All articles
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The impact of a gender quota on women’s education in Afghanistan
Gender gaps in access to education have persisted in low- and middle-income countries, despite all but closing in high-income countries. Affirmative action for women in public universities in Afghanistan increased the share of women admitted by 32%. These findings highlight the promise of affirmative action as a strategy to bridge gender disparities in tertiary education in low- and middle-income countries.
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Tertiarisation like China
China is currently undergoing a rapid process of tertiarisation. This structural change since 2005 has seen productivity increase faster in services than in the manufacturing sector, with both consumer and producer services exhibiting high productivity growth
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Getting good politicians into politics
Emphasising the ability to support and assist one’s community through elected office encouraged ordinary citizens to run for office in Pakistan which improved subsequent policy outcomes
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From migrant worker to owner: When temporary migration is used to start one’s own business
The majority of Bangladeshi migrants take on significant financial burdens to cover migration costs, but can enjoy high returns. Many returning migrants become small-scale entrepreneurs, using money saved while working abroad.
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Fumigation of banana plantations and newborn health in Ecuador
Newborns with high exposure to pesticides during gestation have lower birth weights and a higher probability of low birth weight and preterm birth
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National policy reversals and deforestation in the Amazon
Evidence from the Amazon highlights the crucial role of policy continuity and political commitment to achieving sustainable conservation outcomes
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VAT in developing countries: flawed, but irreplaceable
Informality, compliance costs, and weak administrative capacity all constrain the effectiveness of VAT in lower-income countries. However, it is a crucial source of revenue that is better than the alternatives, so governments should focus on reforms that make the VAT more efficient.
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Herbicides widely used in agriculture increase infant mortality
The use of glyphosate in Brazilian agriculture led to a deterioration of birth outcomes in surrounding populations
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China’s rise reshaped global entrepreneurship and expanded the benefits of innovation
The rise of a new hub for innovation and entrepreneurship can have large, global benefits by broadening the focus of technology and hence who benefits from it.