Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry Core Insights - The deployment of green technologies is essential for addressing climate change, with trade policy playing a crucial role in facilitating the diffusion of these technologies in emerging markets [7][10] - High tariffs negatively impact the import of green value chain products, particularly for undiversified firms, suggesting that emerging market governments should avoid protectionist policies [2][8] - The study highlights the importance of firm-level responses to trade policies, indicating that firms' import behavior is significantly influenced by tariffs compared to non-tariff measures [54][55] Summary by Sections Introduction - The report discusses the increasing use of trade policy to restrict imports of green technologies in high-income countries, which poses challenges for emerging markets that rely on imports for green technology access [7][8] Data - The analysis is based on novel firm-level import transaction data from 35 emerging markets covering the period 2017-2021, focusing on tariffs and non-tariff measures [21][22] Stylized Facts - The share of green products in total imports increased in most countries between 2017 and 2021, with significant variations across countries and value chains [33][34] - Tariffs on green value chain products have been consistently lower than those on other products, with a widening gap over time [38][39] Empirical Methodology - A firm-product dynamic structural gravity model is employed to analyze the impact of trade policy on firms' green technology import behavior at both intensive and extensive margins [42][43] Results - Firms' imports of green value chain products are most responsive to tariffs, with a one standard deviation decrease in tariffs associated with a 3.3% increase in imports [54] - The solar value chain shows the highest sensitivity to trade policies, with significant responses to both tariffs and non-tariff measures [55][56] - Indian firms exhibit a unique response to tariffs, increasing imports despite rising tariffs, particularly in the solar value chain [57][59]

Policy Research Working Paper 10980 Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Building Women's Skills for Economic Inclusion and Resilience Megan Lang Julia Seither Public Disclosure Authorized Development Economics Development Research Group November 2024 Public Disclosure Authorized Policy Research Working Paper 10980 Abstract Can skills-based programs promote women's economic inclusion? This study randomizes access to a program teaching entrepreneurship skills in rural Uganda. The program ...

Investment Rating - The report does not provide a specific investment rating for the industry Core Insights - The paper discusses the tension between the principles of sovereignty, equality, and self-determination in the context of national governments' interactions with indigenous communities and the role of multilateral agencies in development [2][6] - It proposes an analytical framework to reconcile competing rights-based commitments in low-income countries, particularly in education, health care, and environmental protection [2][9] Summary by Sections Introduction - The introduction highlights the disparity in economic and human development capacities among states and groups, emphasizing the role of development interventions in addressing these disparities [7] - The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are presented as a universal framework that requires states to implement initiatives to achieve various development objectives [7][9] Arguments Against Interventions - The report outlines arguments against national governments intervening in the affairs of indigenous groups, emphasizing the importance of respecting their autonomy and cultural values [10][12] - It discusses the potential negative impacts of development interventions on indigenous communities, including the imposition of foreign policies that may undermine their traditional practices [13][15] Indigenous Groups and Legal Protections - Indigenous peoples are identified as a significant demographic, with approximately 476 million individuals across 90 countries, yet lacking a universally accepted definition [16][24] - The report details the legal protections available to indigenous groups under national constitutions and international law, including the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples [24][23] Sovereignty, Equality, and the Right to Self-Determination - The paper emphasizes the interconnectedness of sovereignty and self-determination, arguing that indigenous groups should have the right to govern themselves and determine their own development paths [25][28] - It discusses the limitations of indigenous sovereignty within the context of state authority and the challenges faced by indigenous groups in asserting their rights [27][35] Arguments for Interventions - The report presents arguments in favor of state intervention in indigenous affairs, particularly in cases where health risks are involved or when indigenous rights are at stake [28][40] - It highlights the responsibility of states to protect indigenous communities from external threats, including environmental degradation and climate change [38][40]

Policy Research Working Paper 10981 Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Behaviorally Informed Messages Increase COVID-19 Vaccination Intentions Insights from a Global Meta-Analysis Daniel Alejandro Pinzon Hernandez JungKyu Rhys Lim Michelle Dugas Ellen Moscoe Mohamad Chatila Corey Cameron Renos Vakis Zeina Afif Victor Hugo Orozco Olvera | --- | --- | --- | |-----------------------|-------|------------------------------------------------------| | | | | | | | | | Development Economics | ...

