Tag Archive for: UNDP

Posts

, ,

How Private Sector Investment Could Support Sudan’s Agricultural Recovery

Sudan's Agricultural Recovery
Since the war in Sudan began in 2023, cereal production has fallen catastrophically, dropping 46% in the first year. By 2025, almost 90% of farmers and producer groups reported smaller harvests, and yields had fallen by as much as 71% in the areas most affected by fighting. UNDP reported that more than 19 million people were struggling to access enough food, while severe malnutrition was affecting the worst-hit communities. Sudan’s agricultural recovery is a crucial part of ending the country’s humanitarian crisis.

Market Islands

Sudan has impressive agricultural potential, given its 170 million acres of arable land, Nile-fed irrigation and adequate rain. However, the conflict has been detrimental to the agricultural sector.

The UNDP explains the current division of the sector, calling the disconnected industries “market islands.” Food prices have driven this division, which have risen up to 200% since the war began. Transaction costs have also contributed to higher food costs, rising by 30-40%.

Potential Growth

The UNDP analysis, in partnership with the International Trade Centre, identified a list of crops that could improve both food insecurity and income levels. These are sorghum, sesame, groundnuts, soybean, gum arabic, hibiscus and livestock.

Gum arabic is a particularly promising value chain, as Sudan produces around 80% of the world’s gum arabic, but disrupted collection and export routes have reduced export levels. Exports were approximately 40% below stable levels.

Financing Issues

Another major detriment to crop yields is the lack of appropriate financing for farmers. UNDP reports that more than 70% of farmers and small businesses cannot secure financing, hindering their efforts to maintain or increase production.

The Agricultural Bank of Sudan temporarily halted loan distribution because of inflation.

The agricultural sector is so fragile that many farmers have transitioned to subsistence plots, small pieces of land used to grow food solely for the farmer’s household. These plots protect farmers from economic downturns but also reduce crop production.

Dialogue Between UNDP and Sudan’s Ministry of Finance

On Sept. 23, the UNDP and Sudan’s Ministry of Finance concluded a three-day dialogue to develop an agricultural roadmap for Sudan’s food production crisis and economic recovery. More than 300 participants attended, including government ministries, businesses, financial institutions, the national and international private sector, farmers’ and trade associations and other stakeholders. The dialogue centered on engaging the private sector to reduce food insecurity and poverty, especially for individuals needing more support than humanitarian assistance. Prioritizing private sector engagement is imperative because it is responsible for nearly 98% of jobs.

The forum encouraged discussion of “productivity, access to finance (including credit guarantees, takaful insurance, blended finance and diaspora investment), market systems, and aggregation, trade and export facilitation, and policy and institutional reform.”

Outcomes of Khartoum Dialogue

The forum emphasized private-sector participation and the development of a roadmap for agricultural recovery. The forum also discussed potential investments with international participants; such proposals are not confirmed funding commitments.

Potential Support for Farmers

In terms of supporting farmers and crop production, there are a variety of measures UNDP is considering, including credit guarantees and trade facilitation.

UNDP is coordinating an attempt at a warehouse receipt system with the national and international private sector. Farmers would receive receipts that would support financing in exchange for storing their produce in approved facilities.

– Pritam Khalsa

Pritam is based in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

The Move Toward Inclusive Employment in Belarus

Inclusive Employment in Belarus
Belarus, situated in Eastern Europe, is a post-Soviet country that borders Russia, Ukraine and EU countries. The overall rate of unemployment has improved over the last two decades, but inclusive employment in Belarus remains an issue. While the general rate of unemployment in the country was about 3.5% in 2025, for those with disabilities it was much higher at 16.5%. However, signs indicate that things are moving in the right direction. Multiple initiatives, funded by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), are making workplaces more accessible and opening up new opportunities to help unemployed disabled people into work. It provides useful models that show how greater inclusive employment opportunities are possible.

The Work of the UNDP in Belarus

The United Nations Development Program has operated in Belarus since 1992. The agreement was to support economic development and promote social progress and better standards of life. One way it accomplishes this is through funding programs that equip those with different kinds of disabilities with tools for the workplace. These programs aim to expand opportunities for skills development, employment and social inclusion.

Dobra Kava

Dobra Kava, translated as “Good Coffee” in Belarusian, is a coffee roasting company based in Chojniki, Gomel region. Wheelchair users created the business, and its workshops are fully accessible. Founded in 2022, EU and UNDP support has been important in bringing this idea to life. By expanding beyond this region, Dobra Kava joined an international e-commerce marketplace, Ozon, allowing its coffee to reach more people. The knowledge these entrepreneurs have gained is now reaching others interested in selling products on online marketplaces through a “roadmap” they have made publicly available. Dobra Kava is an example of a business paving the way for the expansion of inclusive employment in Belarus. Its experience shows how accessible workplaces and digital tools can create employment opportunities, although it does not demonstrate a national decline in unemployment.

