Showing papers in "Journal of International Development in 2013"
TL;DR: In this article, the authors consider community-based adaptation to climate change and its relationship to the theory and practice of participatory development, and argue that without attention to risks and uncertainty, political structures and institutions, the necessarily multi-level nature of adaptation policy and programming, and the links between mitigation and adaptation politics and practice, outcomes of CBA interventions are unlikely to support propoor development.
Abstract: This paper considers community-based adaptation (CBA) to climate change and its relationship to the theory and practice of participatory development. It is argued that CBA needs to recognise the considered experience of participatory development to date, particularly in relation to local involvement in project planning and implementation, as well as acknowledging the specific challenges raised by climate change. Without attention to risks and uncertainty, political structures and institutions, the necessarily multi-level nature of adaptation policy and programming, and the links between mitigation and adaptation politics and practice, outcomes of CBA interventions are unlikely to support pro-poor development. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
270 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors discuss the criteria that should be used to judge the quality of institutions and identify the factors that, according to these criteria, determine institutional quality, and provide new evidences about the determinants of institutional quality.
Abstract: This paper provides new evidences about the determinants of institutional quality. Prior to implementing our empirical research, we discuss the criteria that should be used to judge the quality of institutions. Then, we identify the factors that, according to these criteria, determine institutional quality. The results obtained in the estimated model enable to draw some interesting conclusions. First of all, development level determines institutional quality: the highest the former, the highest the latter. Secondly, income distribution seems to condition institutional quality. A certain degree of social cohesion is needed to provide institutional predictability and legitimacy. Thirdly, a sound tax system is positively asso-ciated with institutional quality improvement. Taxes provide the necessary revenue to ge-nerate quality institutions, while creating a narrower and more demanding relation between State and citizens. Finally, education improves institutional quality. On the contrary, some of the variables identified in the literature either they do not seem to determine institutional quality or their effects are indirect, through the aforementioned variables.
154 citations
TL;DR: The new development cooperation landscape is characterized by both vibrant dynamism and systemic inertia and that to achieve progress in development cooperation, more support needs to be given to bottom-up processes of change which can generate effective development outcomes as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The old aid architecture is being replaced by a more complex and diverse landscape of development cooperation in which there are new actors, new approaches and attempts to create an overarching architecture which, by embracing all, is expected to be more developmentally effective. The papers in this special issue address different aspects of the new landscape. This paper provides an overview of the landscape and summarizes the findings of the papers. It argues that they show that the new development cooperation landscape is characterized by both vibrant dynamism and systemic inertia and that to achieve progress in development cooperation, more support needs to be given to bottom–up processes of change which can generate effective development outcomes. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
78 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explored the interrelations between economic growth, international trade and environmental degradation both theoretically and empirically, and found that there is an Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) for most pollutants, but with several reservations.
Abstract: This paper explores the interrelations between economic growth, international trade and environmental degradation both theoretically and empirically. Panel data from developed and developing countries for the period of 1980 to 2003 is used and previous critique, especially on the econometric specification, is embedded. In particular, it is not assumed that there is a single link for all countries. Several environmental factors and one sustainability indicator are analyzed for the full sample, regions and income groups. The results indicate that there is an Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) for most pollutants, but with several reservations. None of the various hypotheses that concern the link between trade and environmental degradation can be entirely confirmed. If anything, there is modest support for the Pollution Haven Hypothesis (PHH). In addition, there are signs that trade liberalization might be beneficial to sustainable development for rich countries, but harmful to poor ones. However, a sustainable development path is particularly important for developing countries, as the poor are most exposed and vulnerable to the health and productivity losses associated with a degraded environment. Given that developing countries do not usually have the institutional capacities to set up the appropriate environmental policies, it is on developed countries to take the lead in addressing environmental degradation issues and assisting developing countries.
70 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors assess the impact of aid that donors classify to be specifically related to energy issues, and find that aid tends to be effective in reducing the energy intensity of GDP in recipient countries.
