
Our Areas and Countries of Work
Blackburn with Darwen
Blackburn with Darwen, located in East Lancashire, has a population of approximately 155,000 people. Around 60% of residents are White, with 40% belonging to minority ethnic groups. It is one of the most deprived areas in England, ranked 14th on the Index of Multiple Deprivation, and faces significant health and socio-economic challenges, including lower-than-average life expectancy.
The borough is recognised as a City of Sanctuary and actively supports asylum seekers and refugees. As of December 2022, the number of asylum seekers housed locally rose from 370 to 750, reflecting its pivotal role in providing sanctuary. Additionally, many refugees have settled in the area after being granted leave to remain, further contributing to its diverse community.
Blackburn with Darwen’s inclusivity highlights its commitment to supporting vulnerable populations, though increased resources are essential to meet growing needs.
Kenya
Kenya, located in East Africa, is known for its diverse cultures, rich wildlife, and growing economy. However, the country faces numerous socio-economic challenges that impact its development and the well-being of its population.
Poverty
- Rank: 147th out of 191 countries (2022).
- Poverty Rate: Approximately 34.4% of the population lives below the national poverty line, with higher rates in rural areas.
Food Insecurity and Nutrition
- Prevalence of Food Insecurity: About 33% of the population experiences moderate to severe food insecurity, with this rate increasing in the wake of climate change and economic shocks.
- Malnutrition Rates: Approximately 26% of children under five are stunted due to chronic malnutrition.
Healthcare Access
- Healthcare Coverage: Only about 30% of the population has access to essential health services, particularly in rural areas.
- Maternal Health: The maternal mortality ratio stands at 342 deaths per 100,000 live births, with many women lacking access to skilled healthcare during childbirth.
Education
- School Enrolment: While primary school enrolment is relatively high, with 94% of children attending, secondary school enrolment drops significantly to around 50%.
- Quality of Education: Challenges persist in the quality of education, with a significant number of schools lacking basic facilities and qualified teachers.
Economic Challenges
- Kenya’s economy, while one of the largest in East Africa, faces several hurdles that affect its growth and sustainability.
- Unemployment Rate: Overall unemployment rate is approximately 5.7%, with youth unemployment significantly higher at around 39%.
- Informal Economy: Over 80% of the workforce is engaged in the informal sector, which lacks job security and benefits.
Economic Dependency
- Foreign Aid: Kenya relies heavily on foreign aid, receiving about $3 billion in development assistance in 2021, primarily from the United States, the European Union, and various international NGOs.
Environmental Challenges
- Climate Change Impact: Kenya is highly vulnerable to climate change, with increased frequency and severity of droughts affecting food production and water supply.
- Water Access: Approximately 16 million people lack access to safe drinking water, contributing to health issues and hindering economic development.
Conclusion
Kenya faces multifaceted challenges that threaten its socio-economic stability and the well-being of its citizens. Addressing these issues through targeted interventions and sustainable development strategies is essential for the country to achieve equitable growth and improve the quality of life for all its inhabitants.
Sierra Leone – A Struggle, for Survival Amid Poverty, Epidemics and Harsh Weather
Sierra Leone, located on the West African coast, is renowned for its vibrant cultural traditions, lush rainforests, and rich deposits of diamonds and minerals. Despite its natural wealth and resilient population, the country faces persistent socio-economic challenges, including widespread poverty, limited access to healthcare and education, and the ongoing recovery from the effects of a brutal civil war and the 2014 Ebola epidemic. These issues continue to impact the nation’s development and the well-being of its citizens.
Poverty
- Sierra Leone ranks 182nd out of 191 on the UN Human Development Index (2022).
- 57% of the population lives below the poverty line.
- 70% of the labour force relies on subsistence agriculture, leaving them vulnerable to external shocks like climate change and economic downturns.
- Access to healthcare, education, clean water, and sanitation is severely limited, especially in rural areas.
Impact of Ebola and the Orphan Crisis
- The Ebola epidemic (2014-2016) resulted in over 3,955 deaths and 14,000 infections.
- 12,000 children were orphaned due to the outbreak.
- There are a total of 310,000 orphans in Sierra Leone, affected by past crises like the civil war (1991-2002) and ongoing poverty.
- Lack of adequate social safety nets means many orphans rely on extended families, charities, and international aid.
- UNICEF estimates a 43% national literacy rate, with many orphaned children at risk of early marriage, child labour, and trafficking.
Poverty and Economic Hardship
- Despite Sierra Leone’s rich natural resources, over 70% of the population lives on less than $1.25 per day.
- 70% of youth are unemployed or underemployed, which perpetuates a cycle of poverty, especially in rural areas.
