bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rhetoric and Reality: The management of Botswana's 1982‐88 drought relief programme
Authors: Simmons Colin , Lyons Stephen 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBotswana has experienced rapid economic growth over the past two decades, which has attracted much praise. While many of its citizens remained reliant on food aid programmes during the recent drought of 1982–88, both the coverage and management of the relief programme were seen as outstanding by development economists and aid planners alike. This paper argues that such optimism is based more on broad aggregate levels of aid disbursement rather than data obtained from actual field studies. Using micro‐level data on food aid flows, the paper argues that such praise for the aid programme is not justified, as there existed serious deficiencies in food provision to many of the most vulnerable groups.
Sisters in economic development: The bretton woods institutions and developing countries
Authors: Bird Graham 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBalance of payments problems in many developing countries have created significant challenges to the IMF and World Bank; their response has been inadequate. While these institutions may not have outlived their usefulness, it is worth exploring modifications to the existing institutional structure designed to have a beneficial impact on economic development. If the traditional division of labour between the IMF and the World Bank has broken down in the context of their dealings with developing countries wherein lie the new comparative advantages? This paper proposes and analyses a reorganization of functions between the two institutions that it is claimed would assist.
External shocks and structural adjustments in east Asian newly industrializing economies
Authors: Chowdhury A. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe two oil price increases and the subsequent recessions in the industrial countries in the 1970s constituted large external shocks for the trade‐dependent East Asian newly industrializing economies (NIEs). The effects of these external shocks on their balance of payments were two‐fold. First, the higher price of oil meant deteriorations of terms of trade and hence increases in import bills. The second impact was recession‐induced declines in the volume of exports. The recession also added to the protectionist pressures, especially against labour‐intensive exports of the NIEs. Therefore, there was a secondary decline in the demand for the NIE's exports. Unlike many other developing countries, however, the East Asian NIEs have coped with such large external shocks quite remarkably. In less than a decade they have been able to turn their current account deficits into surpluses. By using a framework developed by Salter and Corden, this paper seeks to examine the nature of the East Asian NIEs adjustment experience. The East Asian NIEs responded to external shocks with a policy package which included downward adjustments in exchange rates and reductions in absorption, especially public consumption. In the short run the depreciation of their currencies improved competitiveness and discouraged imports. It also switched expenditure away from tradables freeing goods for exports. While these short‐run adjustments improved their current accounts, the long‐run adjustments were crucial in sustaining these improvements and eventually producing surpluses in current accounts. In the longer run, depreciations of their currencies switched the production structure of Korea — and to some extent that of Taiwan — towards tradables. Hong Kong and Singapore were relatively less successful in restructuring their economy towards the traded sector. In the case of Singapore it was perhaps due to an excessive emphasis on the home‐ownership scheme. In Hong Kong the tying of Hong Kong dollar to that of the US led to a substantial appreciation of the currency when the US dollar rose in the early 1980s. Nevertheless, they were relatively more successful than most other developing countries. This paper suggests that this was due to their ability to regulate the labour market which, in turn, enhanced the switching effect of devaluation.
Measuring development? The UNDP's human development index
Authors: McGillivray Mark , White Howard 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis paper critically examines the UNDP's Human Development Index (HDI). We conclude that its treatment of income is inappropriate; the lack of year‐to‐year comparability is undesirable; it is robust with respect to measurement error; and that its contribution to the assessment of development levels differs markedly among country groups.
Productivity and environmental conservation under rapid population growth: A case study of machakos district
Authors: Tiffen Mary 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe relationships between increasing population density, agricultural productivity, incomes and environmental conservation are discussed and illustrated in relation to Machakos District, Kenya, 1930–90. Four positive effects of increasing population density are identified: increased demand, increased labour, increased idea generation, and cheaper social and physical infrastructure. Where government policies permit these to lead to greater involvement with external markets, the mutually reinforcing effects of capital investment and new technology adoption lead to output rising much faster than population, outweighing any negative effects of population growth. However, future trends cannot be predicted from past performance, since the rising price of land and water may retard the realization of economies of scale in infrastructure development.
Export pressure and the less developed countries' (LDCs') debt problem
Authors: Oguledo Victor Iwuagwu 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis paper examines the effect of the external debts of less developed countries (LDCs) on their exports to the United States. Specifically, the effect that manifests as pressure on the 48 most indebted LDCs to export to the US is investigated. Cross‐ sectional regression analysis and data for 1984 are used in the estimation. The estimates show that the burden of external debts put significant pressure on LDCs to export. The estimates also suggest that the LDCs are conscious of their creditworthiness in the international financial market. Furthermore, the results highlight the inadequacy of the current General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) negotiations that focus on trade in goods and services to the exclusion of the LDCs' debt problem. GATT negotiations should give LDCs' market access to industrialized countries greater weight on its agenda as an attempt at tackling the LDCs' debt problem. This is necessary for the long‐term growth of these LDCs, a concern to which enough attention has not been paid. In addition, Western donor countries and their banks should provide more debt relief to these debtor countries. This will enable LDCs to retain a substantial part of their export earnings. Uncertainty is reduced, thus providing the much‐needed impetus for entrepreneurs in these poor economies to commit themselves to long‐term investments. This will guarantee long‐term economic growth.
Some implications of new growth theory for economic development
Authors: Barros Alexandre Rands 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe paper endeavours to sketch out the main implications of so‐called ‘new growth theory’ for the study of economic development. New growth theory endogenizes the sources of growth by attributing growth in production to externalities created by investments in human capital and in technology; some versions also introduce policy variables. The empirical evidence on determinants of growth is reviewed. The new growth theories caution against excessive protection of intellectual property rights, but suggest that in an environment of wide and growing information asymmetries between developed and developing countries, some restrictions to free trade may be justified. In addition, autonomous increases in real wages may have a positive and permanent effect on real per capita income, echoing a conclusion of the ‘under‐ consumptionist’ literature.
Questioning synergism: Win‐win with women in population and environment policies?
Authors: Jackson Cecile 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis paper takes issue with the convergence of opinion, exhibited in a range of development discourses, which suggests that a synergistic set of policy instruments can be used to achieve population, environment and development objectives in developing countries. Gender analysis is the vehicle for the critique of three synergistic policies—clarification of land rights, increased education for women and the empowerment of women. In all of these areas gender analysis reveals trade‐offs and policy conflicts rather than any necessary positive synergy. The reasons for the attractiveness of the synergy position are seen to lie partially in the legacy of systems thinking and the atmosphere of urgency in western environmentalism as well as in the sociology of development agencies.
Estimating efficiency prices through semi‐input‐output methods—a review of practice in available studies
Authors: Macarthur J. D. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractSemi‐input‐output (SIO) methods offer an opportunity for the simultaneous estimation of accounting price ratios (APRs) for a large number of sector products, aggregate classes of goods and for individual commodities. The paper reviews the main features of 13 SIO studies. Despite use of the same method, great variation existed between the sets regarding size of matrix, data sources, numbers of primary inputs and attempts to derive aggregate APRs. Reviews are made of the specifications and values of three main features of these studies: primary inputs, aggregate APRs and the ‘standard’ categories of non‐traded items. Considerable variation in all aspects occurred between the studies. Diversities in methods between the studies account for some of the differences in results, especially the levels of commodity or sector dis‐aggregation that were possible. However, the main differences reflect the substantial variations in underlying pricing and fiscal approaches of the administrations in the economies at the base periods for each estimation. Commonality in APR values between economies was not found, and cannot be assumed.
The continuing trial of development economics: Policies, prices and output in Tanzanian agriculture
Authors: van Donge Jan Kees 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis article, which is based on an analysis of output patterns in Tanzanian agriculture, provides an epistemological critique of economistic reasoning. Decline in agricultural output is usually explained in terms of macroeconomic variables and intervention by a parasitic government. It appears, however, that a disaggregation of national aggregates shows a diversity of regional responses and facilitates the examination of erratic scores which may otherwise go unnoticed. This variety in data throws doubt on the determining influence of national economic and political factors. Tanzanian agriculture in the past decades appears to be characterized as much by production initiatives as by a decline in output. In addition, the effects of government intervention appear to be much more ambiguous than is usually assumed. The article hypothesizes about alternative explanations which see economic life—e.g. scarcity, supply, demand—as social constructions embedded in struggles between sexes, young and old, poor and rich. This new perspective leads to a different interpretative framework in policy‐making.
The world bank and the application of Asian industrial policy to Africa: Theoretical considerations
Authors: Stein Howard 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe paper discusses two general difficulties in drawing lessons from Asian industrialization for Africa, the problem of identification and the problem of reproducibility. The paper criticizes the World Bank/neoclassical model's attempt to solve the identification problem. Using examples from a number of East and Southeast Asian countries the paper argues that the model's export‐oriented vs import‐substitution dichotomy is a false one, that government policy was not neutral but active, interventionist and ‘distorting’, often with positive results, and that statist policies ensured that agriculture supported labour‐intensive industrialization. It also points out that the problem of reproducibility, which is complicated by structural and historical dimensions, is largely ignored by the World Bank/neoclassical model. This raises serious doubts about the usefulness of the World Bank's model of structural adjustment as it applies to Africa, since it is based on a misinterpretation of the factors responsible for industrialization in Asia.
European and East Asian exceptionalism: Agriculture and economic growth
Authors: Grabowski Richard 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAgriculture's role in development has traditionally been seen to be a provider of things to the modern industrial sector. In this paper it is argued that those countries which historically have succeeded as those which have, at least for some time period, nurtured agriculture. Bates has pointed out that this was the case for English agriculture and this paper argues that it was also the case for Japan during both the Tokugawa and Meiji periods. Japanese colonization of Korea and Taiwan assured that agriculture was also protected, at least prior to World War II, in these latter two countries. Finally, this paper argues that the key role of agriculture in industrialization is in terms of providing a growing market for manufactured goods.
Maize research in Malawi revisited: An emerging success story?
Authors: Smale Melinda , Heisey Paul W. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractNew releases, updated adoption data and estimated rates of economic return provide evidence that Malawi's maize research story can now be characterized as an emerging success. Malawi's programme has always included the concern for grain texture among breeding objectives. The active research time until the release by the national programme of hybrids that are adapted to small farmer needs is moderate. The lack of suitable germplasm and discontinuities of staff and funds contributed to lengthy calendar time. Sustained success depends on national commitment to smallholder development and continued investments in maize research and supporting seed production and input distribution systems.
The social and economic impact of HIV/AIDS on farming systems and livelihoods in rural Africa: Some experience and lessons from Uganda, Tanzania and Zambia
Authors: Barnett Tony , Tumushabe Joseph , Bantebya Grace , Ssebuliba Ruth , Ngasongwa Juma , Kapinga David , Ndelike Monica , Drinkwater Michael , Mitti Godfrey , Haslwimmer Martina 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis article describes: (1) some of the effects of HIV/AIDS on rural communities in cast and southern Africa (2) the indications for the development of such impacts in Uganda, Tanzania and Zambia over the medium term, noting similarities and differences between the three countries; (3) explores the policy implications of these findings; (4) presents a generalised response strategy.
Financing rural health services in China in the context of economic reform
Authors: Bloom Gerald , Sheng‐Lan Tang , Xing‐Yuan Gu 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe changes which have taken place in the Chinese economy since the late 1970s have affected rural health services in a number of ways: local prepayment schemes have collapsed and most people pay in cash for medical care; health facilities have more autonomy from the government; and political mobilization for health has decreased. In the less developed parts of the country poor households cannot get the health services they require and health facilities face financial problems. China's policy makers face an imposing agenda of issues which could lead them towards a fundamental redefinition of the relationships between users and providers of health services, third‐party payers, local government health departments and local professional and community organizations.
Responding to AIDS: Are there any appropriate development and health policies?
Authors: Klouda Tony 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe evolution of AIDS programmes mimics that of many development programmes. Some of the responses made by organizations to AIDS are analysed in relation to broader issues in social and economic development. The emphasis is on the political nature of health. The pluralist and relative natures of programming for health are examined, suggesting that there can never be a common approach to health or any individual health problem such as AIDS. The central tenet of the article is that HIV is not a cause in its own right, but a strong marker for action and concern in development.
The world bank and international health policy: A critical review
Authors: Ugalde Antonio , Jackson Jeffrey T. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis paper examines the World Bank's position regarding health and development as expressed in its report Investing in Health. After analysing selected recommendations from the report such as privatization, decentralization, cost recovery fees, nutrition and essential drug programmes, we conclude that the World Bank's approach to health fits its ideologically‐driven development model which favours nations of the North at the expense of the poor of the South. The DALY index has major theoretical flaws. As a guide to health policy makers it is of little value and could be used to deny essential health services to the poor of the third world.
