International Journal of Development IssuesTable of Contents for International Journal of Development Issues. List of articles from the current issue, including Just Accepted (EarlyCite)https://www.emerald.com/insight/publication/issn/1446-8956/vol/23/iss/1?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatestInternational Journal of Development IssuesEmerald Publishing LimitedInternational Journal of Development IssuesInternational Journal of Development Issueshttps://www.emerald.com/insight/proxy/containerImg?link=/resource/publication/journal/4548ce982f6f124583f36e13b85cb8e8/urn:emeraldgroup.com:asset:id:binary:ijdi.cover.jpghttps://www.emerald.com/insight/publication/issn/1446-8956/vol/23/iss/1?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatestDoes disaster contribute to armed conflict? A quantitative analysis of disaster–conflict co-occurrence between 1990 and 2017https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJDI-01-2023-0015/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatestDisasters and armed conflict often co-occur, but does that imply that disasters trigger or fuel conflict? In the small but growing body of literature attempting to answer this question, divergent findings indicate the complex and contextual nature of a potential answer to this question. The purpose of this study is to contribute a robust cross-country analysis of the co-occurrence of disaster and conflict, with a particular focus on the potential role played by disaster. Grounded in a theoretical model of disaster–conflict co-occurrence, this study merges data from 163 countries between 1990 and 2017 on armed conflict, disasters and relevant control variables (low human development, weak democratic institutions, natural resource dependence and large population size/density). The main results of this study show that, despite a sharp increase in the co-occurrence of disasters and armed conflict over time, disasters do not appear to have a direct statistically significant relation with the occurrence of armed conflict. This result contributes to the understanding of disasters and conflicts as indirectly related via co-creation mechanisms and other factors. This study is a novel contribution, as it provides a fresh analysis with updated data and includes different control variables that allow for a significant contribution to the field.Does disaster contribute to armed conflict? A quantitative analysis of disaster–conflict co-occurrence between 1990 and 2017
Nicolás Caso, Dorothea Hilhorst, Rodrigo Mena, Elissaios Papyrakis
International Journal of Development Issues, Vol. 23, No. 1, pp.1-23

Disasters and armed conflict often co-occur, but does that imply that disasters trigger or fuel conflict? In the small but growing body of literature attempting to answer this question, divergent findings indicate the complex and contextual nature of a potential answer to this question. The purpose of this study is to contribute a robust cross-country analysis of the co-occurrence of disaster and conflict, with a particular focus on the potential role played by disaster.

Grounded in a theoretical model of disaster–conflict co-occurrence, this study merges data from 163 countries between 1990 and 2017 on armed conflict, disasters and relevant control variables (low human development, weak democratic institutions, natural resource dependence and large population size/density).

The main results of this study show that, despite a sharp increase in the co-occurrence of disasters and armed conflict over time, disasters do not appear to have a direct statistically significant relation with the occurrence of armed conflict. This result contributes to the understanding of disasters and conflicts as indirectly related via co-creation mechanisms and other factors.

This study is a novel contribution, as it provides a fresh analysis with updated data and includes different control variables that allow for a significant contribution to the field.

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Does disaster contribute to armed conflict? A quantitative analysis of disaster–conflict co-occurrence between 1990 and 201710.1108/IJDI-01-2023-0015International Journal of Development Issues2023-07-21© 2023 Nicolás Caso, Dorothea Hilhorst, Rodrigo Mena and Elissaios Papyrakis.Nicolás CasoDorothea HilhorstRodrigo MenaElissaios PapyrakisInternational Journal of Development Issues2312023-07-2110.1108/IJDI-01-2023-0015https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJDI-01-2023-0015/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatest© 2023 Nicolás Caso, Dorothea Hilhorst, Rodrigo Mena and Elissaios Papyrakis.http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/legalcode
Can monetary poverty measurement detect multidimensionally deprived? Evidence from Egypthttps://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJDI-04-2023-0104/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatestThis paper aims to examine the mismatch between multidimensional deprivation and monetary poverty in identifying the poor in Egypt and investigates their determinants empirically. The paper uses the Alkire-Foster multidimensional poverty measurement method using data from Egypt’s 2017/2018 Household Income, Expenditure and Consumption Survey (HIECS 2017/2018). Using a logistic regression model, the paper assesses the empirical relationship between multidimensional and monetary poverty and their determinants at the aggregate level and by dimension. The paper demonstrates a significant mismatch between multidimensional and monetary poverty measures, underscoring their complementary nature. Statistics indicate that both measures overlap in classifying 35.81% of Egyptians, whereas monetary poverty ignores 63.12% of multidimensionally poor in at least one dimension. Regression estimates show a significant moderate negative association between expenditure per capita and multidimensional poverty and its dimensions. Moreover, they show that household head’s gender, age, education attainment, marital status, job proficiency, household size and location affect poverty mismatch and match in Egypt. This paper offers Egyptian policymakers the multidimensional poverty index that enables more efficient designing and targeting of poverty alleviation programs and assessing current poverty alleviation programs to modify them if needed. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to examine the mismatch between both poverty measures in Egypt, using the recent full data set of HIECS 2017/2018. This paper confirms that depending only on monetary measures can send inaccurate insights for crafting effective social policies. Also, it offers policymakers a comprehensive insight into the country’s poverty landscape, which enable more efficient design, targeting of poverty alleviation programs and monitoring their effectiveness.Can monetary poverty measurement detect multidimensionally deprived? Evidence from Egypt
Noha Omar, Heba Farida El-Laithy
International Journal of Development Issues, Vol. 23, No. 1, pp.24-39

This paper aims to examine the mismatch between multidimensional deprivation and monetary poverty in identifying the poor in Egypt and investigates their determinants empirically.

The paper uses the Alkire-Foster multidimensional poverty measurement method using data from Egypt’s 2017/2018 Household Income, Expenditure and Consumption Survey (HIECS 2017/2018). Using a logistic regression model, the paper assesses the empirical relationship between multidimensional and monetary poverty and their determinants at the aggregate level and by dimension.

The paper demonstrates a significant mismatch between multidimensional and monetary poverty measures, underscoring their complementary nature. Statistics indicate that both measures overlap in classifying 35.81% of Egyptians, whereas monetary poverty ignores 63.12% of multidimensionally poor in at least one dimension. Regression estimates show a significant moderate negative association between expenditure per capita and multidimensional poverty and its dimensions. Moreover, they show that household head’s gender, age, education attainment, marital status, job proficiency, household size and location affect poverty mismatch and match in Egypt.

This paper offers Egyptian policymakers the multidimensional poverty index that enables more efficient designing and targeting of poverty alleviation programs and assessing current poverty alleviation programs to modify them if needed.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to examine the mismatch between both poverty measures in Egypt, using the recent full data set of HIECS 2017/2018. This paper confirms that depending only on monetary measures can send inaccurate insights for crafting effective social policies. Also, it offers policymakers a comprehensive insight into the country’s poverty landscape, which enable more efficient design, targeting of poverty alleviation programs and monitoring their effectiveness.

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Can monetary poverty measurement detect multidimensionally deprived? Evidence from Egypt10.1108/IJDI-04-2023-0104International Journal of Development Issues2023-09-22© 2023 Emerald Publishing LimitedNoha OmarHeba Farida El-LaithyInternational Journal of Development Issues2312023-09-2210.1108/IJDI-04-2023-0104https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJDI-04-2023-0104/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatest© 2023 Emerald Publishing Limited
Inequality, poverty, and resilience to economic shrinkinghttps://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJDI-06-2023-0168/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatestWith the recognition that generating economic growth is not the same as sustaining it, the challenge to catch-up and growth literature is discerning between these processes. Recent research suggests that the decline in the frequency of “shrinking” episodes is more important for long-term development than higher growth rates. By using a framework centred around social capabilities, this study aims to investigate the effects of income inequality and poverty on economic shrinking frequency, as opposed to previous literature that has exclusively had a growth focus. The aim is to investigate how and why some societies might be more resilient to economic shrinking. The research is a quantitative study, and the authors build a longitudinal data set including 23 developing countries throughout 42 years to test the paper’s purpose. This study uses country and period fixed-effects specifications as well as cross-sectional graphical representations to investigate the relationship between proxies of economic inclusivity and the frequency of shrinking episodes. The authors demonstrate that while inclusive societies are more resilient to shrinking overall, it is changes in poverty levels, but not changes in income inequality, that appear to be correlated with economic shrinking frequency. Inequality, while still an important element to explain countries’ growth potential as an initial condition, does not seem to make the sample more resilient to shrinking. The authors conclude that the mechanisms in which poverty and inequality are correlated with the catch-up process must run through different channels. Ultimately, processes that explain growth may intersect but not always overlap with the ones that explain resilience to shrinking. The need for inclusive growth in long-term development has been championed for decades, yet inclusion has seldom been explored from the shrinking perspective. Though poverty reduction is already an important mainstream political objective, this paper differentiates itself by providing an alternate viewpoint of why this is important. Income inequality could have more of an economic growth limiting effect, while poverty reduction could be required to build resilience to economic shrinking. Developing countries will need both growth and resilience to shrinking, to catch-up with higher-income economies, which policymakers might need to balance carefully.Inequality, poverty, and resilience to economic shrinking
Anthony Smythe, Igor Martins, Martin Andersson
International Journal of Development Issues, Vol. 23, No. 1, pp.40-81

With the recognition that generating economic growth is not the same as sustaining it, the challenge to catch-up and growth literature is discerning between these processes. Recent research suggests that the decline in the frequency of “shrinking” episodes is more important for long-term development than higher growth rates. By using a framework centred around social capabilities, this study aims to investigate the effects of income inequality and poverty on economic shrinking frequency, as opposed to previous literature that has exclusively had a growth focus. The aim is to investigate how and why some societies might be more resilient to economic shrinking.

