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on South East Asia |
| By: | Debuque-Gonzales, Margarita; Corpus, John Paul P. |
| Abstract: | This paper examines financial inclusion in the Philippines, benchmarking it against other developing Asian economies using the latest supply-side and demand-side data. It uses probit regressions on Philippine microdata from the World Bank’s 2021 Global Findex Database, providing a comparative analysis with the country’s regional peers. The study finds the Philippines leading in creating an enabling environment but shows mixed performance in financial outreach and uptake and lagging outcomes in account ownership and usage. Probit regressions reveal positive associations between financial inclusion and individual characteristics like education, income, and employment, and a nonlinear relationship with age. The study uncovers a smaller gender gap in formal account ownership and use and emerging disparities in financial technology access across education and income levels, particularly mobile money. Barriers such as high cost, distance, and lack of trust in financial institutions significantly hinder lower-income households, with Filipinos more affected by these barriers than their Association of Southeast Asian Nations counterparts. |
| Keywords: | Financial inclusion |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:phd:pjdevt:pjd_2024_vol__48_no__1a |
| By: | Hanna Schwank |
| Abstract: | Millions of families migrate every year in search of better opportunities. Whether these opportunities materialize for the children brought with them depends on the quality of the destination that their parents selected. Exploiting variation in the age of migration, I analyze the impact of destination quality on the educational outcomes of childhood internal migrants in Indonesia. Using Population Census microdata from 2000 and 2010, I show that children who spend more time growing up in districts characterized by higher average educational attainment among permanent residents tend to exhibit greater probabilities of completing primary and secondary schooling. Moreover, educational outcomes of migrants converge with those of permanent residents at an average rate of 1.7 to 2.2 percent annually, with children from less educated households benefiting more from additional exposure. My findings suggest substantial heterogeneity of returns to childhood migration with respect to destination. |
| Keywords: | Internal Migration; Education; Development; Indonesia |
| JEL: | I25 O15 D64 |
| Date: | 2024–08 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:bon:boncrc:crctr224_2024_582 |
| By: | Bayudan-Dacuycuy, Connie; Vargas, Anna Rita P.; Epetia, Ma. Christina F.; Ocbina, John Joseph S. |
| Abstract: | In the Philippines, skills mismatch has persisted since the 1970s, when the higher education system produced more college graduates than the economy could absorb. Prolonged skills mismatch can result in adverse outcomes such as lower wages, decreased job satisfaction, diminished productivity, and increased turnover rates for individuals and businesses. Addressing skills mismatch requires a well-operating Labor Market Information System (LMIS). This study is an input to the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Skills Anticipation and Prioritization of Skills Requirements (SAPSR) Framework. The SAPSR is intended primarily as a reference in identifying skills requirements. Viewing SAPSR as an integral part of the broader LMIS, this study reviews the available data, the requisite analytical capabilities/tools, and institutional arrangements to make SAPSR relevant to stakeholders. This study finds that while the country has valuable data sources relevant to the skills needs assessment initiative and has several LMIs in operation, there are several areas for improvements in data and its collection, capability building, and institutional arrangements. Drawing from the idea that the SAPSR is part of a system that involves the engagement of various players, the recommendations forwarded by this paper do not focus on what TESDA alone can do but on areas for collaboration to make the LMIS and SAPSR sustainably successful. The recommendations focus on the following areas: partnerships and institutional arrangements, skills taxonomy and skills-occupation mapping, use of PSOC (highly disaggregated if possible) in data collection, and other skills and labor market initiatives (e.g., PhilJobNet, PESO-Information System, Philippine Skills Framework Initiative), training to harness emerging data sources and conduct qualitative and quantitative methods, dissemination initiatives, and support. Comments on this paper are welcome within 60 days from the date of posting. Email publications@pids.gov.ph. |
| Keywords: | TESDA;labor market information system;skills anticipation and prioritization of skills requirements framework;skills need anticipation;Technical Education and Skills Development Authority |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:phd:dpaper:dp_2024-06 |
| By: | Dang, Hai-Anh (World Bank); Do, Minh N.N. (National Economics University Vietnam); Nguyen, Cuong Viet (National Economics University Vietnam) |
| Abstract: | Very few studies have examined the impacts of both climate change and air pollution on student education outcomes, particularly in a developing country setting. Analyzing a rich database consisting of household and school surveys, test scores, and temperature and air pollution data over the past decade for Viet Nam, we find that a 1 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5 concentration in the month preceding exams leads to 0.015 and 0.010 standard deviation decreases in math and reading scores, respectively. We also find some indicative evidence of stronger impacts of air pollution for younger, primary school students who reside in urban areas and in districts with higher temperatures. While we find some mixed effects of temperature, we do not find significant effects on students' test scores for temperature extremes and air pollution over the past 12 months. Our findings offer policy-relevant inputs for the country's ongoing efforts to fight air pollution. |
