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on Central and Western Asia |
| By: | Kumar, M. Dinesh; Amarasinghe, Upali A. |
| Keywords: | Water productivity; Water use efficiency; Multiple use; Irrigation practices; Irrigation systems; Water quality; Water allocation; Cereals; Crop yield; Livestock; Milk production; Economic aspects |
| Date: | 2009 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iwt:bosers:h042633&r=cwa |
| By: | Katsushi Imai; Thankom Arun; Samuel Kobina Annim |
| Date: | 2010 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:man:sespap:1008&r=cwa |
| By: | Sanjay Kalra; Piyaporn Sodsriwiboon |
| Abstract: | Convergence and spillovers across countries and within countries are old, but recurrent policy concerns, and India is no exception to this rule. This paper examines convergence and spillovers across Indian states using non-stationary panel data techniques. Results on convergence among Indian states are generally found to be similar, but more nuanced, than previous studies. Generally speaking, there is evidence of divergence over the entire sample period, convergence during sub-periods corresponding to structural breaks, and club convergence. There is strong evidence of club convergence among the high- and low-income states; the evidence for middle-income states is mixed. Dynamic spillover effects among states are small. |
| Keywords: | Cross country analysis , Economic growth , Economic models , India , Regional shocks , Spillovers , Time series , |
| Date: | 2010–04–13 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:imf:imfwpa:10/96&r=cwa |
| By: | Md. Tariqur Rahman; Muhammad Al Amin (Centre for Policy Dialogue, Dhaka, Bangladesh) |
| Abstract: | This paper quantifies the economic impact of Bangladesh, China, India and Myanmar (BCIM) economic cooperation and compares it with the alternative option of expanding South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) with China and Myanmar. The paper examines the macro-economic performance of the individual countries and the current level of trade among the BCIM member countries at the regional level. |
| Keywords: | BCIM, SAFTA, Economic Impact |
| JEL: | F1 |
| Date: | 2009–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:esc:wpaper:7309&r=cwa |
| By: | Amit Shovon Ray; Sabyasachi Saha |
| Abstract: | In this paper we attempt to provide a comprehensive understanding of the drivers of academic research and patenting in India. Research inputs by a faculty member are considered to be an outcome of his/her own decision-making process, which in turn determine his/her research outputs. Exogenous parameters, like faculty background, faculty attitude, research sponsorship and institutional factors, are expected to influence both set of endogenous variables (research inputs and outputs). This production function is specified as a recursive simultaneous equation model and estimate the structural parameters using standard econometric methods. [ICRIER WP No. 247]. |
| Keywords: | production function, academic research, India, patenting, inputs, faculty members, attitude, institutional factors, econometric methods, IPR, Bayh-Dole Act, patents, variables, |
| Date: | 2010 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ess:wpaper:id:2476&r=cwa |
| By: | Ahmad, Mohd Izhar; Masood, Tariq; Khan, Mohd Saeed |
| Abstract: | The paper is an attempt to analyse the working of Takaul in the world and its popularity in the insurance sector in the world. Keeping in view of Sharia we have also tried all possible aspects of insurance system popular in the world and tried to look at its possibility to familiarize more amongst Muslims of the world. It is observed that customer awareness remain low, however this is often attributed to a limited understanding of Islamic finance in the banking and insurance world. We wish to have a proper salesmanship and advertisement of Islamic banking system in India and all around the world. |
| Keywords: | Islamic Banking; Takaful |
| JEL: | A10 |
| Date: | 2010–01–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:22232&r=cwa |
| By: | Michael Debabrata Patra; Partha Ray |
| Abstract: | This paper pursues a computationally intensive approach to generate future inflation, followed by an exploration of the determinants of inflation expectations by estimating a new Keynesian type Phillips curve that takes into account country-specific characteristics, the stance of monetary and fiscal policies, marginal costs and exogenous supply shocks. The empirical results indicate that high and climbing inflation could easily seep into people’s anticipation of future inflation and linger. There is a reputational bonus for monetary policy to act against inflation now rather than going for cold turkey when societal compulsions reach a critical mass. |
| Keywords: | Central bank policy , Economic models , Fiscal policy , India , Inflation , Inflation targeting , Monetary policy , Price increases , Supply-side policy , |
| Date: | 2010–04–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:imf:imfwpa:10/84&r=cwa |
| By: | Behera, Harendra |
| Abstract: | The paper empirically examines the onshore-offshore linkages of the Indian rupee using recently developed multivariate GARCH techniques. The empirical results show that offshore non deliverable forward (NDF) market does not have mean spillover impact on onshore spot, forward and futures market while shocks and volatilities in NDF market influence the onshore markets. The magnitude of volatility spillover from NDF to spot market, which was lower earlier, became higher after the introduction of currency futures in India. This is probably due to the fact that large arbitrage had taken place between futures and NDF market in recent past. Hence, the study suggests the close monitoring of both the onshore and offshore markets. |