The research is a quantitative study, and the authors build a longitudinal data set including 23 developing countries throughout 42 years to test the paper’s purpose. This study uses country and period fixed-effects specifications as well as cross-sectional graphical representations to investigate the relationship between proxies of economic inclusivity and the frequency of shrinking episodes.

The authors demonstrate that while inclusive societies are more resilient to shrinking overall, it is changes in poverty levels, but not changes in income inequality, that appear to be correlated with economic shrinking frequency. Inequality, while still an important element to explain countries’ growth potential as an initial condition, does not seem to make the sample more resilient to shrinking. The authors conclude that the mechanisms in which poverty and inequality are correlated with the catch-up process must run through different channels. Ultimately, processes that explain growth may intersect but not always overlap with the ones that explain resilience to shrinking.

The need for inclusive growth in long-term development has been championed for decades, yet inclusion has seldom been explored from the shrinking perspective. Though poverty reduction is already an important mainstream political objective, this paper differentiates itself by providing an alternate viewpoint of why this is important. Income inequality could have more of an economic growth limiting effect, while poverty reduction could be required to build resilience to economic shrinking. Developing countries will need both growth and resilience to shrinking, to catch-up with higher-income economies, which policymakers might need to balance carefully.

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Inequality, poverty, and resilience to economic shrinking10.1108/IJDI-06-2023-0168International Journal of Development Issues2023-10-17© 2023 Anthony Smythe, Igor Martins and Martin Andersson.Anthony SmytheIgor MartinsMartin AnderssonInternational Journal of Development Issues2312023-10-1710.1108/IJDI-06-2023-0168https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJDI-06-2023-0168/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatest© 2023 Anthony Smythe, Igor Martins and Martin Andersson.http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/legalcode
Leading countries and research networks advancing clean production and environmental sustainability in Southeast Asiahttps://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJDI-06-2023-0165/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatestThis study aims to assess the response of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to cleaner production and environmental sustainability, with a specific focus on identifying the leading countries and research networks driving these efforts. A benchmarking academic journal was chosen, and the journal’s archive was comprehensively examined. To construct the data set, a conventional keyword search technique was applied in February 2023 to filter for ASEAN affiliations. The study used hybrid bibliometric analyses and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) to analyze the collected data and address the research purpose. The data analysis revealed a rising research trend, particularly after 2014. Malaysia had the most publications, followed by Thailand and Singapore, and their publications had the most cumulative citations among ASEAN countries. Research collaborations between Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore were frequent, but participation from other countries was low. The research topics on which ASEAN members focused were also identified, but it became apparent that there was little coordination. A scant few collaborations involving more than two countries were observed; thus, the MCDA analysis concluded that research leadership was absent in ASEAN countries. This study contributes insights to the existing literature and offers a valuable overview of the research direction and collaboration status of cleaner production and environmental sustainability in the ASEAN region, thus benefiting policymakers. Additionally, this study introduces a novel approach combining bibliometrics analysis with MCDA to assess research collaboration, thus providing a novel methodology for future research policy evaluations.Leading countries and research networks advancing clean production and environmental sustainability in Southeast Asia
Shahryar Sorooshian, Navidreza Ahadi, Ahmed Zainul Abideen
International Journal of Development Issues, Vol. 23, No. 1, pp.84-105

This study aims to assess the response of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to cleaner production and environmental sustainability, with a specific focus on identifying the leading countries and research networks driving these efforts.

A benchmarking academic journal was chosen, and the journal’s archive was comprehensively examined. To construct the data set, a conventional keyword search technique was applied in February 2023 to filter for ASEAN affiliations. The study used hybrid bibliometric analyses and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) to analyze the collected data and address the research purpose.

The data analysis revealed a rising research trend, particularly after 2014. Malaysia had the most publications, followed by Thailand and Singapore, and their publications had the most cumulative citations among ASEAN countries. Research collaborations between Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore were frequent, but participation from other countries was low. The research topics on which ASEAN members focused were also identified, but it became apparent that there was little coordination. A scant few collaborations involving more than two countries were observed; thus, the MCDA analysis concluded that research leadership was absent in ASEAN countries.

This study contributes insights to the existing literature and offers a valuable overview of the research direction and collaboration status of cleaner production and environmental sustainability in the ASEAN region, thus benefiting policymakers. Additionally, this study introduces a novel approach combining bibliometrics analysis with MCDA to assess research collaboration, thus providing a novel methodology for future research policy evaluations.

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Leading countries and research networks advancing clean production and environmental sustainability in Southeast Asia10.1108/IJDI-06-2023-0165International Journal of Development Issues2024-02-02© 2024 Shahryar Sorooshian, Navidreza Ahadi and Ahmed Zainul Abideen.Shahryar SorooshianNavidreza AhadiAhmed Zainul AbideenInternational Journal of Development Issues2312024-02-0210.1108/IJDI-06-2023-0165https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJDI-06-2023-0165/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatest© 2024 Shahryar Sorooshian, Navidreza Ahadi and Ahmed Zainul Abideen.http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/legalcode
Understanding coordination in humanitarian action: insights from the activities–resources–actors modelhttps://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJDI-04-2023-0101/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatestThis study aims to propose an analytical tool based on the activities–resources–actors (ARA) model to understand the coordination mechanisms in humanitarian action. The tool identifies the phases of humanitarian action and analyzes the underlying mechanisms that facilitate coordination among organizations. This study uses a literature review to develop analytical grids and theoretical propositions based on the ARA model. The ARA model is a useful tool for understanding coordination mechanisms in humanitarian action. The study identifies key elements of interaction systems and characterizes the phases of humanitarian action. Effective coordination among organizations is essential for successful aid delivery. The study provides four theoretical propositions. Future research could validate the propositions formulated in this study through case studies. The analytical grids proposed in this study can be used by humanitarian organizations to improve their coordination mechanisms and aid delivery processes. Effective humanitarian action can help alleviate the suffering of individuals affected by crises and contribute to the overall well-being of communities. The analytical tool proposed in this study can improve the effectiveness of humanitarian action and ultimately benefit society. This paper presents an original approach by leveraging the ARA model to develop an analytical tool for humanitarian action, which is useful for both practitioners and researchers. In addition, the paper attempts to overcome the siloed vision of humanitarian action by highlighting “emergency-development” aspect.Understanding coordination in humanitarian action: insights from the activities–resources–actors model
Laetitia Tosi, Justine Marty
International Journal of Development Issues, Vol. 23, No. 1, pp.106-127

This study aims to propose an analytical tool based on the activities–resources–actors (ARA) model to understand the coordination mechanisms in humanitarian action. The tool identifies the phases of humanitarian action and analyzes the underlying mechanisms that facilitate coordination among organizations.

This study uses a literature review to develop analytical grids and theoretical propositions based on the ARA model.

The ARA model is a useful tool for understanding coordination mechanisms in humanitarian action. The study identifies key elements of interaction systems and characterizes the phases of humanitarian action. Effective coordination among organizations is essential for successful aid delivery. The study provides four theoretical propositions.

Future research could validate the propositions formulated in this study through case studies.

The analytical grids proposed in this study can be used by humanitarian organizations to improve their coordination mechanisms and aid delivery processes.

Effective humanitarian action can help alleviate the suffering of individuals affected by crises and contribute to the overall well-being of communities. The analytical tool proposed in this study can improve the effectiveness of humanitarian action and ultimately benefit society.