3D Printing and Animation Programs

Based in Luninets in the Brest region, a 3D printing program provides disabled people with opportunities to gain new skills. The initiative aims to help participants develop skills applicable to self-employment. The program also provides access to a community where people can share similar experiences. Another program, based in Grodno, teaches young people with intellectual disabilities skills in animation. It provides a space to collaborate and work together while learning new skills. Both initiatives show that, moving forward, programs are in place to not just help disabled people into employment, but also to provide a sense of social inclusion and value as part of a community. This is particularly important in smaller villages, like Luninets, where opportunities are more limited for those with disabilities.

Moving Forward

From building accessible workplaces to creating programs that teach useful digital skills, inclusive employment in Belarus is becoming a more achievable goal. The funding and support from the UNDP continue to play an important role in encouraging this move. Although these programs remain relatively small-scale, entrepreneurs, such as those who created Dobra Kava, lead the way in showing how creating inclusive employment opportunities is not just an aspirational goal but truly achievable.

– Madeleine Davey

Madeleine is based in Sheffield, UK and focuses on Technology and Solutions, and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, , ,

How UNDP in Sudan is Helping the Country Grow

UNDP in Sudan
Since the outbreak of conflict in 2023, nearly 6.9 million people have been pushed into extreme poverty. Farming communities have collapsed, more than 70% of health care facilities in conflict-affected areas have shut, and diseases such as cholera, HIV and TB have become more prevalent. Children’s education has been disrupted. UNDP reports it plans to continue supporting Sudan in the long term, including through access to services, clean energy, training and livelihood programs that strengthen communities’ self-reliance. Here is information about how UNDP is helping Sudan grow.

Clean and Sustainable Energy

UNDP provides solar-powered energy to ensure farming, health care facilities, and businesses have a cost-effective, clean, reliable, and sustainable source of energy. For example, many of the farms around the River Nile relied on diesel-fueled water irrigation systems. With the state of the economy and conflict in Sudan, this became an expensive and unreliable form of energy. Many farms had to cut back on fuel, which led to failing crops. With UNDP’s help and funding from the Republic of Korea, 300 farms received solar-powered irrigation systems, helping to maintain livelihoods in a clean and cost-effective way.

Helping Communities Grow

UNDP partnered with the UN Interim Security Force of Abyei to provide support for individuals in communities by creating jobs, supporting farmers, empowering women, providing clean water and offering training to ensure conflict resolution and peacekeeping. UNDP set up a local community management committee, giving people a voice and enabling each community to assess needs and assistance priorities. This committee identified the need for home-grown gardens, providing women with seeds, tools and training to produce food for their families while giving them the initiative to sell excess produce. UNDP established the Village Savings and Loans Association to empower women, support small businesses, and provide financial stability for more than 170 women. In one case, the association brought together 25 women from different communities to set up and run a produce business, sharing the capital and profits.

Achievements

UNDP has been working to help the people of Sudan. These efforts have:

  • Reported reaching more than 6.3 million Sudanese people, refugees and migrants.
  • Distributed 150 metric tons of certified seeds to strengthen agricultural resilience.
  • Created more than 200,000 temporary cash-for-work jobs.

The work UNDP does would not be possible without the backing of governments in other countries and funding from supporting partners. However, the need is still growing. UNDP Sudan Resident Representative Luca Renda stated, “To truly match the courage and determination of the Sudanese people, we must do more.” UNDP continues to support the Sudanese people and its communities, helping Sudan grow in its economy, agriculture, clean energy initiative, and peace.

– Shannon Waters

Shannon is based in Middlesbrough and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Solar-Powered Ice Plants in the Philippines Protect Fishing Livelihoods

Solar-Powered Ice Plants in the Philippines
Fish must be properly chilled and frozen after being caught because they are highly perishable. Yet limited access to ice, refrigeration and other post-harvest facilities can make preservation difficult in isolated coastal communities in the Philippines. An Oceana assessment estimated post-harvest losses of 40.34% in municipalities around Samar Bays and Channels and 38.39% along the San Bernardino Strait. These figures reflect the locations assessed by Oceana rather than the Philippines as a whole. Solar-powered ice plants in the Philippines offer one potential way to protect catch value as changing weather patterns place additional pressure on fishing livelihoods.

Changing Weather and the Vulnerability of Fishing Livelihoods

Changing weather is adding pressure to Philippine fishing livelihoods by affecting fish distribution, marine ecosystems and exposure to storms and other hazards. A study of 220 small-scale fishers in Davao Gulf found that changing weather patterns and rising temperatures contributed to vulnerability, alongside lower catches and the need to travel farther offshore. For households that rely heavily on fishing, these pressures can make an uncertain source of income more vulnerable.

The Hidden Cost of Keeping Fish Cold

For households that depend on fishing, keeping a catch fresh can directly affect how much money a day’s work generates. Fish can lose quality and market value without adequate preservation. A JICA study of Philippine fisheries found that deterioration during transportation could make fish less competitive in the market, while research continues to identify post-harvest losses as a challenge. The cost of ice can add another burden. In Basilan, 10-kilogram blocks previously cost fishers ₱200 to ₱240 from outside suppliers, compared with ₱60 from a nearby solar-powered ice plant.

