Showing papers in "Journal of International Development in 2015"

Beyond Aid: A Conceptual Perspective on the Transformation of Development Cooperation

Abstract: Development cooperation is part of an international system characterised by fragmentation and limitations in global problem solving. Drawing on the term beyond aid, this article explores the transformation of development cooperation within this system. The article distinguishes four dimensions of beyond aid – actors, finance, regulation and knowledge – where aid loses relevance relative to other fields of international cooperation. Creating links to these beyond aid dimensions is at the core of the transformation of development cooperation. Understanding this transformation as a learning process, the article identifies ‘specialisation’ and ‘integration’ as two options for the future of development cooperation. © 2014 The Authors. Journal of International Development published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Global Prosperity and Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract: Negotiations around Sustainable Development Goals and the post‐2015 development agenda should go beyond just re‐writing goals and targets that adhere to ‘sustaining’ the same old economic and social models. Instead, societies and governments should take this as an opportunity to advance more radical conceptual and practical approaches that challenge this reductive understanding of ‘sustainability’. The paper argues that we should turn our attention to prosperity rather than to development per se, recognising the critical role political and social innovation should have in unleashing individuals' potential to flourishing in a context of finite resources. The interwoven, interdependent and ever‐evolving nature of socio‐ecological systems, together with the uncertainties and ‘unknowns’ that characterise contemporary reality, questions the relevance of one‐size‐fits‐all goals. There is no single route to prosperity; diversity of objectives is essential and fundamental. Learning from initiatives in the Global South, such as the case of agroecology, might pave the way towards this paradigm shift.

The Ebola Crisis and Post-2015 Development

Abstract: This article argues that the recent Ebola crisis is the result of structural violence, as interlocking institutions have produced interlaced inequalities, unsustainabilities and insecurities. These have underlain the vulnerabilities in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea through which a disease outbreak became a major health, social and economic crisis and the local fears, distrust, rumours and resistance that magnified it further. Articulating this analysis of Ebola with broader perspectives, the case is made for a reframing of post-2015 development as transformational politics towards equality, sustainability and security, enabling people to realise well-being and justice in terms that make sense to them. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The Post-2015 Moment: Towards Sustainable Development Goals and a New Global Development Paradigm

Abstract: The post-2015 moment is a moment in time in which multiple efforts are being made to envision a better long-term future for humanity and to forge, post-2015, a new and different global development trajectory. There is a need for not only new global goals but also a new global development paradigm. The papers in this special issue assess the Sustainable Development Goals in the making and offer constructive suggestions to further a paradigm shift that would bring the post-2015 development agenda to life in a transformative way rather than sustain business as usual. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Grease or Sand in the Wheels of Commerce? Firm Level Evidence on Corruption and SMES

Abstract: Bribes can either put ‘grease’ or ‘sand’ in the wheels of commerce, affecting firm performance (at the micro-level) and, ultimately, economic growth (at the macro-level). This study examines this issue using a unique and exceptionally rich dataset on over 2000 micro, small and medium scale enterprises in over 30 cities in the Philippines. Using instruments such as industry-location averages of corruption to deal with endogeneity and drawing on unique contextual information on public–private interactions on bribery, this study finds evidence that corruption greases the wheels of commerce for Philippine SMEs, particularly in cities with poor business environments. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The Political Economy of Africa's Emergent Middle Class: Retrospect and Prospects

Abstract: This special issue introduction provides a historical perspective in order to contextualize the political economy of Africa's emergent middle class. In doing so, three overarching research questions are discussed to better understand the middle class' transformative potential. First, who constitute Africa's middle class and how has this concept changed over time? Second, what dynamics explain the growth of this group? Third, what are the implications of the middle class for good governance and pro-poor policies? The contributions of each of the articles in the special issue to answering these specific questions for Africa's contemporary middle class are then briefly discussed. © 2015 The Authors. Journal of International Development published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

From Unconventional to Ordinary? The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Homogenizing Effects of International Development Cooperation

Abstract: The majority of the literature on new actors in development cooperation explores how these alter the field. This article presents a reverse case of how the strong homogenizing norms and principles of international development may turn an unconventional development actor into something quite conventional and more alike to well-established actors. Drawing on insights from institutional theory, it examines organizational changes in the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation from formation until today and argues that the foundation has progressed from a state of intentional isolation to one of actively engaging in and adhering to the field's norm and principle-setting. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

“No Bourgeoisie, No Democracy”? The Political Attitudes of the Kenyan Middle Class

Abstract: Barrington Moore's famous line ‘no bourgeoisie, no democracy’ is one of the most quoted claims in political science. But has the rise of the African middle class promoted democratic consolidation? This paper uses the case of Kenya to investigate the attitudes and behaviours of the middle class. Analysis of Afrobarometer survey data reveals that the middle class is more likely to hold pro-democratic attitudes. This suggests that Moore's argument deserves to be taken seriously, at least in some African countries, and that contemporary demographic changes will improve the prospects for democratic consolidation. However, qualitative evidence from the Kenyan 2013 general election raises important questions about the resilience of these attitudes. The middle class may be more inclined to democratic attitudes than their less well-off counterparts, but class continues to intersect with ethnicity, and its political salience is likely to wax and wane as a result. © 2015 The Authors. Journal of International Development published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Seven Decades of ‘Development’, and Now What?