Abstract: Advanced OECD countries are widely held responsible to contain global carbon emissions by providing financial and technical support to developing economies, where emissions are increasing most rapidly. It is open to question, however, whether more generous official development assistance would help fight climate change effectively. Empirical evidence on the effects of foreign aid on energy and emission intensities in recipient countries hardly exists. We contribute to closing this gap by considering energy use and carbon emissions as dependent climate-related variables, and the volume and structure of aid as possible determinants. In particular, we assess the impact of aid that donors classify to be specifically related to energy issues. In addition to OLS estimations, we perform dynamic panel GMM and LSDVC (corrected least squared dummy variables) estimations. We find that aid tends to be effective in reducing the energy intensity of GDP in recipient countries. All the same, the carbon intensity of energy use is hardly affected. Scaling up aid efforts would thus be insufficient to fight climate change beyond improving energy efficiency.
57 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors address a knowledge gap on what works and does not in capacity-building in African research settings and identify priority areas for policy attention and share emerging early insights on mechanisms and strategies being implemented by consortia to address key challenges.
Abstract: Networked models are often proposed as a means to enhance health research capacity-building in Africa. This paper addresses a knowledge gap on what works and does not in capacity-building in African research settings. It provides an analysis of how multi-partner networks are built and how their success depends on building institutional level capacity-strengthening within partner institutions. To do this, the paper focuses on the Wellcome Trust's African Institutions initiative, drawing on initial learning and evaluation project data. We identify priority areas for policy attention and share emerging early insights on mechanisms and strategies being implemented by consortia to address key challenges.
53 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the causality between remittances and economic growth in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries was examined using the panel Granger causality testing approach that is based on seemingly unrelated regressions systems and Wald tests with country-specific bootstrap critical values.
Abstract: This paper examines the causality between remittances and economic growth in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries We employ the panel Granger causality testing approach that is based on seemingly unrelated regressions systems and Wald tests with country-specific bootstrap critical values Using annual data over the period 1980–2007 for 20 SSA countries, we find that in any SSA country, there is no causality between remittances and growth An explanation of why remittances do not increase growth in SSA countries is given by the causality test that shows that remittances do not increase physical capital investment Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
48 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a dynamic multivariate panel data analysis on a carefully selected data set of income inequality data for developed and developing countries spanning the period 1962-2006 was conducted to find robust empirical evidence for the existence of an inverted U-curve relationship between financial sector development and income inequality.
Abstract: The existing empirical knowledge in the area of financial sector development and income inequality finds evidence for the theoretical work which posits a simple, linear relationship between the two variables. In this article, we subject the extant empirical knowledge to close scrutiny and point out to a potential dynamic and endogenous relationship between financial sector development and inequality. By using dynamic multivariate panel data analysis on a carefully selected data set of income inequality data for developed and developing countries spanning the period 1962–2006, we find robust empirical evidence for the existence of an inverted U-curve relationship between financial sector development and income inequality. In that token, we confirm the theoretical stipulations of Greenwood and Jovanovic (1990) for an inverted U-curve relationship between the financial sector and income inequality.
45 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the effect of farmer field schools in rural Ethiopia on income from agriculture was investigated and a difference-in-differences propensity score matching approach was employed to correct for possible biases due to selection of participants.
Abstract: This study estimates the effect of farmer field schools in rural Ethiopia on income from agriculture. The farmer field schools were established in association with participatory forest management associations for forest protection funded by Japanese aid. We employ a difference-in-differences propensity score matching approach to correct for possible biases due to selection of participants. We find that by participating in the farmer field schools, agricultural households increased their real income per worker by about 60-160 US dollars in two years on average, which is equivalent to, or even more than, the average income per worker before the project. We also find evidence that the large increase in income is due to the use of new agricultural practices, such as new varieties, taught and promoted in the farmer field schools. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
43 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the determinants of participation in non-farm activities and the impact of nonfarm employment on household income were analyzed and it was shown that women are significantly less likely than men to be in wage employment and more likely to be employed in self-employment activities.
Abstract: This paper analyses the determinants of participation in nonfarm activities and the impact of nonfarm employment on household income. A clear empirical regularity is that women are significantly less likely than men to be in wage employment and more likely than men to be in self-employment activities. We find also that households whose heads have completed secondary education or higher gravitate more toward wage employment. Nonfarm employment appears to be crucial for the alleviation from rural poverty in Ghana. With limited opportunities in agriculture, nonfarm employment is necessary to augment or supplement farm incomes. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
43 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors employ a diagnostic framework to analyse local governments' discretion and accountability in political, administrative and fiscal domains and find that the entrenched culture of power accumulation and patronage, within which decentralisation operates, has resulted in elite capture at the local level.
