Brazil Shows Tremendous Progress in Poverty and Hunger Fight

by Mike Smith · 2009-10-24 07:37:00 UTC
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Brazil is leading the way in eradicating hunger and improving literacy. The country continues to show significant progress in social development and poverty alleviation. A recent report published by ActionAid saw Brazil top the anti-hunger scorecard, just ahead of China, with India earning low marks. With two African countries finding themselves in the top 5 of the ActionAid report, the indication is that it's not only wealth that matters in fighting hunger.

In Brazil, a 73 percent decrease in hunger has been put down to food banks, community kitchens, land reform, and support for small farmers, winning them the Future Policy Award, whilst Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil, was awarded the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Peace Prize, in part for his work to reduce poverty.

Brazil isn't just investing in malnutrition prevention. Through the Bolsa Familia (Family Grant) scheme, 12 million poor families receive cash assistance of up to $80 a month. Running since 2003, the scheme asks families to meet several core requirements including ensuring their children attend school, receive vaccinations, and make regular visits to health centers. Having helped half a million children become literate in 2006 and 2007, the program is helping to improve the social and economic standing of low income-citizens. The income transfer scheme has lifted 20 million Brazilians out of poverty since 2003, and offers a lesson to countries around the world.

Photo credit: Andrea Fregnani

Mike Smith
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