bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Public expenditure and economic performance: A comparison of developed and low‐income developing economies
Authors: Sattar Zaidi 
Published: July 2007

AbstractGovernments incur expenditures in order to fulfill the following roles in the economy: (a) to correct distortions or market failures; (b) regulate private activity that might harm society; (c) provide public goods and services (i.e. economic and social infrastructure); and (d) often engage in productive activity. Some of these activities improve economic efficiency while others reduce it. There is also considerable evidence of inefficiency in the public provision of goods and services. However, the nature and extent of government involvement in the economy varies significantly between the developed industrial market economies and the developing world, particularly the low‐income economies. Historically, government in the developing economies have exercised relatively greater control and direction over their economies in all the above categories, while public sector involvement in the developed economies has remained largely confined to the provision of public goods and services, regulatory functions and the management of income‐maintenance programmes. Citing historical evidence, a number of leading economists have argued that government size has had no impact, one way or another, on economic performance of industrial market economies. For the low‐income economies the evidence, though mixed, points more towards a positive overall impact of government on growth performance. The present exercise, using a simple growth‐modeling framework and a longer span of time‐series data, produces additional evidence in support of the above propositions. Moreover, this study seems to confirm the Gerschenkron hypothesis that an effective role of the state is directly linked with the ‘stage of backwardness’ of the economy.
Transition in eastern Europe: Does the sequence of privatization matter?
Authors: Maciaszek‐Roberts Barbara 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe paper considers privatization in Eastern Europe with government playing an active role in choosing a whole industry to be privatized. Sectoral privatization in Poland serves as an example. The question of sequence of privatization is restricted here to the choice between whether to privatize an intermediate goods sector or a consumer goods sector first. A computable general equilibrium model based on social accounting matrices is elaborated and used for simulations. The results show that households benefit from the privatization of a consumer goods industry but the consequences for the economy are less favourable.
A political economy of market‐led structural adjustment. A case‐study of Fiji
Authors: Cameron John 
Published: July 2007

AbstractFor Fiji, the decade after political independence in 1970 provided economic and political room for manoeuvre based upon leveling the uneven playing field of the colonial inheritance. But by the end of the 1970s, issues of post‐colonial macroeconomic imbalances and structural poverty were emerging. The economic debates of the 1980s opened up a range of policy choices. Only after the coups of 1987 did the IMF/World Bank Structural Adjustment approach gain dominance. The coups were in the interest of a chiefly group who are able to benefit from partial exposure to market forces— providing this exposure excludes land—a position accepted in IMF/World Bank recommendations.
Developing countries, GATT and the uruguay round
Authors: Greenaway David 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe Uruguay Round is the most ambitious Round of multilateral trade negotiations ever undertaken under GATT, with over 100 contracting parties negotiating on 15 separate issues. This paper evaluates developing country involvement in GATT and their interests in the Uruguay Round. Historically, developing countries have emphasized special and differential treatment. Within the Uruguay Round, efforts have been directed more at securing liberalization. A successful Round holds out the promise of considerable short‐run and long‐run benefits. These benefits are discussed, as are the potential costs of failure.
External constraint and India's import behaviour: An analysis in the almost ideal demand system framework
Authors: Ray Ranjan , Chatterjee Srikanta 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis paper analyses India's import sourcing over the period 1960–85 in a preference‐consistent, utility‐maximizing framework using the ‘almost ideal demand system’. Assuming separability between exports, imports and domestic production, the paper estimates unrestricted, homogeneity and symmetry‐constrained versions of this demand system on Indian import data, and tests for the empirical validity of the restrictions. The results are analysed and some implications for commercial policy changes examined. The empirical evidence of this exercise seems to point to the need for a wider concept of ‘rationality’ than has been used in the recent literature, particularly when estimating preference‐consistent import‐export demand functions of a developing mixed economy with central planning.
Aid and government: A dynamic model of aid, income and fiscal behaviour
Authors: White Howard 
Published: July 2007

AbstractA recent advance in the analysis of the impact of aid inflows on domestic savings has been models that focus specifically on the response of public savings to higher aid. The theoretical consensus of this new literature is that aid displaces taxes and that the increment to government expenditure is less than the value of the aid inflow. This paper presents a simple model that replicates this result and then shows that the result need no longer hold once we allow for feedback effects through higher income. Whether or not aid adversely affects taxes is shown to depend, inter alia, on the impact of aid on private investment.
Disasters and development. A case study from Peru
Authors: Schilderman Theo 
Published: July 2007

AbstractWhen the Alto Mayo region of Peru was struck by an earthquake, in May 1990, the official response to the disaster did not provide an effective solution. An alternative approach, based on active participation by community organizations in planning and managing the response, and integrating disaster mitigation within the context of wider regional development, proved much more successful. This case from Peru shows that the coping abilities of disaster survivors are often underestimated by the authorities and prove to be an essential resource in reconstruction. It may be a useful example for other disaster locations with a strong presence of community organizations.
‘Graduation’ problems amongst micro and small enterprises in Eastern Nigeria, 1960–91
Authors: Onyeiwu Steve 
Published: July 2007

AbstractOne of the contending issues in the literature is the question of what determines the growth of micro and small enterprises (MSEs). In this article a sample of 37 firms, established in Eastern Nigeria about four decades ago, is used to evaluate why some firms grow while others stagnate. The study shows that only a few of the sample firms had grown into larger categories, while the majority had either stagnated or closed entirely. The case histories of the successful firms are examined, and it appears that they were able to grow because of their adoption of innovative management strategies which are generally uncommon amongst MSEs.
Global environmental change and mechanisms for north‐south resource transfers
Authors: Brown Katrina , Adger W. Neil , Turner R. Kerry 
Published: July 2007

AbstractGlobal Environmental Change is central to the debate on the relationship between environmental degradaton and economic development. This paper examines the agreements signed at the Earth Summit held in Rio in 1992 and highlights some implications for developing countries. The interim mechanism for resource transfer under the Conventions is the Global Enviornmental Facility, but it appears that transfers on a scale necessary to bring anout sustainable development as envisaged by Agenda 21 cannot be made through this mechanism alone. It is argued here that other mechanisms to promote development, such as debt relief, should not be ignored.
Mainstream sustainable development: The challenge of putting theory into practice
Authors: Adams W. M. , Thomas D. H. L. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis paper outlines the main features of the mainstream of sustainable development thinking and the documents from which it is drawn. It then explores these in the context of a wetland conservation project in northern Nigeria. Issues of environment and development have been tackled in different ways, through protected area designation, development microprojects and concern for river basin management. It is concluded that the practical implementation of ‘sustainable development’ projects is far more complex and problematic than might at first appear.
Sustain ability—oriented appraisal of agricultural projects
Authors: Van Pelt Michiel J. F. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe concept of sustainable development requires a different approach to the appraisal of agricultural projects. The introduction of a new sustainability criterion creates complex policy problems, including the definition of sustainable levels of resource use in agriculture, trade‐offs between environmental and income objectives and differences in the perspectives of farmers and decision‐makers. Multicriteria analysis (MCA) is shown to be a potentially useful analytical tool in sustainability‐oriented project appraisal. Outcomes of cost‐benefit analysis (CBA) may be used as an input to MCA.
An econometric model of the monetary sector of the Bangladesh economy
Authors: Parikh A. , Starmer C. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAn econometric model of the monetary sector of Bangladesh is formulated and estimated using annual data for the period 1974–87. The model is evaluated using a range of diagnostic tests and the results from dynamic simulations. The simulations indicate that, historically, inflation, real output growth and monetary growth are all consistent with a structuralist framework in which exogenous shocks such as harvest failures play a leading role in monetary expansions via their effects on food prices. Accommodationist monetary policies may generate further inflationary pressures, though there may be short periods during which monetary expansions increase real output. Excess supplies of real money balances do not appear to have any significant impact on real expenditures.
Explaining policy reform implementation in Guinea: The role of both internal and external factors
Authors: Clapp Jennifer A. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis paper examines the factors which affected the implementation of structural adjustment reforms in Guinea, a country which to date has received little attention, but which has experienced many of the classic problems of policy reform implementation. It is found that while recent attention given to domestic factors such as governance and institutional capacity in explaining the poor adjustment implementation record in Africa are justified, external factors such as donor behaviour and world market conditions played an equally important role. These domestic and external factors in Guinea affected not only the adoption and actual implementation of specific reform measures, but also the state's overall commitment to maintaining the adjustment programme once it was in place.
Demobilization and insecurity: A study in the economics of the transition from war to peace
Authors: Collier Paul 
Published: July 2007

AbstractCross‐section econometrics is used to investigate the effect of demobilization on crime in Uganda. The results show that in the short term demobilization significantly increased crime if soldiers lacked access to land, but significantly reduced it if they had access. Neither of these effects persisted. The paper also discusses the effect of demobilization on the security of the state.
Reconciling alternative macro‐models of optimal borrowing for developing countries: An expository note
Authors: Gemmell Norman 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis paper applies the standard 2 × 2 trade model to an inter‐temporal context, to demonstrate that previous (macro) optimization models of international borrowing for LDCs are special cases of a more general (and more flexible) model of optimal borrowing. It demonstrates that previous models involve only inter‐temporal consumption smoothing and profit inter‐temporal specialization in production.
The importance of remittances for the level and distribution of economic well‐being in lesotho
Authors: Gustafsson Björn , Makonnen Negatu 
Published: July 2007

AbstractUsing the 1986/87 Household Budget Survey of Lesotho, we measure the extent of inequality, identify the determinants of economic well‐being and decompose total inequality by population subgroups. The results show large inequality in economic well‐being. Many households in Lesotho are heavily dependent on miners' remittances from the Republic of South Africa. In the study we quantify their effects on the level of well‐being and the extent of inequality. It is concluded that remittances decrease inequality in Lesotho. A regional analysis shows that, in comparison to urban areas, the effects of remittances are both in terms of average economic well‐being and inequality larger for rural areas, although the magnitudes of the effects vary within the rural part.
Crop insurance and crop credit: Impact of the comprehensive crop insurance scheme on cooperative credit in Gujarat
Authors: Mishra Pramod K. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis paper is an attempt to analyse the impact of a credit‐linked crop insurance scheme—the Comprehensive Crop Insurance Scheme (CCIS) of India—on crop credit or short‐term agricultural credit, especially to small fanners. A dominant view on rural credit institutions is that they are unwilling to extend adequate credit to small farmers on account of the problems of information and enforcement, and that a crop insurance scheme—because it faces similar problems—would make little difference. A common device used in rural credit markets with a view to limiting the consequences arising out of agricultural risk, information asymmetries and enforcement problems is collateral. Small farmers in developing countries do not own adequate land and other assets which can be used as collateral, and consequently face a situation of inadequate availability of credit. The question is whether crop insurance can serve as a substitute (perhaps partial) for collateral. In view of the above facts, this paper addresses the issues whether the CCIS led to a significantly higher flow of institutional credit to farmers, especially small farmers, and whether there was any improvement in the repayment of loan—in other words, whether there was any collateral effect. The analysis is based on empirical data from Gujarat (India). The findings show that there is a significant increase in the flow of credit to insured farmers after the introduction of the CCIS. The expansion is in both coverage and size—there was an increase in the number of borrowers, and also in credit per borrower as well as per hectare. The share of small farmers (with land holdings of 2 ha or less) in the total loan increased from 19 per cent to 27 per cent. There was a significant increase in the repayment of loan in absolute terms—repayment per farmer and repayment per hectare. But it is not clear if the propensity to repay improved. The expansion of credit appears to be what one may call a collateral effect.
Rural people's organizations and agricultural extension in the upper north of thailand: Who benefits?
Authors: Garforth Chris 
Published: July 2007

AbstractRecent developments in agricultural extension policy in Thailand emphasise the importance of working with and through local organisations of rural people (RPOs). The paper describes these developments and explores four sets of arguments commonly used to support them: that they will increase the efficiency of extension by reducing the unit cost of “contact” between farmers and extension staff; that they provide a more effective means of enabling farmers, both individually and collectively, to take action in the interests of local agricultural development; that they promote equity in the provision of extension services; and that they can lead to the empowering of rural people to take greater initiative in their own development. Northern Thailand has a long history of the active involvement of local organisations in agricultural development, most notably the independent “muang fai” irrigation associations. The present century has seen a number of government sponsored efforts to promote the formation of new types of RPOs, efforts which have met with mixed success. Research conducted by the Universities of Reading and Chiang Mai in the nine provinces of the upper north identified the varied processes by which RPOs come into being and investigated the relationships between RPOs and extension agencies in the government and voluntary sectors. A series of case studies in different parts of the region provides evidence in support of the above four sets of arguments. These studies also show, however, that current approaches can lead to new patterns of exclusion among the rural population and may lead to a debilitating dependence of newly created RPOs on government or voluntary agencies. The limitations of current approaches are identified and suggestions made for increasing the benefits of RPO‐based agricultural extension.
The status of women and the social context of reproduction
Authors: Jensen An‐Magritt 
Published: July 2007

AbstractRecent fertility decline in Kenya has taken place at an uneven pace. According to the demographic and health survey (DHS) in 1989, one of the highest levels has occurred in Coast Province, and almost no decline has taken place in Western Province. It is a puzzling aspect that use of modern contraceptives in both these provinces is lower than the national average. The aim of the article is to broaden the understanding of the uneven pace of fertility decline. Attention is given to the social value of children and the role of women. It is argued that the impact of child mortality and sterility is underplayed in analyses based upon the DHS. The data are based upon two case studies, from Kwale in Coast Province and Bungoma in Western Province.
The fertility decline in Kenya
Authors: Robinson Warren C. , Harbison Sarah F. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe general outline of the demographic transition in western Europe is reviewed as a background for understanding demographic changes occurring in Asia and Africa. Although a number of scholars have held that Africa is somehow “different” and would not follow the path to demographic transition in the near future, recent evidence from Kenya indicates that contraceptive prevalence is rising and fertility is falling. Factors related to this change include relatively high levels of education, availability of health services, exposure to modernizing media and urban lifestyles, and a greatly strengthened family planning service delivery system.
Rural sector responses to economic crisis in Uganda
Authors: Bigsten Arne , Kayizzi‐Mugerwa Steve 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis paper, based on a survey of farm households in Uganda's Masaka district, analyses the impact of the country's economic decline on the rural sector. The economic crisis has reduced the flow of resources from the urban areas, in terms of both goods and services and remittances from urban‐based relatives. To preserve their livelihoods, rural dwellers have had to diversify their sources of income. Ability to do this is constrained not only by household characteristics, such as size, age and education of head and time endowment, but also by economic variables such as the existence of markets, size of land holding and credit availability. It is argued that to reincorporate peasants into the modern sector it is necessary to remove the barriers which prevent them from realizing a fair return on their production factors and assets.
Economic decline and the growth of the informal sector: The Guyana and Jamaica experience
Authors: Bennett Karl M. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis paper employs the currency ratio model to estimate the size of the informal sector in Guyana and Jamaica from 1977 to 1989. It is shown that the official estimate of income for both countries, by excluding the informal sector, significantly understates true income levels. Fluctuations in the level of income generated by the informal sector mirrored fluctuations in estimates of official income for Guyana, but moved in a countercyclical fashion to official estimates for Jamaica. It is concluded that the growth of the sector did little to protect the poor in both countries from overall economic decline.
Health sector reform: Key issues in less developed countries
Authors: Cassels Andrew 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis paper explores the meaning, and some of the practical implications, of health sector reform in less developed countries. It reviews the problems that reforms have to address, and the policy objectives they are designed to achieve. It argues that the process of reform is not concerned only with defining priorities and refining policies, but also with reforming and restructuring the institutions through which health policies are implemented. Even though some organizational principles are likely to be common to all reform programmes, a prescriptive approach to institutional reform is inappropriate. The choice of reform options can be influenced by technical advice and analysis, but the decision to proceed, and the subsequent success of implementation, will be dependent on political support. The latter part of the paper presents examples of institutional reform from several less developed countries and includes a consideration of the role and influence of donor agencies.
The political economy of user fees with targeting: Developing equitable health financing policy
Authors: Gilson Lucy , Russell Steven , Buse Kent 
Published: July 2007

AbstractSince the 1980s user fees for government services have become an accepted financing option for the health and social sectors in developing countries. Even countries which had a tradition of providing health services free of charge have now introduced fees and the focus of debate has shifted from whether or not to introduce them, to when and how they should be introduced. Proponents of user fees stress that equity and efficiency gains can be achieved through the implementation of a cost‐recovery policy package. Within this package user fees are complemented by decentralization and combined with two targeting mechanisms favouring low income groups: exemptions, and the use of fee revenue to improve the services offered to them. The extension and improvement of primary health care, for example, will disproportionately benefit low income groups by addressing their health needs in a cost‐effective way.However, targeting mechanisms, and exemptions in particular, have received little attention in theoretical debates within the health sector and current practices have rarely been reviewed. Relatively little is known about their effectiveness or about the conditions required to ensure and enhance it. This paper seeks to contribute to health financing policy debates by reviewing targeting options and assessing the available evidence concerning these issues. Success in protecting the poor appears to be limited and there are considerable informational, administrative, resource and socio‐political constraints undermining the development of effective targeting mechanisms. The paper, therefore, urges‐caution in developing health care financing policy and identifies a relevant research agenda.