Gender Issues in Microfinance and Repayment Performance: The Case of a Nicaraguan Microfinance Institution.

Conventional wisdom and increasing empirical evidence in microfinance hold that women are better risks than men. In the present work, a logit model controlling for a range of borrower and loan characteristics was carried out to assess the validity of this statement by comparing repayment rates. The study includes a sample of loans disbursed by a Nicaraguan microfinance institution during the years 2003-2004, a period characterized by high oil prices. A dichotomous dependent variable is created, taking the value of 1 if the credit turned out to be of the best quality i.e. an “A” credit by Nicaraguan regulations, and 0 otherwise. The dependent variable is regressed on variables summarizing the characteristics of the borrower and the loan to investigate the impact of gender on repayment performance. The results provide significant evidence that female client’s repayment performance is in fact better than that of male’s at the conventional levels of statistical significance. However, the results also show that the perceived difference in gender risk is lower than what popular wisdom would suggest when borrower characteristics and other exogenous economic variables are taken into account. With the present sample, we conclude that other characteristics of the borrower as well as changes in the economic environment can have a similar or larger impact on risk than gender when it comes to repayment performance. As a result of some spot observations conducted on Managua, capital city of Nicaragua, a preliminary list of mollusks and birds was published. The list was made up of 18 species, 12 families and three orders of mollusks as well as 41 species, 23 families and 9 orders of birds. These values are consistent with total species numbers estimated by experts on these taxa for the country. This was the first inventory from these taxa associated to the city of Managua, where previous data on trees already existed. These results are analyzed in the light of existing literature on the subject

A Bayesian Total Factor Productivity Analysis of Tropical Agricultural Systems in Central-Western Africa And South-East Asia

This paper computes and analyses total factor productivity (TFP) growth rates for tropical agricultural systems in Central-Western Africa and South-East Asia. Two regions that despite sharing common agro-ecological conditions, have pursued different adoption rates of green revolution technology and have reported dissimilar yields per hectare. A panel data set is constructed for the period 1987-2007 from the FAOSTAT database. A Bayesian stochastic frontier model with country specific temporal variation in technical efficiency is estimated. Technical efficiency estimates reveal that there is substantial room for improvement in both continental sub-sets and that TFP estimates show on average larger rates of growth for South-East Asian countries as compared to Central-Western African countries. Results indicate that TFP is mostly driven by technical change and countries such as Benin, and Gambia display catch-up.Bayesian Inference, Stochastic Production Frontier, Time Varying Technical Inefficiency, Total Factor Productivity Growth, Tropical Agricultural Systems, Farm Management, Productivity Analysis, C15, D24, O47,

A Bayesian Total Factor Productivity Analysis of Tropical Agricultural Systems in Central-Western Africa And South-East Asia

This paper computes and analyses total factor productivity (TFP) growth rates for tropical agricultural systems in Central-Western Africa and South-East Asia. Two regions that despite sharing common agro-ecological conditions, have pursued different adoption rates of green revolution technology and have reported dissimilar yields per hectare. A panel data set is constructed for the period 1987-2007 from the FAOSTAT database. A Bayesian stochastic frontier model with country specific temporal variation in technical efficiency is estimated. Technical efficiency estimates reveal that there is substantial room for improvement in both continental sub-sets and that TFP estimates show on average larger rates of growth for South-East Asian countries as compared to Central-Western African countries. Results indicate that TFP is mostly driven by technical change and countries such as Benin, and Gambia display catch-up. Keywords: Bayesian Inference, Stochastic Production Frontier, Time Varying Technical Inefficiency, Total Factor Productivity Growth, Tropical Agricultural Systems JEL Classification: C15, D24, O47JRC.J.4-Agriculture and Life Sciences in the Econom

An Overview of (International) Large-Scale Land Transactions (LSLT) in the context of Food Security

The present report provides an overview of the scale, speed, drivers, key players and main expected consequences in terms of food security of the recent wave of (international) large-scale land transactions (LSLT´s) which has taken place at world level in the past years. This task is particularly challenging because a universal definition of what constitutes a ¨large¨ land investment as well as the potential advantages and disadvantages to all involved parties at different levels are not straightforward. Moreover, large-scale land transactions usually present different traits depending on the region in which they take place. Similarly, there is a wide range of investors with what appears to be (at first glance) rather different objectives. An added difficulty is related to the availability of reliable data (IFPRI, 2009). In order to overcome these obstacles, three basic steps were taken: i) Assess whether and how the wave of land deals is a new phenomenon, provide a working definition in order to identify actors and motives in both global and regional scenarios, ii) Understand why this new wave of LSLT´s emerged and establish a connection to food security challenges iii) Reflect on the theoretical and empirical consequences of LSLT´s at productivity, environmental and social level.JRC.J.4-Agriculture and Life Sciences in the Econom