- Economic disparity is exacerbated by years of conflict, corruption, and poor infrastructure development.
Harsh Weather and Climate
- The rainy season (May to October) causes severe flooding that affects 220,000 people annually, displacing many and damaging homes and farmlands.
- Agriculture, which accounts for over 60% of employment, is frequently disrupted by flooding, leading to food shortages and worsening malnutrition.
- UNICEF reports that 30% of children under five suffer from chronic malnutrition.
- During the dry season, water shortages force communities to use unsafe water, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases like cholera and diarrhoea.
Conclusion
While international efforts from organisations like UNICEF, the World Bank, and the UN are crucial, long-term solutions require substantial investment in education, healthcare, and infrastructure to improve the quality of life for Sierra Leone’s population.
Jordan
Jordan, located in the Middle East, faces numerous socio-economic challenges despite its rich history and cultural significance.
Human Development Index
- Rank: 109th out of 191 countries (2022).
- Poverty Rate: Approximately 7% of the population lives below the poverty line.
Refugee Crisis and Societal Strains
Jordan hosts one of the largest refugee populations in the world, significantly impacting the country’s resources and infrastructure.
Population Statistics:
- Over 3 million registered Syrian refugees (about 20% of the total population).
- Over 1 million registered Palestinian refugees.
- Significant number of Iraqi refugees.
Healthcare Access:
- 70% of refugees do not have adequate access to healthcare services.
- Many face barriers to medical assistance, leading to untreated health issues.
Education:
- Around 700,000 school-age Syrian children in Jordan.
- One in three lacks access to education.
Economic Challenges
Jordan’s economy is heavily reliant on sectors like tourism and agriculture, which have been adversely affected by regional instability.
Unemployment Rate:
- Overall unemployment rate: 23%.
- Youth unemployment rate: 50%.
Economic Dependency:
- High dependency on external aid, with approximately $1.9 billion received in 2022.
- Significant contributions from the United States and European Union.
Additional Challenges
Food Security:
- 21% of the population is food insecure.
Water Access:
- 24% of the country has adequate water resources.
Conclusion
Jordan faces complex challenges exacerbated by the regional refugee crisis and economic difficulties. Addressing these issues is crucial for the country’s stability and development.
Mauritania – Poverty, Slavery and Struggles
Mauritania, situated in Northwest Africa, is known for its vast desert landscapes, rich history as part of the ancient trans-Saharan trade routes, and significant natural resources, including iron ore and fisheries. Despite these assets, the country grapples with major socio-economic challenges, such as poverty, limited infrastructure, and regional disparities in access to education and healthcare.
Additionally, issues like food insecurity and the lingering effects of historical inequalities continue to impact its development and the quality of life for many Mauritanians.
Poverty & Inequality:
- Ranked 158thon the UN Human Development Index (2022).
- 2%of the population lives below the poverty line.
- High unemployment and underemployment, especially among youth (26%).
- Rural poverty rates exceed 44%, with many relying onsubsistence farming and herding.
- Limited infrastructure and natural resource wealth (iron ore, agriculture, fisheries) provide little benefit to most people.
Legacy of Slavery:
- Mauritania was the last country to abolish slavery (1981) and criminalised it in 2007.
- Over90,000 people (~2.4% of the population) are estimated to still live in conditions akin to slavery.
- Most slaves are Haratin, historically enslaved by Arab-Berber communities.
- Many freed slaves live in“slave villages” with poor access to education, healthcare, and land ownership.
Climate and Food Insecurity:
- Harsh climate, mostly desert, makes agriculture challenging.
- Frequent droughts and desertification lead to food insecurity, with 22% of the population lacking enough food.
- 680,000 people need food assistance during the lean season (June–September).
- 22% of children under five suffer from stunting due to malnutrition.
- Climate change worsens these challenges, threatening livelihoods and food security.
Slavery & Human Rights Activism:
- Activists like Biram Dah Abeid have been imprisoned for fighting slavery.
- Government efforts to reintegrate former slaves often lack resources and political will.
- Limited prosecutions for slavery-related crimes, despite laws in place.
- Former slaves face exclusion from land ownership and social mobility.
International Support:
- The World Bank, IMF, and United Nations work with Mauritania to address poverty and human rights.
- World Food Programme (WFP)provides food aid to vulnerable populations.
- Despite this, Mauritania needs sustained, long-term development, including economic diversification and stronger safety nets.
Conclusion:
Mauritania faces ongoing struggles with poverty, slavery, and climate challenges, particularly affecting rural and marginalised communities. While international aid and some reforms have helped, much more is needed for lasting progress.