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- No.2 / (5) Poverty, Income Inequality and Determinants of Income of the Ethnic Communities of Bangladesh
- Title_ Poverty, Income Inequality and Determinants of Income of the Ethnic Communities of Bangladesh Author_ Pangkoj Nokrek, Basanta Kumar Barmon, Sanzidur Rahman Pages 188-201 Abstract_ The study examines the levels of poverty, income inequality and determinants of incomeof five major ethnic communities (i.e., Chakma, Garo, Khasi, Marma and Tripura) of Bangladeshusing a survey data of 250 households. Results revealed that agriculture constitutes72.6% of the total income followed by salaried employment at 13.4% and off-farm income at6.1%. The amount of cultivated land, the share of land rented-in and the number of workingfamily members significantly increase agricultural income whereas education, the numberof working family members and experience significantly increase non-agricultural income.Income is significantly higher for the Garo and Khasi communities and lower for the Tripuracommunity. Income inequality varies across communities with high level of inequalityamongst the Khasi and Garo communities (Gini coefficient 0.39 and 0.35) while the Chama,Marma and Tripura communities have a low and similar level of inequality (Gini coefficient0.23-0.26). Poverty level is high for the Garo community and low for the Chakma andMarma communities. However, the depth of poverty is highest for the Tripura community.Policy implications include investment in education and land and tenurial reform measurestoconsolidate farm size as well as smooth functioning of the land rental market in order toincrease agricultural and/or total household income of the ethnic communities. Keywords_ Ethnic communities, Income inequality, Poverty, Determinants of income, Multivariate regression model, Bangladesh
- IPAID 2020.11.25
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10
- No.2 / (4) Impact of Irrigation on Household Multidimensional Poverty Reduction
- Title_ Impact of Irrigation on Household Multidimensional Poverty Reduction in the Koga Irrigation Development Project, Northern Ethiopia Author_ Koyachew Enkuahone Kassie, Bamlak Alamirew Alemu, Aseffa Seyoum Wedajoo Pages 159-187 Abstract_ Agriculture remains the mainstay of the Ethiopian economy. However, the sector is affectedby climate change induced extreme weather events that aggravates rural poverty. As a result,the Ethiopian government has been making different interventions to alleviate poverty. Kogairrigation development project (KIDP) is one of such initiatives. However, due to politicalunrest, poor water management practice, limited market linkages and other institutionalchallenges, the project has not reached its desired goals. This paper is thus intended to evaluatethe efficacy of the KIDP to reduce poverty. Data were collected from 395 sample farmhouseholds (220 irrigators and 175 non-irrigators) drawn using multi-stage sampling technique.Multidimensional poverty index and endogenous switching regression model wereemployed to measure poverty and estimate the impact of irrigation on household poverty,respectively. The study found that poverty intensity and multidimensional poverty index ofthe study area were lower than the national and regional averages. Nonetheless, the trend ofpoverty reduction was not evenly progressed in irrigator and non-irrigator households. Theproportion of non-irrigator poor and MPI poor households were greater than irrigators. Theendogenous switching model and key informant interviews proved that irrigation has positiveimpact on multidimensional household poverty reduction. However, the incidence ofpoverty among the sample households, regardless of access to irrigation, is still higher. Thisimplies access to irrigation should be accompanied by institutional supports and complementaryproduction inputs. So as to excel the impact of irrigation, the government shall alsoexpand the technology over non-irrigated areas. Keywords_ Irrigation, Household, Multidimensional poverty index, Switching regression
- IPAID 2020.11.25
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9
- No.2 / (3) Branch Expansion and Institutional Sustainability of MFIs in Bangladesh
- Title_ Branch Expansion and Institutional Sustainability of MFIs in Bangladesh Author_ Farhana Nargis, Mustafa K. Mujer, Farah Muneer Pages 142-158 Abstract_ Sustainability of microfinance institutions (MFIs) in relation to branch expansion and relateddecisions has been widely debated in the microfinance sector. The present study exploresthe factors that are taken into consideration by the MFIs in Bangladesh while opening anew branch. Specifically, the study examines the locational considerations relating to branchexpansion and implications relating to service delivery and other MFI operations. The analysiscovers both head office and branch level information collected using stratified randomsampling approach ensuring proportional representation of small, medium and large MFIs.The study finds locational characteristics and number of potential borrowers as the mostimportant factors while deciding on opening a new branch.The decision on branch locationresponds to three main considerations: (i) reducing cost of loan operation; (ii) serving targetpeople in remote areas; and (iii) implementing targeted programs. It is seen that very largeand medium categories of MFIs have greater incentives for branch expansion relative to largeand small categories while larger MFIs tend to establish new branches close to growth centres. Keywords_ Branch expansion, MFIs, Sustainability, Location
- IPAID 2020.11.25
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8
- No.2 / (2) South Auckland Sikhs and Punjab Issues