Basilan: Solar Power Brings Ice Closer

In Lantawan, Basilan, an off-grid fishing community now has a solar-powered ice plant that produces ice locally. The facility, handed over in February 2026, can produce nearly one tonne of ice blocks a day. Before the plant opened, residents bought ice from nearby towns and reported income losses when fish products spoiled. UNDP reports that access to local ice has helped reduce dependence on ice brought from outside the community and reports that fishers say spoilage-related income losses have fallen. These are early project experiences, not independently measured long-term outcomes. The EU and UNDP co-funded the facility through the Model Lives program, with the Kasalamatan Agri-Fisheries Association managing it. Similar facilities are being developed elsewhere, including a DOST-supported hybrid solar ice plant in remote Palawan.

What the Savings Mean for Fishers

For fisher Pating Punso in Barangay Bukut-Umus, access to local ice changed a basic fishing expense. He previously paid ₱200 for a block of ice from mainland Basilan. He now pays ₱60 for a comparable block from a solar-powered facility about 50 meters from his home. Punso told MindaNews that the local ice is cheaper and lasts longer. Another fisher, Muamar Manisan, described another cost of unreliable ice. When he ran out, fish caught from his payao could spoil, forcing him to dry some squid instead. This reflects the project’s early reported experience rather than a long-term independently measured outcome.

Women Turn a Livelihood Need Into Local Enterprise

Solar-powered ice plants in the Philippines are also creating business opportunities for women. In Lower Binembengan, Sumisip, 26 women have operated the community’s ice-block production facility since March 2026. The EU and UNDP-backed enterprise supplies ice to local fishers while giving the women a role in managing a local business. Available reporting does not quantify the women’s individual earnings, so longer-term effects remain unclear.

Why Small Infrastructure Can Matter

For fishing households, earning from a catch depends on being able to keep it fresh until it reaches the market. When ice is expensive or unavailable, fish can lose quality and value, turning spoilage into a direct financial loss. The Basilan cases show how this infrastructure gap can affect everyday fishing costs and the value of a catch. Solar-powered ice plants in the Philippines offer a way to bring ice production closer to remote fishing communities while using renewable energy. By making preservation more accessible, they can potentially help protect the value of catches in communities already facing climate-related pressures, where limited income options can increase economic vulnerability.

What We Do Not Know Yet

Solar-powered ice plants could offer benefits beyond reducing spoilage and ice costs. In San Agustin, Romblon, an ice plant faced high electricity costs because of its heavy power requirements before receiving a ₱2.186 million solar system with battery storage. At the same time, the technology requires significant upfront investment: a solar-powered ice machine in Pilar, Cebu, cost ₱3.9 million. Continued funding, maintenance and reliable operation will therefore matter to sustaining these benefits.

When Protecting a Catch Means Protecting an Income

A fishing community does not always need a new livelihood to become more financially secure. Sometimes, it needs better ways to protect income from existing livelihoods. Solar-powered ice plants can reduce preventable losses, lower a key cost and create local business opportunities. For communities with few alternatives, strengthening these livelihoods can help people earn closer to home rather than being pushed to seek precarious work elsewhere.

– Zeba Vagh

Zeba is based in Melboure, Victoria, Australia and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Politics for Progress: Effective Political Strategies for Poverty Reduction

Aerial view of a person on a bench engaged in conversation.
Even when policymakers identify promising solutions, poverty can persist because public institutions do not always deliver services or distribute opportunities equitably. Research on governance and development suggests that accountable institutions, coordinated policies and sustained financial commitments can help make anti-poverty programs more effective. Political action matters not simply because leaders set goals, but because institutions determine how commitments translate into resources for communities. This article examines political strategies for poverty reduction through governance, accountability, cross-sector coordination and international cooperation.

Governance as a Poverty Reduction Tool

Effective governance can help governments direct resources toward marginalized communities and improve access to services. The United Nations Development Programme’s Human Development Report 2021–22 examines human development challenges and the role of policy and institutions. It does not, however, establish a simple rule that higher spending on health or education automatically produces better governance.

Rwanda provides an example of institutional reforms alongside expanded social protection and public services. The World Bank reports that national poverty fell from 58.9% in 2001 to 38.2% in 2017, while subsequent programs aimed to improve access to health, nutrition, education and safety nets. These outcomes involved multiple economic and policy factors rather than institutional reform alone.

Accountability Mechanisms and Service Delivery

Accountability mechanisms can help citizens assess whether governments deliver on public commitments. Audits can identify misuse of resources, while access to information and community feedback can give officials stronger incentives to address local needs. The World Bank’s World Development Report 2004 described how relationships between policymakers, service providers and citizens shape access to education and health care.

In Uganda, primary school enrollment rose from 3.6 million to 6.9 million between 1996 and 2001. The report connects the increase to a combination of political commitment, the abolition of school fees, economic conditions and public information—not to accountability measures alone.

A separate study of community-based monitoring in Ugandan primary health facilities, published in 2009, found that community meetings and feedback were associated with greater use of services, improved staff effort and better child health outcomes. This offers stronger direct evidence of a practical accountability mechanism.