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry. Core Insights - Plastic pollution is recognized as a critical global environmental challenge, prompting international efforts to develop a legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, referred to as the 'Plastic Treaty' [18][29]. - The report identifies eleven key tools designed to assist national governments in planning actions to address plastic pollution, emphasizing the need for a structured approach to navigate the complexities of the issue [19][20]. - A systematic four-step process is proposed for action planning: conducting a baseline analysis, assessing potential solutions, determining financial needs, and implementing actions while monitoring impacts [22][40]. Summary by Sections Executive Summary - The report highlights the global challenge of plastic pollution and the various tools developed to assess and implement solutions [18][19]. - It aims to support national governments in planning actions against plastic pollution by providing information on specific tools available for this purpose [20][30]. Introduction - The introduction outlines the establishment of an Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop the Plastic Treaty and the need for various tools to assess and address plastic pollution [29][30]. - It emphasizes the importance of understanding the scale and nature of plastic pollution to inform effective decision-making [31][32]. Typical Steps for Action Planning - The report details a four-step framework for action planning: baseline analysis, solution assessment, financial needs determination, and implementation with monitoring [40][41][42]. - Each step requires consideration of various factors, including stakeholder engagement, institutional contexts, and the nature of plastic flows [37][39]. Tools to Conduct a Baseline Analysis - The report categorizes tools for baseline analysis into two main groups: assessing plastic flows and leakage, and understanding institutional and governance contexts [49][50]. - Key tools identified include the Hotspotting Tool, Material Flow Analysis Tool, and others that assist in understanding the current situation regarding plastic pollution [47][48][50]. Tools to Assess Potential Solutions - The report discusses tools that help prioritize impactful policies and measures to reduce plastic pollution, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive action plan [41][42]. - It highlights the importance of comparing different potential actions and setting appropriate targets as part of the action planning process [41][42]. Financial Needs and Implementation - The report stresses the necessity of determining financial needs and investment plans for implementing the action plan effectively [42][43]. - It notes that ongoing efforts are required to develop tools that assist in identifying financing sources and support the implementation stage [25][26].

Investment Rating - The report does not provide a specific investment rating for the agricultural sector in Sub-Saharan Africa. Core Insights - The agricultural sector is crucial for the labor force and economic output in low-income countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where it accounts for about 50% of the labor force [6] - The World Bank's LSMS-ISA program has been instrumental in collecting high-quality, nationally representative data on agricultural productivity and household welfare across seven Sub-Saharan African countries from 2008 to 2021 [2][7] - The harmonized panel dataset includes over 200,000 agricultural plot observations, over 400,000 individuals, and about 59,000 households, enabling in-depth analysis of agricultural dynamics and welfare outcomes [2][8] Summary by Sections Background and Summary - The agricultural sector is vital for poverty alleviation, food security, and economic development in Sub-Saharan Africa, where many extreme poor rely on agriculture for income [6] - The LSMS-ISA program addresses the historical lack of high-quality data necessary for informed research and policy interventions [7] Data Collection and Structure - The harmonized panel dataset (HP) covers seven countries: Ethiopia, Malawi, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda, representing 39% of the population and nearly a third of the poor in Sub-Saharan Africa [8] - The HP consists of four datasets: household, individual, agricultural plots, and crops on each plot, allowing for detailed analysis of agricultural productivity and household welfare [9][40] Survey Methodology - The HP includes 29 waves of longitudinal surveys conducted between 2008 and 2021, with varying timeframes across countries [12] - Surveys were designed to be nationally representative, employing a stratified two-stage probability sampling approach [18] Data Processing and Harmonization - The HP datasets were created by cleaning and harmonizing nearly 150 indicators, ensuring they are ready for analysis [9][41] - Key identifiers and geospatial variables are included to facilitate longitudinal tracking and integration with geospatial data [42][55] Agricultural and Household Variables - The datasets include a wide range of agricultural variables, such as crop production, labor inputs, and agricultural practices, as well as household welfare indicators like consumption and asset ownership [66] - The household-level dataset captures critical variables for analyzing livelihood outcomes, including access to electricity and household consumption values [66] Individual-Level Insights - The individual-level dataset provides demographic information, work and employment data, and anthropometric measurements for children, allowing for comprehensive analysis of household members' welfare [69]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the sustainable rice market, but it highlights significant investment opportunities in sustainable rice cultivation and financing [15][18]. Core Insights - The sustainable rice market is integral to global food systems, with rice being a staple for 3.5 billion people and contributing to about one-fifth of the global calorie supply [10][11]. - The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is actively exploring investment opportunities in the rice sector, focusing on sustainable practices and climate-smart agricultural methods [15][34]. - The Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP) aims to promote sustainable rice cultivation and has seen increasing market presence, although the current SRP-verified portion of the market remains small [24][27]. Summary by Sections Executive Summary - Rice is crucial for food security and livelihoods, with significant contributions to global calorie supply and greenhouse gas emissions [10][14]. - The report emphasizes the need for sustainable practices to reduce methane emissions and enhance resilience in rice farming [14][15]. Introduction - Rice is a vital staple food globally, with over 1.5 billion people relying on it for their livelihoods, primarily in Asia and the Pacific [12][35]. - The report outlines the importance of rice in the World Bank Group's Climate Change Action Plan, focusing on sustainable farming systems [33][34]. Rice Supply Chain - The rice supply chain includes production, collection, milling, processing, and distribution, with various sourcing models employed by millers [75][99]. - Commercial rice mills are characterized by vertical integration, controlling multiple stages of the supply chain from farming to retail [99][100]. Key Impacts of Rice Cultivation - Rice cultivation significantly impacts greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water consumption, necessitating sustainable practices to mitigate these effects [14][36]. The Sustainable Rice Platform - The SRP Assurance Scheme was launched to verify compliance with sustainable rice standards, with a small but growing area under verification [21][24]. - The SRP has gained traction in the retail market, with verified rice labels available in multiple countries [27]. Selected Financing Opportunities for Sustainable Rice - Supplier finance is identified as a potential investment opportunity to promote climate-smart practices in the rice sector [18][19]. - The GTSF program offers short-term financing linked to environmental and social performance, encouraging sustainable practices among suppliers [19][20]. Conclusion - The report suggests that further support for the sustainable rice market can be achieved through the deployment of financing instruments and the development of new modules for climate finance [28][30].