Abstract: Philippines has an exhaustive decentralisation code providing local governments with a high degree of discretion. But the concurrent upward and downward accountability mechanisms are weak resulting in inefficiency and ineffectiveness of local governments. We employ a diagnostic framework to analyse local governments' discretion and accountability in political, administrative and fiscal domains. We find that the entrenched culture of power accumulation and patronage—within which decentralisation operates—has resulted in elite capture at the local level. This along with lack of capacity at national and local levels has caused serious impediments in downward accountability of local governments. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: This article examined the shift towards a new global development cooperation paradigm at the Busan HLF-4; the new global partnership that emerged from Busan; and what South Korea brought to the global discourse on development cooperation as an emerging donor.
Abstract: The fourth High Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness (HLF-4), held in Busan, South Korea drew the largest number as well as the most diverse group of participants ever. This paper examines the shift towards a new global development cooperation paradigm at the Busan HLF-4; the new global partnership that emerged from Busan; and what South Korea brought to the global discourse on development cooperation as an emerging donor. Although it is premature to argue that a new paradigm was established at Busan, there was a clear political momentum for a shift from aid effectiveness to development effectiveness, a change that was advocated and promoted particularly by new actors such as South Korea. The Busan HLF-4 and the post-Busan process have highlighted the global role of new actors, with South Korea exemplifying through its own experience how aid can help bring about development, contributing to the global discourse on development cooperation and playing a bridging role between traditional and emerging donors. The changing dynamics of the world including the global financial crisis and climate change suggest that the global challenges are different from what had been expected when the HLF process and Millennium Development Goals were begun in the beginning of the 20th century. Thus, we recommend that global development cooperation discourse and activities that had been led by traditional Western donors need to find more effective ways of incorporating new actors and different modalities of development cooperation because the global challenges we face are grave. New development partners can bring to the table lessons, energies and capacities deriving from their own dramatic success in alleviating poverty and attaining development and their visibility as global development actors. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: In this article, the theoretical foundations of the social security function of the agricultural sector and the impact of this function on Chinese development were investigated on Chinese economic development, in the absence of comprehensive government provision of social security, in insuring rural residents and rural urban migrants against risks and uncertainties.
Abstract: On the basis of the Lewis model, this paper addresses the theoretical foundations of the social security function of the agricultural sector and investigates the impact of this function on Chinese development. We argue that the agricultural sector and secure agricultural land holdings are important means, in the absence of comprehensive government provision of social security, in insuring rural residents and rural–urban migrants against risks and uncertainties. Given a large rural population and massive rural–urban migration, secure access to land for both rural and migrant populations in China has helped the economy avoid systemic risk and helped to maintain social stability. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: In this article, the potential for the use of remittances as a development strategy is examined and some steps are suggested that are needed to be taken in this regard, particularly the loss in competitiveness, volatility and the development of a dependency mindset that high remittance inflows can foster.
Abstract: Pakistan is one of the world's top 10 remittance receiving countries. This paper examines the potential for the use of remittances as a development strategy. Remittances to Pakistan do seem to promote growth and reduce economic inequality and poverty. However, they also cause the Dutch disease, are inflationary, and tend to be pro-cyclical. The paper describes the challenges in employing remittances as the cornerstone of the country's development model, particularly the loss in competitiveness, volatility and the development of a dependency mindset that high remittance inflows can foster. In the end, some steps are suggested that are needed to be taken in this regard. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss whether the ACP-EU cooperation framework is still relevant in the light of a number of global changes and, more specifically, whether the configuration is still useful to its members.