| Keywords: | Non deliverable forward; volatility spillover; multivariate GARCH |
| JEL: | C22 F31 G13 |
| Date: | 2010–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:22247&r=cwa |
| By: | Priya Deshingkar (Overseas Development Institute, London); Shaheen Akter (Overseas Development Institute, London) |
| Abstract: | The paper discusses how gaps in both the data on migration and the understanding of the role of migration in livelihood strategies and economic growth in India, have led to inaccurate policy prescriptions and a lack of political commitment to improving the living and working conditions of migrants. Field evidence from major migrant employing sectors is synthesised to show that circular migration is the dominant form of economic mobility for the poor; especially the lower castes and tribes. The authors argue that the human costs of migration are high due to faulty implementation of protective legislation and loopholes in the law and not due to migration per se. The paper discusses child labour in specific migration streams in detail stressing that this issue needs to be addressed in parallel. It also highlights the non-economic drivers and outcomes of migration that need to be considered when understanding its impacts. The authors calculate that there are roughly 100 million circular migrants in India contributing 10% to the national GDP. New vulnerabilities created by the economic recession are discussed. Detailed analysis of village resurveys in Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh are also presented and these show conclusively that migration is an important route out of poverty. |
| Keywords: | India; circular migration; caste; tribe; child labour; human development |
| JEL: | Z1 O1 O15 |
| Date: | 2009–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hdr:papers:hdrp-2009-13&r=cwa |
| By: | Pillai, Rajasekharan |
| Abstract: | The fruits of economic development have not been percolated down to the tribes and marginalized communities. In the Indian experience, neither more than half a century’s economic planning nor official communal reservation mandates helped to better their lot. Myriads of schemes are being announced and launched to address the social and economic well-being of the tribe communities in the national and regional levels. In this backdrop, a case study was done based on the experience of a participatory bio-diversity conservation programme initiated in a well-known Protected Area in India. The study discloses that how marginalized indigenous communities, through decentralized decision making, developed equations for symbiotic livelihood security and biodiversity conservation. |
| Keywords: | Tribes; empowerment; innovation; Periyar; participatory; biodiversity conservation; social capital; Ecodevelopment |
| JEL: | Q57 |
| Date: | 2010–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:22202&r=cwa |
| By: | Gowri, B; Vasantha Devi, K.P.; Sivakumar, Marimuthu |
| Abstract: | Foods prepared in unorganized sector is unique in India as these measures food processing units are diverse in size and location, in the absence of quality control measures, poor quality packaging material, improper transportation, use of contaminated water, high turn-over of food handlers, lack of personnel hygiene and non judicious use of colorants and preservatives, these unit pose considerable food safety hazards. These days the women Self Help Groups (SHG) are implementing a large number of village cottage industries especially food processing industries. These industries are considered as unorganized sector .These informal sector need food safety education. Hence the present study has been designed with the aim to create awareness amongst women who are involved in food processing trade in unorganized sector with regard to various parameters like adopting food safety and hygienic method, food safety laws for food production. |
| Keywords: | Food Safety; Nutrition Education; Women Self Help Groups; India |
| JEL: | I0 I12 |
| Date: | 2010–04–28 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:22382&r=cwa |
| By: | Catherine Bros (CES - Centre d'économie de la Sorbonne - CNRS : UMR8174 - Université Panthéon-Sorbonne - Paris I, CSH - Centre de Sciences Humaines) |
| Abstract: | A vast recent literature has stressed social fragmentation's negative impact on the provision of public goods. It has been established theoretically that social fragmentation engenders discord and thereby undermines public goods provision. Empirical research has produced mixed results about this relationship. On the one hand it rarely holds for all the goods and on another hand it appears attenuated at the micro-level. Three points ought to be considered. First, the negative role attributed to social fragmentation rests upon the actuality of a relationship between social antagonisms and ethnic diversity. Yet, such an actuality is to be proved. Second, should such a relationship exist, polarization indices would be more appropriate than the traditional fractionalization index used so far in the literature. Third, theoretical works have set aside the possibility of ethnic patronage in accessing public goods. Nevertheless, it is a central issue as patronage is common in developing countries. In this event, a positive relationship could be found between social fragmentation and the presence of public goods. This article aims at showing that such a positive relationship does exist, at least in parts of India, as a consequence of caste patronage. It also shown that polarization is irrelevant as social antagonisms do not seem to be an obstacle to the provision of public goods. |