This paper presents an original approach by leveraging the ARA model to develop an analytical tool for humanitarian action, which is useful for both practitioners and researchers. In addition, the paper attempts to overcome the siloed vision of humanitarian action by highlighting “emergency-development” aspect.

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Understanding coordination in humanitarian action: insights from the activities–resources–actors model10.1108/IJDI-04-2023-0101International Journal of Development Issues2023-09-25© 2023 Emerald Publishing LimitedLaetitia TosiJustine MartyInternational Journal of Development Issues2312023-09-2510.1108/IJDI-04-2023-0101https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJDI-04-2023-0101/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatest© 2023 Emerald Publishing Limited
Pedagogical and socio-emotional impacts of COVID-19 on Guinean school children: evidence from a mixed cross-sectional studyhttps://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJDI-05-2023-0128/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatestThis study aims to determine the pedagogical and socio-emotional impacts of school closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in Guinea. A descriptive, survey-based methodology was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data directly from parents and caregivers. Between February 24 and March 13, 2022, data was gathered from a study population comprising 2,955 adults residing in five communes and five prefectures of Guinea. Half of all respondents stated that school closures had no particular impact on children in their household, and 42% stated that no intentional pedagogical activities took place during school closures. Approximately 15% of respondents stated that children experienced boredom, loneliness, sadness, depression, stress and anxiety during the school closures. The study underscores the significance of school closure readiness and interactive learning while revealing limited emotional impact on children. The findings, while specific to Guinea, provide a foundational understanding, highlighting the complexity of pandemic effects on education and the need for adaptive strategies in vulnerable regions.Pedagogical and socio-emotional impacts of COVID-19 on Guinean school children: evidence from a mixed cross-sectional study
Stéphanie Maltais, Isabelle Bourgeois, Aissata Boubacar Moumouni, Sanni Yaya, Mohamed Lamine Doumbouya, Gaston Béavogui, Marie Christelle Mabeu, Roland Pongou
International Journal of Development Issues, Vol. 23, No. 1, pp.128-141

This study aims to determine the pedagogical and socio-emotional impacts of school closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in Guinea.

A descriptive, survey-based methodology was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data directly from parents and caregivers. Between February 24 and March 13, 2022, data was gathered from a study population comprising 2,955 adults residing in five communes and five prefectures of Guinea.

Half of all respondents stated that school closures had no particular impact on children in their household, and 42% stated that no intentional pedagogical activities took place during school closures. Approximately 15% of respondents stated that children experienced boredom, loneliness, sadness, depression, stress and anxiety during the school closures.

The study underscores the significance of school closure readiness and interactive learning while revealing limited emotional impact on children. The findings, while specific to Guinea, provide a foundational understanding, highlighting the complexity of pandemic effects on education and the need for adaptive strategies in vulnerable regions.

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Pedagogical and socio-emotional impacts of COVID-19 on Guinean school children: evidence from a mixed cross-sectional study10.1108/IJDI-05-2023-0128International Journal of Development Issues2023-09-26© 2023 Emerald Publishing LimitedStéphanie MaltaisIsabelle BourgeoisAissata Boubacar MoumouniSanni YayaMohamed Lamine DoumbouyaGaston BéavoguiMarie Christelle MabeuRoland PongouInternational Journal of Development Issues2312023-09-2610.1108/IJDI-05-2023-0128https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJDI-05-2023-0128/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatest© 2023 Emerald Publishing Limited
The status of women’s empowerment in the aquaculture sector in Kenyahttps://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJDI-04-2023-0087/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatestWomen’s empowerment remains a key development challenge in Kenya. The purpose of this study is to attempt to understand the status of women’s empowerment and the key contributors to their disempowerment in Kenya’s aquaculture sector. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 534 male and female fish farmers from 300 households drawn from six counties in Kenya (Kakamega, Kisumu, Kisii, Kiambu, Meru and Nyeri). The Abbreviated Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index (A-WEAI) was adapted to Abbreviated Women’s Empowerment in Fisheries and Aquaculture Index (A-WEFI) to suit the aquaculture and fisheries sub-sector. The adapted A-WEFI was then used to estimate and the status of women’s and men’s using five domains of empowerment (5DE) and a gender parity index (GPI). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Cramer’s V and sensitivity analysis as test statistics. About 86% of the men and 80% of the women were classified as empowered. The mean score of the 5DE was 0.93 and 0.95 for women and men, respectively. In addition, 82% of the households achieved gender parity, suggesting that for such households, empowerment of men was no greater than that of women. Overall, the results suggest no major differences between the empowerment of women and men. Findings suggest areas of improvement in empowerment: when observed separately, women report lack of agency in production, resource, time-use and allocation and leadership. This paper adapts the A-WEAI to the fisheries and aquaculture context, in bid to bridge the gap in standard women’s empowerment measurement methods in this area. Also, there are limited empirical studies on the multifaceted empowerment of women in aquaculture in Kenya. The findings are meant to serve as a point of reference for policymakers, as they develop gender-responsive intervention programmes, and in implementing gender mainstreaming in Kenya.The status of women’s empowerment in the aquaculture sector in Kenya
Rahma Isaack Adam, Farha Deba Sufian, Lucy Njogu
International Journal of Development Issues, Vol. 23, No. 1, pp.142-165

Women’s empowerment remains a key development challenge in Kenya. The purpose of this study is to attempt to understand the status of women’s empowerment and the key contributors to their disempowerment in Kenya’s aquaculture sector.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 534 male and female fish farmers from 300 households drawn from six counties in Kenya (Kakamega, Kisumu, Kisii, Kiambu, Meru and Nyeri). The Abbreviated Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index (A-WEAI) was adapted to Abbreviated Women’s Empowerment in Fisheries and Aquaculture Index (A-WEFI) to suit the aquaculture and fisheries sub-sector. The adapted A-WEFI was then used to estimate and the status of women’s and men’s using five domains of empowerment (5DE) and a gender parity index (GPI). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Cramer’s V and sensitivity analysis as test statistics.

About 86% of the men and 80% of the women were classified as empowered. The mean score of the 5DE was 0.93 and 0.95 for women and men, respectively. In addition, 82% of the households achieved gender parity, suggesting that for such households, empowerment of men was no greater than that of women. Overall, the results suggest no major differences between the empowerment of women and men. Findings suggest areas of improvement in empowerment: when observed separately, women report lack of agency in production, resource, time-use and allocation and leadership.

This paper adapts the A-WEAI to the fisheries and aquaculture context, in bid to bridge the gap in standard women’s empowerment measurement methods in this area. Also, there are limited empirical studies on the multifaceted empowerment of women in aquaculture in Kenya. The findings are meant to serve as a point of reference for policymakers, as they develop gender-responsive intervention programmes, and in implementing gender mainstreaming in Kenya.

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The status of women’s empowerment in the aquaculture sector in Kenya10.1108/IJDI-04-2023-0087International Journal of Development Issues2023-11-30© 2023 Rahma Isaack Adam, Farha Deba Sufian and Lucy Njogu.Rahma Isaack AdamFarha Deba SufianLucy NjoguInternational Journal of Development Issues2312023-11-3010.1108/IJDI-04-2023-0087https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJDI-04-2023-0087/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatest© 2023 Rahma Isaack Adam, Farha Deba Sufian and Lucy Njogu.
A comprehensive analysis of the societal impact of industrial diversity on sustainable economic developmenthttps://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJDI-05-2023-0127/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatestThis paper aims to explore the interplay between industrial diversity and sustainable economic development in US counties. Among other popularly used measures, this study uses an underused measure, Hachman index, to gauge the degree of industrial diversity in the models. To capture the impact of industrial diversity on the local community, this study estimates the relationship of two diversity measures to four traditional socioeconomic indicators: per capita personal income growth, gross domestic product per worker, income inequality ratio and poverty rate. Statistical results suggest that industrial diversity, which is measured by Hachman index, is significantly related to the four socio-economic indicators. Industrial diversity can positively contribute to regional per capita personal income growth and mitigate income inequality and poverty stress; however, it is negatively related to the gross domestic product (GDP) per worker, which means industrial specialization may contribute to GDP per worker growth. The findings of this study show that there is a nonlinear relationship between industrial diversity and all socioeconomic indicators. Most of the control variables, human capital variables and business and industry profile variables also display significant and positive impacts on economic development.A comprehensive analysis of the societal impact of industrial diversity on sustainable economic development
Litao Zhong, Lei Wen, Zhimin Wang
International Journal of Development Issues, Vol. 23, No. 1, pp.166-184

This paper aims to explore the interplay between industrial diversity and sustainable economic development in US counties.

