Research in Applied Economics 

About: Research in Applied Economics is an academic journal published by Macrothink Institute, Inc.. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Interest rate & Monetary policy. It has an ISSN identifier of 1948-5433. Over the lifetime, 216 publications have been published receiving 1552 citations. The journal is also known as: RAE.

Determinants of choice of climate change adaptation strategies in northern ghana

Abstract: This paper used binary logistic regression model to analyze factors that affect the choice of climate change adaptation strategies of farmers in Northern Ghana. Using semi-structured questionnaires, 155 farmers were randomly sampled from purposively selected three Northern Regions in Ghana. The empirical results of the binary logistic regression models revealed different effects of the factors on farmer’s choice of adaptation strategies. Farming experience, farm income, access to phones, mixed farming, farmers’ perception on reduction in rainfall amount and access to weather information significantly and positively affects the choice of at least five climate change adaptation strategies. Following the findings of this study, agricultural extension service should be intensified through organization of adult education programmes or field schools for farmers to educate them on some climate change adaptation strategies. Agro climatic information centers should be established at vantage points in farming communities to enable farmers seek for information to help them revise their climate change adaptation decisions for specific time and agricultural activity. Lastly, affordable climate change adaptation technologies should be designed and make available to poor farmers to adopt.

Developing Countries' Experience with Neoliberalism and Globalisation

Abstract: This study analysis developing country’ experiences of the last three decades after many of these countries had adopted neoliberal economic policies. An attempt is being made to study their achievements in terms of reducing poverty and unemployment. Also explores neoliberalism and globalisation and its impact on the process and development of democracy in developing countries in the present framework of global capitalism. I find that despite the disastrous experiences of neoliberal polices, especially in Latin American and African countries, still the international institutions are imposing these policies on the developing countries. It seems that little lesson has been learned from the past. There is a gap in the literature regarding the critical analysis of these polices. In recent years a number of Latin American countries have abandoned neoliberalism and adopted polices to be suitable to their national interests rather than foreign capital. I intend to examine these developments in details. We will briefly analyse the international financial institutions policies such as IMF and World Bank and their close co-operation with World Trade Organisation (WTO). Neoliberal versions of the ‘globalisation’ thesis are challenged, and it is argued that national-level economic process remains central and that the international economy is far from ungovernable. The study also examines India’s recent experiences of neoliberal policies, while in contrast to that Ecuador’s attempt to opt out of neoliberal policies and chart out new economic policies aimed towards more national economic control of resources and with active state intervention in favour of under privileged classes in the country.

Regional Economic Disparities as Determinants of Students' Achievement in Italy

Abstract: We use a statistical (multilevel) approach to study the relationship between Math Scores and individual-level and school-level factors. The sample contains data about 21,336 students sorted into 163 schools. Our results show that students attending schools in Northern Italy outperform their counterparts in the South. Moreover, the between-schools variance is much higher in Southern Italy than in Northern Italy, albeit it is not due to student sorting based on different socio-economic status (SES), as suggested by the traditional literature in this field. Finally, between-schools variance actually masks achievement differentials due to the different economic development of the Regions.

The Political Economy of Development in Singapore

Abstract: Singapore has gone through a rapid transformation during the last forty-five years. From an entrepot predominantly towards commerce and services in the mid-1960s into an economy, which presently specialising in high value manufacturing activities, and regional financial hub for business services in East Asia. This paper aims to overview the issues of the role of state and foreign investment, which has played an important role in achieving rapid economic growth. For instance, in 2002 Singapore’s GDP was 24 times compared to 1965 levels. The average annual growth rate for GDP between 1965 and 2006 was nearly 8 % and GNP increased slightly higher over this period. The study examines the international environment and how it contributed to achieve higher rates of growth. It seems that these aspects are overlooked by the researchers. And with the end of the Cold War and with the recent surge in globalisation of production Singapore’s economy is being affected. The study will also argue that the historical factors seem to be important in determining a country’s development strategies.

Food Crop Farmers’ Willingness to Participate in Market-Based Crop Insurance Scheme: Evidence from Ghana

Abstract: The study assesses food crop farmers’ willingness to participate in market-based crop insurance scheme in the Kintampo North Municipal of Ghana, using primary data solicited from 120 farmers in April 2010. The study employed descriptive statistical techniques to analyze the social, economic, demographic characteristics of farmers as well as their current risk management practices. Further, farmers’ willingness to participate in a hypothetical market-based insurance scheme was estimated using the contingent valuation method. The results reveal that the mean willingness to pay premium for a hypothetical loss of GH¢ 1,000 of farm income is GH¢24.43. The minimum and maximum willingness to pay premium, in the insurance scheme are GH¢5.00 and GH¢80.00 respectively. The empirical results of the Binary Logit Model reveal that farm size, family size and diversification via livestock are factors that influence farmers’ willingness to participate in crop insurance. Recommendations drawn for consideration by Government of Ghana (Ministry of Food and Agriculture), policy makers, insurance companies, development organizations and non-governmental organizations in rural poverty reduction are that the design and implementation of any crop insurance scheme in the Kintampo North Municipality and areas with similar characteristics should consider critical factors such as family size, farm size and livestock activities in the design. Further, a weather index-based insurance product should be piloted especially for droughts and floods while considering the current risk-management strategies employed by farmers. It is imperative that the Government subsidizes this program in the initial stages to encourage participation in the form of providing weather station equipment that would enable insurance companies to effectively validate liability claims by farmers.