Investment Rating - The report does not provide a specific investment rating for the industry. Core Insights - The paper introduces a new method for estimating a full-coverage spatial price index that incorporates both food and nonfood components, which is essential for accurate poverty analysis and welfare comparisons across different geographical areas [4][15][62]. - The methodology relies on household-level data typically available in budget surveys, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of cost-of-living variations and their implications for poverty measurement [15][62]. - The findings emphasize the importance of adjusting nominal welfare aggregates to account for spatial price differentials, which significantly affect poverty statistics and policy design [11][12][19]. Summary by Sections Introduction - The report highlights significant price differences for consumption goods across various regions, affecting household purchasing power [10][11]. - It notes that understanding these differences is crucial for welfare analysis and poverty reduction strategies [11][12]. Theoretical Framework - The paper establishes a theoretical basis for spatial deflation in poverty measurement, linking the use of multiple poverty lines to price adjustment mechanisms [20][21][26]. - It discusses the equivalence of strategies for poverty measurement based on spatial deflation versus nominal expenditures [21][26]. Empirical Strategies - The report outlines two empirical strategies for estimating poverty lines: one based on a single national poverty line and another using multiple poverty lines [42][44]. - It emphasizes the trade-offs between specificity and consistency in poverty measurement when using these strategies [53][54]. Full-Coverage Household-Level Spatial Price Index - The paper proposes a method to extend the coverage of spatial price indexes to include nonfood items, enhancing the accuracy of poverty assessments [59][62]. - It discusses the advantages and limitations of the proposed method, particularly in terms of data availability and the reliability of price observations [76][78].

Investment Rating - The report assesses the Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP) Standards System as credible, indicating alignment with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Performance Standards, although some gaps exist [22][95]. Core Insights - The SRP aims to transform the global rice sector by promoting sustainable practices, with the potential to reduce methane emissions by at least 30% below 2020 levels by 2030 [14]. - The SRP operates a multistakeholder roundtable with over 100 members, focusing on sustainable rice farming practices and governance [15]. - The SRP Farm Standard is designed for farmers and smallholder groups, but does not include first processors, which may limit its applicability in larger operations [27][69]. Summary by Sections Executive Summary - Rice production is a significant contributor to methane emissions, and sustainable practices can mitigate environmental impacts while enhancing producer livelihoods [14]. Introduction - The report compares the SRP Farm Standard with the IFC Performance Standards, evaluating its assurance and governance processes [61][63]. Comparison of SRP Standard with IFC PS - The SRP Farm Standard aligns with key IFC Performance Standards, particularly in environmental and social risk management, labor conditions, and resource efficiency [22][95]. - Gaps identified include less extensive requirements in the SRP compared to the IFC standards, particularly regarding child labor definitions and community health [24][25][26]. Assurance and Governance - The SRP Standards System includes third-party verification, but the approval process for conformity assessment bodies lacks full independence [31]. - The SRP is working towards compliance with ISEAL Good Practice Codes, indicating a commitment to improving governance [37]. Market Position - The SRP has the lowest market penetration among peer systems, with only 46,280 hectares verified, representing 0.4% of globally traded rice [52]. - The SRP's operating budget is significantly smaller than its peers, which may impact its capacity for outreach and implementation [51].

Investment Rating - The report does not provide a specific investment rating for the industry. Core Insights - The study highlights the prevalence of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and parenting stress among mothers of children aged 0-6 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, with higher rates observed in refugee, less-educated, and rural mothers compared to their counterparts [5][12][17] - Maternal mental health concerns are significantly linked to lower levels of early childhood development, indicating a need for policy improvements focused on at-risk communities [5][12][22] - The analysis reveals that exposure to various stressors, including food insecurity and domestic violence, exacerbates both maternal mental health and child development outcomes [5][12][22] Summary by Sections Introduction - The report discusses the challenges faced by families in fragile, conflict-affected settings, emphasizing the high rates of mental health burdens and their impact on early childhood development [12][13] - It notes that Pakistan hosts a significant number of refugees, particularly from Afghanistan, which adds to the complexity of mental health issues in the region [18][19] Methodology - A household survey was conducted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, sampling 2,102 mother-child dyads to assess maternal mental health and early childhood development [23][59] - The study utilized validated instruments to measure maternal mental health and child development outcomes, ensuring a comprehensive analysis of the data collected [34][37][38] Results - The findings indicate that 58% of mothers in the sample had no formal education, and 6% of households were identified as refugee households [59][61] - The average child in the sample scored significantly below the global mean in developmental assessments, highlighting the urgent need for interventions [69][77] - Stressors such as food insecurity and domestic violence were prevalent, with 26% of the sample reporting meal skipping and 22% experiencing domestic violence [79]