| Keywords: | air pollution, climate change, weather extremes, education, Viet Nam |
| JEL: | O12 I10 Q53 Q54 |
| Date: | 2024–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iza:izadps:dp17160 |
| By: | Bakari, Sayef |
| Abstract: | This study explores the determinants of economic growth in 17 East Asia-Pacific countries from 2004 to 2023, analyzing the effects of capital, labor, digitalization, financial development, natural resources, and trade openness. Utilizing a suite of statistical and econometric techniques—including descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, Static Gravity Model, Generalized Method of Moments (GMM), and Two-Stage Least Squares (2SLS)—the research reveals significant insights into the region's economic dynamics. Descriptive statistics illustrate considerable variation in key economic indicators, with capital and financial development showing strong positive correlations with GDP. The Static Gravity Model and GMM results confirm the vital roles of capital, labor, financial development, and trade openness in driving economic performance, while digitalization and natural resources display limited or non-significant impacts. The 2SLS model further supports the robustness of these findings, highlighting the dominant influence of capital and labor despite the less pronounced effects of digitalization and natural resources. This study offers a comprehensive assessment of the factors shaping economic growth in the East Asia-Pacific region, providing valuable implications for policy and investment strategies. |
| Keywords: | Digitalization, Natural Resources, Trade Openness, Economic Growth, Panel Data Analysis, East Asia-Pacific Countries. |
| JEL: | D83 F10 F13 F14 L63 L86 L96 N55 N70 N75 O13 O24 O47 P28 P33 P45 P48 Q26 Q27 Q34 |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:121643 |
| By: | Oco, D.M.C.; Delos Reyes, J.A.; Sevilla-Nastor, J.B.; Roquiño, E.F. |
| Abstract: | Coral reefs are globally important ecosystems known for their high productivity and biodiversity. These reefs offer various ecosystem services, including provisioning and regulation. The coastal environment of the Philippines is rich in a diversity of reef species and associated marine organisms, attracting tourists each year, making the country a major tourist destination in Asia, and generating livelihoods for coastal communities. Recent studies suggest declines in reef diversity and abundance due to destructive fishing methods, industrial and agricultural waste, and unsustainable urban development, threatening the tourism sector and the economic opportunities provided by the reefs. This study compiles and synthesizes existing published research articles on valuation methods commonly used to assess the benefits of reef-related tourism. Articles published in Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Science journals were searched using the PSALSAR framework. The initial search results of 7, 982 using specific terms and Boolean operators were further refined, yielding 21 articles deemed eligible for annotation and preliminary review. Results of synthesis revealed that, despite the considerable number of studies on valuation, few focused on reef-related tourism. The articles encompassed a wide range of study sites, coastal habitat characteristics, and list of tourism activities. Valuation studies for reefs are commonly conducted in sites either in protected areas e.g., marine parks or popular tourist destinations e.g., Great Barrier Reef. Moreover, economic value is obtained from revenues earned, taxes collected, tourist expenditures and cost of handling reef-associated tourism activities. In this manner, the reef is undervalued as it only reflects the indirect use value of the ecosystem services e.g., supporting, cultural. Consequently, valuation studies that measure the economic value of provisioning services e.g., fish catch, fish population, and downstream employment is lacking. There is a significant monetary amount missing in reports that represent the reef’s value in providing food and employment to the most vulnerable sector – the coastal community. Thus, reefs in the Philippines remain exploited and non-prioritized for national programs in the absence of comprehensive valuation. |
| Keywords: | Agribusiness |
| Date: | 2024–04–28 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:asea24:344443 |
| By: | Brehm, Margaret E.; Brehm, Paul A.; Cassidy, Alecia; Cassidy, Traviss |
| Abstract: | We examine the economic impacts of natural resource revenue-sharing systems, where central governments transfer a portion of resource revenue to producing regions. Using a natural experiment in Indonesia, we separately identify the effects of shared revenue and resource extraction. Contrary to Dutch disease concerns, shared oil and gas revenue does not harm local manufacturing firms, while extraction promotes manufacturing growth. Both extraction and shared revenue significantly raise local non-oil GDP. We find suggestive evidence of larger gains from shared revenue in areas without onshore extraction, implying central governments could improve aggregate welfare by channeling more resource revenue toward resource-poor areas. |
| Keywords: | Growth, resource booms, decentralization, manufacturing firms, Indonesia, Dutch disease |
| JEL: | H77 O13 O14 Q32 Q33 |
| Date: | 2024–07–09 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:121428 |
| By: | Quimba, Francis Mark A.; Ballesteros, Marife M.; Barral, Mark Anthony A.; Debuque-Gonzales, Margarita; Corpus, John Paul P.; Ramos, Tatum P.; Ancheta, Jenica A.; Medina-Guce, Czarina; Sanders, Robert Jr. |