Abstract: This Policy Arena has two main objectives. First, it seeks to unravel how the partnership between the European Union (EU) and the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group has evolved since the adoption of the Cotonou Agreement in 2000, including its 2005 and 2010 reviews and the implementation of its three key pillars (development cooperation, trade and political dialogue). Second, it explores the prospects of EU-ACP relations in the medium to long term. In particular, it discusses whether the ACP-EU cooperation framework is still relevant in the light of a number of global changes and, more specifically, whether the ACP configuration is still useful to its members. To address these issues, both the EU and the ACP Group have established two working groups. Within the ACP, voices are critical of the EU-ACP partnership, but there appears to be more willingness to reform and renew it. Within the EU, the record of the Cotonou Agreement is seen more positively, but there seems to be less willingness to preserve it. The third review of the Cotonou Agreement to be finalised by 2015, and more generally its expiration in 2020, provides an opportunity – to which this Policy Arena seeks to contribute – to rethink the EU-ACP cooperation model. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors evaluate the effect of delivery mechanisms for training provided by facilitators of self-help groups, and explore the impact of the delivery of these training mechanisms.
Abstract: We evaluate the effect of delivery mechanisms for training provided by facilitators of self- help groups. Indian self-help groups are unique in that they are mainly non-government organisation- formed microfinance groups but later funded by commercial banks. We correct for both membership and training endogeneity. Training impacts assets but not income. Underlying conditions that benefit training include better infrastructure (as in paved roads), linkage model type and training organiser. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. In a recent impact and sustainability study of the Self-Help Group (SHG) Bank Linkage Program, the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER, 2008) finds that SHGs have significantly improved the access of the rural poor to financial services. The report also finds a considerable positive impact for the socio-economic conditions of SHG members. In addition to financial services, SHGs also provide both skill development and human capital training services to their members. This paper aims to explore the impact of the delivery of these training mechanisms. In com- plementarywork,BaliSwainandVarghese(2010) find that training positively impacts assets but not income. In this study, we examine whether the impact of training on assets and income depends on the delivery mechanism, namely, linkage model type, infrastructure and training organiser.
TL;DR: This paper reviewed recent empirical literature on the relationship between openness and the level of national income or, nearly equivalently, trade liberalisation and economic growth and argued for analyzing policy decisions on trade policy with tools from decision theory rather than those from hypothesis testing.
Abstract: We review recent empirical literature on the relationship between openness and the level of national income or, nearly equivalently, trade liberalisation and economic growth. Recent advances reinforce the presumption of a positive causal link from trade to income, especially by solving endogeneity issues more carefully than heretofore and by allowing for heterogeneity between countries. Heterogeneity suggests that low-income countries may benefit less from trade liberalisation than do other countries, but this is not completely settled. We also argue for analysing policy decisions on trade policy with tools from decision theory rather than those from hypothesis testing. © 2013 Crown copyright. Journal of International Development © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors show that the interlinkages between FDI, human capital and institutions play a very important role in explaining FDI inflows to developing countries, and they show that in the presence of good political rights and civil liberties, the association between human and foreign direct investment inflows is enhanced.
Abstract: Domestic human capital is definitely a determinant of foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows for the developing world. Yet, the contribution of human capital will depend to a great extent on the institutional framework of a nation. Good political rights and civil liberties favour human capital to reap the benefits of FDI inflows more efficiently. Our paper shows that the interlinkages between FDI, human capital and institutions play a very important role in explaining FDI inflows to developing countries. The results show that in the presence of good political rights and civil liberties, the association between human and FDI inflows is enhanced. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigate the causes and effects of bribe payments using data from garment-producing firms in Cambodia and uncover the reasons why firms pay bribes and describe what they receive in return.
Abstract: This paper investigates the causes and effects of bribe payments using data from garment-producing firms in Cambodia. We uncover the reasons why firms pay bribes and describe what they receive in return. We test the hypothesis that bribe payments reduce bureaucratic delays and find that bribery can improve productivity by reducing bureaucratic delays. The evidence suggests that, if the government improves administrative services, firms can reduce unofficial payments because unavoidable bureaucratic delays compel them to pay bribes. Our evidence also suggests that foreign ownership can explain why firms are not harassed heavily in this industry. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: In this paper, an improved measure of income distribution and a parametric group-related panel estimation were used to find that the effect of inequality on economic growth is likely to be non-linear.