Cross-Sector Coordination and Integrated Policy

Poverty has overlapping causes, including limited health care, poor education, inadequate housing and barriers to employment. Coordinating services across ministries and levels of government can help address these connected needs more effectively than isolated interventions.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s Linking Indigenous Communities with Regional Development recommends combining policies related to land, entrepreneurship, infrastructure, skills and governance with greater Indigenous participation in decision-making. Its work on Canada similarly calls for partnerships that give Indigenous communities a stronger role in designing development priorities. These are policy recommendations, not evidence that a particular Canadian reform has already increased employment or reduced reliance on federal programs.

Such coordination can be reinforced by international frameworks that establish shared goals and support the measurement of progress.

International Policy Frameworks and Global Commitments

International agreements can encourage governments to incorporate poverty reduction into national plans and budgets. The United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development includes the goal of ending poverty and calls for nationally led implementation and monitoring. Its targets offer a common framework, although formal commitments alone do not guarantee results.

Ethiopia’s Productive Safety Net Programme illustrates the use of public policy to address chronic food insecurity. Established in 2005—well before the 2030 Agenda was adopted in 2015—the program provides eligible households with food or cash transfers, often linked to public works, to stabilize consumption and protect assets. It has continued under later development frameworks and with support from international partners.

International commitments may help align donors and governments around poverty reduction, but their effect depends on funding, implementation and accountability within each country.

Reform-Minded Executives and Institutional Change

Political executives influence how public resources are allocated, which groups participate in decision-making and whether reforms continue over time. Policies that expand access to public services or protect accountability can strengthen economic inclusion, although their impact depends on how they are implemented.

Botswana is often discussed as an example of long-term economic growth following independence, supported in part by its institutional arrangements and management of mineral revenues. However, growth alone is not proof that all citizens share equally in the benefits. Botswana still faces substantial inequality and poverty challenges. Its experience shows why institutional effectiveness must be evaluated alongside distributional outcomes, rather than described as an unqualified success.

Lawmakers, Advocates and Pathways to Progress

Lawmakers shape poverty-reduction policy through legislation, oversight and budget decisions. Advocates work outside government by organizing communities, presenting evidence and pressing officials to fulfill their commitments. Both roles can contribute to sustained reform.

The global debt-relief movement of the late 1990s offers an example of coordinated pressure and policy change. Launched by the World Bank and International Monetary Fund in 1996 and strengthened in 1999, the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative sought to reduce unsustainable debt burdens so eligible countries could direct more resources toward development priorities. Alongside the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative, it has delivered more than $100 billion in debt relief to 37 participating countries. Debt relief can create fiscal space for health, education and other services, although the eventual poverty impact depends on how countries use those resources.

Looking Ahead

Governance and political action are important tools in reducing poverty, but neither is a substitute for effective implementation. The cases of Uganda, Rwanda and Ethiopia show how public services, social protection and accountability mechanisms can support development when policies are funded and monitored. International coordination, including debt relief, can strengthen these efforts.

Voters and advocates can support leaders who protect civic participation, invest in essential services and make public spending more transparent. For policymakers, the task is to translate commitments into measurable benefits for communities facing poverty. Progress depends on sustained cooperation among institutions, lawmakers, advocates and the people their policies are intended to serve.

– Charles Bakar

Charles is based in Montréal, Québec, Canada and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

,

How AI and Digital Skills in Kenya can Reduce Poverty

AI and Digital Skills in KenyaKenya is investing in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital skills as technology becomes increasingly important to employment, businesses and public services. This investment could support poverty reduction in a country where 39.8% of the population lived below Kenya’s national poverty line in 2022, according to the World Bank. Expanding AI and digital skills in Kenya could create pathways to economic opportunity, but ensuring that low-income and rural communities can participate will be essential.

AI, Digital Skills and Economic Opportunities

Digital skills can help workers adapt to changing labor markets and participate in an increasingly digital economy. The World Bank identifies digital skills as important for building a workforce that can take advantage of emerging opportunities. It also notes that digital technologies can support economic growth, job creation and access to services.

For people living in poverty, these opportunities can be particularly important. Digital platforms can help people access employment, reach wider markets and develop businesses. However, skills alone do not guarantee higher incomes. People also need affordable connectivity, devices and opportunities to apply their skills.

A 2024 United Nations Development Program (UNDP) report highlights Zainab, a youth innovator from Garissa County, who developed a community-driven approach to youth unemployment. By integrating vocational skills training with digital platforms, her initiative empowered hundreds of young people, particularly women, to secure meaningful employment and improve their livelihoods.

Kenya Is Investing in AI and Digital Skills

Kenya is strengthening digital capacity within its public service through the Africa Centre of Competence for Digital and Artificial Intelligence Skilling. The Government of Kenya, through the Ministry of Information, Communications and Digital Economy, launched the Centre in partnership with UNDP, the Kenya School of Government and other partners in December 2024. The Centre aims to equip 100,000 civil servants in Kenya during its first phase with digital and AI skills.