Among other popularly used measures, this study uses an underused measure, Hachman index, to gauge the degree of industrial diversity in the models. To capture the impact of industrial diversity on the local community, this study estimates the relationship of two diversity measures to four traditional socioeconomic indicators: per capita personal income growth, gross domestic product per worker, income inequality ratio and poverty rate.

Statistical results suggest that industrial diversity, which is measured by Hachman index, is significantly related to the four socio-economic indicators. Industrial diversity can positively contribute to regional per capita personal income growth and mitigate income inequality and poverty stress; however, it is negatively related to the gross domestic product (GDP) per worker, which means industrial specialization may contribute to GDP per worker growth.

The findings of this study show that there is a nonlinear relationship between industrial diversity and all socioeconomic indicators. Most of the control variables, human capital variables and business and industry profile variables also display significant and positive impacts on economic development.

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A comprehensive analysis of the societal impact of industrial diversity on sustainable economic development10.1108/IJDI-05-2023-0127International Journal of Development Issues2023-10-13© 2023 Emerald Publishing LimitedLitao ZhongLei WenZhimin WangInternational Journal of Development Issues2312023-10-1310.1108/IJDI-05-2023-0127https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJDI-05-2023-0127/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatest© 2023 Emerald Publishing Limited
Assessing the impact of social grants on household welfare using propensity score matching approachhttps://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJDI-01-2022-0024/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatestThis study aims to investigate the impact of social grants on rural household welfare in a village located in one of the poorest provinces in South Africa – KwaZulu Natal Province. Actually, since the inception of democratic rule, the South African government has turned to social grants to address the issues of poverty, income inequality and to improve household welfare. The coverage of social grants has increased substantially with more than 17 million (about 34% of the population) South Africans being recipients of social grants. Despite having relatively well-developed social security system, poverty levels in rural parts of South Africa remains very high. This study uses a cross-sectional households survey data conducted in Hlokozi village. A propensity score matching technique, which accounts for non-random selection of households, is applied. The results reveal that social grants have a significant and positive impact on rural household welfare. Specifically, the nearest neighbour matching estimates suggest that the causal effect for social grants on household welfare is the region of about R5,830. Consistent with the nearest neighbouring method, the results obtained using the Kernel matching method show that social grants are significant in improving rural household welfare. While there are a number of studies that have shed some light on how social grant reduces poverty in South Africa, there are some gaps. Firstly, only a few studies have interrogated the impact of social grants on household welfare. Secondly, most of these studies have relied on descriptive analysis, and finally, besides poverty being high in rural areas, research on the impact of social grants on rural household welfare remains thin.Assessing the impact of social grants on household welfare using propensity score matching approach
Talent Zwane, Mduduzi Biyase, September Rooderick
International Journal of Development Issues, Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print, pp.-

This study aims to investigate the impact of social grants on rural household welfare in a village located in one of the poorest provinces in South Africa – KwaZulu Natal Province. Actually, since the inception of democratic rule, the South African government has turned to social grants to address the issues of poverty, income inequality and to improve household welfare. The coverage of social grants has increased substantially with more than 17 million (about 34% of the population) South Africans being recipients of social grants. Despite having relatively well-developed social security system, poverty levels in rural parts of South Africa remains very high.

This study uses a cross-sectional households survey data conducted in Hlokozi village. A propensity score matching technique, which accounts for non-random selection of households, is applied.

The results reveal that social grants have a significant and positive impact on rural household welfare. Specifically, the nearest neighbour matching estimates suggest that the causal effect for social grants on household welfare is the region of about R5,830. Consistent with the nearest neighbouring method, the results obtained using the Kernel matching method show that social grants are significant in improving rural household welfare.

While there are a number of studies that have shed some light on how social grant reduces poverty in South Africa, there are some gaps. Firstly, only a few studies have interrogated the impact of social grants on household welfare. Secondly, most of these studies have relied on descriptive analysis, and finally, besides poverty being high in rural areas, research on the impact of social grants on rural household welfare remains thin.

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Assessing the impact of social grants on household welfare using propensity score matching approach10.1108/IJDI-01-2022-0024International Journal of Development Issues2022-07-05© 2022 Talent Zwane, Mduduzi Biyase and September RooderickTalent ZwaneMduduzi BiyaseSeptember RooderickInternational Journal of Development Issuesahead-of-printahead-of-print2022-07-0510.1108/IJDI-01-2022-0024https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJDI-01-2022-0024/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatest© 2022 Talent Zwane, Mduduzi Biyase and September Rooderick
The Chinese belt and road initiative: development project with strings attached?https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJDI-03-2023-0073/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatestThis study aims to investigate how the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Chinese outward foreign direct investments (FDI) impact the Belt and Road countries (BRCs). It draws on postcolonial theory to investigate the (geo)political objectives behind the financial and economic means. In line with the nature of postcolonial studies, the study applies a discourse analysis integrating it with empirical data on indebtedness and trade. This study finds that FDI and the BRI, as a development project, need to be considered a double-edged sword for the receiving countries. The authors provide evidence that China has instrumentalized financial and economic means to gain political influence and pursue geopolitical ambitions. Moreover, investments into sensitive sectors (e.g. energy, infrastructure), combined with the BRCs’ inability to pay back loans, could eventually lead to China gaining control of these assets. The study investigates the financial and economic means that are instrumentalized to gain political influence while not considering flows of technology and know-how. It also limits itself to the study of FDI coming from one specific country, i.e. China. Therefore, no comparison and evaluation are made of FDI from other countries, such as the USA or European countries. By revealing noncommercial objectives and geopolitical ambitions that China pursues through the BRI, the authors derive policy implications for the BRCs, third countries and China. The study contributes to postcolonial theory and neocolonialism by investigating how China uses financial and economic means to achieve noncommercial objectives and pursue geopolitical ambitions. Additionally, the authors enhance the understanding of FDI by highlighting more subtle aspects of the complex and contextual nature of FDI as a social phenomenon, which have been overlooked thus far. The authors challenge the predominant positive framing of FDI and provide a counterpoint to the way FDI is often coined.The Chinese belt and road initiative: development project with strings attached?
Marc Oberhauser
International Journal of Development Issues, Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print, pp.-

This study aims to investigate how the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Chinese outward foreign direct investments (FDI) impact the Belt and Road countries (BRCs). It draws on postcolonial theory to investigate the (geo)political objectives behind the financial and economic means.

In line with the nature of postcolonial studies, the study applies a discourse analysis integrating it with empirical data on indebtedness and trade.

This study finds that FDI and the BRI, as a development project, need to be considered a double-edged sword for the receiving countries. The authors provide evidence that China has instrumentalized financial and economic means to gain political influence and pursue geopolitical ambitions. Moreover, investments into sensitive sectors (e.g. energy, infrastructure), combined with the BRCs’ inability to pay back loans, could eventually lead to China gaining control of these assets.

The study investigates the financial and economic means that are instrumentalized to gain political influence while not considering flows of technology and know-how. It also limits itself to the study of FDI coming from one specific country, i.e. China. Therefore, no comparison and evaluation are made of FDI from other countries, such as the USA or European countries.

By revealing noncommercial objectives and geopolitical ambitions that China pursues through the BRI, the authors derive policy implications for the BRCs, third countries and China.

The study contributes to postcolonial theory and neocolonialism by investigating how China uses financial and economic means to achieve noncommercial objectives and pursue geopolitical ambitions. Additionally, the authors enhance the understanding of FDI by highlighting more subtle aspects of the complex and contextual nature of FDI as a social phenomenon, which have been overlooked thus far. The authors challenge the predominant positive framing of FDI and provide a counterpoint to the way FDI is often coined.

