Corruption and economic growth: A meta-analysis of the evidence on low-income countries and beyond

Corruption is a symptom and outcome of institutional deficiency, with potentially adverse effects on economic growth. This paper aims to provide a synthesis of the existing evidence on the relationship between corruption and economic growth - controlling for effect type, data sources, and country groupings. Using 32 key search terms and 43 low-income country names, we searched in 20 electronic databases and obtained 1,002 studies. Initial screening on the basis of PIOS (Population-Independent Variable-Outcome-Study Design) criteria and critical evaluation on the basis VRA (Validity-Reliability-Applicability) criteria led to inclusion of 115 studies for analysis. We conduct a meta-analysis of the empirical findings in 72 empirical studies, using fixed-effect and random-effect weighted means and testing for significance through precision-effect tests (PETs). Our findings indicate that corruption has a negative effect on per-capita GDP growth overall. We also report that corruption is relatively more detrimental in mixed countries as opposed to low-income countries only and that indirect effects of corruption on growth (through the human capital and public finance channels) are larger than its direct effects.Corruption, institutions, governance, economic growth, meta-analysis, systematic reviews

Petty-trading in Calcutta: A socio-political analysis of a third world city.

Abstract not available

Literature survey: Rural non-farm economy (RNFE) and local governance

It is widely acknowledged that increased food security and sustainable natural resources management are not sufficient conditions for reducing rural poverty. Diversification of livelihoods and non-farm income are important to poor households. Most donor agencies accept the role of the RNFE in poverty reduction. The aim of this review is to synthesise existing knowledge and inform research priorities and the design of country studies, and to assist in policy design in relation to governance issues relevant for RNFE

Local governance institutions in two district of Madhya Pradesh, India

This study was undertaken in two selected districts in the state of Madhya Pradesh. In each of these districts two blocks and in each of the blocks two Gram Panchayats were selected for the field survey. In the selected Gram Panchayats one village was selected to study the local governance institutions. Thus, eight villages in the two districts were covered by this study. The analyses in this report at district, block and village levels examines the formal and informal institutions of local governance

Corruption and economic growth: A meta-analysis of the evidence on low-income countries and beyond

Corruption is a symptom and outcome of institutional deficiency, with potentially adverse effects on economic growth. This paper aims to provide a synthesis of the existing evidence on the relationship between corruption and economic growth - controlling for effect type, data sources, and country groupings. Using 32 key search terms and 43 low-income country names, we searched in 20 electronic databases and obtained 1,002 studies. Initial screening on the basis of PIOS (Population-Independent Variable-Outcome-Study Design) criteria and critical evaluation on the basis VRA (Validity-Reliability-Applicability) criteria led to inclusion of 115 studies for analysis. We conduct a meta-analysis of the empirical findings in 72 empirical studies, using fixed-effect and random-effect weighted means and testing for significance through precision-effect tests (PETs). Our findings indicate that corruption has a negative effect on per-capita GDP growth overall. We also report that corruption is relatively more detrimental in mixed countries as opposed to low-income countries only and that indirect effects of corruption on growth (through the human capital and public finance channels) are larger than its direct effects

Corruption and economic growth: A meta-analysis of the evidence on low-income countries and beyond

Corruption is a symptom and outcome of institutional deficiency, with potentially adverse effects on economic growth. This paper aims to provide a synthesis of the existing evidence on the relationship between corruption and economic growth - controlling for effect type, data sources, and country groupings. Using 32 key search terms and 43 low-income country names, we searched in 20 electronic databases and obtained 1,002 studies. Initial screening on the basis of PIOS (Population-Independent Variable-Outcome-Study Design) criteria and critical evaluation on the basis VRA (Validity-Reliability-Applicability) criteria led to inclusion of 115 studies for analysis. We conduct a meta-analysis of the empirical findings in 72 empirical studies, using fixed-effect and random-effect weighted means and testing for significance through precision-effect tests (PETs). Our findings indicate that corruption has a negative effect on per-capita GDP growth overall. We also report that corruption is relatively more detrimental in mixed countries as opposed to low-income countries only and that indirect effects of corruption on growth (through the human capital and public finance channels) are larger than its direct effects

Benefits of improved rice husk combustion, Bangladesh (NRI report no. 2764)

The report is structured as follows. Chapter 2 presents the background to this study. Based on secondary data, it first describes the rice milling sector to illustrate the characteristics of the sector and to establish the importance of small scale parboiling rice mills. No secondary data were available either on the socio-economic characteristics of the user group or on the attitudes to technological change among owners and operators of rice mills. This information was important to the design of the project methodology; for indicating the nature of technological improvements acceptable to user groups; for issues of affordability and for subsequent dissemination activities. Section 2.3, draws on the baseline survey carried out in Phase 1, to analyse these characteristics. Chapter 3 first analyses the characteristics of the traditional furnace design and then demonstrates how the new design of furnace-boiler unit has increased combustion efficiency by more than the project objective; improved the working conditions of the workers and increased profitability of the owners. It also sets out the potentials and limitations for wider replications. Chapter 4 focuses on enhancing the production of briquettes using husk from parboiled rice. It describes the current procedures used for briquette production, the difficulties of using husk of parboiled rice, and the improvements developed by this project to address these constraints. Chapter 5 discusses the wider socio-economic benefits that could be generated by the rice husk and bran saved by improved combustion efficiency. It also shows that briquettes, where available, have become the poor man's fuel. Chapter 6 initially set out the characteristics of the rice husk ash in Bangladesh. It then describes the current uses in other countries and identifies potential alternative uses in Bangladesh. Chapter 7 describes the dissemination activities already undertaken and their outcomes and then outlines further dissemination activities that could potentially enhance uptake. Chapter 8 will conclude the report with recommendations and identify further research needs in biomass fuel use

Panchayat Raj institutions and local development in Madhya Pradesh and Orissa, India: synthesis of findings and recommendations (NRI report no. 2716)

In 1993 the National Parliament in India passed the 73rd and the 74th amendments related to establishment of local governments in rural and urban areas, respectively. These amendments contained some provisions that were mandatory and others of a discretionary nature. This report discusses the implementation of the 73rd Amendment in the two states of MP and Orissa

Fish hooks and gumboots: the language of pregnancy prevention in northern Malawi.

Language and metaphors are central mechanisms of the human mind and thought processes, and allow us to draw on existing social or physical experiences to make sense of novel concepts. Metaphors are not simply linguistic tools; they are deeply rooted and structured in cultural backgrounds and can shape our understandings, perceptions and actions. Different cultures can have different views about the life-course, reproduction and preventing pregnancy,2 and these views are reflected in the use of language when talking about contraception. Our hypothesis is that the vernacular language used to refer to contraception in northern Malawi would not correspond to the English terms in content or tone, and that such mismatches in the language of public health initiatives could affect uptake. We propose that the discussion around English terms in reproductive health programming must understand and use the local vernacular in each setting, particularly when trying to promote family planning programmes, where cultural values will shape willingness to use contraception