The program is designed to strengthen digital literacy, emerging-technology skills, data governance and the ethical use of AI. In July 2025, Kenya held a validation workshop for the program’s curriculum. The curriculum is structured across four progressive levels: Foundations, Application, Management and Leadership.

The initiative can contribute to poverty reduction indirectly by strengthening institutions that provide public services. UNDP has documented public servants applying the skills gained through the Centre to understand how AI can improve service delivery, data analysis and government decision-making.

The Digital Divide Can Limit Poverty Reduction

The benefits of AI and digital skills in Kenya will not reach all communities equally without affordable access to technology. The World Bank has identified poor people, rural populations, women and other marginalized groups as communities that need better access to participate in Kenya’s digital economy.

Current data from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) shows that this gap remains significant. In 2024, 25% of people in rural Kenya used the internet compared with 56.6% in urban areas. Household internet access was also much lower in rural areas, at 26%, compared with 81.6% in urban areas.

These differences matter for poverty reduction because people without reliable internet access may have fewer opportunities to use digital platforms for employment, entrepreneurship, education and public services. Without affordable connectivity, the poorest communities may remain excluded from opportunities created by Kenya’s growing digital economy.

Expanding Access Can Make Digital Growth More Inclusive

Kenya is addressing some of these barriers through the Kenya Digital Economy Acceleration Project (KDEAP). Supported by $390 million in World Bank financing, the project aims to expand access to high-speed internet, improve the quality and delivery of education and selected government services, and build skills for the regional digital economy. The project also aims to increase last-mile connectivity for more than 70% of Kenya’s population living in rural and underserved areas.

Combining connectivity with skills development is important. Internet access without the ability to use digital tools effectively can limit economic participation, while training without affordable connectivity can prevent people from applying what they have learned. For AI and digital skills in Kenya to contribute to poverty reduction, both barriers need to be addressed.

Continued Investment Can Support Poverty Reduction

Kenya’s investment in AI and digital skills provides an opportunity to make technological development part of a broader poverty-reduction strategy. Digital skills can help workers and entrepreneurs pursue new economic opportunities, while stronger digital capacity can help public institutions improve services.

However, continued progress will depend on whether people living in poverty and underserved communities can participate. By expanding affordable connectivity, accessible training and pathways to employment, Kenya can help ensure that digital transformation supports stronger livelihoods and more inclusive economic growth.

– Adebisi Aliyah Adeola

Adebisi is based in Cairo, Egypt and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

,

Poverty in Guyana and the Impact of the Oil Boom

Priests baptizing people in a river, highlighting cultural aspects amid poverty in Guyana.Despite the rapidly growing economy, poverty in Guyana remains a serious challenge. Since the beginning of massive oil production, Guyana’s economy has experienced unprecedented growth and transformation. According to the latest data from the World Bank, the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 43.8% by 2024, making it one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. However, the benefits of this growth did not accrue equally to all communities. Guyana still faces significant problems with poverty, unemployment rates and insufficient infrastructure, especially in rural areas.

Poverty in Guyana and Regional Inequality

The World Bank reports that Guyana reduced its poverty rate from 58.6% in 2006 to 43.4% in 2017. Despite this progress, poverty remained twice as high as the average of 23% for the Latin American and Caribbean region and even higher than the average of 20% for upper-middle-income countries. The World Bank noted that poverty is concentrated in rural and hinterland regions, particularly among Indigenous populations who often have less access to economic opportunities and public services.

Geography contributes significantly to these disparities. Around 70% of Guyana’s population lives in rural areas, where communities are often far from the country’s main economic centers and public services. As a result, many rural residents have not directly benefited from the oil-driven economic growth. They continue to face limited investment in infrastructure, transportation and essential services compared with people living in coastal and urban areas.

Unemployment and Infrastructure Challenges

Poor infrastructure remains one of the main obstacles to fighting poverty in Guyana. According to the World Bank, the country’s transportation network is mainly concentrated along the coastline, leaving many interior and rural areas physically isolated from main economic centers. Additionally, Guyana’s road density is just 0.024, significantly lower than the Latin America and Caribbean average of 0.462. As a result, many residents face difficulties accessing markets, schools, healthcare facilities and other essential public services.

Infrastructure challenges extend beyond transportation. Many hinterland communities continue to face limited access to reliable electricity and digital connectivity, reducing access to education, financial services and economic opportunities. These deficits make it more difficult for rural residents to participate in the country’s rapidly growing economy and benefit from the opportunities created by the oil boom.

Poor infrastructure also limits economic opportunities for the people. Weak transportation networks, high electricity prices and limited access to digital connectivity increase the cost of delivering goods and connecting businesses with consumers. These make it harder to attract investment and create jobs, especially in rural areas. These challenges are reflected in Guyana’s labor market, where unemployment rose from 11.6% in 2010 to 15.4% in 2020. The country returned to its previous unemployment level only in 2022, and this figure has remained unchanged at 12% for the third consecutive year.