Abstract: Recent empirical research on the relationship between income inequality and economic growth has provided controversial results. Some studies predict a negative effect of inequality on growth and some a positive effect. Answers to the controversy have usually been sought in the problems of the estimation technique, the measure of inequality or in some form of non-linearity in the relationship between inequality and growth. This study accounts for these problems by using an improved measure of income distribution and a parametric group-related panel estimation. In conclusion, we find that the effect of inequality is likely to be non-linear. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: This paper analyzed the importance of human and social capital for entrepreneurial success, using survey data of 459 urban entrepreneurs in Luanda, Angola, and found that an added year of schooling significantly increases entrepreneurial profits.
Abstract: This paper analyses the importance of human and social capital for entrepreneurial success, using survey data of 459 urban entrepreneurs in Luanda, Angola. The paper offers four main findings: (i) an added year of schooling significantly increases entrepreneurial profits; (ii) different family background variables are associated with the educational attainment of men and women, indicating that educational attainment is gendered; (iii) profits are substantially lower for entrepreneurs suffering from chronic illness; and (iv) entrepreneurs who know a local police officer have higher profits, suggesting that specific forms of networks are related to entrepreneurial success. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: This article found that differences between the characteristics of formal and informal employment account for a much higher percentage of the hourly income differential than does discrimination in the labour market, and that ignoring the sample selection bias results in the overestimation of the formal and the informal male-female income differential and the degree of discrimination against informal employment of women.
Abstract: This study estimates the formal–informal as well as the formal and informal male–female employment hourly income differentials in urban China. The results indicate that differences between the characteristics of formal and informal employment account for a much higher percentage of the hourly income differential than does discrimination in the labour market. In addition, we found that ignoring the sample selection bias results in the overestimation of the formal and informal male–female hourly income differential and the degree of discrimination against informal employment of women and conversely, the underestimation of the degree of discrimination against formal employment of women. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present an exploratory analysis of the relative importance of access to resources as compared with women's agency, recognising that this agency may be limited by gendered institutional constraints.
Abstract: The standard empowerment model underlying gender policies by international organisations emphasises women's access to resources. This paper presents an exploratory analysis of the relative importance of access to resources as compared with women's agency, recognising that this agency may be limited by gendered institutional constraints. It presents a cross-country analysis with a variety of formal and informal gendered institutions, access to resources and well-being achievements. The regression analysis suggests that women's empowerment depends both on access to resources (positively) and on gendered institutions (negatively), with different institutions affecting different dimensions of empowerment. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined whether an effective state-business relationship, facilitated by an organized private sector, improves firm performance in seven sub-Saharan African countries: Benin, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, South Africa and Zambia.
Abstract: This paper examines whether an effective state-business relationship, facilitated by an organised private sector, improves firm performance in seven sub-Saharan African countries: Benin, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, South Africa and Zambia. The findings reveal that, on average, state-business relationships enhance firm productivity by about 25–35 per cent in sub-Saharan African firms. This effect appears to set in through an improved investment climate—including reduced corruption, better provision of public utilities and information technology development—and higher labour productivity. These gains are not confined to small and medium sized firms but have a similar positive impact on large firms. Further, both domestic and foreign-owned firms appear to benefit from joining business associations, although the impact is somewhat larger for the latter. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: In this paper, a systematic review of alternative livelihood strategies currently adopted for improving livelihood conditions of dryland dwellers in different parts of the world is provided, with a discussion on how international development policies can move forward in the fight against land degradation and in helping achieve poverty reduction through investments in sustainable land management and alternative livelihood strategy.
Abstract: Land degradation has become a most pressing issue in drylands. Although crop and livestock production have been the dominant sources of income, there is an increasing realisation that alternative livelihood options need to be explored to ensure both environmental and economic sustainability. This paper provides a systematic review of alternative livelihood strategies currently adopted for improving livelihood conditions of dryland dwellers in different parts of the world. Although drylands encompass a vast social and geographic terrain and represent a heterogeneous socio-economic environment, this paper has been able to document some general lessons applicable to rural drylands for diversifying livelihood opportunities and promoting rural development while minimising the pressure from intensive land-based activities. The paper concludes with a discussion on how international development policies can move forward in the fight against land degradation and in helping achieve poverty reduction through investments in sustainable land management and alternative livelihood strategies. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: In this paper, a multistage random sampling technique was used to select 268 respondents and found that most farmers were willing to pay for improved extension service as long as the service remained relevant to their needs, such as states of origin, items originally paid for, major occupation, minor occupation, number of years in school and sale of farm produce.