Abstract: Year 2015 is slated as a year of transformation to address unprecedented political, ecological, social, gender and economic inequities. UN negotiations are underway to produce new sustainable development goals (SDGs). The paper argues that ideas matter in the conceptualisation of development agendas, which in turn depend on power constellations within and between the first UN—the member states, the second UN—the UN secretariat and agencies, and the third UN—civil society. The paper tracks past development decades and examines whether the SDGs can and will be as visionary as the UN Charter adopted in 1945, which created moral pressure for institutional and policy change. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Matching Concepts With Measurement: Who Belongs to Africa's Middle Class?

Abstract: This paper advocates for a conceptualization of the African middle class that would be universally valid: security from economic vulnerability and prospects for social mobility. We suggest three minimum criteria that are jointly necessary and sufficient to reflect this conceptualization: secondary schooling completion, decent housing amenities and skilled employment. Using household surveys for nine African countries, we then demonstrate how measures of the middle class based on expenditure thresholds refer to households with vastly different abilities to meet these three criteria. This cautions against overreliance on expenditure-based definitions, which may obscure qualitative differences among the middle class across African countries. © 2015 The Authors. Journal of International Development published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Foreign Direct Investment, Employment and Wages in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract: Job creation is one of the main challenges for developing countries. The aim of this paper is to analyse the relation between foreign ownership and employment using an original firm-level dataset that covers 19 sub-Saharan African countries. Our results show that although foreign firms are generally larger than local ones, the employment they generate is relatively more unskilled labour intensive compared with that generated by domestic firms. We discover substantial differences between foreign investors from the north and the south, in terms of both skill intensity and wage premiums. We also find that, ceteris paribus, Chinese firms employ more workers (mostly blue-collar workers) and pay lower wages for both skilled and unskilled workers compared with both domestic firms and other foreign investors. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Multi-Local Livelihoods and Food Security in Rural Africa

Abstract: This article analyses household-based food transfers as an expression of multi-local livelihoods. Transfers of maize outside the co-resident household unit are analysed on the basis of data from 2857 smallholder households across nine African countries. The study complements a growing interest in the role of food transfers for urban food security, through considering the food security implications for sending households. Food transfers in the top income quintile consist of distributing surplus production, whereas in the lower quintiles, transfers clearly compromise the food security of the sending households. The spatial mismatch between household production and consumption points to the need for development strategies that consider these wider subsistence obligations. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jid.2991/full (Less)

Determinants of Household Vulnerability to Food Insecurity: A Case Study of Semi‐Arid Districts in Malawi

Abstract: This paper looks at household vulnerability to food insecurity and its determinants in two semi-arid districts in Malawi. A randomly selected sample of 200 households was interviewed. The descriptive statistics revealed that female-headed households were more vulnerable to food insecurity than male-headed households because of low access to resources for food production and purchases. A two-stage least squares regression analysis showed that amongst the main determinants of household vulnerability were income, household size, land size and access to climate information. The findings imply that policies should promote diversification of livelihoods and equal opportunities and rights to access resources. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Donor Coordination for Effective Government Policies

Abstract: New aid approaches devised under the Paris/Accra agenda for more effective aid are expected to make a particular difference in health and education as, arguably, in these sectors aid fragmentation is particularly prevalent. This article reviews evidence from recent in-depth country work on the extent to which the harmonisation and alignment principles, implemented through new aid modalities, have contributed to health and education outcomes in Zambia. Evidence suggests that even in a ‘model’ case for adopting Paris-style aid instruments such as Zambia, implementation of good aid principles has been insufficient to overcome the negative side effects of uncoordinated and fragmented aid. © 2015 UNU-WIDER. Journal of International Development published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Does the Feminisation of Agricultural Labour Empower Women? Insights from Female Labour Contractors and Workers in Northwest Syria

