Suchergebnisse

AbstractThis paper examines the impact of the failure of an irrigation project on former beneficiary households. The project in question was designed to expand pump‐irrigated rice production amongst smallholders in The Gambia. It achieved this aim for a few years; increased farm productivity improved food security for participating households, while at the same time increasing their ability to invest in farm, household and community assets. However, the project subsequently succumbed to numerous technical and institutional problems. The paper considers the reasons for the project's failure, discusses the effects and consequences of project unsustainability from the household perspective, and draws a number of conclusions about minimum requirements in the design of projects of this type.

Household water insecurity is a pressing problem in developing countries. Unsustainable water withdrawal is increasing due to population growth, industrialization, urbanization, and increasing agricultural production which leads to various problems. The number of countries facing problems of water scarcity and insufficient water supply is rising. Already there are 1.2 billion people without access to clean water, many of whom live in 20 developing countries classified as "water scarce". Typically it is found in these countries, that the poor pay particularly high prices for water and are most water insecure. Progress towards water security can be made only if there is a more comprehensive understanding of the interactions among waters' various characteristics and functions. Water is not only a natural resource, but also an economic commodity, and a human consumption good or entitlement. The problems of water insecurity can be grouped under three main headings: availability, access and usage. In the framework of a multidisciplinary approach to the analysis of water problems, the paper elaborates on these three elements, defining sectoral and cross- sectoral knowledge gaps. The paper concludes with a research agenda in support of improved policy design and action.

Minority underachievement in certain settings (i.e., educational) may stem from stereotypical-based assumptions related to racial identity among members of minority groups. Previous studies have identified a phenomenon among minority groups referred to as the "acting White" accusation. The present study investigated the prevalence and perceptions of the phrase among college students at a historically Black university (HBU). The majority of students were familiar with the phrase and heard the phrase often within the past 6 months. Most students disagreed with the validity of the phrase, but believed it is attributed to speaking standard English rather than academic performance or preference in dress and music. Class standing was associated with responses to the phrase, suggesting the efficacy of educational matriculation as opposed to age. Policy implication and areas of further investigation are offered.

This paper explores trends in poverty and nutrition during economic transformation and especially the impacts linked to government support for agriculture during the process. Analysis of multiyear data for 29 developing countries confirms that structural transformation raises total income and that poverty falls faster with strong support for agriculture. In turn, poverty reduction supports improved nutrition, especially in rural areas. However, transformation brings problems through health risks associated with rising obesity in rural as well as urban areas. Thus, the transition process must be managed better, through targeted support for smallholder agriculture and health interventions, if the negative consequences of obesity and chronic disease are to be mitigated.