Infrastructure deficits have also contributed to long-term migration trends, as many Guyanese leave in search of better economic opportunities abroad. According to the World Bank, approximately 39% of Guyanese citizens live abroad, while nearly half of all Guyanese with tertiary education have emigrated to the United States. Together, inadequate infrastructure, limited employment opportunities and sustained brain drain continue to reinforce poverty and regional inequality, particularly in the country’s interior regions.

Governmental and International Initiatives

Recognizing these challenges, the government of Guyana has sought to use oil revenues to support long-term development through the Natural Resource Fund and the Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030. According to the government of Guyana, these initiatives aim to channel resource revenues into investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, renewable energy and community development. With this strategy, the government founded the Amerindian Development Fund and implemented Community Development Plans in more than 180 villages.

International organizations have also partnered with Guyana to support inclusive growth. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Program (WFP) have implemented agricultural development programs that help farmers adopt climate-smart practices and improve food security. Thanks to these programs, 77 farmers in Guyana were trained to use new farming techniques to increase their harvests while reducing the negative effects on the environment. As a result, Guyana is becoming a leader in the Caribbean region in terms of food security.

The WFP’s Home-Grown School Feeding Program supports local farmers while providing nutritious meals to schoolchildren. This program feeds 2,600 children using the production of 75 local farmers, 28 of whom are women. It created great opportunities for local businesses and improved the nutrition of schoolchildren.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has supported the expansion of information and communication technology infrastructure in underserved regions, helping communities gain better access to digital services, education, and economic opportunities. By improving connectivity and establishing 200 ICT hubs, these programs can make it easier for residents of more than 200 Indigenous communities in remote areas to access government services, participate in online learning, and connect with broader markets.

Meanwhile, UNICEF has worked with the government to strengthen healthcare delivery systems, improve immunization coverage, and expand access to essential medical services in remote communities. These initiatives are especially important in areas where distance, limited infrastructure, and shortages of trained personnel have historically made it difficult for families to receive consistent care.

Moving Forward

Guyana’s oil boom presents a historic opportunity to accelerate poverty reduction and improve living standards. However, economic growth alone does not guarantee inclusive development. Continued investment in infrastructure, education, and public institutions will be essential to sustaining long-term prosperity. Through targeted government spending and partnerships with organizations such as the World Bank, UNDP, FAO, WFP, and UNICEF, Guyana is working to ensure that the benefits of its economic transformation reach all citizens. If these efforts succeed, the country’s oil wealth could become a powerful tool for reducing poverty and creating more equitable economic opportunities.

– Dias Assan

Dias is based in Rome, Italy and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

,

Sign Language Training Fighting Poverty in Indonesia

poverty in indonesiaDisabilities are a major contributing factor to poverty in many countries. Individuals with disabilities are twice as likely to be out of the labor force and three times more likely to be poor. This difference may be attributed to a lack of national health care and limited access to workforce participation, with only 18.7% of people with disabilities in Indonesia employed.

Regarding hearing disabilities, there are many forms of sign language for each language. Therefore, learning multiple sign languages is important for communication with individuals within the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. This aids sign language education in a way that allows more deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals to sign and be understood by hearing people. A 2024 report revealed that 38.8 million people in Indonesia have disabilities, with 2.6 million having hearing impairments. The Indonesian government ratified the Convention on Disability Rights of Persons with Disabilities under Law Number 19 of 2011. Alongside this was the enactment of seven regulations under Law Number 8 of 2016, which highlight the importance of equal rights for persons with disabilities. The government hopes to empower persons with disabilities through national development. Empowering persons with hearing disabilities helps advance the broader effort to reduce poverty through expanded access to sign language education. Indonesia promotes a philosophy of inclusivity through communication and highlights the importance of accessibility in fighting poverty as a result of inequality.

Sign Language Training at UGM

Sign language training was introduced at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) in 2023 as part of the university’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The training specifically fits within SDG 4, which “ensures inclusive and quality education and promotes lifelong learning opportunities for all,” and SDG 16, which promotes “peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.” The training was held for non-teaching staff but included many student participants as well.

In 2024, UGM held a sign language training with a member of the Indonesian Sign Language Center, presenting on the importance of regional diversity within communication. In her presentation, Raihana Mahira Dhaniswari, or Dhanis, explained the different regional sign languages within Indonesia and highlighted the importance of being able to learn and recognize all of them. Dhaniswari pointed out that, for people who can hear, sign language learning is gradual and that difficulties can be aided by people with hearing disabilities who are often eager to provide guidance.

This training has helped open up opportunities to students, such as accommodations for students in admission tests. The 2025 test accommodated eight test-takers with disabilities, three of whom had hearing impairments.

Sign Language Training With UNDP Indonesia

UNDP Indonesia held sign language training for about 30 participants from various teams to support its Sustainable Development Goals addressing poverty, inequality and environmental issues. In partnership with the Pusat Bahasa Isyarat Indonesia, a research and development center for sign language, UNDP conducted multiple training sessions between August and October 2024. The initiative reflects UNDP’s “no one left behind” philosophy, recognizing sign language as an important tool for advancing Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI). By improving communication, the training aims to expand inclusion in education, employment, political participation and other aspects of social and economic life.