| Keywords: | Political economy, patronage, public goods, collective action, inequality, caste, India. |
| Date: | 2010–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:cesptp:halshs-00476016_v1&r=cwa |
| By: | Pieters, Janneke (Groningen University) |
| Abstract: | Previous studies show that rising returns to education have lead to higher wage inequality in developing countries. However, given the importance of non-wage employment and indirect effects of education through labour supply and fertility choices, a similar relationship does not necessarily hold for inequality between households. Based on a decomposition analysis for India, we find counteracting impacts of education on household expenditure inequality. Declining returns to education of household heads reduced inequality, driven by the self-employed. In contrast, rising returns to spouses? education increased inequality in urban areas. We also find that changes in education levels increased rural and urban inequality, due to persistently high illiteracy. Finally, the indirect effect on fertility had a small equalizing impact in urban areas, but slightly increased inequality in rural areas. |
| Date: | 2010 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:dgr:rugggd:gd-114&r=cwa |
| By: | Abhijit Banerji (Department of Economics, Delhi School of Economics, Delhi, India); Gauri Khanna (World Health Organization, Geneva); J. V. Meenakshi (Department of Economics, Delhi School of Economics, Delhi, India) |
| Abstract: | This paper uses primary data to analyze the institutions and informal markets that govern groundwater allocation in the principal sugarcane belt of North India. In contrast to earlier literature, we find that the observed water trades result in efficient water allocation across farms. We interpret this and other stylized facts in terms of a simple bargaining model with limited inter-player transfers. Poor functioning of the power sector leads to reduced pumping and a water supply constraint. Simulations show that power supply reform can significantly increase farm yields, be financed out of the increased farm profits, and provide an instrument to use for attaining intertemporal efficiency in water allocation. |
| Keywords: | water markets, market structure, water production function. |
| JEL: | L1 Q1 Q2 |
| Date: | 2010–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cde:cdewps:183&r=cwa |
| By: | Kasat, Puja; Suneja, Vivek |
| Abstract: | Though microfinance in India has grown phenomenally in the last decade, there has been a problem with increasing the geographical reach and impact of the same. The reasons for less reach are multifold but primarily, lack of continuous capital and little state & regulatory support to the sector. To address the problem of capital, the first part of this study focuses on which funding source suits the industry the most given its mission to alleviate poverty, in order to create commercially sound and sustainable organizations. The second part of this study focuses on increasing the impact which microfinance can create on the lives of the poor, by innovatively using the channel of microfinance to provide increased access to education to the poor. Empowerment through education will be a key in any efforts to improve the quality of rural life and the welfare of the next generation in developing countries. |
| Keywords: | Microfinance; education; integrate; equity |
| JEL: | G21 |
| Date: | 2010–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:22238&r=cwa |
| By: | Ziya Onis (Koc University); Ali Burak Güven |
| Abstract: | With its dilatory and piecemeal fiscal activism and uncharacteristic reluctance toward IMF assistance, the Turkish government’s response to the global economic crisis of 2008-2009 sharply contrasted the bold approaches adopted by other major emerging market countries. Underlying this policy exceptionalism were the constraints posed by Turkey’s pre-existing policy and macroeconomic constraints, cognitive failures on the part of policymakers, and the conjunctural dynamics of domestic politics. The interplay of these factors progressively narrowed the policy space for vigorous action, leading instead to a motley combination of reactive initiatives that neither offered sufficient protection to the most vulnerable social groups during the crisis nor promised sustainable growth in the long run. |
| Keywords: | global economic crisis, fiscal stimulus, IMF, emerging markets, Turkey |
| JEL: | F33 F39 |
| Date: | 2010–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:koc:wpaper:1013&r=cwa |
| By: | Ahmet Içduygu (Department of International Relations and Director of the Migration Research Program at Koç University (MiReKoc)) |
