A new approach to measuring financial and digital literacy is proposed by a team of researchers led by Angela Lyons. The study finds that while promoting literacy is important, it may not be enough to ensure resilience, particularly for vulnerable groups such as women and those living in poverty.
A new study reviews sustainability standards for crop and livestock production, finding moderate positive effects on the environment through reduced agrichemical use. However, economic benefits vary by region and standard, and assessments are complicated. The study also raises concerns about labor practices and inequalities in the rura...
In the Brazilian Amazon, small towns are practicing a self-sustaining circular economy by converting waste into inputs for production. The Carauari community produces 100 metric tons of processed fish per year, generating resources from waste that fuel other activities.
Researchers have developed a new communication design that improves broadband wireless connectivity in the terahertz band, mitigating signal delay and achieving multi-Gbps speeds over short distances. The design uses multiple antennas and beamforming techniques to compensate for propagation losses and accurately estimate channels.
Researchers analyzed online requests from people who use drugs in Russia and found that online platforms provide essential support and services. The study highlights the effectiveness of remote work in reducing harm and increasing help-seeking behavior among individuals with problematic drug use.
A new study found that in-kind payments successfully encouraged farmers to cultivate and conserve rare crops and varieties. The innovative payment scheme, known as Payment for Agrobiodiversity Conservation Services (PACS), has been well-received by farmers and policymakers in four Latin American countries.
A University of Kansas researcher found that media coverage incorporating emotion can influence how people think about climate change, making it a more significant issue. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) also play a crucial role in creating resonance with audiences through their social media activism.
A new study reveals that environmental groups are increasingly focused on advocating for climate change and environmental justice. The researchers found that more than 40% of the most powerful organizations prioritize these areas in their mission statements.
A University of Barcelona team conducted a pioneer citizen science study to analyze microplastic pollution in the coasts of Barcelona, gathering scientific samples from unexplored areas. The study revealed an average microplastic concentration of about 112,000 units per km2, similar to those found in the open sea.
A recent study found that climate change NGOs from rich countries in the global north and Oceania are dominating the online conversation on Twitter, leaving those in developing nations at risk of being left out. The research highlights a stark divide in who is leading the international conversation on climate change among NGOs.
Several studies presented at the symposium use system dynamics, modeling and risk analysis to address human trafficking. NGO actions often fail to understand the context before taking action, resulting in ineffective policies.
A new study suggests that NGOs can use targeted reports to encourage companies to adopt more responsible practices through vertical integration. This approach can help promote sustainable sourcing throughout industries, even in the face of high external pressure. By specifying both violating and non-violating firms in their reports, NG...
Research in Haiti highlights the need for longer-term approaches to rebuilding, focusing on local community empowerment and trust development. Locally-based social entrepreneurs like Steve and Gabi have successfully mobilized villagers to build new schools, toilet centers, and farmers' cooperatives.
A new study published in Manufacturing & Service Operations Management found that consumer education campaigns can be an effective countermeasure against child labor in global supply chains. The researchers used game theory to identify strategies that manufacturers and NGOs can use to tackle suppliers' use of child labor.
A study found that 85% of US-based humanitarian surgical NGOs follow guideline-based practices when providing care abroad, with a focus on standard operating room timeouts and perioperative antibiotics. The majority also showed interest in developing consensus best practice guidelines for short-term surgical missions.
A team of Stanford statisticians, led by Brad Efron and Mike Baiocchi, developed an evidence-based program to prevent rape in Nairobi's poorest schools. The program, which involves training girls to be aware of common scenarios and empower them to register their will, has been shown to cut the rate of sexual assault in half.
A therapist-based intervention significantly reduced dating violence perpetration and depression symptoms in teens. The study found a 47% lower rate of self-reported dating violence among participants who received the intervention compared to those without one.
A new survey conducted by the University of East Anglia found that mainstream media coverage of humanitarian crises is often simplistic, partial, and lacking in-depth analysis. Respondents highlighted a desire for more expert analysis and scrutiny of the aid sector itself.
A new study led by Penn State Smeal College of Business researchers assesses the capacity of humanitarian response systems following disasters. The research proposes new metrics based on optimization models to guide individual decisions toward system improvement and aid in real-time assessment of stockpile capacity.
Researchers at HEC Montréal found that cooperative civil society organizations can increase government payoffs, as they become more efficient and allocate time to productive activities. This surprising finding suggests that corruption can be a net positive for governments.
The IUCN-led independent panel of scientists has been advising Sakhalin Energy to mitigate its impact on whales and the environment. The western gray whale population has grown 3-4% annually, from an estimated 115 animals in 2004 to 174 in 2015.
The UNIST Design School's 'Toy Box' design concept has received Notable and Winner design awards at the Core77 Design Awards 2016. The award-winning design aims to provide play opportunities through innovative repurposing of existing relief packaging, helping deprived children in disaster zones and poorest communities.
