Revisiting Economic Growth in Colombia: A Microeconomic Perspective

This paper revisits economic growth in Colombia using the growth diagnostics methodology proposed by Hausmann, Rodrik and Velasco (2005), to identify the most binding constraints for economic growth and the policies that, if implemented, can have the largest positive impact. To rank public policy priorities the HRV (2005) methodological approach is complemented with an econometric analysis of micro-data, aimed at exploring the impact that the various potential constraints to growth have had on firm-level investment decisions. The data shows economic reactivation in areas with falling violence. Results from analysis at the microeconomic level, however, give a particular spin to this conclusion by showing that investment decisions at the firm level are also explained by the restoration of some form of public order connected to the cessation of paramilitary violence and not only by the reduction of violence. From a public policy perspective, perhaps the most relevant result is the confirmation that in Colombia investment decisions are negatively affected by the cost of financing. Empirical results, robust across model specifications, single out the provision of access to financing at fair prices as a policy priority for economic growth, relevant across country regions and independent of whether uncertainties from poor protection to property rights are resolved.

Revisiting economic growth in Colombia. A microeconomic perspective

This paper revisits economic growth in Colombia using the growth diagnostics methodology proposed by Hausmann, Rodrik and Velasco (2005), with the purpose of identifying the most binding constraints for economic growth and the policies that, if implemented, can have the largest positive impact. To rank public policy priorities the HRV (2005) methodological approach is complemented with an econometric analysis of micro-data, aimed at exploring the impact that the various potential constraints to growth have had on firm-level investment decisions. The data shows economic reactivation in areas with falling violence. Results from analysis at the microeconomic level, however, give a particular spin to this conclusion by showing that investment decisions at the firm level are also explained by the restoration of some form of public order connected to the cessation of paramilitary violence and not only by the reduction of violence. From a public policy perspective, perhaps the most relevant result is the confirmation that in Colombia investment decisions are negatively affected by thecost of financing. Empirical results, robust across model specifications, single out the provision of access to financing at fair prices as a policy priority for economic growth, relevant across country regions and independent of whether uncertainties from poor protection to property rights are resolved.Crecimiento económico, Colombia

Price cap regulation in the Colombian pharmaceutical market : an impact evaluation

We evaluate the impact of a price cap regulation implemented in the Colombian pharmaceutical market between 2011 and 2014. To do so, we take advantage of a unique data set where we observe three sources of variation: i) differences across eighteen groups in the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification system of the WHO, ii) the existence of regulated treated) and unregulated (control) groups within each of these eighteen ATC groups, and iii) differences in time (before and after regulation) for the eighteen ATC groups. A triple dierences model with fixed time effects and cluster errors is used to identify the impact of this regulation. We find that the price-cap regulation contributed to reduce prices in three of the eighteen groups and increase average prices for ten of them. We confirm then that the focal point effect generated by a price-cap regulation can generate unintended distortions. More specifically, our results reveal that the implementation of this price cap regulation potentially increased -public and ;private- expenditure by 30%, only for the 2,422 drugs in the eighteen ATC groups we study

Price cap regulation in the Colombian pharmaceutical market : An impact evaluation

We evaluate the impact of a price cap regulation implemented in the Colombian pharmaceutical market between 2011 and 2014. To do so, we take advantage of a unique data set where we observe three sources of variation: i) differences across eighteen groups in the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification system of the WHO, ii) the existence of regulated treated) and unregulated (control) groups within each of these eighteen ATC groups, and iii) differences in time (before and after regulation) for the eighteen ATC groups. A triple dierences model with fixed time effects and cluster errors is used to identify the impact of this regulation. We find that the price-cap regulation contributed to reduce prices in three of the eighteen groups and increase average prices for ten of them. We confirm then that the focal point effect generated by a price-cap regulation can generate unintended distortions. More specifically, our results reveal that the implementation of this price cap regulation potentially increased -public and ;private- expenditure by 30%, only for the 2,422 drugs in the eighteen ATC groups we study