Crop-Specific EU Aid and Smallholder Food Security in Sierra Leone

The article analyses the viability of promoting crop-specific programs as a mean to improve smallholder net farm income and food security. The case study explores the relevance of European Union Stabilisation of Export Earnings (STABEX) funds in supporting Sierra Leone’s agricultural development agenda. By analysing the drivers of food security for a number of targeted smallholders in the two most important agricultural zones of Sierra Leone, it is possible to compare the suitability of crop-specific support (in rice, cocoa and coffee) versus general aid programs (public infrastructure, on and off farm diversification opportunities, sustainable practices, access to productive assets, etc.). The results indicate that crop diversification strategies are widespread and closely related to risk minimisation and enhanced food security among smallholders. Similarly, crop-specific programs mainly focusing on commercialisation tend to overlook important constraints associated to self-consumption and productivity

Facilitating an area-based development approach in rural regions in the Western Balkans

The present report covers an exercise where a defined development approach (ABD) has been tested in a rural cross border case study area in the Western Balkans. The aim is to draw lessons both for continuing implementation of the ABD in this particular area and more generally initiating it in the Western Balkans. Concretely, the UNDP Area-Based Development (ABD) approach is targeting specific geographical areas characterised by a particular complex development problem (setting it apart from surrounding areas), through an integrated (multi-sector), inclusive (community versus particular groups or individuals), participatory (bottom-up) and flexible (responsive to changes) approach. This approach has been implemented in the pilot case of the Drina valley – Tara Mountain area (Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia. As a result of 6 months of interaction among stakeholders, 4 priority development themes were identified in tourism, rural development (with a special focus on agriculture), SME and entrepreneurship and environmental protection. This pilot case allowed drawing relevant lessons for the implementation of ABD to what concerns the area delineation process, the bottom-up process, the top-down accompanying framework and the institutional / legal framework. Lastly, 7 other rural cross border areas within the Western Balkans region have been identified as potential ABD target areas .JRC.J.4-Agriculture and Life Sciences in the Econom

Rural poverty reduction and food security: The case of smallholders in Sierra Leone

Sierra Leones ranks amongst the poorest countries in the world in terms of per capita GDP, due to several factors. Concerning the agricultural sector and more specifically smallholders, which constitute the big majority of farmers, inadequate tools, land preparation, infrastructure and limited access to markets and inputs, adding to very low labour productivity, cause that smallholders operate far below their productive potential, with crop production remaining primarily driven by (semi)subsistence households generating very little income. Consequently, Sierra Leone's subsistence farming system is characterised by a highly inefficient input/output mixes as well as high pre harvest and post harvest losses. Farmers lack access to yield-increasing inputs (such as improved tools) and face limited ability to invest in economic activities not only due to credit shortage but also to village-level institutional arrangements which do not support using land as collateral for loans. Lastly, reduced cash-income keeps smallholders particularly vulnerable to remain in the poverty-trap. The present report analyses the results of a survey of 604 smallholders in 5 districts in the Northern and Eastern regions of Sierra Leone carried out in 2009 when the EU STABEX-funded projects were concluding. The purpose is on the one hand, to improve knowledge and understanding of the agri-economic and social conditions of rural areas in Sierra Leone, and on the other hand to provide a general assessment of aid programmes financed in this area by the 8th European Development Fund. For this reason, the regions selected for the survey were those representatives of the main agricultural areas of the country where support was provided: the Northern region largely dominated by rice farmers, and the Eastern region where rice farmers are also engaged in coffee and cocoa production under agro-forestry plots. While rice (main staple food) production is expected to comply with food security objectives, coffee and cocoa (main export commodities) are high value export commodities which push economic growth. Consequently, both types of crops are considered relevant in contributing to the country's development. The results of the economic analysis indicate that rice production, which largely covers own household consumption, is far below its potential due to high losses, low productivity and labour-intensity of farming, particularly in the Northern region. On the other hand, coffee and cocoa production in the Eastern region was found to be economically profitable, generating income for most of those smallholders who cultivate those crops. Regarding farm households' characteristics and income, strong regional differences between the poorer North and relatively wealthier East were observed and reflected throughout all factors analysed: yields, household size, sources of farming income, magnitude of losses and productivity. Households in the Eastern region who produce coffee and cocoa, also dispose on average of more family labour, more land and higher income compared to households in the Northern Region. Rice was recognized as being an imperative component for food security while the high market value of coffee and cocoa confirmed both commodities as important sources of income and foreign currency. Qualitative data from the survey indicated that the STABEX aid programmes were perceived as adequate in terms of their technical nature as well as regarding infrastructure and organizational improvements. However, the amount of aid was deemed altogether insufficient considering the number of households requiring assistance. In this sense, the responses to perceived adequacy do not evaluate the measure itself, but rather the amount provided in relation to local needs as understood by the recipients. Based on this analysis a set of recommendations for the policy are drawn.JRC.J.4-Agriculture and Life Sciences in the Econom