A group of researchers, aid workers, and Syrian medical professionals warn that ineffective interventions are worsening the health, education, and livelihoods of refugees. They call for evidence-gathering and transparency in aid allocation to direct funds to effective programs.
The study found that people use two different mechanisms to judge intentionality, relying on emotion for negative outcomes and statistics for positive outcomes. Brain scans revealed differences in brain activity between individuals with different personality traits and psychological measures.
Researchers found that World Vision's community-led approach, which integrates local committees and fee collection, significantly increases well functionality. Nearly 80% of Wells drilled by World Vision remain operational after over two decades with proper maintenance and repair.
A study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that mothers who smoke and have a preterm birth face significantly increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks. The risk increases with the number and severity of preterm births, highlighting the importance of preventing smoking among pregnant women.
A new study by the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill found that when local communities collect fees for repairs and train members to fix wells, they can remain functional for decades. The World Vision model has been implemented in Ghana and resulted in nearly 80% of wells remaining operational after over two decades.
Research by UK academics suggests that celebrity advocacy has limited ability to reach people and encourage them to care about distant suffering. Celebrities can make themselves more popular with the public, but their work often benefits from attention rather than promoting genuine causes.
NGOs call on UN to address conflicts between public health interests and corporate profits from unhealthy products, contributing to 60% of all NCD deaths. The Conflict of Interest Declaration demands a code of conduct for interacting with the food and beverage industry.
A global health agreement is necessary to clarify national and global responsibilities for health and close major health inequities, say researchers from Georgetown University. The Joint Action and Learning Initiative on National and Global Responsibilities for Health aims to create a political space for such an agreement.
The Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health has secured over $40 billion in commitments to improve maternal and child health, with key stakeholders meeting in Delhi to promote accountability. The Global Strategy for Women's and Children's Health has been instrumental in mobilizing these funds.
A learning collaborative approach increases access to quality PMTCT care in Eastern Rwanda by testing multiple improvement ideas simultaneously. The method strengthens health systems and engages local health workers, ultimately increasing the health value delivered to families.
A new study reveals that developing countries are increasing their own health spending, but international aid is sometimes replacing this funding in low-income countries. Channelling aid through NGOs can actually increase government health spending, highlighting the need for better transparency and accountability.
A team of scientists, including IUCN and Conservation International experts, proposes expanding the IUCN Red List to include up to 160,000 species, enabling a better understanding of extinction rates and environmental health. The estimated cost is $60 million, with current efforts costing around $4 million per year.
A team of mathematicians from Complutense University of Madrid develops a computer application to estimate the magnitude of natural disasters, providing useful information for NGOs. They also present an on-site humanitarian aid distribution model that could have been applied in the recent Haiti earthquake.
The role of society in preventing chronic diseases such as CVD is crucial. Governments, industries, and civil society must collaborate to promote healthy lifestyles and environments. The impact of societal changes on health outcomes has been observed in countries like Finland, where CVD mortality has decreased by over 70%.
Research reveals complementary paths to successful microfinance industry expansion, embracing both nonprofit and commercial options. Commercial banks and social businesses have benefits and limitations, with average loan sizes varying significantly.
The Gambia has launched a National Programme to eliminate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), thanks to the pioneering work of UAB researcher Adriana Kaplan. The programme aims to promote alternative rituals that respect tradition while preventing physical mutilations, and will train health professionals in both Gambia and Spain.
The situation of Nepalese children is dire, with over 1 in 11 dying before reaching the age of five, and almost 70,000 annual deaths from preventable causes. The ongoing conflict has disrupted healthcare delivery and education, exacerbating human rights violations.
Contracting with non-state entities like NGOs has been shown to improve health services in developing countries through substantial, rapid improvements. Studies have found that contracting costs between $3 and $6 per head per year can increase immunisation coverage by up to 40 percentage points compared to government provision.
Despite predicted mental health issues, many tsunami survivors in Sri Lanka and India have shown remarkable resilience thanks to strong family and community ties. However, many people are still suffering from symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders, highlighting the need for more research on effective interventions.
The Caucasus region, home to 51 globally threatened species, will receive a significant boost for conservation efforts thanks to $8.5 million in grants from the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF). The funding will support conservation efforts across six countries, including Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Turkey, and Iran.
The Lancet has highlighted concerns over the slow response to humanitarian emergencies in Angola, with three million people in need of medical or nutritional assistance. Humanitarian organizations are working together to address the crisis, but resource and political constraints remain significant barriers.
The Mayor of London is at the center of a complex pattern of governance, with partnerships between organizations playing a crucial role. Business sectors have been successful in getting their needs represented to the Mayor, but NGOs have struggled to organize effectively.