- Title_South Auckland Sikhs and Punjab Issues: Justice, Identity Work and Development Author_ Teena Brown Pulu, Harminder Singh, Gurmeet Singh Sarkaria Pages 129-141 Abstract_ In South Auckland, New Zealand, we surveyed under three hundred Sikhs on how theyused their internet-connected mobile phones to gather and share news on the 2019 Punjabelections. Survey participants identified “Punjab issues” as the main topic they communicatedmessages about on social media. Our paper explores the notion of “Punjab issues” inthe context of Sikh social identity and habitus, or the circumstances and conditions of dayto-day existence for this migrant group. We examine how this habitus is underpinned by aninterest in justice, which is based in deep historical memory and has persisted over time, asseen in the experiences of events such as the Partition of India in 1947 and the attack on theGolden Temple in 1984, and across space, as more Sikhs migrate from Punjab. Interwovenin the discussion is how the Sikh emphasis on justice fits with the United Nations’ 16th SustainableDevelopment Goal (SDG16), which underlines that justice and strong institutionsdetermine how well a state practices the social inclusion of minorities by recognising theirrights to peace, security, and prosperity. Keywords_ South Auckland, Punjab, Punjab Elections 2019, Sikh, Habitus, Migrants, Justice, Development
- IPAID 2020.11.25
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7
- No.2 / (1) Crypto-governance Blockchain Governance for Sustainable Development Goals 16 and 17
- Title_ Crypto-governance Blockchain Governance for Sustainable Development Goals 16 and 17 Author_ Reshma Kamath Pages 111-128 Abstract_ Cryptogovernance, governance on the blockchain, has real, long-lasting potential to impactthe United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 16 and 17. The idea of Cryptogovernanceembeds consensus protocols, rights-based mechanisms and a convergence ecosystem.Through institutional reform via proof of attestation and proof of corruption, blockchainprotocols are transforming interactions between people and systems. Several blockchainprojects, though nascent and evolving, have instituted such reform (voting, asset tracking,tokenization, ecosystem building), yet development and public sector is lagging behind. Thispaper helps connect the dots between technology and governance, via a cryptogovernanceframework. Keywords_ Blockchain, Sustainable Development Goals 16 and 17, Cryptogovernance, Proof, Rights, Tokens
- IPAID 2020.11.25
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6
- No.1 / (6) Blockchain for Women Next Generation for Sustainable Development Goal 5
- Title_ Blockchain for Women Next Generation for Sustainable Development Goal 5 Author_ Reshma Kamath Pages 88-109 Abstract_ Blockchain For Women highlights the potential of Blockchain, a nascent technology, in revamping the role of Women, Children and Gender minorities through Identity, Ownership, and Access. It discusses the gender digital divide impacting SDG 5 and how Blockchain is overcoming this problem to meet the Goals. While applying Blockchain as a technology and its beneficial attributes applicable to SDG 5, the paper engages with how Blockchain is being piloted and tested by the United Nations, civil society, corporations and startups alike in various sectors impacting women. The paper bridges the gap between the theoretical potential of Blockchain to showing actualized, on-the-ground applications of Blockchain technology in meeting SDG 5 Goals. Keywords_ Blockchain, SDG 5, United Nations, Gender Equality, Access, Time-Stamped, Immutable, Women, Trafficking, Children
- IPAID 2020.11.25
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5
- No.1 / (5) Gender Equality, Growth and Human Development in India
- Title_ Gender Equality, Growth and Human Development in India Author_ Madhusudan Ghosh Pages 68-87 Abstract_This article evaluates gender inequalities in education and employment and examines their impacts on economic growth and human development in 15 major states of India. Although the overall gender gap has declined marginally due to reduced gender gaps in political empowerment and educational attainment, it has remained high due to huge gender gaps in other categories. India has attained gender parity in primary and upper primary education and has been moving towards gender equality in literacy. Gender equality in life expectancy has improved modestly at the cost of increasing gender disparity in infant mortality. Despite the increasing literacy rate and educational levels among women, the female labor force participation rate has been declining with increasing gender gaps in wage and income. Gender equalities in literacy and labor force participation rates have positive impacts on per capita income and human development. The results suggest the need for adopting policies to create conditions, which would allow both women and men to realize their full human potential. They also suggest that increasing investment in infrastructure and the social sector could play an important role. Keywords_ Gender Inequality, Education, Employment, Economic Growth, Human Development, India
- IPAID 2020.11.25
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4
- No.1 / (4) Sanitation as Business
- Title_ Sanitation as Business: Diversifying Income and Livelihoods for Women in Fishing Villages in Uganda Author_ Frederick Kakembo Pages 51-67 Abstract_ The paper examines prospects for diversifying income and improving livelihoods for women in fishing villages. It is noted that when social, economic and cultural factors constrain women engagement in the fisheries industry, their livelihood and welfare are affected. Consequently, women are confined to the lower end of supply chains in the fisheries sector. The rapid dwindling of fisheries stocks and the sophisticated export-based fish trade have aggravated the matter. Due to lack of access to economic activities to support them, women resort to selling liquor and commercial sex for survival. In the process, they are exposed to the risk of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. This study investigates prospects of diversifying their income generating activities; based on the concept of Waste-to-Wealth Enterprises (WWE). Baseline surveys and feasibility studies were conducted to assess the viability and feasibility of WWE. Questionnaires, interviews, documents analysis and focus group discussions were used for data collection. For feasibility studies, laboratory tests on Bio-methane Potential (BMP) for different biomass were conducted in the study area. In addition, proof-of-concept pilot projects were established to verify the viability of various WWE projects. Findings reveal that WWE that are economically feasible include: purifying and distributing water; production of briquettes, production of organic detergents and production of biocides for organic farming. It concludes that diversifying livelihood activities for women is feasible and viable. It however entails re-configuration of gender norms, identifying networks for start-up funding, capacity building and establishment of institutional frameworks. Keywords_ Diversify, Energy, Enterprise, Fisheries, Waste, Women
- IPAID 2020.11.25
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3
- No.1 / (3) Women Empowerment and Microfinance
- Title_ Women Empowerment and Microfinance: A Case from North-Western Bangladesh Author_ Nahid Akhter Pages 35-50 Abstract_ In a country like Bangladesh, poverty alleviation is one of the prime concerns of any development plan, where equality and considerable equity needs to be ensured. Women make up nearly half of the population of the country, but they, especially from the poverty-stricken groups, are more vulnerable in terms of denial of fundamental human rights. Microfinance, as a development program, primarily targets the poorer female clients. From a development perspective, it could be anticipated that provision of financial resources and effective utilization of those resources along with group-based activities can strengthen women’s economic roles. In due course, it is also anticipated that it may empower women and reduce inequality. This paper attempts to assess the effectiveness of one special microcredit program (PRIME) in promoting women’s life living in a poverty-stricken area of rural Bangladesh. Taking into consideration the existing complex and conflicting results from the other studies, a total of 54 items have been gathered to address ten empowerment indicators. In order to generate an aggregate index for women empowerment, a popular Item Response Theory (IRT) model namely, the Rasch test for dichotomous responses has been used, which was previously undertaken by a revealing study conducted by Pitt, Khandker and Cartwright (2006). Results remain steady with the view that there is a significant positive association between microcredit and women empowerment. Keywords_ Women Empowerment, Gender Equality, Microfinance, Poverty, Rasch Test, Bangladesh
- IPAID 2020.11.25
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2
- No.1 / (2) An Analysis of Sexual Violence
- Title_ An Analysis of Sexual Violence - The Relationship between Sex Crimes and Prostitution in South Korea Author_ Seo-Young Cho Pages 12-34 Abstract_ By analyzing the survey data of sex offenders in South Korea, this paper aims to explain how prostitution can be linked to sex crimes. The empirical findings show that buying sex is positively associated with committing a sex crime and the experience of paying for sex with a minor exacerbates the severity of sex crimes. These results indicate that one type of risky sexual behaviors – buying sex – can be aggravated to a more serious type of sexual violence, such as rape. However, these findings are drawn in South Korea where prostitution is prohibited, and the same conclusion may not be replicated in places where the risks of buying sex are minimized through the legalization of prostitution. Nonetheless, the complementary relationship between prostitution and sex crimes found in this paper indicates that allowing commercial sex may not be a viable solution to reduce sex crimes. Keywords_ Sexual violence, Sex crimes, Prostitution, South Korea
- IPAID 2020.11.25
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1
- No.1 / (1) Gender Equality and Sustainable Development
- Title_ Gender Equality and Sustainable Development Author_ Paloma Duran y Lalaguna and Ekaterina Dorodnykh Pages 1-11 Abstract_ Gender-related constraints have high costs to society in terms of untapped potential in achieving poverty eradication, health, education, food security, environmental and energy sustainability, and economic growth. There is strong evidence that closing gender gap accelerates progress towards the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. While there has been some progress towards better gender equality, there is much more to be done in abolishing gender discrimination. This paper showcases various approaches and interventions to promote gender equality, implemented by the UN development mechanism, SDG Fund and its precursor the MDG Fund. The case studies represent various geographical regions (Bangladesh, the occupied Palestinian territory, Vietnam, Ethiopia, Bolivia and Nicaragua) and confirm the importance of joint efforts to promote and protect the rights of women and girls with the aim to support sustainable development. Finally, various approaches and interventions to promote gender equality (mainly through capacity development, legislative and policy frameworks, advocacy and communication, increased awareness on gender equality and women empowerment, economic and political empowerment and access to health) confirm that gender equality is a multi-dimensional issue which needs to be addressed by a range of solutions and actors. Sustainable development can never be attained without the empowerment of women and girls. Urgent actions are needed to empower women and girls, ensuring that they have equal opportunities to benefit from development and removing the barriers that prevent them from being full participants in all spheres of society. Keywords_ Gender, Sustainable Development, Joint Programs, United Nations
- IPAID 2020.11.25