Journal of International Development最新文献

Is the circular economy merely a technical issue independent of political factors? This study moves beyond the technical dimensions of circularity to explore its political determinants. While a limited number of studies have examined institutional quality indicators, a significant gap remains in the political and institutional dimensions of the circular economy. This study is the first to investigate the impact of association and organization rights (AOR) on circular economy development. Covering 30 European countries from June 2000 to 2022, the analysis examines whether AOR facilitates the transition to a circular economy. Additionally, the study accounts for key socio-economic factors, including income level, inequality, population density and trade openness. The findings indicate that AOR positively influences the circular economy transition. Moreover, income level, population density and trade openness exhibit positive effects, whereas inequality has a negative impact. Robustness checks using an alternative AOR measure confirm these results. The findings highlight the importance of political freedoms in fostering circularity and suggest that enhancing AOR could create a win–win opportunity for achieving sustainability goals, particularly in Europe and globally.

This study explores how asset transfer programs influence the psychological well-being (PWB) of ultra-poor women in rural Bangladesh. Using an adapted version of Ryff's PWB model, culturally tailored to this population, the study analyses data from 1800 households. Results show significant gains in self-acceptance, autonomy and environmental mastery among program participants. These improvements are closely tied to enhanced economic well-being such as increased income and asset ownership. The findings highlight the broader benefits of asset transfer programs beyond economic gains on mental well-being and offer a novel, context-specific tool for assessing the psychological health of women in low-income settings.

This study analyses the short- and long-run determinants of cotton yields in Mali using a vector error correction model (VECM). Results reveal a stable long-term equilibrium relationship between cotton yields and key macroeconomic, institutional and climatic variables. Agricultural input subsidies have a strong positive effect, confirming the vital role of public support in sustaining productivity. Agricultural GDP growth also positively influences yields, likely through improved rural infrastructure and services. Rainfall has a moderate but significant effect, though it is subject to climatic variability. Interestingly, the FCFA/USD exchange rate shows a strong positive association with yields, potentially reflecting gains in export competitiveness and public support adjustments. World cotton prices exert mixed effects, while state-guaranteed prices show limited influence, suggesting that producer responses are shaped more by structural and environmental factors than domestic price signals. Overall, the findings underscore the importance of targeted subsidies, macroeconomic stability and climate resilience for enhancing cotton productivity in Mali. These results highlight the need for integrated policy strategies that reinforce input systems, promote climate resilience and stabilize macroeconomic conditions to sustain cotton sector performance in Mali.

Rural income inequality is a significant barrier to social equity and sustainable economic development, particularly in pursuing common prosperity and urban–rural integration. Using China Family Panel Studies data and the rural digital development index, this study finds that rural digital development significantly reduces rural income inequality. Human capital enhancement, land transfer facilitation, non-agricultural employment and financial participation are key channels. The mitigation effect is particularly strong in eastern regions, higher-educated households and younger and middle-aged families, benefiting primarily low- and middle-income groups. Our results emphasize digital infrastructure's importance in promoting inclusive growth and contributing to rural revitalization and common prosperity.

This paper empirically examines the impact of public debt and fiscal deficit on public health spending efficiency (PHSE) using data from 36 Sub-Saharan African countries between 2000 and 2019. PHSE scores are calculated via bias-corrected data envelopment analysis (bootstrap DEA), and a beta regression approach estimates the effects of debt and deficit on PHSE. Findings indicate that most SSA countries have low PHSE scores. Higher public debt and fiscal deficits are negatively associated with PHSE. The impact varies with fiscal rules adoption and public financial management performance. Results are robust across different samples, efficiency measures, estimation methods and additional controls.

Infrastructure projects are considered a primary source of economic growth, stimulating trade and investment, and supporting national development goals. While these projects offer numerous benefits, they also raise significant socioeconomic challenges for the local communities. This study investigates the impact of infrastructure development on sustainable livelihoods within the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project framework. The research examines the factors that influence the income and livelihoods of the local population potentially affected by the project. Utilizing primary data and a generalized least squares (GLS) model, the study quantifies these factors' impact on the affected population's income and living standards. The analysis reveals several significant socioeconomic and geographical influences on local living standards. These factors include pre-existing income levels, educational attainment, household size, proximity to development projects and technological awareness. Notably, geographical proximity to infrastructure projects plays a key role, with income levels and living standards decreasing as the distance from projects (road infrastructure, economic zones and energy projects) increases. Conversely, living standards improve with higher educational attainment (both for individuals and family members) and greater experience. Interestingly, technological awareness also emerges as a significant factor. Individuals who are comfortable using social media and mobile phones and have experience in information technology have seen marked increases in their income levels. Based on these findings, the study recommends continued investment in infrastructure projects alongside targeted initiatives. These initiatives should include educational programs that focus on relevant skills and provide affordable access to technology, complemented by programs that promote digital literacy and awareness.