Abstract: With major socio-economic changes in the Middle East and North Africa spurring men's exit from agriculture, women now represent over 60 per cent of the agricultural workforce in several countries Drawing on original field research, this paper analyses the emergence of female agricultural labour contractors and female wage labour groups in north-west Syria and compares the outcomes for the contractors' and labourers' empowerment with regard to four dimensions of power or agency: power within, power to, power over and power with An evolving but delicate balance between continuity and transformation has permitted modest gains in women's empowerment without challenging intrahousehold gender power relations Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

Crisis in Microfinance Institutions: Identifying Problems

Abstract: This article empirically analyses the reasons for crises in microfinance institutions (MFIs), using a sample of 832 MFIs from 74 countries for the period 2003–2011. The methodology used is logit analysis with panel data. The main results show that both internal and external factors influence the probability of a crisis. We find different factors that reduce the likelihood of a crisis (company's performance, country's economic growth, political stability, and existence of a private credit bureau). On the other hand, excessive liquidity, a higher proportion of deposits over loans and more loans per employee all increase the probability of a crisis. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Identifying the poorest people and groups: Strategies using the global multidimensional poverty index

Abstract: If development is about poverty reduction, then where the poorest live is an important question. This paper seeks to answer this question using an internationally comparable multidimensional poverty index (MPI) to identify the poor using household surveys across more than a hundred countries. We compare three criteria to identifying the bottom billion: (i) the billion living in the poorest countries; (ii) the billion living in the poorest subnational regions and (iii) the poorest billion according to the intensity of their deprivations. Although there are commonalities across the results based on these three criteria, they produce notably different findings that are relevant to the discussions of sustainable development goals.

Health Aid and Health Improvement in Sub‐Saharan Africa: Accounting for the Heterogeneity Between Stable States and Post‐Conflict States

Abstract: Using a sample of 34 sub-Saharan African countries over the period 1990–2012, this paper reveals that health aid helps to improve health outcomes in sub-Saharan African countries. More specifically, for each additional unit of health aid, the prevalence of HIV decreases by 8.3% and child mortality decreases by 64% over 4 years. This effect operates mainly through the improvement of female education and the increase in health spending. Furthermore, the results do not support the hypothesis of a significant difference between post-conflict states and stable states in terms of aid effectiveness. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The Middle Class and Democratic Consolidation in Zambia

Abstract: Using Zambia's 2008 Governance Survey, this paper examines the relationship between class, political participation, trust and values. Three notable findings emerge. First, Zambia's middle class is less likely to vote or demonstrate but more distrusting of political institutions and more likely to oppose bridewealth. Secondly, the conceptualization of the middle class makes a difference depending on the outcome of interest, especially in Africa where correlates of class found elsewhere may not necessarily move in the same direction. Thirdly, the results suggest that the main difference is between wealthier Zambians and the poor instead of the middle class and everyone else. © 2015 The Authors. Journal of International Development published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Aid, Social Policy and Development

Abstract: This paper discusses past and current social policy strategies in the international aid architecture as an introduction to the UNU-WIDER Special Issue. Beginning in the 1990s, aid strategy and policy shifted to put a stronger emphasis on human development. This accelerated with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and will continue under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which have even more ambitious targets. The paper also assesses some of the concerns associated with the ‘Paris-style’ aid modalities, and discusses major challenges for the future global development agenda. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. © 2015 UNU-WIDER. Journal of International Development published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Brazilian South–South Development Cooperation: The Case of the Ministry of Social Development in Africa

Abstract: The article analyses domestic and external drivers of the rise of South–South development cooperation to a foreign policy priority under the Lula administrations. It argues that the rise was a consequence of presidential leadership, growing domestic mobilisation, shifts in the global political economy and the prioritisation of South–South development cooperation by traditional donors. It explores the case of the Ministry of Social Development cooperation with Africa, focusing on two experiences—the Bolsa Familia and the Purchase from Africans for Africa Programme. Although the ministry's partnership with traditional donors remained constant, there was increased domestic leadership in the food purchase programme. © 2015 UNU-WIDER. Journal of International Development published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Total Factor Productivity, Pollution and ‘Green’ Economic Growth in China

Abstract: This paper investigates the linkage between China's output growth and its pollution emissions. We find that growth of total factor productivity in the Chinese provinces over the period of 1997–2011 was accompanied by increasing pollution emissions. Our study shows that over this period, a significant part of China's output growth previously attributed to total factor productivity growth is actually due to increasing environmental inputs. On the basis of the general ideas of the green Solow model and our empirical analyses, long-run green sustainable growth in China would be unachievable under current conditions of pollution abatement efforts. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Welfare Impacts of Microcredit Programmes: An Empirical Investigation in the State‐Designated Poor Counties of Shaanxi, China