Occupational sex segregation in Iran 1976–86
Authors: Alizadeh Parvin , Harper Barry 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis paper develops an index of occupational sex segregation to examine changes in gender segregation in Iran between 1976–86. This period spans the 1979 Islamic revolution. A sharp rise in occupational sex segregation is identified although the effects are not uniform across occupations. The explanations offered for these trends include the role of islamization and selective taste discrimination, a rising fertility rate and economic recession.
Thai industrial policy: How irrelevant was it to export success?
Authors: Rock Michael T. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe neo‐liberal interpretation of the Thai state suggests that industrial policy was incoherent, subject to rent seeking and irrelevant to Thai development success. A more nuanced micro‐historical analysis of the state's interventions demonstrates that this over‐simplification misses important examples of effective selective interventions during first stage import‐substitution industrialization in the 1960s, as well as in second stage ISI in the 1970s. In the 1980s there was a systematic turning of the entire industrial policy machinery to promote manufactured exports. Without these selective interventions there is reason to doubt whether Thailand would be where it is today—a next tier NIE.
Relationship between fertilizer consumption and labour supply in Bangladesh
Authors: Parikh Ashok 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe objectives of this paper are to estimate fertilizer consumption relationships using Bangladesh farm‐level survey data for the year 1981‐82. Various hypotheses were put to a test and it was found that structural, environmental and institutional factors were important in explaining farmers' use of fertilizers for rice crop. The price elasticity of fertilizer demand ranged between −0.72 to −0.78 on cross‐section data. Fertilizers and hired labour were complements, with a non‐price definition while with a price definition they were substitutes.
The African capacity to transfer
Authors: Scott Gerald E. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAs a result of the sizeable external debts accumulated over several years, many Sub‐Saharan African countries face both the serious budgetary problem of extracting resources for debt service payments, and the transfer problem of converting such resources into a form acceptable to creditors. The paper defines the capacity to transfer and identifies its most important determinants, with emphasis on those factors that traditional economic analysis usually ignores. Several examples from the region are used as illustrations of the key factors in a country's capacity to transfer. A number of propositions that could be used as a framework for policies designed to enhance the capacity to transfer, emerge from the discussions.
Indigenous natural‐resource management systems for sustainable agricultural development—a global perspective
Authors: Rajasekaran B. , Warren D. M. , Babu S. C. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractIncreasing pressure for food production due to the rapidly growing population has led to the gradual disappearance of numerous indigenous knowledge systems (IKSs) related to natural‐resource management. This process exposes the earth's natural resources to constant ecological instability (such as loss of genetic diversity) and severe environmental vulnerability (such as soil degradation and soil erosion). Recent research on indigenous natural‐resource management systems indicates that they are highly sophisticated and complex, reflecting generations of careful observations of the natural and physical environment. Keeping these in view, a literature review has been conducted to identify major consequences of the disappearance of IKSs related to natural‐resource management. An attempt has been made to categorize indigenous natural‐resource management systems. IKSs documented from all over the globe and received at the Center for Indigenous Knowledge for Agriculture and Rural Development (CIKARD) were used to illustrate specific instances of locally adapted and economically viable indigenous natural‐resource management systems. Such examples were found in indigenous agronomic practices, agroforestry, indigenous genetic resources, and pastoral management. An integrated natural‐resource management model has been developed with an overall goal of increasing food production by small‐scale farmers with a least amount of deterioration to nature's resource base. The salient features of the proposed model include promoting small‐scale farmer participation, recording indigenous knowledge systems related to natural resource management, conducting diagnostic interviews, evaluating modern technologies and conducting on‐farm farmer‐oriented research (OFFOR) trials for integrating indigenous and modern technologies. Careful implementation of such a model could contribute to ameliorating the growing natural‐resource problems of the developing world such as soil erosion, environmental degradation, and ecological destruction.
Causal attributions for the success and failure of black and white managers
Authors: Orpen Christopher 
Published: July 2007

AbstractOne hundred and thirty‐six white managers in South Africa evaluated the varying performances of a series of thirty subordinates. Of the subordinates, two (one black, one white) had identically good performance descriptions, and two (one black, one white) had identically poor performance descriptions. Although the supervisors rated their overall performances as equally good or poor, they ascribed the success of the whites mainly to internal factors (effort, ability) and that of the blacks mainly to external factors (luck, easy job). Conversely, they ascribed the failure of the whites mainly to external factors and that of the blacks mainly to internal factors. The results suggest the operation of a ‘cognitive bias’ against blacks that may help to explain the persistence of racial discrimination in reward allocation in work organizations.