Validación del Índice del Derecho a la Educación (IDE) para Colombia, empleando la metodología Delphi

El presente documento expone los resultados de la validación del Índice del Derecho a la Educación (IDE) para Colombia. El IDE está compuesto por cuatro dimensiones: Disponibilidad, Accesibilidad, Adaptabilidad y Acepta-bilidad. La validación tiene como objetivo establecer qué indicadores dan cuenta de cada dimensión. Para llegar a un consenso se usó la metodología Delphi, implementada en un aplicativo Web. Este proceso contó con la participación de 158 expertos del sector educativo, quienes, en dos rondas, clasificaron cada uno de los 12 indicadores analizados en una de las cuatro dimensiones

Implementing psychosocial support models in contexts of extreme adversity: lessons from a process evaluation in Colombia

IntroductionHigh quality investments during early childhood allow children to achieve their full potential by setting developmental foundations. However, challenges in the scale-up of evidence-based interventions make across-the-board implementation a non-trivial matter. Moreover, extreme contextual conditions -such as community violence, forced displacement, and poverty- impose a double threat. First, by directly affecting early childhood development (ECD), forced displacement and exposure to violence during early childhood, coupled with deficits in nurturing relationships, can trigger toxic stress, affecting children’s mental health and social and emotional learning. Second, contexts of extreme adversity exacerbate common implementation pitfalls in the scale-up of interventions. Recognizing and documenting “what it takes” to successfully implement “what works” can contribute to the expansion and effectiveness of evidence-based programs that promote ECD in these settings. Semillas de Apego (SA, onward), a community-based psychosocial support model for caregivers, materialized as a strategy to promote ECD in communities affected by violence and forced displacement.MethodsThis article presents the results of the process evaluation of SA during the 2018–2019 implementation in Tumaco, a violence ridden municipality in the south-west border of Colombia, South America. In this phase, the program reached 714 families, 82% direct victims of violence and 57% were internally displaced. The process evaluation combined qualitative and quantitative methodological approaches to produce evidence of factors that promoted implementation quality.ResultsFindings identified salient components of the program that promoted the program’s acceptability, adoption, appropriateness, fidelity and sustainability: a rigorous cultural adaptation; well-structured team selection and training methodologies; and a team support and supervision protocol to provide continuous capacity building and prevent burn-out and other occupational hazards common among professionals in mental health and psychosocial support interventions. The statistical analysis using monitoring data identified key predictors of the dosage delivered (a measure of fidelity). Evidence suggests that initial attendance to the program and observable characteristics -such as educational attainment, violence victimization and employment status-predict a successful compliance (in terms of dosage to benefit from the program).DiscussionThis study provides evidence for the development of structural, organizational, and procedural processes for the adoption, appropriate adaptation, and high-fidelity delivery of psychosocial support models delivered in territories affected by extreme adversity

Poor mental health of victims and former FARC members represents a significant challenge for peace process in Colombia

The peace accord between the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the Colombian Government has been widely lauded by the international community, and rightly so. Yet, formidable challenges remain to its implementation. One substantial challenge is the high percentage of former guerillas as well as victims of the conflict in need of mental health care

Examining intersections between violence against women and violence against children:Perspectives of adolescents and adults in displaced Colombian communities

BackgroundResearch examining the interrelated drivers of household violence against women and violence against children is nascent, particularly in humanitarian settings. Gaps remain in understanding how relocation, displacement and ongoing insecurity affect families and may exacerbate household violence.MethodsEmploying purposive sampling, we used photo elicitation methods to facilitate semi-structured, in-depth interviews with female and male adolescents and adults aged 13–75 (n = 73) in two districts in Colombia from May to August of 2017. Participants were displaced and/or residing in neighborhoods characterized by high levels of insecurity from armed groups.ResultsUsing inductive thematic analysis and situating the analysis within a feminist socioecological framework, we found several shared drivers of household violence. Intersections among drivers at all socioecological levels occurred among societal gender norms, substance use, attempts to regulate women’s and children’s behavior with violence, and daily stressors associated with numerous community problems. A central theme of relocation was of family compositions that were in continual flux and of family members confronted by economic insecurity and increased access to substances.ConclusionsFindings suggest interventions that systemically consider families’ struggles with relocation and violence with multifaceted attention to socioecological intersections