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The Chinese belt and road initiative: development project with strings attached?10.1108/IJDI-03-2023-0073International Journal of Development Issues2023-11-30© 2023 Emerald Publishing LimitedMarc OberhauserInternational Journal of Development Issuesahead-of-printahead-of-print2023-11-3010.1108/IJDI-03-2023-0073https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJDI-03-2023-0073/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatest© 2023 Emerald Publishing Limited
Inward foreign direct investment and domestic entrepreneurship in China: the moderating role of intellectual property infringement hazardshttps://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJDI-03-2023-0076/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatestThe scholarly debate regarding the impact of inward foreign direct investment (FDI) on entrepreneurship remains inconclusive. This study aims to tackle this discrepancy by positing that the relationship between inward FDI and entrepreneurship in the host nation is not deterministic but is moderated by intellectual property rights (IPR) infringement hazards. These hazards are postulated to dictate the level of knowledge spillovers from inward FDI, thereby affecting entrepreneurial activities. This study uses panel data regression analysis using data spanning 30 Chinese provinces from 2010 to 2018. The Hausman test results rejected the null hypothesis, recommending the use of the fixed-effects estimator over the random-effects one for statistical consistency. Therefore, the fixed-effects estimator is used to test the hypotheses. The study’s analysis reveals that the main effect of inward FDI on entrepreneurship is statistically insignificant. However, once IPR infringement hazards are introduced to the model as a moderator, the main effect turns statistically positive and significant. Notably, the positive main effect diminishes as IPR infringement hazards increase. Highlighting the role of IPR infringement hazards as a moderator, this research unveils the nuanced relationship between inward FDI and entrepreneurship, thereby addressing the ongoing theoretical debate. This study demonstrates that knowledge spillovers from inward FDI are not automatic but depend on concerns about IPR infringements in the host nation. The resultant spillovers are then translated into entrepreneurial activities.Inward foreign direct investment and domestic entrepreneurship in China: the moderating role of intellectual property infringement hazards
Na Liu, MoonGyu Bae, Keon Hee Lee
International Journal of Development Issues, Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print, pp.-

The scholarly debate regarding the impact of inward foreign direct investment (FDI) on entrepreneurship remains inconclusive. This study aims to tackle this discrepancy by positing that the relationship between inward FDI and entrepreneurship in the host nation is not deterministic but is moderated by intellectual property rights (IPR) infringement hazards. These hazards are postulated to dictate the level of knowledge spillovers from inward FDI, thereby affecting entrepreneurial activities.

This study uses panel data regression analysis using data spanning 30 Chinese provinces from 2010 to 2018. The Hausman test results rejected the null hypothesis, recommending the use of the fixed-effects estimator over the random-effects one for statistical consistency. Therefore, the fixed-effects estimator is used to test the hypotheses.

The study’s analysis reveals that the main effect of inward FDI on entrepreneurship is statistically insignificant. However, once IPR infringement hazards are introduced to the model as a moderator, the main effect turns statistically positive and significant. Notably, the positive main effect diminishes as IPR infringement hazards increase.

Highlighting the role of IPR infringement hazards as a moderator, this research unveils the nuanced relationship between inward FDI and entrepreneurship, thereby addressing the ongoing theoretical debate. This study demonstrates that knowledge spillovers from inward FDI are not automatic but depend on concerns about IPR infringements in the host nation. The resultant spillovers are then translated into entrepreneurial activities.

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Inward foreign direct investment and domestic entrepreneurship in China: the moderating role of intellectual property infringement hazards10.1108/IJDI-03-2023-0076International Journal of Development Issues2024-01-22© 2024 Emerald Publishing LimitedNa LiuMoonGyu BaeKeon Hee LeeInternational Journal of Development Issuesahead-of-printahead-of-print2024-01-2210.1108/IJDI-03-2023-0076https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJDI-03-2023-0076/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatest© 2024 Emerald Publishing Limited
Why do MNE foreign subsidiaries differ in supply chain management capability, and how does it matter?https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJDI-03-2023-0081/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatestDespite the growing and widespread importance of exploring the primary factors facilitating global value chain (GVC) and supply chain management, this topic has received surprisingly little attention to date. Drawing upon the technology–organization–environment framework and the resource-based view, this study aims to fill these important gaps in the literature by theorizing and developing a comprehensive model to explain how a foreign subsidiary of multinational enterprises can improve the upgrading of the GVC and supply chain performance in a host market. Using survey data collected from 266 foreign subsidiaries of multinational enterprises operating in the Chinese manufacturing sector, this study empirically examines the theoretical framework using a structural equation modeling approach. The results demonstrated that the relative advantages of digital technology, supplier diversification and environmental uncertainty all contribute positively to the development of foreign subsidiaries’ supply chain management capabilities. Meanwhile, supply chain management capability plays a positive role in foreign subsidiaries facilitating GVC upgrading and enhancing supply chain performance. The findings of this study provide many important implications and useful insights to foreign subsidiaries operating in an emerging host market by concentrating on how to develop and maintain their competitive advantages in the process of GVC reshaping and supply chain restructuring. This study provides a useful guide to help firms better understand how they may develop and enhance their competitive advantages in upgrading their GVCs and implementing supply chain restructuring. In addition, this research generates important policy implications considering the recent trend toward creating more effective and sustainable global supply value chains.Why do MNE foreign subsidiaries differ in supply chain management capability, and how does it matter?
Mengmeng Wang, Shufeng (Simon) Xiao
International Journal of Development Issues, Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print, pp.-

Despite the growing and widespread importance of exploring the primary factors facilitating global value chain (GVC) and supply chain management, this topic has received surprisingly little attention to date. Drawing upon the technology–organization–environment framework and the resource-based view, this study aims to fill these important gaps in the literature by theorizing and developing a comprehensive model to explain how a foreign subsidiary of multinational enterprises can improve the upgrading of the GVC and supply chain performance in a host market.

Using survey data collected from 266 foreign subsidiaries of multinational enterprises operating in the Chinese manufacturing sector, this study empirically examines the theoretical framework using a structural equation modeling approach.

The results demonstrated that the relative advantages of digital technology, supplier diversification and environmental uncertainty all contribute positively to the development of foreign subsidiaries’ supply chain management capabilities. Meanwhile, supply chain management capability plays a positive role in foreign subsidiaries facilitating GVC upgrading and enhancing supply chain performance.

The findings of this study provide many important implications and useful insights to foreign subsidiaries operating in an emerging host market by concentrating on how to develop and maintain their competitive advantages in the process of GVC reshaping and supply chain restructuring.

This study provides a useful guide to help firms better understand how they may develop and enhance their competitive advantages in upgrading their GVCs and implementing supply chain restructuring. In addition, this research generates important policy implications considering the recent trend toward creating more effective and sustainable global supply value chains.

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Why do MNE foreign subsidiaries differ in supply chain management capability, and how does it matter?10.1108/IJDI-03-2023-0081International Journal of Development Issues2024-01-19© 2024 Emerald Publishing LimitedMengmeng WangShufeng (Simon) XiaoInternational Journal of Development Issuesahead-of-printahead-of-print2024-01-1910.1108/IJDI-03-2023-0081https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJDI-03-2023-0081/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatest© 2024 Emerald Publishing Limited
Cross-border mergers and acquisitions from emerging economy firms: a new channel for technology augmentationhttps://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJDI-03-2023-0083/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatestExtending the springboard perspective with the resource dependence theory, the authors posit that cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&As) are a new channel for emerging economy firms (EEFs) to enhance their technology capabilities. This study aims to examine the impact of cross-border M&As initiated by EEFs on their technology augmentation vis-à-vis matched domestic M&A cases and investigate the factors influencing the difference in post-merger innovation capability. This paper estimates the post-acquisition innovation capability of acquirers from emerging economies (EEs) that engage in cross-border M&As. To remove possible selection bias, the authors leverage a difference-in-difference-style approach in combination with a matched sample constructed by pairing each cross-border M&A case with a similar domestic deal. The data set contains 266 cross-border M&As and 266 matched domestic M&A deals between 2003 and 2011, whereby acquirers are based in 6 EEs and targets are in 36 countries consisting of both EEs and advanced economies (AEs). The present empirical results show that cross-border M&As engaged by EEFs are an important engine for improving EEFs’ innovation capability through technology augmentation. The main empirical results are as follows. First, compared with matched domestic acquirers with similar characteristics, EE cross-border M&As have a positive effect on innovation capability. Second, the positive effect of the EEFs’ cross-border M&As relative to the matched domestic M&As on innovation capability is driven largely by cross-border M&As with targets in AEs. Third, the increase in post-M&A innovation capability of the EE cross-border acquirers comes mainly from deals where targets are based in countries with relatively superior human capital and innovation capability than those of the acquirers. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first systematic study of whether cross-border M&As serve as an effective channel of technology augmentation for EE acquirers compared to matched domestic acquirers with similar characteristics.Cross-border mergers and acquisitions from emerging economy firms: a new channel for technology augmentation
Eunsuk Hong, Jong-Kook Shin, Huan Zou
International Journal of Development Issues, Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print, pp.-

Extending the springboard perspective with the resource dependence theory, the authors posit that cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&As) are a new channel for emerging economy firms (EEFs) to enhance their technology capabilities. This study aims to examine the impact of cross-border M&As initiated by EEFs on their technology augmentation vis-à-vis matched domestic M&A cases and investigate the factors influencing the difference in post-merger innovation capability.

