Showing papers in "Journal of International Development in 2021"
26 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors employed the doubly robust inverse probability weighted regression adjustment procedure complementary with a propensity score matching approach on two indicators of food security (household dietary diversity score and subjective food security) across all the various estimation procedures, they observed consistent positive effects of the adoption of improved rice varieties on household food security.
Abstract: This study determines the impact of the adoption of improved rice varieties on household food security using farm‐level data from 900 households in Northern Ghana. We employed the doubly robust inverse probability weighted regression adjustment procedure complementary with a propensity score matching approach on two indicators of food security (household dietary diversity score and subjective food security). Across all the various estimation procedures, we observed consistent positive effects of the adoption of improved rice varieties on household food security. Policies that enhance diffusion and adoption of improved rice varieties should be encouraged to improve food security among farm households.
22 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined how financial development influences economic complexity, using a broad index of financial development, and found that financial institutions and financial markets, as well as their sub-indices (financial depth, financial access and financial efficiency), have significantly positive impacts on economic complexity.
Abstract: This study examines how financial development influences economic complexity, using a broad index of financial development. By utilising a global sample of 86 countries over the period 2002–2017 and applying several econometric techniques, we find that financial institutions and financial markets, as well as their sub‐indices (financial depth, financial access and financial efficiency), have significantly positive impacts on economic complexity. Interestingly, financial institutions have a stronger effect than financial markets, and it is the same with financial efficiency over financial access and financial depth. Three subsamples comprising 28 low‐ and lower‐middle‐income countries, 22 upper‐middle‐income countries and 36 high‐income countries are examined.
17 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors identify the trends of publications, their geographical distribution and the most influential journals, authors and articles in this field of research, and identify the trend of publications and their geographical distributions.
Abstract: The effectiveness of foreign aid in stimulating economic development is a topic of intense debate in the scientific community and among policy analysts. Numerous empirical studies are devoted to investigating the impact of foreign aid on the economic growth/development of recipient countries. This study reviews the literature relevant to this debate using the bibliometric data of scholarly papers in the Scopus database. Our intention is to identify the trends of publications, their geographical distribution and the most influential journals, authors and articles in this field of research.
16 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors re-examine the construct of financial inclusion, through a literature review and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and apply CFA to test two prominent financial inclusion indices.
Abstract: This study re‐examines the construct of financial inclusion, through a literature review and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). First, we conduct a systematic review of definitions, measures and data sources. Second, we apply CFA to test two prominent financial inclusion indices. The CFA analysis reveals a high correlation between the ‘access’ and ‘use’ dimensions; hence, indices fail to capture the multidimensionality of financial inclusion. Existing indices tend to be biased towards measuring the supply‐side and quantitative aspects of financial inclusion. The extent to which lower income individuals and smaller firms have been incorporated into the formal financial sector is not captured.
13 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explored the presence of a national-level green revolution in Ethiopia and found that an Ethiopian green revolution has taken place since the mid-1990s, mainly among staple-growing smallholders in agroecologically favorable areas and that the state has played a central role in this transformation via public spending on agriculture.
Abstract: As the widespread pessimism about African agriculture has receded, policies for a green revolution in Africa are again called for. This study explores the presence of a national-level green revolution in Ethiopia and finds that an Ethiopian green revolution has taken place since the mid-1990s, mainly among staple-growing smallholders in agroecologically favourable areas and that the state has played a central role in this transformation via public spending on agriculture. It concludes that there is scope for states in today's low-income countries to take a leading role in the transformation of their agricultural sectors.
11 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the effect of non-farm labour participation on poverty reduction in rural Mauritania and found that the probability of being poor is 5.9% lower among households that have at least one member participating in nonfarm activities compared with those only associated with the agriculture sector.
Abstract: This study examines the effect of non‐farm labour participation on poverty reduction in rural Mauritania. Farm households with more land and livestock participate to a greater extent in non‐farm activities compared with households with smaller land or cattle. We study poverty's relationship with non‐farm labour activities in terms of the incidence as well as the intensity and severity of poverty. The study is the first to highlight the contribution of the non‐agricultural sector in the reduction of poverty in the rural areas of Mauritania. We apply probit, propensity score matching and inverse probability weighting techniques to determine the signs and impacts of participation on poverty reduction. The results show that the probability of being poor is 5.9% lower among households that have at least one member participating in non‐farm activities compared with those only associated with the agriculture sector. Participation in non‐farm activities is associated with lower intensity and severity of poverty (3.6% and 1.9%, respectively). We find that surplus labour released by the agriculture sector is absorbed in the non‐farm economy. Income generation through diversification into non‐farm activities therefore seems to be an effective way to reduce poverty in rural areas.
10 citations
10 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors assessed the association between financial inclusion and nutrition among 987 rural households in two districts of Zimbabwe and found that financial inclusion increased dietary diversity and food consumption by 12 and 14 percent, respectively.
Abstract: This article assessed the association between financial inclusion and nutrition among 987 rural households in two districts of Zimbabwe. Poisson and negative binomial regressions were used for model estimations. Financial inclusion increased dietary diversity and food consumption by 12 and 14 per cent, respectively. Using concentration indices, our results show pro‐rich advantages in financial inclusion and household nutrition. Promoting inclusive financial services among rural and poorer households is crucial. This can be achieved through establishing microfinance and agency banking in rural areas. Promoting pro‐poor financial inclusion strategies, for example reduction of transaction and banking fees, is important to enhance equity. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
9 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors use Demographic and Health Survey data to undertake the largest ever examination into the causes of inter-ethnic marriage in contemporary Sub-Saharan Africa and document a number of novel findings.
Abstract: We use Demographic and Health Survey data to undertake the largest ever examination into the causes of inter-ethnic marriage in contemporary Sub-Saharan Africa and document a number of novel findings. First, we show that inter-ethnic marriage rates are high, at 19.4% on average, vary significantly across countries, and are rising over time. Second, we show that individual variables associated with modernization such as urbanization, literacy/education, and declines in polygamy and agricultural employment are correlated with inter-ethnic marriage. Third, we show that inter-ethnic marriage is quadratically correlated with ethnic group size and negatively correlated with both educational homogamy and country-population size.
9 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors conducted a unique survey in rural Pakistan, and gathered contemporaneous information about the expected amount of dowry for unmarried daughters, which showed a negative association between female labor force participation and the expectation of dowries, whereas no negative association is observed with other marriage expenses.
Abstract: Dowries are prevalent in South Asian countries, despite legal bans. Theoretical studies suggest that increasing women’s financial contribution to households is the key to effectively abolishing this practice. To empirically examine this proposition, we conducted a unique survey in rural Pakistan, and gathered contemporaneous information about the expected amount of dowry for unmarried daughters. The estimation results show a negative association between female labor force participation and the expected amount of dowry, whereas no negative association is observed with other marriage expenses. These findings suggest that the negative association derives from appreciation of working women rather than their stigmatization. * I thank Takeshi, Aida, Andrew M. Francis, Yuya Kudo, Seiro Ito, Kazuki Minato, Tomoya Matsumoto, Keijiro Otsuka, Tetsushi Sonobe, and seminar/conference participants at PAA, SEHO, AASLE, GRIPS, JASAS, and IDE for their valuable comments and suggestions. My special thanks go to Tariq Munir and his assistants at the Faizan Data Collection and Research Centre for their sincere efforts in conducting field survey in Punjab, Pakistan. Financial support from JSPS (Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research, Kakenhi-15K17065) is gratefully acknowledged. Any errors, omissions, or misrepresentations are, of course, my own. 2
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the impact of remittances on inequality in Mexico using household level information on the receiving side and found that remittance lower inequality and become more pro-poor over time.
Abstract: The poverty‐reducing effects of remittances have been well documented; however, their effects on inequality are less clear. This paper examines the impact of remittances on inequality in Mexico using household‐level information on the receiving side. It hopes to speak to their insurance role by examining how remittances are affected by domestic and external crises: the 1994 Mexican peso crisis and the global financial crisis. We find that remittances lower inequality and that they become more pro‐poor over time. This also strengthens their insurance effects, mitigating some of the negative impact of shocks on the poorest.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors identify the livelihood strategies of rural women that are critical for reducing household poverty in Msinga, South Africa, and use principal component analysis to identify the different livelihood strategies pursued by the women as well as their capital endowments.
Abstract: This study identifies the livelihood strategies of rural women that are critical for reducing household poverty in Msinga, South Africa. Principal component analysis was used to identify the different livelihood strategies pursued by the women as well as their capital endowments. The probit model was used to assess the livelihood strategies, in addition to capital assets and other socio‐economic factors, which are crucial for poverty reduction among rural households. It was found that certain women's livelihoods, in addition to capital endowments and other socio‐economic factors, are critical to move their households out of poverty. Therefore, humanitarian and development agencies should focus on promoting women's strategies that enhance poverty reduction. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors compared tax trends, volatility and tax effort between sub-Saharan Africa and Latin American and the Caribbean (LAC) countries since 1980 and found that richer SSA countries outperform their LAC counterparts.
Abstract: This study compares taxation trends, volatility and tax effort between sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and Latin American and the Caribbean (LAC) countries since 1980. It finds that the LAC countries lead on revenue collection and revenue stability, but richer SSA countries outperform their LAC counterparts. Since 2010, there has been a divergence on personal income taxes, which have grown in SSA but declined in the LAC. The panel analysis shows that tax determinants are sensitive to income levels. The study shows the importance of exploring diversity and cross-regional variations on income levels. Additionally, it shows that room exists for peer-to-peer lessons on tax reforms.
TL;DR: The authors assesses the progress in mainstreaming efforts, revealing that there has been considerable progress made to date, however, a number of critical issues relating to the challenges of such mainstreaming in the context of developing countries and the conceptual framework needed to assess the outcomes of such developmental programmes are yet to be addressed.
Abstract: As the consequences of climate change become better understood, there is growing agreement among development practitioners and academics on the need for mainstreaming climate adaptation into social protection. This review paper assesses the progress in mainstreaming efforts, revealing that there has been considerable progress made to date. However, a number of critical issues relating to the challenges of such mainstreaming in the context of developing countries and the conceptual framework needed to assess the outcomes of such developmental programmes are yet to be addressed. These issues are examined in this paper.
Abstract: This paper examines the mediating effect of democracy in explaining the relationship between decentralization and government size for the period 1970–2013. We proxy decentralization by fiscal decentralization, use total spending as our primary measure of government size and adopt the V-Dem high-level democracy indices as measures of democracy. Our main finding is that the relationship between fiscal decentralization and government spending differs under different types of democracy. From the interaction term, the negative effect of fiscal decentralization diminishes as the democracy level gets higher, particularly for participatory democracy irrespective of whether government size is measured by spending-to-GDP or employment.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine the interconnections between capital flows, institutions and real sector growth in Africa and show that capital flows (foreign direct investment, private debt and equity) have no direct favorable impact on the real sector.
Abstract: The article examines the interconnections between capital flows, institutions and real sector growth in Africa. We show that capital flows (foreign direct investment, private debt and equity) have no direct favourable impact on the real sector. Initial assessments show that countries with robust institutional frameworks can benefit significantly from capital flows, as institutions moderate the positive impact of capital flows on real sector growth. Our marginal effect analyses show that the impact of private capital on real sector components is dependent on the type of capital, sector and the percentile level on institutions, in some cases, at the 90th percentile. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: In this paper, a mixed methods approach was employed to investigate the poverty reduction potential of large-scale farm employment in Kenya and a long-run time series of real agricultural wages was created.
Abstract: This study employs a mixed methods approach to investigate the poverty reduction potential of large‐scale farm employment in Kenya. A long‐run time series of real agricultural wages is created. The quantitative data are supplemented by life‐story interviews of agricultural workers. The analysis suggests that large‐scale farm employment can serve as a route out of deep poverty. However, to prevent wages from falling below the subsistence level, there is a need for a balanced rural development strategy whereby investments in smallholder agriculture and skills upgrades accompany the expansion of commercial agriculture.
TL;DR: It is concluded that even at low initial income levels, economic growth provides an incentive to stay rather than enabling would-be migrants to finance migration costs and encouraging them to leave.
Abstract: Debates on the extent to which developing countries suffer from a brain drain often focus on the emigration of locally scarce health personnel. In this paper, we empirically examine how two potential determinants—aid for health and local income levels—affect the emigration rates of doctors and nurses from developing countries. Employing a standard gravity model of international migration, we show that aid for health has a negative effect on the emigration of both nurses and doctors. Our findings suggest that donors influence the emigration decisions of doctors and nurses through improvements in health infrastructure. Higher income per capita is also associated with lower emigration from developing countries for doctors and nurses alike. Given that nurses typically belong to the poorer segments of populations in the countries of origin, we can conclude that even at low initial income levels, on balance, economic growth provides an incentive to stay.
TL;DR: Rwanda and Uganda witnessed a decline in pro-rich inequalities, whereas changes in Ethiopia and Kenya have been mixed, and cross-country differences in the evolution of maternal healthcare inequalities are found.
Abstract: Using data between 2003 and 2016, this paper assesses the degree and evolution of socio-economic inequalities in maternal health outcomes in four African countries. The study measures the trends of socio-economic inequalities in maternal healthcare and assesses the sources of socio-economic inequalities in maternal health through a decomposition approach. We find cross-country differences in the evolution of maternal healthcare inequalities. Rwanda and Uganda witnessed a decline in pro-rich inequalities, whereas changes in Ethiopia and Kenya have been mixed. Further, the study finds significant contributions of personal characteristics of the woman to inequalities in maternal healthcare access.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined efficiency spillovers from foreign-owned and domestic-exporting firms in the Ethiopian manufacturing sector using a two-stage econometric approach and found that the presence of domestic and foreign exporters in the same sector increases the efficiency of local exporters with a higher absorptive capacity.
Abstract: This study examines efficiency spillovers from foreign‐owned and domestic‐exporting firms in the Ethiopian manufacturing sector using a two‐stage econometric approach. We estimate firm‐level technical efficiency using the ‘true’ fixed effects stochastic frontier analysis and apply system generalized methods of moments to examine how spillovers impact the efficiency of local firms. Results show that the presence of domestic‐exporting firms in the same sector increases the efficiency of local non‐exporting firms with a higher absorptive capacity. Furthermore, spillovers from foreign‐owned firms improve the efficiency of vertically linked domestic‐exporting enterprises but negatively impact non‐exporting firms. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.