| Abstract: | As often argued, a negative perception of immigration, or even emigration, prevails public opinions and governments in most countries. It is argued that caused by economic hardship or political hardship or political unrest in countries of origin, it would threaten well-being and identity in countries of destination, and sometimes endanger political security. However, on the other hand, social scientists recognize that, being a part of the global circulation and global integration, human mobility bears a tremendous potential for human progress. This view is increasingly shared by several actors for which adequate policies could make migration a genuine instrument for economic and social development. Therefore, the conditions under which, and the mechanisms through which, migration can transform individual benefits into an aggregated one, for the greater society, are to be studied. From this perspective, Turkey provides us with an interesting case study; firstly because of its multiple migration roles as a country of emigration, immigration and transit, over time; secondly because, this ongoing flows of emigration and immigration involve various stages of a migration cycle; thirdly because, this migration cycle reflects, both explicitly and implicitly, some gains, and occasionally loses, both for the country and its people, migrants and non-migrants; and finally because of Turkey’s longestablished EU-membership process which highlights various types of migration issues. This report provides us with an overview of some aspects of migration-development nexus in the case of Turkey. |
| Keywords: | Development, emigration, immigration, remittances, migration cycle, Turkey, European Union |
| JEL: | O1 O15 F2 F22 F24 |
| Date: | 2009–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hdr:papers:hdrp-2009-52&r=cwa |
| By: | Jonathan Crush (Southern African Migration Project (SAMP) and Southern African Research Centre (Queen’s University)); Sujata Ramachandran (Southern African Migration Project (SAMP)) |
| Abstract: | In the continuing discussion on migration and development, the vulnerability of all migrant groups to exploitation and mistreatment in host countries has been highlighted along with an emphasis on protecting their rights. However, xenophobia has not yet received explicit attention although anti-migrant sentiments and practices are clearly on the rise even in receiving countries in developing regions. Despite gaps in existing empirical work, research and anecdotal evidence exposes pervasive forms of discrimination, hostility, and violence experienced by migrant communities, with the latter becoming easy scapegoats for various social problems in host countries. This study attempts to insert xenophobia in this debate on migration and development by examining the growth of this phenomenon in host countries in the South. It provides short accounts of xenophobia witnessed in recent times in five countries including South Africa, India, Malaysia, Libya, and Thailand. The ambiguity surrounding the concept is discussed and crucial features that define xenophobia are outlined. A variety of methods to study it are likewise identified. Using a wide range of examples from diverse contexts, the paper explores possible reasons for the intensification of xenophobia. The final sections of the paper briefly outline the developmental consequences of rampant xenophobia for migrant and host populations while examining policy options to tackle it. |
| Keywords: | Xenophobia; anti-immigrant prejudice; violence; intolerance; social exclusion; discrimination; migrant vulnerability; policy; South Africa, India, Libya, Thailand, Malaysia |
| JEL: | O1 O15 Z1 F22 |
| Date: | 2009–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hdr:papers:hdrp-2009-47&r=cwa |
| By: | Ram Singh (Department of Economics, Delhi School of Economics, Delhi, India) |
| Abstract: | Media reports abound on instances of prolonged delays and excessive cost overruns in infrastructure projects. Only a small number of projects get delivered in time and within the budget. Examples of successful project implementation, like construction of the Delhi Metro Rail, are few and appear only far in between. Indeed, the problem of time and cost overruns in India is widespread and severe. Yet, very few empirical studies exist on the subject. Even rarer are the studies based on completed projects. As a result, the extents as well as the causes behind delays and cost overruns have remained under-researched. This study investigates the various issues related to delays and cost overruns in publically funded infrastructure projects. The following questions are posed and answered -- How common and how large are the time and the cost overruns? What are the essential causes behind these delays and cost overruns? Are the underlying causes statistically significant? Are Contractual and Institutional failures among the significant causes? What are the policy implications for planning, development and implementation of infrastructure projects? The study is based on, by far, the largest dataset of 894 projects from seventeen infrastructure sectors. Among other results, it shows that the contractual and the institutional failures are economically and statistically significant causes behind cost and time overruns. |
| Keywords: | Delays, Cost Overruns, Time Overruns, Infrastructure, Projects, Causes, Contractual Failures, Organizational Failures, Institutional Failures |
| Date: | 2009–08 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cde:cdewps:181&r=cwa |
| By: | Sivakumar, Marimuthu; Sarvalingam, A |
| Abstract: | Poverty is multidimensional in nature. Poverty is associated not only with insufficient income or consumption but also with insufficient outcomes with respect to health, nutrition, and literacy and deficient social relations, insecurity, and low self-esteem and powerlessness. Since poverty is a multidimensional phenomenon, measurement of poverty must cover many dimensions. So far, the income and/or consumption indicator has received most attention. But, now the focus is shifted towards deprivation in different dimensions for example income, health and education. The human development and human deprivation studies have opened new perspectives on measuring and analysing poverty and development with the help of multidimensional concept. The present study, in this context will serve to enrich useful knowledge about human deprivation which analysis the poverty multi dimensionally. |
| Keywords: | Human Deprivation; Poverty; Multi dimension; Health; Infant Mortality; Education; Illiteracy; India |
| JEL: | I2 I3 I1 I32 |
| Date: | 2010–04–26 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:22337&r=cwa |
| By: | Rohini Somanathan (Department of Economics, Delhi School of Economics, Delhi, India); Kala Krishna (Department of Economics, Pennsylvania State University); Sergey Lychagin (Department of Economics, Pennsylvania State University); Sanghamitra Das |
| Abstract: | The importance of Total Factor Productivity (TFP) in explaining output changes is widely accepted, yet its sources are not well understood. We use a proprietary data set on the oor-level operations at the Bhilai Rail and Structural Mill (RSM) in India to understand the determinants of changes in plant productivity between January 2000 and March 2003. During this period there was a 35% increase in output with minimal changes in the stock of physical capital or the number of employees, but sizable reductions in the number and duration of various types of production delays. We model interruptions to the production process as a function of worker characteristics and find that a large part of the avoidable delay reductions are attributable to training. Overall, changes in all delays account for over half the changes in productivity. Our results provide some explanation for the large within-industry dierences in productivity observed in developing countries and also suggest that specic knowledge-enhancing investments can have very high returns. Our approach also provides an example of how detailed data on production processes can be fruitfully used to better understand TFP changes, which have typically been treated as residuals in growth-accounting exercises. |
| Keywords: | Total Factor Productivity (TFP), Plant level data, Competitiveness and trade. |
| JEL: | D24 J24 L23 L61 M53 |
| Date: | 2010–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cde:cdewps:184&r=cwa |
| By: | Alasrag, Hussien |
| Abstract: | The world economy is still suffering the crisis, considered the most severe since the Great Depression, where economic downturn at historic magnitude and many countries across the globe, irrespective of their development level, are still under strain dealing with this crisis. The severe global crisis that has spilled from the financial sector to the real economy, including international trade in manufactures, commodities and services. The onset of the present crisis can be traced back to July 2007 with the liquidity crisis due to the loss of confidence in the mortgage credit markets in the United States. At first, there was uncertainty about the possible spillovers to the rest of the economy, and there was also discussion about the risks of contagion and decoupling, that is to say, the capacity of other countries – especially developing countries – to isolate themselves from the problems originating in the United States (which is the largest market for many countries). The hope was that the crisis would be restricted to financial markets, with few repercussions on the real economy and the rest of the world. This hope was shattered in September 2008 as the crisis entered an acute phase, with strong downward fluctuations in the stock markets, substantially reduced rates of economic growth, volatile exchange rates, and squeezes in demand and consumption, leading to falls in industrial production and decreasing flows of international trade and FDI, and causing impacts on related areas such as transfer of technology. The crisis has also been accompanied by increases in unemployment, with concomitant declining incomes and demand. The severity of the current crisis has led to the evaluation of the foundations of the capitalist financial system and the search for ideas and solutions. While some have proposed that the Islamic finance serves as a vehicle for recovering from the international financial crisis and The Islamic banking industry may be able to strengthen its position in the international market as investors and companies seek alternate sources of financing. Other economists have argued that Islamic finance, is a different way of structuring financial dealings; but, it is not a totally different financial system. This paper tries to note the main causes and the impacts of the current financial and economic crisis. In addition to discuss the belief that the Islamic finance and its prospective is a viable alternative to the ailing global financial system. |
| Keywords: | financial and economic crisis ; Islamic finance |
| JEL: | F37 D53 G2 Z12 N2 E4 F33 G21 |
| Date: | 2010–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:22167&r=cwa |
| By: | Abdullah Al-Hassan; Nada Oulidi; May Y. Khamis |
| Abstract: | In this paper, we analyze the evolution of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) banking sectors in the six member countries including ownership, concentration, cross-border linkages, balance sheet exposures and risks, recent trends in credit growth, and financial soundness. We identify risks to the banking sector's financial stability in the context of the current global crisis and their mitigating factors. |
| Keywords: | Asset management , Bank soundness , Banking sector , Capital , Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf , Credit expansion , Credit risk , Cross country analysis , Household credit , Liquidity , Loans , Profit margins , |
| Date: | 2010–04–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:imf:imfwpa:10/87&r=cwa |