This paper estimates the post-acquisition innovation capability of acquirers from emerging economies (EEs) that engage in cross-border M&As. To remove possible selection bias, the authors leverage a difference-in-difference-style approach in combination with a matched sample constructed by pairing each cross-border M&A case with a similar domestic deal. The data set contains 266 cross-border M&As and 266 matched domestic M&A deals between 2003 and 2011, whereby acquirers are based in 6 EEs and targets are in 36 countries consisting of both EEs and advanced economies (AEs).

The present empirical results show that cross-border M&As engaged by EEFs are an important engine for improving EEFs’ innovation capability through technology augmentation. The main empirical results are as follows. First, compared with matched domestic acquirers with similar characteristics, EE cross-border M&As have a positive effect on innovation capability. Second, the positive effect of the EEFs’ cross-border M&As relative to the matched domestic M&As on innovation capability is driven largely by cross-border M&As with targets in AEs. Third, the increase in post-M&A innovation capability of the EE cross-border acquirers comes mainly from deals where targets are based in countries with relatively superior human capital and innovation capability than those of the acquirers.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first systematic study of whether cross-border M&As serve as an effective channel of technology augmentation for EE acquirers compared to matched domestic acquirers with similar characteristics.

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Cross-border mergers and acquisitions from emerging economy firms: a new channel for technology augmentation10.1108/IJDI-03-2023-0083International Journal of Development Issues2024-01-30© 2024 Emerald Publishing LimitedEunsuk HongJong-Kook ShinHuan ZouInternational Journal of Development Issuesahead-of-printahead-of-print2024-01-3010.1108/IJDI-03-2023-0083https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJDI-03-2023-0083/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatest© 2024 Emerald Publishing Limited
Natural-resources-seeking FDI and employment opportunities in developing countries: a temporal perspectivehttps://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJDI-03-2023-0084/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatestThis study aims to analyze the short-, medium- and long-term impacts of natural-resources-seeking foreign direct investment (FDI) in the form of foreign multinational enterprise (MNE) land acquisitions on agricultural labor productivity in developing countries. The authors analyze if these land acquisitions disrupt fair and decent rural labor productivity or if the investments provide opportunities for improvement and growth. The influence of different country characteristics, such as economic development levels and governmental protection for the rural population, are acknowledged. The study analyzes 570 land acquisitions across 90 countries between 2000 and 2015 via a generalized least squares regression. It distinguishes short- and long-term implications and the moderating role of a country’s economic development level and government effectiveness in implementing government protection. The results suggest that natural resource-seeking FDI harms agricultural labor productivity in the short term. However, this impact turns positive in the long term as labor markets adjust to the initial disruptions that result from land acquisitions. A country’s economic development level mitigates the negative short-term impacts, indicating the possibility of finding alternative job opportunities in economically stronger countries. Government effectiveness does have no influence, presumably as the rural population in which the investment is partaking is in many developing countries, not the focus of governmental protectionism. The findings provide interesting insights into the impact of MNEs on developing countries and particularly their rural areas that are heavily dependent on natural resources. The authors identify implications on employment opportunities in the agricultural sector in these countries, which are negative in the short term but turn positive in the long term. Moreover, the findings also have utility for policymakers. The sale of land to foreign MNEs is not a passive process – indeed, developing country governments have an active hand in constructing purchase contracts. Local governments could organize multistakeholder partnerships between MNEs, domestic businesses and communities to promote cooperation for access to technology and innovation and capacity-building to support employment opportunities. The authors urge MNE managers to establish new partnerships to ease transitions and mitigate the negative impacts of land acquisitions on agricultural employment opportunities in the short term. These partnerships could emphasize worker retraining and skills upgrading for MNE-owned land, developing new financing schemes and sharing of technology and market opportunities for surrounding small-holder farmers (World Bank, 2018). MNE managers could also adopt wildlife-friendly farming and agroecological intensification practices to mitigate the negative impacts on local ecosystems and biodiversity (Tscharntke et al., 2012). The authors contribute to the debate on the positive and negative impact of FDI on developing countries, particularly considering temporality and the rural environment in which the FDI is partaking.Natural-resources-seeking FDI and employment opportunities in developing countries: a temporal perspective
Elizabeth Moore, Kristin Brandl, Jonathan Doh, Camille Meyer
International Journal of Development Issues, Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print, pp.-

This study aims to analyze the short-, medium- and long-term impacts of natural-resources-seeking foreign direct investment (FDI) in the form of foreign multinational enterprise (MNE) land acquisitions on agricultural labor productivity in developing countries. The authors analyze if these land acquisitions disrupt fair and decent rural labor productivity or if the investments provide opportunities for improvement and growth. The influence of different country characteristics, such as economic development levels and governmental protection for the rural population, are acknowledged.

The study analyzes 570 land acquisitions across 90 countries between 2000 and 2015 via a generalized least squares regression. It distinguishes short- and long-term implications and the moderating role of a country’s economic development level and government effectiveness in implementing government protection.

The results suggest that natural resource-seeking FDI harms agricultural labor productivity in the short term. However, this impact turns positive in the long term as labor markets adjust to the initial disruptions that result from land acquisitions. A country’s economic development level mitigates the negative short-term impacts, indicating the possibility of finding alternative job opportunities in economically stronger countries. Government effectiveness does have no influence, presumably as the rural population in which the investment is partaking is in many developing countries, not the focus of governmental protectionism.

The findings provide interesting insights into the impact of MNEs on developing countries and particularly their rural areas that are heavily dependent on natural resources. The authors identify implications on employment opportunities in the agricultural sector in these countries, which are negative in the short term but turn positive in the long term.

Moreover, the findings also have utility for policymakers. The sale of land to foreign MNEs is not a passive process – indeed, developing country governments have an active hand in constructing purchase contracts. Local governments could organize multistakeholder partnerships between MNEs, domestic businesses and communities to promote cooperation for access to technology and innovation and capacity-building to support employment opportunities.

The authors urge MNE managers to establish new partnerships to ease transitions and mitigate the negative impacts of land acquisitions on agricultural employment opportunities in the short term. These partnerships could emphasize worker retraining and skills upgrading for MNE-owned land, developing new financing schemes and sharing of technology and market opportunities for surrounding small-holder farmers (World Bank, 2018). MNE managers could also adopt wildlife-friendly farming and agroecological intensification practices to mitigate the negative impacts on local ecosystems and biodiversity (Tscharntke et al., 2012).

The authors contribute to the debate on the positive and negative impact of FDI on developing countries, particularly considering temporality and the rural environment in which the FDI is partaking.

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Natural-resources-seeking FDI and employment opportunities in developing countries: a temporal perspective10.1108/IJDI-03-2023-0084International Journal of Development Issues2023-11-27© 2023 Emerald Publishing LimitedElizabeth MooreKristin BrandlJonathan DohCamille MeyerInternational Journal of Development Issuesahead-of-printahead-of-print2023-11-2710.1108/IJDI-03-2023-0084https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJDI-03-2023-0084/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatest© 2023 Emerald Publishing Limited
The dynamic effect of public debt on economic growth in the era of Macroprudential policy regime: a Bayesian approachhttps://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJDI-07-2023-0188/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatestThis study aims to test the dynamic impact of public debt and economic growth on newly democratized African countries (South Africa and Namibia) and compare the findings with those of newly democratized European countries (Germany and Ukraine) during the period 1990–2022. The methodology involves three stages: identifying the appropriate transition variable, assessing the linearity between public debt and economic growth and selecting the order m of the transition function. The linearity test helps identify the nature of relationships between public debt and economic growth. The wild cluster bootstrap-Lagrange Multiplier test is used to evaluate the model’s appropriateness. All these tests would be executed using the Lagrange Multiplier type of test. The results signify the policy switch, as the authors find that the relationship between public debt and economic growth is characterized by two transitions that symbolize that the current stage of the relationship is beyond the U-shape; however, an S-shape. The results show that for newly democratized African countries, the threshold during the first waves was 50% of GDP, represented by a U-shape, which then transits to an inverted U-shape with a threshold of 65% of GDP. Then, for the European case, it was 60% of GDP, which is now 72% of GDP. The findings suggest that an escalating level of public debt has a negative impact on economic growth; therefore, it is important to implement fiscal discipline, prioritize government spending and reduce reliance on debt financing. This can be achieved by focusing on revenue generation, implementing effective taxation policies, reducing wasteful expenditures and promoting investment and productivity-enhancing measures.The dynamic effect of public debt on economic growth in the era of Macroprudential policy regime: a Bayesian approach
Thembeka Sibahle Ngcobo, Lindokuhle Talent Zungu, Nomusa Yolanda Nkomo
International Journal of Development Issues, Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print, pp.-

This study aims to test the dynamic impact of public debt and economic growth on newly democratized African countries (South Africa and Namibia) and compare the findings with those of newly democratized European countries (Germany and Ukraine) during the period 1990–2022.

The methodology involves three stages: identifying the appropriate transition variable, assessing the linearity between public debt and economic growth and selecting the order m of the transition function. The linearity test helps identify the nature of relationships between public debt and economic growth. The wild cluster bootstrap-Lagrange Multiplier test is used to evaluate the model’s appropriateness. All these tests would be executed using the Lagrange Multiplier type of test.

The results signify the policy switch, as the authors find that the relationship between public debt and economic growth is characterized by two transitions that symbolize that the current stage of the relationship is beyond the U-shape; however, an S-shape. The results show that for newly democratized African countries, the threshold during the first waves was 50% of GDP, represented by a U-shape, which then transits to an inverted U-shape with a threshold of 65% of GDP. Then, for the European case, it was 60% of GDP, which is now 72% of GDP.

The findings suggest that an escalating level of public debt has a negative impact on economic growth; therefore, it is important to implement fiscal discipline, prioritize government spending and reduce reliance on debt financing. This can be achieved by focusing on revenue generation, implementing effective taxation policies, reducing wasteful expenditures and promoting investment and productivity-enhancing measures.

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The dynamic effect of public debt on economic growth in the era of Macroprudential policy regime: a Bayesian approach10.1108/IJDI-07-2023-0188International Journal of Development Issues2023-10-20© 2023 Thembeka Sibahle Ngcobo, Lindokuhle Talent Zungu and Nomusa Yolanda Nkomo.Thembeka Sibahle NgcoboLindokuhle Talent ZunguNomusa Yolanda NkomoInternational Journal of Development Issuesahead-of-printahead-of-print2023-10-2010.1108/IJDI-07-2023-0188https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJDI-07-2023-0188/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatest© 2023 Thembeka Sibahle Ngcobo, Lindokuhle Talent Zungu and Nomusa Yolanda Nkomo.http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/legalcode
The effects of informal competition on firms’ innovation in Greecehttps://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJDI-08-2023-0192/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatestSeveral empirical studies indicate that the existence of a large informal sector is a major obstacle to firms’ choices of innovation strategies. This paper aims to address this issue and investigates the effect of the informal sector on the innovation of formal firms in Greece. Using the World Bank’s Enterprise Survey data, the impact of informal competition on formal firms’ innovation in Greece is investigated by testing whether formal firms use innovation as a tool to protect and sustain their competitive advantage vis-à-vis informal firms and whether overall and informal competition has an inverted-U relationship with the innovation of formal firms. The effects of bribing and other variables drawn from the empirical literature are also controlled for. The findings fill a gap in the literature regarding the effects of the informal sector on formal economic activity in Greece, by indicating that the informal sector puts pressure on formal firms to innovate, in order to differentiate their product or service and enhance their productivity and by offering learnings to help policymakers to promote innovation in Greece. The originality of this study is that it investigates the impact of informal competition on formal firms’ innovation in Greece, a developed economy with a large informal sector. It does so by focusing on the effects that formal firms’ informal practices have on their competitors’ innovation activities, and the role of informal competition in creating and sustaining a competitive advantage in Greece.The effects of informal competition on firms’ innovation in Greece
Vasileios Vlachos
International Journal of Development Issues, Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print, pp.-

Several empirical studies indicate that the existence of a large informal sector is a major obstacle to firms’ choices of innovation strategies. This paper aims to address this issue and investigates the effect of the informal sector on the innovation of formal firms in Greece.

Using the World Bank’s Enterprise Survey data, the impact of informal competition on formal firms’ innovation in Greece is investigated by testing whether formal firms use innovation as a tool to protect and sustain their competitive advantage vis-à-vis informal firms and whether overall and informal competition has an inverted-U relationship with the innovation of formal firms. The effects of bribing and other variables drawn from the empirical literature are also controlled for.

The findings fill a gap in the literature regarding the effects of the informal sector on formal economic activity in Greece, by indicating that the informal sector puts pressure on formal firms to innovate, in order to differentiate their product or service and enhance their productivity and by offering learnings to help policymakers to promote innovation in Greece.

The originality of this study is that it investigates the impact of informal competition on formal firms’ innovation in Greece, a developed economy with a large informal sector. It does so by focusing on the effects that formal firms’ informal practices have on their competitors’ innovation activities, and the role of informal competition in creating and sustaining a competitive advantage in Greece.

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The effects of informal competition on firms’ innovation in Greece10.1108/IJDI-08-2023-0192International Journal of Development Issues2024-02-12© 2024 Emerald Publishing LimitedVasileios VlachosInternational Journal of Development Issuesahead-of-printahead-of-print2024-02-1210.1108/IJDI-08-2023-0192https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJDI-08-2023-0192/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatest© 2024 Emerald Publishing Limited
Sustainable rural electrification: small hydropower stations, electrification and rural welfare improvement in Tanzaniahttps://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJDI-08-2023-0194/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatestTanzania is rich in small hydropower (SHP) potentials. However, many of these potentials have yet to be fully used, and more than two-thirds of its rural population lacks access to electricity. The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of SHP stations in improving rural welfare in the southern highlands of Tanzania. It further explores the history, cost-effective analysis and threats to the sustainability of SHP as one of the renewable energy sources. The study uses a qualitative research design to explore respondents’ views on the role of SHP stations in facilitating rural electrification and welfare improvement. Primary data were gathered using semi-structured interviews with the 27 key informants and beneficiaries of SHP stations from the Southern Highlands of Tanzania. In addition, the study used documentary research to complement the information from the field survey. The findings found that SHP stations enhance rural electrification and welfare by providing electricity in remote areas with sparse populations. They operate as standalone off-grids, often by church communities and individuals. However, the sustainability of SHP stations is hampered by challenges such as climate change impacts, high capital investment costs, heavy siltation of small reservoirs, skilled manpower shortages, limited local manufacturing capabilities and infrastructural issues. The study contributes to the ongoing debate on renewable energy supply and uses, focusing on how SHP stations could contribute to sustainable rural electrification and achieve the 2030 United Nations agenda for sustainable development, which, among other things, aims to safeguard access to sustainable and modern energy and alleviate energy poverty.Sustainable rural electrification: small hydropower stations, electrification and rural welfare improvement in Tanzania
Evaristo Haulle, Gabriel Kanuti Ndimbo
International Journal of Development Issues, Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print, pp.-

Tanzania is rich in small hydropower (SHP) potentials. However, many of these potentials have yet to be fully used, and more than two-thirds of its rural population lacks access to electricity. The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of SHP stations in improving rural welfare in the southern highlands of Tanzania. It further explores the history, cost-effective analysis and threats to the sustainability of SHP as one of the renewable energy sources.

The study uses a qualitative research design to explore respondents’ views on the role of SHP stations in facilitating rural electrification and welfare improvement. Primary data were gathered using semi-structured interviews with the 27 key informants and beneficiaries of SHP stations from the Southern Highlands of Tanzania. In addition, the study used documentary research to complement the information from the field survey.

The findings found that SHP stations enhance rural electrification and welfare by providing electricity in remote areas with sparse populations. They operate as standalone off-grids, often by church communities and individuals. However, the sustainability of SHP stations is hampered by challenges such as climate change impacts, high capital investment costs, heavy siltation of small reservoirs, skilled manpower shortages, limited local manufacturing capabilities and infrastructural issues.

The study contributes to the ongoing debate on renewable energy supply and uses, focusing on how SHP stations could contribute to sustainable rural electrification and achieve the 2030 United Nations agenda for sustainable development, which, among other things, aims to safeguard access to sustainable and modern energy and alleviate energy poverty.