Abstract: This paper evaluates the welfare impacts of microcredit programmes and the activities of non-governmental organization microfinance service providers in state-designated poor counties of Shaanxi, China. Study results suggest positive impacts on microcredit programme participants with respect to increased income (by 4.07 per cent), general expenditures (6.45 per cent) and savings (3.13 per cent). Top income quartile participants experience more benefits, and women gain greater access to decision-making. These findings suggest that successful and sustainable microcredit intervention improves lives and plays an important role in improving rural economy, possibly reducing inequality between rural and urban areas in China. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The Impact of Social Beliefs on Microfinance Performance

Abstract: We apply a panel of 331 microfinance institutions from 37 countries to investigate the relationship between social beliefs and microfinance financial performance over the period of 2003-2011. We find that microfinance institutions in countries with higher levels of trust and more collectivist culture have lower operating and default costs and charge lower interest rates. These results provide the first large cross-country evidence that social beliefs are important determinants of microfinance performance. Copyright (c) 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Defining and Measuring Poverty and Inequality Post‐2015

Abstract: The post-2015 development agenda requires improved concepts to define and measure different forms of poverty and inequality. Building on the experiences made with the Millennium Development Goals, this paper gives an overview of several possible approaches by discussing their strengths and weaknesses. National, international, relative and multidimensional concepts are considered. Arguing that the discussions on the post-2015 agenda offer an opportunity to introduce new global measurements of progress that complement gross domestic product-based approaches, the authors make the case for a simple yet comprehensive index as a headline indicator that could help to better inform poverty and inequality reduction policies in the post-2015 world. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Universality and Ambition in the Post‐2015 Development Agenda: A Comparison of Global and National Targets

Abstract: The post-2015 moment is a moment in time in which multiple efforts are being made to envision a better long-term future for humanity and to forge, post-2015, a new and different global development trajectory. The replacement of the Millennium Development Goals by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is occurring in the shadow of the global financial crisis and the reaching of planetary boundaries that define a safe operating space for humanity. There is thus a need not only for new global goals but also a new global development paradigm. The papers in this special issue examine the SDGs in the making and indicate the extent to which they may be associated with a new global development paradigm. They identify key weaknesses in the emerging SDGs in terms of the articulation of global and local priorities, the failure to address the synergies and trade-offs between different goals and the lack of an underlying policy framework. They also suggest that to be effective, new global goals require new global rules. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Leaving No One Behind?: Informal Economies, Economic Inclusion and Islamic Extremism in Nigeria

Abstract: This article examines how the Post-2015 commitment to economic inclusion affects informal economic actors in developing countries. It highlights the selective dynamics of inclusive market models which generate new processes of exclusion in which the most vulnerable continue to be left behind. The case of Nigeria reveals how inclusive market initiatives reinforce parallel processes of informalization, poverty and Islamic extremism in the north of the country. Fieldwork in northern Nigeria shows that inclusive initiatives are intensifying competitive struggles within the informal economy in which stronger actors are crowding out poorer, less educated and migrant actors, exacerbating disaffection and vulnerability to radicalization.

Female Labour Supply in A Developing Economy: A Tale from A Primary Survey

Abstract: The U-shaped relationship between economic development and female work force participation rate may be explained at the household level in terms of the interaction between social factors and the income of the household. The social attitude and income are likely to be influenced by education, which augments the income on the one hand and on the other shifts women from stigmatised jobs to non-stigmatised jobs and also reduces the adverse social response towards women participation in the labour market. The shift across sectors of employment is also motivated by education, implying positive associations between education and high productivity jobs. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Redefining Informality and Measuring its Determinants: Evidence from the Russian Labour Market

Abstract: Although informality impacts countries' economic development, the recent recession may have increased the incidence of informal activities. We take advantage of a rich data set on Russia before and after the economic downturn and demonstrate that the incidence of informal employment varies across the definitions. However, the determinants of informal employment are roughly stable across different measures, apart from firm size. Employing a direct measure of risk attitudes, we also show that risk-averse individuals are less likely to select themselves into informality. Regressions suggest a lower likelihood to be a formal employee post-2008, especially for individuals with little education and immigrants. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Getting to ‘Yes’: Governing Genetically Modified Crops in Uganda

Abstract: This paper critically examines the evolution of the regulatory regime to review and manage the potential social, environmental and health risks associated with the introduction of genetically modified organisms in Uganda It reveals how and why institutions responsible for governing genetically modified crops have evolved over time and the implications of this progression The paper investigates the inter-relationships that connect the various elements of genetically modified organism regulation, arguing that current policy and legislative efforts are the results of the early establishment of institutions and processes tailored towards the eventual endorsement of these technologies Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd