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Blog post
How COVID-19 affected women and children: Evidence from Bangladesh
The COVID-19 pandemic swept through the world, disrupting people and economies. Bangladesh was especially susceptible to the negative economic impacts of the pandemic because of its strong ties to the global economy. These negative demand shocks persisted throughout and after the pandemic. To explore the effects of the pandemic on women and children in vulnerable...
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Blog post
How food prices changed during COVID-19: Evidence from Kenya and Uganda
COVID-19 induced a combination of supply and demand shocks, impacting price dynamics. We used real-time price data to track price dynamics between the lockdown and reopening phases in Kenya and Uganda. Results suggest that prices for essential food items were higher during the initial phase of lockdown, but changes in mobility patterns affected prices beyond the shutdown...
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Blog post
How to reduce waste in the textile industry?
Textiles are an integral part of daily lives and the global economy, but their production and consumption often leave a global footprint of waste and pollution behind. A circular economy for textile can eliminate waste in the industry, which is a core sector of economies in the developing countries. Textile has played a key role in world trade and global development all...
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Blog post
Scaling up development finance can bring peace in fragile countries
The number of people living in poverty in fragile and conflict-affected countries is estimated to reach 360 million by 2030. Lifting people out of poverty in places affected by low government capacity, poor infrastructure and high political and economic risk and uncertainty is a critical challenge and key to addressing global problems such as conflict, migration,...
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Blog post
Climate Justice: Sharing the global climate responsibility
Climate change is now recognised as one of the most serious threats facing humanity and earth. The impact of climate change on livelihoods and communities undermines poverty reduction and the prospect of achieving sustainable development. As CO2 emissions from hundreds of years ago continue to contribute to the heating of the planet, the historical responsibility for...
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Blog post
Climate information services to enhance agricultural resilience: Evidence from Ethiopia
Access to climate information services can improve agricultural productivity and farmers' resilience in Ethiopia. Panel data estimates reveal access to existing weather and climate services boosts maize and wheat productivity by about 27% and 17%, respectively, comparable to or higher than the conventional yield-increasing production technologies such as fertiliser and...
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Blog post
In extremity and externality: Need for policies to protect children from environmental crises
Despite the undeniable threats of climate change, little consideration has been given to creating social safety nets for the vulnerable or engendering resilience in institutions disrupted by extreme climate events. In this post, Nikita Sharma considers the impact of climate change on economies and individuals, particularly children whose health and education are impeded as...
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Blog post
Stubble burning in Pakistan: Why it continues and how can it be curtailed?
Many farmers consider stubble burning as the most effective and cost-efficient way to clear land for the next planting season. However, the environmental and health costs of agricultural stubble burning far outweigh the short-term economic benefits for farmers. This necessitates policy actions that offer environmentally friendly and affordable alternatives for...
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Blog post
Herbert M’cleod: The man behind the scenes, striving for peace
IGC Sierra Leone and Liberia Country Director Herbert M’cleod passed away on 19 May 2022. Professor Rachel Glennerster, Lead Academic in the IGC Sierra Leone programme until 2017, when she was appointed Chief Economist at the UK Department for International Development (now FCDO), pens a tribute to her long-time friend and mentor. Sierra Leone, the African continent, and...
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Blog post
Overcoming barriers to access and agency for women entrepreneurs in India
Despite various policies aimed at fostering women entrepreneurship in India, few women-led businesses reach the same scale as their male counterparts. Traditional gender roles often inhibit women’s agency, risk-taking, and decision making in business, thereby necessitating policies that are specifically aimed at helping women achieve their entrepreneurial potential. In...
Blog post
Industrialising Africa: The transformative potential of infrastructure
Infrastructure is key for economic growth, impacting productivity and integration in global markets. These are both crucial to industrial advancement and connectivity in Africa. Good infrastructure contributes to economic growth by reducing costs and facilitating more efficient use of productive inputs. As such,rarely embark on economic development without first...