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Sustainable rural electrification: small hydropower stations, electrification and rural welfare improvement in Tanzania10.1108/IJDI-08-2023-0194International Journal of Development Issues2024-03-18© 2024 Emerald Publishing LimitedEvaristo HaulleGabriel Kanuti NdimboInternational Journal of Development Issuesahead-of-printahead-of-print2024-03-1810.1108/IJDI-08-2023-0194https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJDI-08-2023-0194/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatest© 2024 Emerald Publishing Limited
Foreign aid impact on the economic growth of the Western Balkans during 2009–2021https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJDI-09-2023-0217/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatestThe purpose of this study is to investigate the role of foreign aid in the Western Balkans countries’ economic growth between 2009 and 2021. This paper uses a panel data approach to examine the effects of foreign aid on economic growth in the region and incorporates a random-effects model to accommodate the unique cross-country variations and time-specific factors, as well as a pooled OLS and fixed-effects model for a comprehensive, comparative analysis. The in-depth regression analysis shows that foreign aid has not had a significant impact on the economic growth of the region. Further evidence suggests that trade openness exhibited a significant positive correlation with economic growth, while gross capital formation, although positively associated, did not significantly impact it, indicating the complexity of its role in the region’s economies. The analysis presented in this study has significant practical implications, particularly for policymakers in the Western Balkans. Given the region’s ambitions for European Union membership and the challenges of high unemployment and inflation, understanding the role of foreign aid is crucial. This research provides a unique contribution to the field of development economics by examining foreign aid effectiveness within the context of a region often overlooked in the literature. The analysis also offers fresh insights into the complex dynamics of foreign aid and its implications for policy and development strategies.Foreign aid impact on the economic growth of the Western Balkans during 2009–2021
Lir Hoxhaj, Driton Qehaja
International Journal of Development Issues, Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print, pp.-

The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of foreign aid in the Western Balkans countries’ economic growth between 2009 and 2021.

This paper uses a panel data approach to examine the effects of foreign aid on economic growth in the region and incorporates a random-effects model to accommodate the unique cross-country variations and time-specific factors, as well as a pooled OLS and fixed-effects model for a comprehensive, comparative analysis.

The in-depth regression analysis shows that foreign aid has not had a significant impact on the economic growth of the region. Further evidence suggests that trade openness exhibited a significant positive correlation with economic growth, while gross capital formation, although positively associated, did not significantly impact it, indicating the complexity of its role in the region’s economies.

The analysis presented in this study has significant practical implications, particularly for policymakers in the Western Balkans. Given the region’s ambitions for European Union membership and the challenges of high unemployment and inflation, understanding the role of foreign aid is crucial.

This research provides a unique contribution to the field of development economics by examining foreign aid effectiveness within the context of a region often overlooked in the literature. The analysis also offers fresh insights into the complex dynamics of foreign aid and its implications for policy and development strategies.

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Foreign aid impact on the economic growth of the Western Balkans during 2009–202110.1108/IJDI-09-2023-0217International Journal of Development Issues2024-01-10© 2023 Emerald Publishing LimitedLir HoxhajDriton QehajaInternational Journal of Development Issuesahead-of-printahead-of-print2024-01-1010.1108/IJDI-09-2023-0217https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJDI-09-2023-0217/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatest© 2023 Emerald Publishing Limited
The role of financial inclusion and institutional factors on banking stability in developing countrieshttps://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJDI-09-2023-0233/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatestThis study aims to examine the role of financial inclusion and institutional factors such as corruption and the rule of law (RL) on the credit risk and stability of banks. The study considers a sample of 61 developing countries and uses very robust estimation techniques that allow controlling for endogeneity, heteroskedasticity and serial correlation, such as instrumental variables method in two-stage least squares (IV-2SLS), instrumental variables generalized method of moments (IV-GMM), as well as system of generalized methods of moments in two stages (Sys-2GMM). The results confirm that financial inclusion and strengthening the RL can significantly contribute to reducing credit risk and improving the financial stability of banks; in contrast, the authors find that weak control of corruption aggravates credit risk. In addition, they found that greater competitiveness in the banking sector increases credit risk. This study supports the need to promote financial inclusion and strengthen institutional factors to improve the stability of the banking sector, as well as promote general well-being in the economy. This study contributes to the scarce literature by simultaneously using institutional factors such as corruption and the RL and macroeconomic variables such as economic growth and inflation in the relationship between financial inclusion and the banking sector, as well as considering competitiveness as an explanatory factor for banks’ credit risk and stability.The role of financial inclusion and institutional factors on banking stability in developing countries
João Jungo, Mara Madaleno, Anabela Botelho
International Journal of Development Issues, Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print, pp.-

This study aims to examine the role of financial inclusion and institutional factors such as corruption and the rule of law (RL) on the credit risk and stability of banks.

The study considers a sample of 61 developing countries and uses very robust estimation techniques that allow controlling for endogeneity, heteroskedasticity and serial correlation, such as instrumental variables method in two-stage least squares (IV-2SLS), instrumental variables generalized method of moments (IV-GMM), as well as system of generalized methods of moments in two stages (Sys-2GMM).

The results confirm that financial inclusion and strengthening the RL can significantly contribute to reducing credit risk and improving the financial stability of banks; in contrast, the authors find that weak control of corruption aggravates credit risk. In addition, they found that greater competitiveness in the banking sector increases credit risk.

This study supports the need to promote financial inclusion and strengthen institutional factors to improve the stability of the banking sector, as well as promote general well-being in the economy.

This study contributes to the scarce literature by simultaneously using institutional factors such as corruption and the RL and macroeconomic variables such as economic growth and inflation in the relationship between financial inclusion and the banking sector, as well as considering competitiveness as an explanatory factor for banks’ credit risk and stability.

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The role of financial inclusion and institutional factors on banking stability in developing countries10.1108/IJDI-09-2023-0233International Journal of Development Issues2024-01-09© 2023 Emerald Publishing LimitedJoão JungoMara MadalenoAnabela BotelhoInternational Journal of Development Issuesahead-of-printahead-of-print2024-01-0910.1108/IJDI-09-2023-0233https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJDI-09-2023-0233/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatest© 2023 Emerald Publishing Limited
Does export structure enhance the growth gains from foreign investment? Evidence from the ECOWAS regionhttps://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJDI-12-2022-0282/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatestThis study aims to examine whether diversified economies enhance the growth benefits from foreign direct investment (FDI). Diversified economies benefit from stable export earnings, stable investment composition and greater factor endowments through forward and backward linkages that can leverage superior foreign technology embedded in FDI. This is crucial as many African economies suffer from dependency while FDI is concentrated in the primary sector. The authors use a dataset of 15 Economic Community of West African States from 1995 to 2020 and compile variables from various sources, including an export diversification index measured using the Herfindahl–Hirschman index of product concentration. The authors use a growth regression model estimated using dynamic panel estimators to control for endogeneity and simultaneity issues. The results show that the effects of direct FDI are insignificant to growth considering diversification and controlling for other confounding factors. Meanwhile, diversification is associated with growth, which highlights the importance of industrial policy. More importantly, the authors find that the marginal effects of FDI are positively and significantly associated with growth when diversification levels are low, implying that production structure matters for the FDI–growth nexus in developing economies. Previous studies have overlooked the role of export production structure on the FDI–growth nexus. Many developing economies are dependent on primary exports and suffer from dependency, which implies lower levels of factor endowments. As such, this reduces the growth gains from FDI. The authors provide new empirical evidence on the importance of export production structure on the FDI–growth nexus.Does export structure enhance the growth gains from foreign investment? Evidence from the ECOWAS region
Hazwan Haini, Pang Wei Loon, Lukman Raimi
International Journal of Development Issues, Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print, pp.-

This study aims to examine whether diversified economies enhance the growth benefits from foreign direct investment (FDI). Diversified economies benefit from stable export earnings, stable investment composition and greater factor endowments through forward and backward linkages that can leverage superior foreign technology embedded in FDI. This is crucial as many African economies suffer from dependency while FDI is concentrated in the primary sector.

The authors use a dataset of 15 Economic Community of West African States from 1995 to 2020 and compile variables from various sources, including an export diversification index measured using the Herfindahl–Hirschman index of product concentration. The authors use a growth regression model estimated using dynamic panel estimators to control for endogeneity and simultaneity issues.

The results show that the effects of direct FDI are insignificant to growth considering diversification and controlling for other confounding factors. Meanwhile, diversification is associated with growth, which highlights the importance of industrial policy. More importantly, the authors find that the marginal effects of FDI are positively and significantly associated with growth when diversification levels are low, implying that production structure matters for the FDI–growth nexus in developing economies.

Previous studies have overlooked the role of export production structure on the FDI–growth nexus. Many developing economies are dependent on primary exports and suffer from dependency, which implies lower levels of factor endowments. As such, this reduces the growth gains from FDI. The authors provide new empirical evidence on the importance of export production structure on the FDI–growth nexus.

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Does export structure enhance the growth gains from foreign investment? Evidence from the ECOWAS region10.1108/IJDI-12-2022-0282International Journal of Development Issues2023-04-04© 2023 Emerald Publishing LimitedHazwan HainiPang Wei LoonLukman RaimiInternational Journal of Development Issuesahead-of-printahead-of-print2023-04-0410.1108/IJDI-12-2022-0282https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJDI-12-2022-0282/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatest© 2023 Emerald Publishing Limited