| Abstract: | This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Philippine Journal of Development. The first semester issue celebrates this milestone with articles on critical topics, such as financial inclusion, housing affordability, free trade agreements, and local governance. The first article examines financial inclusion in the Philippines using probit regressions on microdata from the World Bank’s 2021 Global Findex Database. It identifies positive correlations between financial inclusion and factors like education and income, with notable disparities in technology access. Barriers such as high costs and the lack of trust in financial institutions disproportionately affect lower-income Filipinos. The second article evaluates housing affordability using other methods than the traditional income benchmark, revealing constraints faced by Filipino households. It discusses the spatial challenges of socialized housing and the need for regulatory measures to manage property market speculation. The third article explores the impact of trade agreements through text-of-trade analysis, demonstrating how these agreements influence trade dynamics. The last article examines the evolution of the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG), highlighting its adaptive role in enhancing local governance standards amid evolving national priorities and policy shifts. The study proposes reforms to improve the SGLG’s effectiveness in promoting good governance. |
| Keywords: | Financial inclusion;banking;housing affordability;housing finance;free trade agreements;text-to-analysis;SGLG;local governance |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:phd:pjdevt:pjd_2024_vol__48_no__1x |
| By: | Anggraeni, L.; Amalia, S.; Perdinan; Adi, R.F. |
| Abstract: | Rice and coffee are strategic agricultural commodities in Indonesia. Rice is Indonesian main staple food and coffee is globally traded commodity that grown by Indonesian smallholders. There is growing concern regarding its production that sensitive to the change of temperature, rainfall and humidity. Therefore, it is important to conduct a study on the impact of climate change on rice and coffee production in Indonesia. The objective of the study is to assess the impacts of climate change on Indonesian macroeconomic performance and sectoral output. This paper using Computable General Equilibrium model with three simulations of productivity change under two climate scenarios of RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5. Climate change that reduces rice and coffee productivity affects Indonesia's macroeconomic performance. Climate change will reduce real GDP, real household consumption and exports. On the other hand, climate change will increase Indonesia's imports. Changes in macroeconomic performance in all scenarios of RCP 8.5 are worse than scenario 4.5. It is identified that climate change poses a negative risk to the quantity and quality of rice and coffee output and has a spiraling impact on increasing domestic prices, hence decrease the competitiveness. Climate change also contributed to reducing real income of households particularly for agricultural workers, agricultural entrepreneurs and low-income households in urban areas. Government climate change adaptation policies for rice and coffee are very important to overcome the decline in productivity and production. In addition, government should develop financial support and risk management system targeted towards vunerable groups affected by climate change. |
| Keywords: | Climate Change, Crop Production/Industries, Production Economics, Productivity Analysis |
| Date: | 2024–04–28 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:asea24:344444 |
| By: | Quimba, Francis Mark A.; Barral, Mark Anthony A. |
| Abstract: | This study proposes using text-of-trade analysis to understand the design of the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). It examines the similarities between these agreements and other free trade agreements of Japan and EFTA member countries and how these similarities impact Philippine trade. The paper illustrates how text analysis can complement conventional methods, such as the gravity model and other econometric approaches, in assessing trade agreement impacts. The results reveal that similarities across trade agreements, whether at the document, chapter, or topic-specific provision levels, which strongly reference sustainable development, can influence and foster trade. |
| Keywords: | free trade agreement;trade |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:phd:pjdevt:pjd_2024_vol__48_no__1c |
| By: | Rene A. Iwo; Elizabeth Frankenberg; Cecep Sumantri; Duncan Thomas |
| Abstract: | The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami was an extremely destructive event in Aceh, Indonesia, killing over 160, 000 people and destroying infrastructure, homes, and livelihoods over miles of coastline. In its immediate aftermath, affected populations faced a daunting array of challenges. At the population level, questions of how the disaster affected children’s and parents’ aspirations for education and whether it permanently disrupted schooling progression are critical in understanding how shocks affect human capital in the short and long term. We use longitudinal data from the Study of the Tsunami Aftermath and Recovery (STAR) to examine how disaster exposure affects educational aspirations and eventual attainment. We find that damage to one’s community depresses aspirations in the short term but that this weakens with time. With respect to educational attainment 15 years after the event, children’s aspirations, parents’ education, and family socioeconomic status are more important determinants of whether children complete high school and go on to tertiary schooling than disaster exposure. While these results likely reflect, at least in part, the successful post-tsunami reconstruction program, they also establish enormous resilience among survivors who bore the brunt of the tsunami. |
| JEL: | I20 O12 O15 |
| Date: | 2024–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:nbr:nberwo:32702 |
| By: | Dang, Hai-Anh (World Bank); Kilic, Talip (World Bank); Abanokova, Kseniya (World Bank); Carletto, Calogero (World Bank) |
| Abstract: | Accurate poverty measurement relies on household consumption data, but such data are often inadequate, outdated or display inconsistencies over time in poorer countries. To address these data challenges, we employ survey-to-survey imputation to produce estimates for several poverty indicators including headcount poverty, extreme poverty, poverty gap, near-poverty rates, as well as mean consumption levels and the entire consumption distribution. Analyzing 22 multi-topic household surveys conducted over the past decade in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Malawi, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Vietnam, we find encouraging results. Adding either household utility expenditures or food expenditures to basic imputation models with household-level demographic, employment, and asset variables could improve the probability of imputation accuracy between 0.1 and 0.4. Adding predictors from geospatial data could further increase imputation accuracy. The analysis also shows that a larger time interval between surveys is associated with a lower probability of predicting some poverty indicators, and that a better imputation model goodness-of-fit (R2) does not necessarily help. The results offer cost-saving inputs into future survey design. |
| Keywords: | consumption, poverty, survey-to-survey imputation, household surveys, Vietnam, Ethiopia, Malawi, Nigeria, Tanzania, Sub-Saharan Africa |
| JEL: | C15 I32 O15 |
| Date: | 2024–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iza:izadps:dp17136 |
| By: | Ballesteros, Marife M.; Ramos, Tatum P.; Ancheta, Jenica A. |
| Abstract: | This study evaluates housing affordability using other methods beyond the standard 30 percent income benchmark. By employing the Housing Affordability Index, which considers median family income and average housing prices, the authors find that most Filipino households are income-constrained in purchasing homes. Using the residual income method alongside the 30 percent income standard reveals that the latter overestimates affordability for poorer households, with housing stress particularly evident among low-income groups. The study highlights that socialized and economic housing projects are increasingly situated on the urban fringes, limiting housing options for low- and middle-income households in cities. With residential prices outpacing income growth, the government faces two key objectives: improving housing conditions for poor and vulnerable households and curbing speculative increases in property prices. Proposed solutions include innovative housing interventions and regulatory measures to control property market speculation and ensure affordability. |
| Keywords: | Housing;housing affordability |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:phd:pjdevt:pjd_2024_vol__48_no__1b |
| By: | Ms. Margaux MacDonald; Ian W.H. Parry |
| Abstract: | Large reductions in global emissions are needed for the world to be on track to meet global temperature goals. Asia-Pacific countries have a critical role in emissions reduction given their large and rising share in global emissions. This paper discusses the main opportunities and behavioral responses for reducing emissions, and commonly used mitigation instruments. It then considers key design issues for carbon pricing, with a focus on emissions trading schemes (ETS), describes measures to overcome the obstacles to carbon pricing, and discusses experiences with carbon pricing relevant for Asia-Pacific economies. Lastly, the paper covers complementary policy reforms, including reinforcing mitigation instruments, public investment, fuel tax reform, green industrial policies, and supporting reforms to the energy sector. Carbon pricing, including ETSs can be the centerpiece of climate mitigation strategies for most countries, particularly if ETSs are designed to mimic some of the administrative and economic attractions of carbon taxes and implemented appropriately. |
| Keywords: | Emissions trading scheme; climate; Asia |
| Date: | 2024–07–19 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:imf:imfwpa:2024/155 |
| By: | Pascal Brassier (CleRMa - Clermont Recherche Management - ESC Clermont-Ferrand - École Supérieure de Commerce (ESC) - Clermont-Ferrand - UCA - Université Clermont Auvergne) |
| Abstract: | Focusing on online brand communities (OBCs) centered around K-pop music consumption, this study explores the influential role of women as peer-leaders. By analyzing data from Twitter using social network analysis (SNA) and sentiment analysis techniques, we observe that (1) OBCs naturally form transnational consumer segments, (2) where peer leadership emerges organically, and (3) women often occupy these leadership positions due to their social capital and engagement in relevant conversation topics. This study contributes to demonstrating the increasing empowerment of women in a realm that has long been criticized for its portrayal of gender-related issues. |
| Keywords: | K-pop, online brand communities transnational segmentation peerleaders women empowerment, online brand communities, transnational segmentation, peerleaders, women empowerment |
| Date: | 2023–07–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04643125 |
| By: | Nor, N.A.A.M.; Buda, M.; Nor, N.M.; Seng, K.W.K.; Sharifuddin, J. |
| Abstract: | The broiler industry in Peninsular Malaysia faces significant challenges, including escalating production costs influenced by volatile feed prices, supply dependencies, and disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic. A comprehensive investigation was undertaken on 105 small and semi-commercial broiler farms in Peninsular Malaysia, employing structured questionnaires and a stratified random sampling approach. The study aimed to estimate the cost-efficiency of broiler farming and determine the factors affecting farm-level cost inefficiency. The findings confirm the presence of cost inefficiencies in small and semi-commercial broiler production in the area studied. Specifically, the research identified an operational inefficiency of approximately 7.1% above optimal costs among surveyed farms, suggesting a potential 7.1% reduction in production costs through enhanced management strategies. The findings indicate day-old chicks, feed, medicine, miscellaneous inputs, output, and capital significantly influenced cost function. Additionally, the study explored the significant role of extension services in reducing cost inefficiencies, with farms benefiting from such services exhibiting lower inefficiencies. In conclusion, this research provides critical insights into the complex relationships between efficiency drivers and inefficiencies within the broiler farming sector in Peninsular Malaysia. These identified factors offer valuable information for stakeholders to formulate effective strategies, optimize production processes, and enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of the industry. |
| Keywords: | Livestock Production/Industries, Production Economics, Sustainability |
| Date: | 2024–04–28 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:asea24:344456 |
| By: | Manzano, Andrea (IHE - The Swedish Institute for Health Economics); Hofmarcher, Thomas (IHE - The Swedish Institute for Health Economics) |
| Abstract: | Breast cancer is a major global public health concern. One of the most aggressive and challenging subtypes of breast cancer is triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Around 10–20% of newly diagnosed cases breast cancer cases are TNBC, but because of its relatively low survival, TNBC accounts for around 30–40% of all breast cancer deaths. In contrast to other subtypes, innovations in the medical treatment of TNBC have been absent for many years. However, the recent introduction of immunotherapy and targeted therapy might be the beginning of a new era for TNBC patients. <p> This report provides a global perspective on TNBC. It primarily compiles key statistics, conclusions, and recommendations from earlier IHE reports on TNBC in the Asia-Pacific region, Europe/Northern America, and Latin America. It also adds information from a recent IHE report on breast cancer in the Middle East and Africa. The analysis of the care process is closely aligned with the three pillars of the WHO Global Breast Cancer Initiative. The report concludes with recommendations for policymakers to improve the quality of TNBC care. |
| Keywords: | Breast cancer; TNBC; screening; medicines; immunotherapy; BRCA; Europe; Latin America; United States; Asia; Africa; Middle East |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hhs:ihewps:2024_010 |
| By: | Lwin, C.M.; Napasintuwong, O.; Praneetvatakul, S. |
| Abstract: | Myanmar is still facing challenges related to nutrition, including prevalent health issues like anemia, stunting, and wasting. Anemia, specifically, is acknowledged as a public health concern in the country. Simultaneously, the incidence of non-communicable diseases such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes is on the rise, contributing to increased morbidity and mortality. Myanmar exhibits a high per capita consumption of rice, making healthy rice a culturally adaptable solution to address its nutrition-related health challenges. Therefore, this study seeks to investigate the factors influencing the choice of healthy rice among Myanmar rice consumers. Data for this study were collected from 481 rice consumers in Nay Pyi Taw, the capital of Myanmar, between September and October 2023. Descriptive statistics, t-test, chi-square test, and binomial logit model were employed to achieve the study objectives. Only 18% of rice consumers reported choosing healthy rice. Several factors drive rice consumers to choose healthy rice, including the education level of the respondent, the presence of children or elderly household members, household monthly income, knowledge score, and habitual health-related behaviour score. While knowledge significantly influences consumption, its impact is mediated by factors such as income. Therefore, targeted knowledge-sharing programs should prioritize medium-income group consumers with vulnerable households for optimal effectiveness. The habitual health-related behaviour score showed a highly significant association with healthy rice consumption, emphasizing the need to promote good health habits, such as exercise routines, by providing facilities and creating environments conducive to physical activities, given the currently limited access in Myanmar. |
| Keywords: | Consumer/Household Economics, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Food Security and Poverty |
| Date: | 2024–04–28 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:asea24:344447 |
| By: | Wongpit, P.; Sisengnam, K. |
| Abstract: | This study focuses on addressing the innovation gap in the agricultural sector of Lao PDR, a critical component of the population's primary livelihood. Emphasizing the 9th National Socio-Economic Development Plan for 2021-2025 and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Strategy 2025 and Vision 2030, the research examines recent innovation models in agriculture and rural development in the country. Out of the 30 models interviewed, 10 are highlighted for their significant impact on the development of agriculture, rural areas, and smallholder farmers, demonstrating the applicability of these innovations. The study explores potential innovations, such as the role of the Lao Farmer Network as a national platform for information sharing, the Coffee Production Cooperative in connecting domestic producers with foreign consumers, and the creative use of saffron to reduce waste from coffee processing. Despite their potential, certain innovations, including Beef Research and Development Farm cost-effective animal feed formulas and specific rice-growing techniques, encounter limited adoption among farmers or production groups. Challenges impeding widespread implementation encompass insufficient investment, an unsuitable environment, and limited markets. Notably, hydroponics vegetable farming poses challenges due to its requirement for significant investment and specialized knowledge, potentially excluding smallholder farmers. To foster agricultural innovation, the study proposes several policy implications: collaboration between governments and the private sector in R&D investment, improving access and adopt innovations through tax incentives and financial support, establishing a platform for technology sharing, allocating resources to education and training programs, prioritizing environmental sustainability in agricultural innovation to prevent harm to the environment. |
| Keywords: | Environmental Economics and Policy, Production Economics, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies, Sustainability |
| Date: | 2024–04–28 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:asea24:344455 |
| By: | Debuque-Gonzales, Margarita; Corpus, John Paul P. |
