Assessing the Effects of an Asset-Building Program in Resource-Constrained Households: The Case of Sub-Saharan Africa

ABSTRACT

Using a survey that was administered individually to respondents at set locations, this study examines the effects of participation in an asset-building program in resource-constrained households in rural Ghana (n = 120 in the experimental group and n = 120 in the comparison group). Results suggest the program is effective in reaching the most economically vulnerable households. We also learned that program participation was related to ownership of social assets, as well as psychosocial and financial well-being. Program characteristics, including trust among members and time spent on program-related activities, were related to enhanced social and financial assets, respectively. A number of implications emerge from this study. Given that the program, although effective in reaching the most economically vulnerable households, did not produce significant outcomes in such households, attention may be devoted to understanding ways to enhance the welfare of vulnerable program participants. A targeted approach may be a viable option. With respect to policy, consideration could be given to incorporating microfinance models in poverty alleviation strategies. Continued research using more rigorous design is needed to explore the relationship between microfinance and the welfare of vulnerable participants.     

农户借贷过程中信任机制的构建--一种基于完全信息动态博弈模型的分析

农户“借贷难”产生的根源在于借贷过程中信任的匮乏。从农户借贷过程中信任的形成机理出发,运用完全信息动态博弈理论,提出构建信任机制的四种方法,并指出构建信任机制的三点配套措施。     

农户营销合作意愿的影响因素分析——基于江西省1 085户农户的实证调查

以江西省1 085户农户问卷调查数据为基础,利用Logit模型对农产品营销中影响农户合作意愿的因素进行了计量经济分析。研究表明,农产品营销中农户的合作意愿与农产品生产集中度、农产品经营规模、农产品价格波动及政府支持等因素呈显著正相关关系;与销售难度、距离市场远近及农产品类型等因素呈一定的正相关关系;与户主风险态度等因素呈显著负相关关系;与文化程度因素关系不显著。基于上述结果,提出了相关政策建议。     

Family resilience in low income communities: A case study of an informal settlement in KwaZulu-Natal,South Africa

Many of the people who are most vulnerable to the effects of poverty and deprivation reside in informal settlements in Africa. While there is growing evidence of the importance of family resilience, there is little documented evidence of how collective actions undertaken by families in African communities can contribute to this. In-depth interviews and focus-group sessions were conducted with single mothers residing in an informal settlement in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa to delineate the factors that contributed to their resilience. We examined the influence of social ties, self-efficacy and networks they had established beyond their immediate community on enhancing family resilience. Three key themes are discussed: determination to survive, rising above harsh economic conditions and establishing networks within and outside the community. We conclude that the foundation for building strong female-headed families lies in positive social ties, self-empowerment initiatives and tapping on established networks within and outside low income communities.     

对我国订单农业中违约行为的调查研究

该文对我国订单农业实践过程中的违约案例进行了搜集、整理和归类,通过对订单农业中参与主体的违约行为分析,认为订单农产品的类别、订单农业参与主体、农产品市场结构等因素对订单农业违约率有显著的影响,并提出相应的对策和建议。     

中国高等教育大众化与政府行政管理策略

从政府、社会、高校和学生及其家长组成的宏观系统出发,分析中国高等教育大众化的动力因素、发展进程中存在的问题以及对政府行政管理的挑战,提出了初步的应对策略和措施。     

江西省铜鼓县农村纯女户再生育意愿调查与分析

再生育意愿直接影响人们的生育活动和生育行为,已经成为制约低生育水平稳定的一个突出因素.为了找到这一问题的症结,寻求相应的解决办法,在江西省铜鼓县农村纯女户再生育意愿调查基础上,对调查结果进行分析,最后提出相应对策.     

西部地区农户资金借贷实证分析 ———以陕西省248 户调查为例

通过对陕西248家农户资金借贷现状的实证分析,发现西部地区农户对于资金借贷需求逐年上升;农户资金借贷主要来源是民间金融,而从正规金融机构贷款比例逐年提高;借贷资金主要投向于资金需求较大的生活消费项目和投资回报率较高的非农领域及高效农业项目,总体上生活性借款比重有所增加而生产性借款比重有所下降。文章针对西部地区农户资金借贷特征及存在的问题,提出了相应的政策建议。     

农户生态行为影响因素的实证分析

为实现农业的可持续发展,探索现代农业生态环境的微观治理机制,基于对陕西省渭南市大荔县、蒲城县、合阳县和韩城县500个农户的调查数据,采用Logistic模型,对农户生态行为影响因素进行了实证分析。结果表明：农户生态行为受多种因素的影响,除家庭资产状况和兼业程度对农户生态行为有显著的负向影响外,其他因素如户主年龄、家庭规模、户主受教育年限、家庭的实际劳动力数、土地产权制度、农业技术推广程度、农业补贴政策、农业耕作方式、农村社区文化对农户生态行为有显著的正向影响。     

农户有偿林业技术需求意愿的影响因素分析——基于江西宜春243户农户调查数据

以江西宜春243户农户调查数据为基础,利用Logistic模型对农户有偿林业技术需求意愿的影响因素进行计量经济分析。研究表明,农户有偿林业技术需求意愿与户主受教育程度、林业经营历史、林业经营资金获得难易程度、林业收入占家庭收入的比重、对林业政策稳定性的评价等呈显著正相关;与在家劳动力人数呈显著负相关。基于上述结论,提出相关政策建议。