Riqueza, distribución geográfica y estado de conservación del género Dahlia (Asteraceae) en México

Background and Aims: The genus Dahlia (Asteraceae) is native to the Americas and Mexico is its center of diversification. Dahlia is important in ornamental horticulture, and breeding programs have generated more than 15,000 varieties. Mexico represents the main source of germplasm; therefore, a study of its richness and geographical distribution is essential. The aims of this work were to analyze the species richness, geographical distribution and evaluate the conservation status of Dahlia in Mexico.Methods: A database with 1980 georeferenced observations was elaborated from herbarium specimens, publications and field collections. The information was analyzed using Geographic Information Systems to reveal the estimated species richness by political division, vegetation types, regions, biogeographical provinces, elevational, latitudinal and longitudinal ranges, a grid cell of 33 × 33 km, and Protected Natural Areas.Key results: Dahlia consists of 38 species, all growing in Mexico, 35 are endemic. The genus occurs in 26 states. Hidalgo and Oaxaca have the highest number of species, followed by Guerrero. Jalisco has the most records. Commonly, Dahlia grows in coniferous and oak forest. Its distribution ranges from 24 to 3810 m elevation; however, most species are found between 2000 and 2500 m. High species richness occurs in two areas; the first one is located in the Sierra Madre Oriental including northeastern Querétaro, eastern Guanajuato and southern San Luis Potosí; the second one is in the Sierra Madre del Sur in northwestern Oaxaca. Finally, 23 species grow within the boundaries of a Protected Natural Area, and the Sierra Gorda, state of Querétaro, concentrates the highest species number.Conclusions: The analyses of species richness and distribution showed that the greatest diversity of Dahlia is found in the Mexican Transition Zone, in the Sierra Madre del Sur and the Sierra Madre Oriental provinces.Antecedentes y Objetivos: El género Dahlia (Asteraceae) es nativo de América y México es su centro de diversificación. Dahlia es importante en la horticultura ornamental, su mejoramiento genético ha generado más de 15,000 variedades. México representa la principal fuente de germoplasma, por lo que un estudio sobre su riqueza y distribución geográfica es indispensable. Los objetivos de este trabajo fueron analizar la riqueza de especies de Dahlia en México, su distribución geográfica y evaluar su estado de conservación.Métodos: Se elaboró una base de datos con 1980 registros georreferenciados, obtenidos de ejemplares de herbario, publicaciones y recolectas de campo. La información fue analizada utilizando Sistemas de Información Geográfica, se estimó la riqueza de especies por división política, tipos de vegetación, regiones, provincias biogeográficas, rangos elevacionales, latitudinales y longitudinales, una cuadrícula de 33 × 33 km y Áreas Naturales Protegidas.Resultados clave: Dahlia agrupa 38 especies, todas crecen en México, 35 son endémicas. El género está presente en 26 estados. Hidalgo y Oaxaca tienen el mayor número de especies, seguidos por Guerrero. Jalisco muestra el mayor esfuerzo de colecta. Comúnmente, Dahlia habita en bosques de coníferas y encino. Su rango de distribución abarca desde 24 hasta 3810 m de elevación, pero el mayor número de especies crece entre 2000 y 2500 m. Se encontraron dos áreas de alta riqueza de especies de Dahlia en México; la primera está en el noreste de Querétaro, este de Guanajuato y sureste de San Luis Potosí, en la Sierra Madre Oriental, la otra en el noroeste de Oaxaca, en la Sierra Madre del Sur. Finalmente, 23 especies viven dentro de un Área Natural Protegida. La Sierra Gorda en el estado de Querétaro concentra el mayor número de especies.Conclusiones: El análisis de la riqueza de especies y su distribución mostró que la mayor diversidad de Dahlia se encuentra en la Zona de Transición Mexicana en las provincias Sierra Madre del Sur y Sierra Madre Oriental