| Abstract: | This study presents a small macroeconometric model with a fiscal sector, extending the model in Debuque-Gonzales and Corpus (2023). The model retains the original core blocks of domestic demand, international trade, employment, prices, and monetary sectors and adds a fiscal sector consisting of equations for government revenues, expenditures, and debt. Behavioral equations are estimated in error-correction form (using an autoregressive distributed lag or ARDL model) on quarterly data from 2002 to 2019. In-sample simulations demonstrate acceptable levels of predictive accuracy for most macroeconomic variables, even when producing dynamic forecasts. The model also projects plausible outcomes on the fiscal side in response to shocks in world oil prices, the exchange rate, and primary expenditure, showing the expanded model’s policy simulation capabilities. The next steps for developing the model include adding a detailed financial block, modeling the aggregate supply side, and incorporating expectations. |
| Keywords: | macroeconometric model;Philippine economy;forecast;simulation;fiscal sector |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:phd:rpseri:rps_2024-05 |
| By: | Durian, Q.A.B.; Atienza, L.M.; Esguerra, G.A. |
| Abstract: | Food insecurity, linked to poor diet quality and diversity, heightens vulnerability to malnutrition, particularly in fishing households due to poverty, income seasonality, and environmental shifts. This study investigates food security, dietary diversity, and nutritional status of children (36 to 59 months) from fishing households in San Pablo City, Laguna, Philippines. Purposive sampling yielded eighty-six (86) households with a 100% participation rate. Food security and dietary diversity were assessed using Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) and Food Consumption Score (FCS) while the nutritional status of the children was derived from the Oplan Timbang Plus (OPT+) data in March 2023. Mean, frequency, percentage calculations, and Kendall’s rank correlation test (α=0.05) were used for data analysis. Results indicated that majority of the household heads earn less than Php 10, 000 (44.2%) and spend less than Php 7, 000 (75.6%) on food every month. Only (5.8%) were food-secure while the rest were food insecure, classified as moderate (45.3%), mild (39.5%), and severe (9.3%). Most households have acceptable food consumption (70.9%) with a mean FCS of 55.6 ± 20.6. Stunting (45.3%), underweight (36.1%), and wasting (19.8%) were observed among the preschool children. Kendall’s rank tau tests demonstrated a positive moderate correlation between household food security status and dietary diversity (CI:95%, p=0.0040, τ=0.2902) and monthly income (CI:95%, p=0.0141, τ=0.2332). Stunting and underweight were also strongly and moderately correlated to household food insecurity (CI:95%, p=2.11e-05, τ=0.4152; CI:95%, p=0.0027, τ=0.2969) and poor dietary diversity (CI:95%, p=0.0474, τ=0.2004). The persistence of food insecurity and malnutrition necessitates effective interventions and policies targeting children and vulnerable groups in fishing communities. |
| Keywords: | Consumer/Household Economics, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Food Security and Poverty |
| Date: | 2024–04–28 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:asea24:344453 |
| By: | Aung, Y.L.; Myint, T.; Aung, Y.M.; Oo, S.P.; Lay, K.K. |
| Abstract: | Myanmar Indigenous Chicken (MIC) production is a one of the rural household income sources, food security and poverty alleviation for the resource-poor rural households and also contributes their job opportunities. Preference for MIC products becomes higher as well as its demands are increasing due to changes in consumer’s perception of health and nutritional preferences. However, potential of the MIC enterprises in Myanmar is constrained by low productivity and marketing bottlenecks. Hence, comprehensive research on Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis of MIC enterprises is critically important to identify the real situation of MIC enterprises. Main objective of the study was to determine SWOT elements of MIC enterprises in Lewe, Pyinmana, Tatkon, Pobbathiri Townships in Nay Pyi Taw. The study areas were purposively selected because most of the MIC enterprises are located. Stratified random sampling was used to collect SWOT elements data from a total of 105 MIC enterprises using structured questionnaire through personal interview during May-June 2023. The collected data were analysed by using SWOT matrix to identify and suggest possible intervention areas. The results show that easiness to raise, income generation, self-employment, potential of market demand and price were contribution factors. Meanwhile, limited access to veterinary services, technical training, financial support, seasonal diseases and low productivity were affecting negatively. Suggestions for intervention areas from that study were technical training, livestock loan, vaccine and veterinary services, hatcheries and pure breed, and entrepreneurial transition which could improve for future development of MIC enterprises in Nay Pyi Taw. |
| Keywords: | Consumer/Household Economics, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Food Security and Poverty, Livestock Production/Industries |
| Date: | 2024–04–28 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:asea24:344448 |
| By: | Midingoyi, Soul-Kifouly; Houedjofonon, Elysée; Sossou, Hervé; Codjo, Victor |
| Abstract: | The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of the improved varieties of oil palm on farm-level performance and aggregate welfare. The study employs primary data collected from a sample of 1142 oil palm plantation-owning households. Endogenous switching regression treatment model was first used to account for self-selectivity and endogeneity in adoption decision to estimate yield and cost impacts that were subsequently inserted into the economic surplus modelling for accurate measurement of the supply-shift parameter used to compute the welfare effect. Findings show signifcant impacts of adopting improved oil palm varieties on yield and production cost. Farmers who used improved varieties enjoy 38% increase in yield that requires 45% increase in cost of production. These changes in yield and cost led to a research induced shift in palm oil supply of 82%, resulting in an increase in total economic surplus of US$ 56 millions per annum with 59% accrued to consumers. This gain from adoption could lift nearly 47 thousand people (1% of total poor) out of poverty per annum. These findings underscore the need of more investments in oil palm research and diffusion of research products which could be seen as effective tools to tackle poverty. |
| Keywords: | Research Methods/ Statistical Methods |
| Date: | 2024–07–26 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:cfcp15:344388 |
| By: | Medina-Guce, Czarina; Sanders, Robert Jr. |
| Abstract: | The Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) is pivotal in assessing Philippine local governance. However, concerns over its effectiveness arise from evolving criteria and declining passing rates since its inception. This paper employs an abductive research approach to investigate the SGLG’s “policy layering, ” where new goals are integrated alongside existing ones. It examines nearly a decade of SGLG policy evolution amid national priority shifts, policy changes, and evolving performance metrics. Key learning assumptions—learning over time and compliance-based learning—are explored, highlighting associated challenges. While initially not a comprehensive performance management tool, the SGLG adapts iteratively to meet higher governance standards. This paper recommends addressing resource challenges for LGUs, strategically timing SGLG updates, and decentralizing evaluation processes to enhance problem-solving and innovation for nonpassing LGUs, bolstering its role in advancing local governance nationwide. |
| Keywords: | SGLG;local governance;Seal of Good Local Governance;local governance performance |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:phd:pjdevt:pjd_2024_vol__48_no__1d |
| By: | Goeb, Joseph; San, Cho Cho; Belton, Ben; Synt, Nang Lun Kham; Aung, Nilar; Maredia, Mywish; Minten, Bart |
| Abstract: | Myanmar has experienced a sequence of dire crises beginning in 2019 including the unexpected closure of a principal trade route, COVID-19 lockdowns and travel restrictions, and a military coup leading to years of disruptions in the banking and transport sectors, inflation, and conflict. Yet, through these cascading shocks Myanmar’s maize sector experienced robust growth in production and exports. This paper examines the reasons underlying this apparent paradox and our findings contribute to the small but growing literatures on agri-food value chain (AVC) resilience and adaptation by traders. Strengthening the resilience of AVCs to shocks has important implications for welfare in developing countries and is increasingly drawing attention from policymakers and development partners. Using data from several sources including rare panel data sets of traders and farmers, and key informant interviews, we show that crop traders have been critical to the resilience of the maize value chain in Myanmar during this turbulent period. Maize traders performed three key functions contributing to resilience: (i) market discovery when primary trade routes were closed; (ii) overcoming transportation disruptions and bank closures to move maize from the farmgate to local and export markets; (iii) maintaining flows of credit to farmers throughout the crises in the form of selling inputs on credit and lending cash, thereby injecting much needed liquidity at times of incredible uncertainty, disruptions in the banking sector, and rising input prices. |
| Keywords: | Agribusiness, Agricultural and Food Policy |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:cfcp15:344306 |
| By: | Goeb, Joseph; Minten, Bart; Aung, Nilar; Aung, Zin Wai; Zu, A Myint; Htar, May Thet |
| Abstract: | In numerous low- and middle-income countries, agricultural value chains (AVC) are undergoing rapid transformation, yet scant evidence exists regarding such changes in fragile and conflict- affected settings, and little is known about inclusivity in this transformation. This study focuses on changes in Myanmar's rice value chain - using unique large-scale primary data - from 2013 to 2022, during an economic boom and subsequent political upheaval and conflict. We document remarkable shifts, including a fourfold increase in rice exports, propelling Myanmar to the world's fifth-largest rice exporter. Concurrently, domestic market conditions improved, and there was modernization in the ‘hidden middle’ of the value chain including increased investments in modern milling equipment and drying methods. At the farm level we note greater adoption of modern inputs (e.g., improved seed) and harvest/post-harvest technologies and increased reliance on modern specialized service providers. The transformation was not everywhere inclusive, and modernization in some areas decelerated due to conflict. Mills and farms in insecure and conflict-affected areas, as well as remote millers and smallholders, participated to a lesser extent, and the gaps widened during the crisis years. The rapid modernization in Myanmar’s rice value chain from 2013 to 2019 highlights the positive impacts of stable governance, infrastructure investment, and liberalization on AVC transformation while the observed variations in modernization inclusivity across different segments of the value chain underscore the complex interplay between governance, conflict, and AVC transformation. |
| Keywords: | Agribusiness, Agricultural and Food Policy |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:cfcp15:344305 |
| By: | Forsyth, Tim; McDermott, Constance L.; Dhakal, Rabindra |