Sign Language Training With CBM

Christian Blind Mission, or CBM, is a group dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with disabilities living in poverty in a way that allows them to actively and meaningfully participate in society. In West Java, a group of deaf individuals, as part of a Self-Help Group supported by a CBM project, is empowering other deaf individuals through sign language training. The training is assisted by local government, disability advocates, youth organizations and community members.

CBM identifies barriers to communication, education and social inclusion for deaf and hard-of-hearing persons. Limited awareness and access to sign language education isolate many people in the hard-of-hearing community. CBM views sign language as a mode of empowerment and dignity for people who are deaf and intends to address this through sign language training for people with hearing impairments. The training also extends to family and community members, broadening the awareness of the general public. CBM found that this group had an impact on the confidence of Self-Help Group members who were able to engage more with others through a better mode of communication. The relationships built between deaf and non-deaf people as a result help break down barriers and foster understanding between groups, benefiting not only the deaf community but the wider public.

What This Means for Fighting Poverty in Indonesia

Disability and poverty are intertwined due to the accessibility factors that inhibit people with disabilities from receiving equal treatment and opportunities in areas such as education and employment. Indonesia’s prioritization of SDGs that promote inclusivity and integration is shown through programs such as those at UGM, UNDP Indonesia  and CBM. Many organizations have also amended their policies to better accommodate people with disabilities. By prioritizing a society where people of all hearing abilities can communicate fully, Indonesia is helping people with hearing disabilities and other disabilities more broadly gain equal opportunities in education and employment, supporting a path out of poverty.

– Arden Schultz

Arden is based in Milford, MI, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

,

Indigenous Political Representation and Poverty in Bolivia

A Bolivian Indigenous leader speaking at a political gathering, highlighting Indigenous political representation. Poverty in BoliviaIndigenous peoples make up roughly half of Bolivia’s population, yet for generations they remained largely excluded from the political decisions that shaped their lives. Over the past two decades, constitutional reforms have expanded Indigenous political representation in Bolivia, giving Indigenous communities a greater voice in government and helping shape policies affecting land rights, education, health care and poverty reduction.

Electoral Quotas in Bolivia

Electoral quotas are most commonly associated with increasing women’s political participation. However, some countries have also used electoral reforms to improve the representation of Indigenous peoples. Bolivia is a prime example. Although Indigenous peoples make up around half of the population in Bolivia, they have historically faced political exclusion, discrimination and disproportionately high poverty rates.

While political representation alone cannot eliminate poverty, Bolivia’s reforms have helped create more inclusive institutions that support Indigenous communities. Alongside the efforts of organizations such as the International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs (IWGIA) and development partners like the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), these reforms have contributed to stronger land rights, expanded public services and greater opportunities for Indigenous communities to participate in decisions that affect their futures.

Poverty in Bolivia

Although Indigenous peoples make up a significant share of Bolivia’s population, they have historically experienced higher levels of poverty than the national average. According to the World Bank, rural areas where Indigenous populations are disproportionately concentrated recorded a moderate poverty rate of 77.3% and an extreme poverty rate of 63.9% in 2007. These communities have also faced longstanding barriers to accessing quality education, health care and other public services.

Indigenous political representation in Bolivia can help address these disparities by giving Indigenous communities a stronger voice in decisions affecting their livelihoods. This can contribute to policies that expand public services, strengthen land rights and improve economic opportunities. More inclusive political institutions can support policies that expand access to public services, protect land rights and promote economic opportunities in historically marginalized communities.

Electoral Reform and Indigenous Representation

Bolivia’s political landscape changed significantly in 2005 with the election of Evo Morales, the country’s first Indigenous president. His administration introduced constitutional reforms that strengthened Indigenous political representation in Bolivia.

The 2009 Constitution redefined Bolivia as a Plurinational State, formally recognizing the country’s many Indigenous nations and guaranteeing their participation in political institutions. The Constitution also recognizes Indigenous forms of self-government and established special Indigenous electoral districts that reserve seats for Indigenous representatives in the national legislature. These measures complement Bolivia’s gender quota system, making it one of the few countries to promote representation based on both gender and Indigenous identity.

Why Representation Matters

Indigenous political representation in Bolivia has helped bring issues affecting Indigenous communities onto the political agenda. Bolivia reserves seven special Indigenous electoral districts in the national legislature, and the ninth officially recognized Indigenous autonomous government was recently created for Challa. Since these reforms, governments have expanded recognition of Indigenous territories and strengthened collective land rights, giving many communities greater control over their traditional lands.

Bolivia has also promoted intercultural bilingual education, allowing Indigenous students to receive instruction in both Spanish and their native languages while incorporating Indigenous cultures and knowledge into the curriculum. These policies aim to improve educational outcomes while protecting Indigenous identity.

Organizations have also helped translate these political reforms into practical improvements. IWGIA has worked alongside Indigenous communities to strengthen territorial rights and support Indigenous self-governance, while UNDP has partnered with Bolivian institutions to promote inclusive democratic participation and strengthen local governance. Together, these efforts help Indigenous communities turn increased political representation into lasting social and economic gains.