Números cromosómicos para tres especies de Cosmos sección Discopoda (Asteraceae, Coreopsideae), con notas citogeográficas

Background and Aims: Cosmos section Discopoda (Asteraceae, Coreopsideae) is a model for studying polyploidy and aneuploidy. This section is monophyletic, including 24 herbaceous perennials with some polyploid species and others aneuploids. However, the chromosome numbers of some species are still unknown and their cytogeography has not been studied. Here the chromosome counts for three species are revealed and the ancestral levels of ploidy as well as geographical distributions of the different ploidy levels are compared.Methods: Previously known chromosome counts were retrieved and chromosome counts were made from vegetative parts of three species. After designating a ploidy level to each of 810 registers, including all species and through the use of a geographic information system, their distributions were analyzed based on those ploidy levels. In addition, using a maximum likelihood model, a reconstruction of ancestral ploidy was made.Key results: Cosmos nitidus and C. ramirezianus are diploids (2n=2x=24) while C. pseudoperfoliatus is tetraploid (2n=4x=48). To date, chromosome counts for the 20 species of Cosmos section Discopoda are known, of which 12 are diploids (2n=2x), six are exclusively polyploids (2n=4x, 6x, 8x), four are diploids and polyploids and there are two independent events of aneuploidy. The reconstruction of ancestral ploidy levels revealed that x=12 is the basic number of chromosomes in this section of Cosmos.Conclusions: A correlation between the ploidy levels and geographical ranges of the species of Cosmos section Discopoda does not seem apparent. In contrast, there does seem to be an increase in ploidy levels from south to north, with a concentration of polyploids in the northern area of the Sierra Madre Occidental.Antecedentes y Objetivos: Cosmos secc. Discopoda (Asteraceae, Coreopsideae) es un modelo de estudio sobre poliploidía y aneuploidía. La sección es monofilética, agrupa 24 especies herbáceas perennes y existen especies poliploides y aneuploides. Sin embargo, no se conocen los números cromosómicos para todas las especies y su citogeografía no ha sido estudiada. El propósito de la presente comunicación es dar a conocer conteos cromosómicos para tres especies y discutir sobre el nivel de ploidía ancestral y patrones de distribución geográfica de los niveles de ploidía en la sección.Métodos: Se realizó una recopilación de los registros cromosómicos y se realizaron conteos cromosómicos para tres especies a partir de la preparación de estructuras vegetativas. Mediante un sistema de información geográfica y una base de datos geográficos con 810 registros, se analizó la distribución geográfica de niveles de ploidía asignando un nivel de ploidía a cada registro por especie. Además, se realizó una reconstrucción del nivel de ploidía ancestral mediante análisis empleando un modelo de máxima verosimilitud.Resultados clave: Cosmos nitidus y C. ramirezianus son diploides (2n=2x=24) y C. pseudoperfoliatus es tetraploide (2n=4x=48). En Cosmos secc. Discopoda actualmente se conoce el número cromosómico de 20 especies, 12 son diploides (2n=2x), seis taxa son exclusivamente poliploides (2n=4x, 6x, 8x), cuatro son diploides y poliploides y existen dos eventos independientes de aneuploidía. La reconstrucción del nivel de ploidía ancestral permite reconocer que x=12 es el número cromosómico básico en la sección.Conclusiones: Las especies de Cosmos secc. Discopoda no muestran una correlación entre los niveles de ploidía y sus rangos de distribución geográfica. En contraste, existe un aumento del nivel de ploidía de sur a norte, con una concentración de poliploides en el norte de la Sierra Madre Occidental