| Abstract: | Equitable resilience is an increasing focus of development policy, but there is still insufficient attention to how the framings of equity itself shape what, and who, is targeted through development efforts. Universalistic assumptions about climate risk or social marginalization can define equity in ways that hide dynamic and intersectional influences on what constitutes risk to whom under different circumstances. This paper investigates the implications of two different equity framings for resilience in Jumla District, western Nepal. Drawing on more than one hundred household surveys plus in-depth qualitative interviews in six villages, we find that state-led efforts to present post-civil war development as the “equal distribution” of roads and infrastructure, agricultural commercialization, and protection against systemic climate risk fail to reflect local experiences of risk, which are often expressed in terms of social exclusion rather than vulnerability to climate change. Yet, simultaneously, other efforts at building resilience that use caste and gender as indicators of social marginalization overlook how transitions in livelihoods and individual agency have changed vulnerability contexts for many people, or the increasing vulnerability to climate change of more landed farmers. The paper urges more critical attention to how normative framings of equity shape what, and for whom is considered equitable resilience, including assumptions about transformative change from analysts themselves. Representing risks and vulnerability in terms of socially marginalized groups alone might deny the dynamic, intersectional, and contextual interconnection of risks and social agency; and might impose unhelpful subjectivities of their own. |
| Keywords: | project entitled ‘‘Resilience and access to sustainable growth in upland Nepal and Myanmar |
| JEL: | N0 |
| Date: | 2022–11–01 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ehl:lserod:115924 |
| By: | Taguchi, Hiroyuki |
| Abstract: | China’s rapid industrialization and urbanization in recent decades have deteriorated its air environmental quality. This study focuses on air pollutions in terms of CO, NO2, O3, PM2.5, PM10, and SO2 in Chinese provinces. Although the heterogeneity of environmental Kuznets curves (EKCs) from Chinese provinces has been studied, the positions of provincial EKCs (which reflect the province-specific pollution effects not affected by the provincial income levels) have not been investigated to date. Therefore, through a factor analysis of the heterogeneity of provincial pollutions under the EKC framework, we investigate how the governance shortage for pollution control contributes to the provincial pollution levels. We found that the governance shortage for pollution control accounted for about 50-70% of the province-specific air pollution levels. Our results indicate that China still has a much policy space to mitigate air pollutions. Particularly, in the Post-COVID-19 Era when industrial activities are recovered, pollution-control governance would be vital to make China’s economic growth sustainable. |
| Keywords: | air pollutions, pollution-control governance, Chinese provinces, environmental Kuznets curve |
| JEL: | O53 Q53 Q58 |
| Date: | 2024–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:121488 |
| By: | Lat, A.T.; Depositario, D.P.T.; Zapata Jr., N.; Delos Reyes, J.A.; Reodica, T.J.I.; Manalo, C.J.B. |
| Abstract: | The study is an attempt to determine whether the adoption of iodization and proper packaging of salt will improve not only the production and marketing system but also the income of the salt producers in Ilocos Norte. It used the unprocessed secondary data of the DAAE-UPLB CHED-funded project entitled “Value Chain Upgrading and Capacity Building for Salt Supply Chain Actors and Business Model Development for Village-Level Processors in the Philippines” to assess the economic effect of iodization and packaging in the production and marketing system of salt among the 16 active producer-members of the Pagnasahan Norte Agas Asin Association in Badoc, Ilocos Norte. They were grouped into Non-Adopters and Adopters to determine the difference in their contribution income statement from performing the two value-adding practices. The contribution income statements of the two groups were also subjected to cost volume profit and partial budget analyses and Fisher’s Exact Test to verify the socio-economic impact of their value-adding practices. Results revealed that the Adopters have higher net operating income and operating profit margin than Non-adopters. It was also found that if Non-adopters were to perform iodization and packaging practices, the increase in their net income would be more than enough to cover the corresponding increase in their expenses. This was further strengthened by Fisher’s exact test result which verified that the adoption of iodization and packaging indeed increased the income of the salt producers. These results can be used to encourage non-practicing salt producers to adopt iodization and packaging. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural Finance |
| Date: | 2024–04–28 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:asea24:344458 |
| By: | Popov, Vladimir |
| Abstract: | China was extremely successful in recent decades in managing external equilibrium in the short and medium term using three mechanisms to cushion the balance of payments shocks. First, it maintained a flexible rate, so could adjust to the fluctuations in trade balance and capital flows via devaluation/appreciation of national currency. Second, it exercised a capital account control that prevented the sudden and sizeable outflow of capital. And third, its foreign exchange reserves were the largest in the world and large even as compared to its GDP and foreign trade and capital flows, so they could have been used to absorb negative trade and capital account shocks with full sterilization (without a fear of continuous outflow of capital due to capital control). In particular, China survived the Asian currency crisis of 1997 better than the other countries – its reserves even did not decrease in 1997 and its GDP growth rates virtually did not decline. However, in the long term the abandonment of the policy of foreign exchange reserves accumulation (since the Great Recession of 2008-09) led to the considerable appreciation of the real exchange rate of yuan, the decline in the ratio of export to GDP and the share of investment in GDP. The result was the slowdown of growth: GDP growth rates fell from 14% in 2007 to 5% in 2024. |
| Keywords: | balance of payments, foreign exchange reserves, external and internal equilibrium, exchange rate, slowdown of growth in China |
| JEL: | F31 F32 F41 N15 O24 O40 |
| Date: | 2024–08–02 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:121627 |