This paper examines the informal economy and its relationship to commonly held theories of industrial development. Evidence is presented which contradicts the prevailing assumption that informal economies will disappear with the advance of modern industrial growth. (Author/JDH)

This article describes the current situation concerning food production and likely prospects for feeding a hungry and growing population. Discusses the importance of technology transfer, international grain reserves, encouraging farm productivity, land ownership patterns, and a reduction of rapid population growth. (CT)

Explains China's poverty at specific social levels and as a whole. Deals with overall issues such as: (1) the commodity economy; (2) China's sixth-five year plan; (3) rural industrialization; (4) the poor educational system; (5) unevenly developed territory; (6) persistant feudal problems; and (7) isolation from the world. Concludes by defining…

In rural refugee-affected areas, the better-off and more visible hosts usually gain from the presence of refugees and refugee programs. The poorer hosts, however, often lose from competition for food, work, wages, services and common property resources. (Author/GC)

Canadian universities, with their strong research and training capabilities, are ideally positioned to assist the developing world in strengthening its knowledge infrastructure. Through the University Partnerships in Cooperation and Development program--funded by the Canadian International Development Agency--Canadian universities collaborate with…

The authors focus on providing opportunities for women in Third World countries in agriculture. A review of the body of knowledge in agricultural development and of the issues surrounding current world food crises is included. (CH)

Examines and analyzes some basic questions on women's place in the process of development. Outlines the low position women occupy in various economies in the developing world which makes them the most underprivileged group of workers. (JOW)

Presents direct and indirect causes of erosion in developing countries. Identifies soil conservation developments ranging from major international policy reforms to small-scale, local farming programs. Suggests that strategies at all levels, and the political will to implement them, are needed if erosion is to be reduced to a sustainable rate. (23…

The four papers in this volume discuss various facets of the poverty-demography interaction: the rationale for the desired family size of the poor, the problems of attaining such size, the effect of family size/structure on household economy, and the future well-being of the children of the poor. "Mass Poverty, Demography, and Development…

Addressed to British companies doing business overseas, this briefing paper offers recommendations on practical steps to combat exploitative child labor while explaining why action without the provision of alternative incomes could drive children into higher risk areas of the informal economy. The paper explains that if sufficient resources are…

The Gulf Crisis that erupted in August, 1990 brought Jordan widespread economic devastation, increased poverty, the threat of hunger, health setbacks, and other hardships. Just as the country's economy was beginning to pull out of a lingering recession, Jordan was struck by the economic embargo against Iraq, the influx of over a million evacuees…

There is a close connection between illiteracy and poverty at all levels--global, national, and subnational; the countries with the lowest levels of literacy are also the poorest economically. Poverty breeds illiteracy by forcing children to drop out of school to work, and these illiterate people are forced to stay on the lowest levels of the work…

Children in Africa starve to death or fail to thrive and achieve their full potential as a result of social problems that have their roots in both national and international issues. In many African countries, parents are unable to feed their children because farmers no longer grow enough food and prefer to cultivate cash crops that are exported to…

An estimated 250 million children are working worldwide, and child labor is one of the most devastating consequences of persistent poverty. This monograph proposes that the World Bank take stronger action, and outlines what to do and how, to help address the issue more pro-actively by partnering with other world organizations. The monograph first…

The report focuses on the role of education in facilitating effective participation of groups and individuals in development efforts in Africa. Special attention is given to problems of the poor, women, the handicapped, those uninvolved or marginally involved such as unemployed youth, and those living and working in rural areas. The report is…