Self-productivity and complementarities in human development : evidence from MARS

This paper investigates the role of self-productivity and home resources in capability formation from infancy to adolescence. In addition, we study the complementarities between basic cognitive, motor and noncognitive abilities and social as well as academic achievement. Our data are taken from the Mannheim Study of Children at Risk (MARS), an epidemiological cohort study following the long-term outcome of early risk factors. Results indicate that initial risk conditions cumulate and that differences in basic abilities increase during development. Self-productivity rises in the developmental process and complementarities are evident. Noncognitive abilities promote cognitive abilities and social achievement. There is remarkable stability in the distribution of the economic and socio-emotional home resources during the early life cycle. This is presumably a major reason for the evolution of inequality in human development

Assessing local building cultures for resilience & development: A practical guide for community-based assessment

International audienceThe development of a set of tools to enhance appreciation of local practices developed by communities regarding settlements and risks is an initiative that aims to promote context-based strategies for responding efficiently and adequately to habitat improvement and vulnerability reduction needs. This guide offers a methodological and operational support for decision-making and practices towards approaches and actions deeply rooted in local contexts. It is a practical tool that provides detailed explanation on planning, preparing and undertaking field assessments of local practices related to habitat and risks. It refers to a participatory approach suitable for, and adapted to, various geographical, cultural and risk-prone areas. By supporting habitat assessment in all its different aspects, it also fosters links between programmes, providing clues and keys to define and implement coherent projects including income generating activities, livelihood, health and other related sectors. The necessary investment to be taken into account in project planning to achieve the basic step described in this booklet will result in huge savings, as logistical issues will be drastically reduced during the project implementation. It is a worthwhile investment that will lead to decisions ensuring more benefits to the affected communities, including a long-term enhancement of their resilience capacityCet ouvrage s'adresse aux responsables de projets et aux preneurs de décisions. L'auteur explique tout d'abord la démarche de projet respectueuse des cultures constructives. L'auteur présente ensuite une méthode d'évaluation des cultures constructives locales et expose l'importance de celle-ci dans un proje