Continuing Challenges

Despite significant progress, challenges remain. Indigenous communities continue to experience higher poverty rates than many urban populations, and political representation does not always translate into equal economic outcomes. One example is the ongoing debate over natural resource extraction in Indigenous territories. In Bolivia, conflicts over mining, oil and gas development have raised concerns among Indigenous communities about environmental protection, consultation rights and control over ancestral lands. Although resource projects can generate government revenue and economic opportunities, Indigenous organizations have argued that communities must have a voice in decisions affecting their territories.

Looking Ahead

Political representation is not solely about gaining seats in government but also about ensuring Indigenous voices influence economic and environmental policies. Continued efforts to strengthen Indigenous consultation processes, support community-led development and invest in education and land rights can help balance economic growth with Indigenous self-determination. Even so, Bolivia’s experience demonstrates that expanding Indigenous political representation can be an important step toward reducing poverty and inequality. By combining inclusive political institutions with continued investment in education, Bolivia is enabling historically marginalized communities to play a central role in shaping policies that improve livelihoods and create more equitable opportunities for future generations.

– Anna Morin

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

Photo: Flickr

,

Indigenous Communities and the Digital Divide in Guyana

Digital Divide in GuyanaGuyana, beautiful and diverse, reflects disparities that coexist with economic growth and wealth expansion. In recent years, Guyana’s economy has progressed, but its Indigenous communities, particularly those in the hinterlands, continue to experience high poverty due to insufficient resources and inadequate internet services. Despite the nation’s progress, the persistent digital divide remains a key barrier for those in the hinterland regions. According to the World Bank, as of 2019, approximately 48% of households in Guyana are experiencing poverty, with higher social exclusion and limited access in the hinterlands. These statistics underscore that although Guyana has experienced extraordinary economic growth since commercial oil production began in 2019, growth is often not equally distributed. This can be due to geographic challenges and technological disadvantages.

Geographic Isolation and the Digital Divide in Guyana

Historically, Indigenous communities are disproportionately represented among those living in poverty due to geographic isolation, limited infrastructure, and reduced access to education, health care and digital services. Guyana’s persistent digital divide is one of many barriers preventing the hinterland regions from fully participating in the country’s economic progress. Approximately 10% of Guyana’s population identifies as Indigenous, with Amerindian communities residing in regions 1, 7, 8 and 9. These regions are characterized by dense rainforests, rivers and mountainous terrain that make transportation and infrastructure development particularly difficult. As a result, many villages remain isolated from technological resources essential to modern life.

Geographic isolation perpetuates poverty by restricting access to economic opportunities more readily available in urban areas with better connectivity. To bridge the digital divide, Guyana’s government launched Information and Communication Technology (ICT) hubs. These hubs provide internet access, computers and digital skills training to thousands of residents across the hinterland regions. They enable community members to complete online training, search for employment, communicate with government agencies and develop small businesses that reach customers beyond their villages.

Expanding Digital Infrastructure Across the Hinterland

Several organizations are working together to close Guyana’s digital divide. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) partners with the Government of Guyana, the National Data Management Authority and the office of the Prime Minister to expand broadband access in Indigenous communities. Through these partnerships, more than 250 ICT hubs have been established in Amerindian villages, providing internet access, computers, digital literacy training and public services. These hubs also support entrepreneurs, students and local leaders by improving access to education, financial services and government programs.

According to the Government of Guyana, internet connectivity has now reached 253 Amerindian communities, marking one of the country’s largest investments in digital inclusion to date. As additional satellite technology and renewable-energy-powered infrastructure are deployed, more remote villages are expected to gain reliable internet access.

Digital Inclusion Can Reduce Poverty

Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) acknowledges digital infrastructure as a fundamental element of sustainable development. Reducing the digital divide in Guyana generates opportunities that extend beyond communication. Enhanced connectivity enables students to pursue online education, entrepreneurs to access broader markets, health care providers to expand medical services, and governments to deliver public resources more efficiently. Digital literacy prepares future generations to join a workforce increasingly reliant on technology. As Guyana invests oil revenues in national development, ensuring that Indigenous communities have equitable access to digital resources is essential for reducing long-term poverty and fostering inclusive growth.

Guyana’s economic success presents a historic opportunity to ensure prosperity reaches every community. Continued investment in broadband infrastructure, digital literacy and community technology centers can help reduce long-standing inequalities experienced by many Indigenous populations. Partnership between the Government of Guyana, UNDP and additional community agencies is already demonstrating that expanding digital access creates meaningful opportunities in both education and economic participation.

Looking Ahead

As internet connectivity continues to expand across the hinterland, more families will gain the tools needed to improve their livelihoods, strengthen local businesses and participate fully in Guyana’s rapidly growing economy. Bridging the digital divide is not simply about technology; it is an investment in sustainable poverty reduction and a more inclusive future for all Guyanese.

– Rayonna M. Sanders

Rayonna is based in Chicago, IL, USA and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr