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41. From Service Delivery to Sustainable Water Management in Tajikistan

Author:
Orkhan Ali, Gulchehra Boboeva, and Ian Goodrich
Publication Date:
07-2017
Content Type:
Case Study
Institution:
Oxfam Publishing
Abstract:
Oxfam’s WASH programme in Tajikistan is based on a theory of change which has four pillars: improved governance of water and sanitation at national and local levels; building demand for and supply of sanitation at a household level, alongside improved hygiene practices; social accountability in water provision; and securing financing for water and sanitation through innovative funding models. This document focuses on how the programme moved from service delivery to sustainable water management.
Topic:
Water, Infrastructure, Governance, Innovation, and Sustainability
Political Geography:
Central Asia, Asia, and Tajikistan

42. The role of ex-rebel parties in building peace

Author:
Clare Castillejo
Publication Date:
03-2016
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Norwegian Centre for Conflict Resolution
Abstract:
Political parties can play an important part in shaping the direction of post-conflict peacebuilding, and parties that emerge from rebel movements have a particularly central role to play in this regard. While such groups are often uniquely placed to articulate the grievances that underlie the conflict and channel these into political processes, they are also able to remobilise for violence and undermine progress on peace. This report discusses existing knowledge about the ways in which rebel groups transform into political parties and the factors that shape their contribution to peacebuilding. It then examines three cases of political parties that have emerged from rebel groups – the FMLN of El Salvador, UCPN (Maoist) of Nepal and SPLM of South Sudan. In each case it explores how the internal dynamics of the group and its relationship to society, the nature of the peace settlement, and the broader local and international context determine the group’s engagement with democracy and peace processes. Finally, the report examines how international actors can support rebel-to-party transition and the integration of these parties into peace processes and political systems in ways that promote a sustainable and inclusive peace.
Topic:
Diplomacy, Peacekeeping, Political Parties, and Sustainability
Political Geography:
Africa, Asia, Nepal, Latin America, El Salvador, and South Sudan

43. Socio-Economic Effects of Chinese Agricultural Investments on the Environment and Local Livelihoods in Uganda

Author:
Ramathan Ggoobi and Julian Barungi
Publication Date:
01-2016
Content Type:
Research Paper
Institution:
Advocates Coalition for Development and Environment (ACODE)
Abstract:
7he nature and signifcance of &hinaȺs engagePents with $frican agriculture continues to be hotly debated in the media, academia and policy circles around the world. Although China has been engaged in Uganda’s agriculture for more than 40 years, the recent jostle for agricultural land by private Chinese investors is Pystifying and Mustifes the need to conduct a scientifc study to provide clear evidence before the issue gets bundled into the messy anecdotal media inquiry. 7he priPary oEMective of this study was to profle &hinese investPents in Uganda’s agriculture sector and establish their socio-economic effects on the environment and local livelihoods. The analysis was done on the basis of the 6ustainaEle 5ural /ivelihood $pproach 6858/$ which uses fve key criteria for the analysis of sustainable livelihoods i.e. gainful employment; poverty reduction; well-being and capabilities; livelihood adaptation, vulnerability and resilience; and natural resource base sustainability.
Topic:
Agriculture, Development, Environment, Investment, and Sustainability
Political Geography:
Uganda, Africa, China, and Asia

44. Air pollution in urban Beijing: the role of government-controlled information

Author:
Chiara Ravetti, Yana Popp Jin, Mu Quan, Zhang Shiqiu, and Tim Swanson
Publication Date:
08-2014
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Centre for International Environmental Studies, The Graduate Institute (IHEID)
Abstract:
This paper looks at the problem of information control behind the unsustainable levels of air pollution in China. In particular, it focuses on a large urban area, Beijing, and it examines the role of the public, government-controlled information and the adaptation choices of households in response to signals about high pollution. Our analysis is based on a simple theoretical framework in which people migrate from rural areas to polluted cities, receiving a signal from the government about urban pollution; hence, they decide whether to adapt to pollution or not. We find that the government has no incentive to ensure sustainable air quality, as it can distort pollution information in order to attract cheap labour. We then analyse empirically two different air pollution indexes from different sources and agents’ behaviour in an original household survey collected in Beijing. We find that the official air pollution values are systematically distorted, creating perverse incentives for households to react to bad air quality, especially for people who rely on government-controlled sources of information.
Topic:
Government, Sustainability, Air Pollution, and Information
Political Geography:
China and Asia

45. The Economic Transition in Myanmar: Towards Inclusive, People Centered and Sustainable Economic Growth

Author:
Anita Prakash
Publication Date:
08-2013
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA)
Abstract:
Myanmar has embarked on an ambitious program of sweeping reforms to end its isolation and integrate its economy with the global system. In this reform period, Myanmar faces the challenge to remain on the course ofreforms and openness while pursuing its economic growth. The Challenges of this transition can be met with a development model which is inclusive, people centered and sustainable.
Topic:
Civil Society, Development, Economics, Reform, Economic Growth, and Sustainability
Political Geography:
Asia, Burma, and Myanmar

46. Global Financial Crisis and Policy Responses in Southeast Asia : Towards Prudent Macroeconomic Policies

Author:
Friska Parulian
Publication Date:
07-2009
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA)
Abstract:
The global financial crisis hit the Southeast Asian economies through financial and real sectors by the combination of lower global demand and tighter credit demand effect. The challenge for policymakers in this region is not just to prevent the escalation of the crisis and to mitigate the downturn, but also to ensure a good starting position once the rebound sets in. Policymakers should avoid taking on an excessive level of debt or creating the conditions for an inflationary bubble by the current reaction to the global slowdown. A prudent counter-cyclical policy is necessary, and we should not ignore the medium and long-term sustainability.
Topic:
Economics, Global Financial Crisis, Macroeconomics, and Sustainability
Political Geography:
Asia and Southeast Asia

47. Is Promoting Foreign Direct Investment Worthwhile? Learning from the East Asian Experience

Author:
Dionisius Narjoko
Publication Date:
11-2009
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA)
Abstract:
East Asia presents a new model of industrialization that aggressively utilizes the dynamics of multinational corporations (MNCs). The model puts networks of production into practice, and such networks improve domestic capability and contribution to national output. Promoting foreign direct investment (FDI) is therefore warranted to ensure the sustainability of the production-network model. For this reason, FDI should always be promoted even when demand is less supportive, such as at this moment during the current global economic crisis.
Topic:
Foreign Direct Investment, Economy, Manufacturing, Industrialization, and Sustainability
Political Geography:
East Asia and Asia