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Exporting Manufactures: Trade Policy or Human Resources?

Published by: IDS

A Framework for Understanding Area-based Decentralisation

Proposes an ideal-type model of decentralisation which consists of five interlocking and mutually reinforcing elements: localisation, flexibility, devolved management, organisational culture change, and democratisation.

The Poor and the Environment: Whose Reality Counts?

Published by: IDS

This paper argues that it is the rich and powerful who do most environmental damage. Blaming poor victims of environmental degradation can lead to policies which do more harm than good.

Industrial Clusters in Less Developed Countries: Review of Experiences and Research Agenda

Published by: IDS

The purpose of this paper is to take stock of what is known about industrial clusters in LDCs and to put forward an agenda for further research. The paper shows that clustering (sectoral and geographical concentration) is common in a wide range of countries and sectors. The way clusters are organized varies a great deal. Socio-cultural ties seem to heighten economic performance, but there are exceptions. The relevance of clustering is brought into focus most sharply by those case studies which show the success of local producers in breaking into international markets and/or coping with domestic crisis. Other case studies, show that clustering does not necessarily lead to collective efficiency and raise competitiveness.

South African Industrial Performance and Structure in a Comparative Context

Published by: IDS

The discussion which follows in this paper rests heavily on an analysis of comparative data on manufacturing performance in South Africa...

Linking Relief and Development

Published by: Institute of Development Studies

This Discussion Paper reports on a workshop on 'Linking Relief and Development', held at IDS, Sussex in March 1994. Development and relief often operate at cross-purposes, with different objectives, cultures and modes of operation.

Assessment of the IDB Lending Programme, 1979-92

Published by: IDS

Commissioned by the Strategic Planning Office of the Inter-American Development Bank, this report provides an assessment of the IDB's lending programme for the period 1979-92. It offers policy recommendations on how to improve future lending activities and addresses issues concerning the role of regional development banks in poverty reduction.

Financing Health Services in China: Adapting to Economic Reform

Published by: IDS

This report provides a detailed exploration of the impact of economic and institutional change on rural health services in China. It shows how the health sector's development has been influenced firstly by the command economy and, since the 1970s, by the transition to a market economy. Detailed information is presented based on the findings of a multi-province survey of health utilization and expenditure carried out during 1988.

Quality of Public Health Services and Household Health Care Decisions in Rural Communes of Vietnam

Published by: IDS

The report describes a systematic household study of health care seeking behaviour and of the quality of commune health care in four rural communes in the north of Vietnam, during 1992-93.

A Policy Agenda for Post-Apartheid South Africa

Published by: IDS

South Africa faces a series of critical and daunting developmental challenges in the post-aparthied era. This IDS Bulletin explores the lessons of policy formation in a comparative context. Contributions cover industrial and agricultural strategy, health and education policy, regional government and policies on foreign direct investment.