Brechas, desafíos y oportunidades en materia de agua y género en América Latina y el Caribe

La adopción de la perspectiva de género en las políticas de agua en América Latina y el Caribe (ALC) ha evolucionado lentamente a lo largo de los años. Si bien se ha demostrado que las mujeres y niñas son discriminadas en el acceso y uso del agua en todos los sectores, aspectos de género todavía no son ampliamente incluidos en los planes y políticas relacionadas a la gestión hídrica. En el presente documento se analizan las políticas que abordan los problemas de agua y género de los países de la región a la luz de cuatro principales brechas identificadas en la literatura: i) acceso e infraestructura de agua y saneamiento, ii) productividad agrícola, iii) manejo y recolección de agua, y v) gobernanza y participación.Resumen .. Presentación .-- I. Brechas en materia de agua y género .-- II. Evolución de los marcos regulatorios globales y regionales relacionados con agua y género .-- III. Políticas de agua y género en ALC .-- IV. Desafíos, oportunidades y recomendaciones para la incorporación de la perspectiva de género en políticas de agua en ALC

Oportunidades de la economía circular en el tratamiento de aguas residuales en América Latina y el Caribe

La adopción de principios de economía circular para la recuperación de metano en plantas de tratamiento de aguas residuales (PTAR) ya está muy extendida en la mayoría de las megaciudades de América Latina y el Caribe (ALC). Sin embargo, hay una amplia cantidad de población que reside en ciudades más pequeñas que carecen de este tipo de cobertura. Para promover la adopción de estas tecnologías en las PTAR de tamaño intermedio en la región, este trabajo estima las inversiones necesarias y los beneficios económicos, sociales y ambientales de la recuperación de metano y la generación eléctrica en 75 plantas que atienden a 33 millones de personas, distribuidas en el Estado Plurinacional de Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, México y Perú.Resumen .-- Introducción .-- I. La problemática de las aguas residuales en América Latina y el Caribe (ALC) .-- II. De residuo a recursos: oportunidades de la economía circular en el tratamiento de aguas residuales municipales .-- III. Potencial de aprovechamiento del metano para la generación de energía en las PTAR de América Latina y el Caribe .-- IV. Estimación de los costos y beneficios derivados del aprovechamiento del metano —emitido en las PTAR objetivo— para la cogeneración de energía .-- V. Conclusiones y recomendaciones

Agrarian Reform: Theory & Practice. The Nicaraguan Experience

The Nicaraguan experience becomes a valuable case study since it allows us to analyze in detail the impact of an extensive modification to the property right system and to other relevant agricultural markets within a relatively short time period. Moreover, with this evidence it is possible to assess how policy making and enactment alter the institutional and socio-economic scenario and the behavior of agents (regarding their investment and production plans). Our findings indicate that incentives structures and carefully coordinated State intervention are of great importance in achieving sustained development. The Sandinista rural agenda involved detailed structural and marketing programs aimed at eliminating the previous latifundio structure, yet by the end of the 1980´s national agriculture was stagnated. It will be argued in the present paper that the consequences of an uncoordinated Agrarian Reform deepened the imperfections of not only the land market but also the credit and labor markets in Nicaragua. A major conclusion is that without an adequate and legitimate policy environment that reduces uncertainty and maintains financial incentives, even abundant access to resources will not overcome economic paralysis