Abstract: The study was undertaken to investigate how willing would farmers be to pay for agricultural extension service in Nigeria. A multistage random sampling technique was used to select 268 respondents. Results showed that most farmers (95.1 per cent) were willing to pay for improved extension
service as long as the service remained relevant to their needs. Farmers were willing to pay N1000 annually as their own share of the service cost. The most important factors that influenced farmers’ willingness to pay were states of origin, items originally paid for, major occupation, minor occupation, number of years in school and sale of farm produce.
TL;DR: The National Plant Health System (NPS) as mentioned in this paper is a plant health system in Nicaragua that offers regular advice to farmers in order to support their health care service delivery, and is based on the idea of community-based plant clinics.
Abstract: Establishing a few community-based plant clinics in Nicaragua led to a series of innovations in plant health service delivery. A grassroots experiment became a nationwide initiative involving local service providers, universities, research institutions and diagnostic laboratories. This led to the creation of a 'National Plant Health System' offering regular advice to farmers. The innovations were driven by a momentum for change, committed individuals, joint learning and flexibility in programme management. External facilitation encouraged experimentation and bolstered growth of new alliances. The development of the national plant health system was constrained by existing work cultures that limit the scope of individual and institutional innovations. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: The African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States and the European Union (EU) have engaged in what is known as a "special privileged", legally binding contractual agreement on trade cooperation, development assistance and political dialogue since 1975.
Abstract: The African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States and the European Union (EU) have engaged in what is known as a ‘special privileged’, legally binding contractual agreement on trade cooperation, development assistance and political dialogue since 1975. Currently expressed in the Cotonou Partnership Agreement for a 20-year period from 2000, the agreement faces its final 5-year review in 2015, which is proving conducive for an extensive debate between development practitioners on what future can be envisaged for ACP–EU relations in a world drastically different from the neocolonial era of the 1970s and offering new opportunities as well as challenges to trade, commerce and development assistance. From the perspective of a diplomatic representative of an ACP member state, a critique is offered of issues and instances in which the contested interests of the asymmetrical relationship can be interpreted in relation to the overarching objective of ‘reducing and eventually eradicating poverty’ as stated in the Cotonou Partnership Agreement. The author argues that the ACP Group, as the unique, transcontinental coalition of developing countries can be a significant partner with the EU and ‘new actors’, through south-south and triangular cooperations to challenge traditional thinking and practice on development assistance by a thoroughly refashioned paradigm, in which equality, sustainability, inclusive growth and structural transformation of ACP economies must be pre-eminent. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: The global economic crisis beginning in 2008 has come at an inopportune time for Africa as discussed by the authors, and economic growth had recovered, poverty had declined, and human development had improved.
Abstract: The global economic crisis beginning in 2008 has come at an inopportune time for Africa. Economic growth had recovered, poverty had declined, and human development had improved. Then the crisis hit. Growth then fell by 60 per cent. The growth decline has been less than in previous economic crises though. Africa's resilience currently likely results from improvements in economic and political governance and to changes in the external environment. It appears that Africa will once again resume its path towards prosperity. However, although low-income and ‘fragile’ countries appear to be holding up well, many of them critically depend on external assistance. Above all, the commitment to improved governance must continue. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: In this article, social network theory is suggested as a theoretical frame within the context of adaptation to climate change and two elements of the theory that prove useful are that network brokers bridge networks and diffuse novel information that helps lead to group innovation.
Abstract: Social Network Theory is suggested as a theoretical frame within the context of adaptation to climate change. Two elements of the theory that prove useful are that network brokers bridge networks and diffuse novel information that helps lead to group innovation. Novel information is needed for adaptation to climate change. Network data from a Bangladeshi community exemplify how a rural network functions during non-climate variable and climate variable times; which actors comprise the network and that brokers inside and outside the network diffuse information for possible adaptation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.