty.

The World Bank’s Efforts

To prevent the threat of being poor in Nigeria, the World Bank approved two operations on Wednesday, June 13, 2024: $750 million for the Nigeria Accelerating Resource Mobilization Reforms (ARMOR) Program-for-Results (PforR) and $1.5 billion for the Nigeria Reforms for Economic Stabilization to Enable Transformation (RESET) Development Policy Financing Program (DPF). Nigeria’s pressing attempts to stabilize the economy and increase aid for the poor and most economically vulnerable are immediately supported financially and technically by this $2.25 billion package. It also backs Nigeria’s multi-year, ambitious plan to protect oil income and increase non-oil revenues in order to foster fiscal sustainability and provide enough funding for high-quality public services.

– Abdulhameed Olanrewaju

Abdulhameed is based in Exeter, UK and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Renewable Energy in Eritrea: The Effects of Solar Power

Renewable Energy in EritreaAccess to electricity is a fundamental driver of economic growth and poverty reduction. Without it, businesses cannot run, schools cannot provide quality education and healthcare facilities struggle to operate effectively. In Eritrea, where nearly half of the population lives in poverty, access to electricity remains a significant challenge. Only 53% of the population has access to electricity, 76% in urban areas and only 10% in rural regions. This limited access hinders economic opportunities; however, a recent push toward renewable energy, particularly solar power, offers hope for a brighter future. As Eritrea experiences steady GDP growth and declining poverty rates, renewable energy in Eritrea has the potential to accelerate this progress by expanding electricity access sustainably and cost-effectively.

The Role of Electricity in Economic Development

The World Bank identifies inclusive economic growth as the most effective means of reducing poverty. However, sustainable development is impossible without adequate, reliable and competitively priced modern energy. In Eritrea, where heavy reliance on imported oil has historically shaped the energy sector, the transition to renewable energy is not just about environmental sustainability–it is an economic necessity. By reducing dependence on expensive and volatile fossil fuel imports, Eritrea may be able to stabilize its economy and allocate resources more efficiently. 

Solar Power: A Sustainable Solution

Eritrea is investing in renewable solutions to address this energy gap, including constructing a 30 MW Solar Photovoltaic Power Plant in Dekemhare funded by the African Development Bank. The plant will create both short-term and long-term jobs, but its secondary benefits are transformative. Increasing national energy capacity from 35 MW to 65 MW–closer to the 70 MW peak demand–will reduce power shortages and load shedding, ensuring more consistent access to electricity. This additional power is crucial for small businesses, agricultural operations and educational institutions. More stable energy access means businesses can extend working hours, farmers can use solar-powered irrigation systems, and schools can introduce digital learning tools.

Addressing Agricultural Challenges

Agriculture is the backbone of Eritrea’s economy, with more than 75% of the population relying on it for their livelihoods. However, limited electricity access restricts agricultural practices such as irrigation. Conventional pumps for irrigation require diesel, but low domestic oil production, decreased imports and high fuel prices have made it increasingly difficult for farmers to maintain operations. With a peak energy demand of 70 MW and only 35 MW of operational capacity, power shortages further exacerbate poverty and food insecurity. The introduction of solar power can significantly improve irrigation systems across the country and enhance overall agricultural productivity. By investing in renewable energy, Eritrea can strengthen food security while simultaneously driving economic growth.

A Path Forward

The transition to renewable energy is not just about meeting electricity demand–it is about transforming lives. With Eritrea’s GDP projected to reach $10.1 billion by 2043 and extreme poverty expected to decline to 13%, Eritrea stands at a pivotal moment where renewable energy can accelerate progress. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels and expanding electricity access, the country can unlock new economic opportunities, improve living standards and pave the way for sustainable development. 

As the push toward renewable energy in Eritrea continues, the benefits will extend far beyond electricity. They will reshape communities, empower businesses and create a more prosperous future for all.

– Linnéa Matlack

Linnéa is based in Boston, MA, USA and focuses on Good News, and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay