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Team 1 - Ian Andres, Hazel Castillo, Rihanna Butt, Hleb Bushunou

Course: CI 102 - Ending Global Poverty
Date: April 14, 2025
Region: Rural Syria

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62% of Syria’s poor live in rural areas, mainly in Deir Ezzor, Hassaka, and Raqqa.

Limited access to land, water shortages, and financial resources hinder agricultural productivity.

Displacement, unemployment, and gender disparities worsen poverty.

Infrastructure destruction (homes, schools, hospitals, roads) affects livelihoods.

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One of the core challenges contributing to rural poverty in Syria is the lack of reliable access to clean water, which undermines both agriculture and daily living conditions.

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Ideation (Brainstorming Possible Solutions)

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Ideation (Brainstorming Possible Solutions)

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Rainwater Harvesting Systems
Implementing low-cost rainwater collection and storage systems to capture seasonal rainfall for agricultural and household use.

Solar-Powered Water Pumps
Installing solar-powered pumps to extract groundwater efficiently, especially in off-grid rural areas, reducing dependence on unreliable infrastructure.

Drip Irrigation Technology
Promoting the use of drip irrigation systems to maximize water efficiency in farming, reducing waste while improving crop yields.

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Prototype Community Water System

Objective: Build a rainwater harvesting system for a shared community center or school.

Components: Gutters, storage tanks, basic filtration. Filtration is completed at the collection of rainwater.

Funding: Initial funding is coming from NGOs, charities (i.e., UNICEF), crowdfunding.
Purpose: Provide clean, accessible water for daily use and reduce dependence on unreliable municipal supplies.
Involvement: Local artisans and youth will help build and maintain the system.

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Build a Prototype Community Water System Using Rainwater Harvesting

Prototype and Test –
We selected solar-powered water pumps as the most effective solution because they directly address the water access issue in rural Syria while aligning with the region’s natural climate and limited infrastructure. Syria receives ample sunlight, making solar energy a sustainable and cost-effective power source. These pumps can help rural communities access groundwater without relying on costly fuel or unstable electricity, providing long-term relief for agriculture and daily water needs. This solution supports both food security and economic recovery by improving irrigation and enabling consistent farming.

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Slide 7: Test & Feedback (Evaluating Effectiveness)

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Slide 7: Test & Feedback (Evaluating Effectiveness)

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No, entrepreneurship alone is not a sufficient solution to ending global poverty. While it can create opportunities and empower individuals, it cannot address the systemic barriers that many impoverished communities face—such as lack of access to clean water, education, healthcare, and political stability. In rural Syria, for example, even the most innovative entrepreneurial ideas struggle to succeed without basic infrastructure and safety. Poverty is deeply rooted in structural and political issues, and while entrepreneurship can play a supporting role, it must be part of a larger strategy that includes humanitarian aid, government support, and long-term investment in public services.

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Local solutions can help rebuild rural economies.

Water and food security are essential for stability.

Community-led initiatives empower people to take control of their future.

Final Thought: Sustainable change starts with small, actionable steps—community engagement is the foundation.

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1. United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. Water for Sustainable Living: Community-Based Water Management. UN, 2020. https://www.un.org/waterforlifedecade

2. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Rainwater Harvesting Manual. Texas A&M University, 2023. https://rainwaterharvesting.tamu.edu

3. Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). Urban Rainwater Harvesting: A Manual for Practitioners. CSE India, 2022. https://www.cseindia.org

4. World Health Organization. Guidelines for Drinking-Water Quality. 4th ed., WHO, 2017.https://www.who.int/publications

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We appreciate your time and attention.
Together, we can make a lasting impact through sustainable water solutions.

🌱 Clean Water. Strong Communities. A Better Future. 🌍

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