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82. Harmless Harvest: How sustainable agriculture can help ASEAN countries adapt to a changing climate
- Author:
- Maria Dolores Bernabe
- Publication Date:
- 05-2015
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Oxfam Publishing
- Abstract:
- A better way of growing food is the best bet against climate change for Southeast Asia's small-scale food producers. Sustainable agriculture - agriculture that can meet the needs of present and future generations, ensures the efficient production of safe, high-quality agricultural products in a way that protects the natural environment, and improves on the economic conditions of farmers and local communities - offers the best chances for countries belonging to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to deal with climate change. By scaling-up sustainable agricultural practices across the region, ASEAN can help feed its peoples and support the livelihoods of small-scale food producers, and help curb greenhouse gas emissions to push back impending catastrophe.
- Topic:
- Agriculture, Environment, Regional Cooperation, and Food
- Political Geography:
- Asia and Southeast Asia
83. Let Them Eat Coal: Why the G7 must stop burning coal to tackle climate change and fight hunger
- Author:
- Kiri Hanks and Julie-Anne Richards
- Publication Date:
- 06-2015
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Oxfam Publishing
- Abstract:
- Climate change is already the biggest threat to winning the fight against hunger. Coal is the biggest single cause of climate change, yet the G7 countries are still burning huge amounts, despite efficient, affordable, renewable alternatives being available. G7 coal power stations emit twice as much fossil fuel CO2 as the whole of Africa, and their contribution to global warming will cost Africa alone more than $43bn per year by the 2080s and $84bn by 2100, and lead to several million tonnes of staple crops lost worldwide. This year will see crucial new UN climate talks in Paris. To set the tone for a successful climate agreement at the UN talks in December, the G7 must lead the world in setting out clear plans for a just transition away from coal. This Oxfam briefing paper shows how with the right mix of regulatory and policy measures, some countries can move to coal-free electricity grids within the next decade. Oxfam commissioned the think-tank E3G to review the current coal situation in all G7 countries.
- Topic:
- Climate Change, Environment, United Nations, Hunger, and Coal
- Political Geography:
- Africa
84. For Human Dignity: The World Humanitarian Summit and the challenge to deliver
- Author:
- Edmund Cairns
- Publication Date:
- 07-2015
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Oxfam Publishing
- Abstract:
- The UN Secretary-General has called the World Humanitarian Summit in 2016 'to make humanitarian action fit for the future'. Tens of millions of people receive humanitarian aid every year, but millions more suffer without adequate help and protection, and their number is relentlessly rising. One summit cannot change everything. But the key tests of its integrity and success are that the World Humanitarian Summit: €¢ demands that states are held to account for their international obligations on assistance and protection; and €¢ sets out genuinely new ways to support local humanitarian action, to reverse the growing gap between the amount of aid needed and given, and to reduce the risk of future disasters
- Topic:
- Humanitarian Aid, United Nations, and Humanitarian Crisis
- Political Geography:
- Global Focus
85. Somali Solutions: Creating conditions for a gender-just peace
- Author:
- Siham Rayale, Ed Pomfret, and Deborah Wright
- Publication Date:
- 08-2015
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Oxfam Publishing
- Abstract:
- This report looks at Somali women's experiences with conflict, peace, violence, insecurity and state rebuilding. It uses an approach geared towards gender-just peace-building to understand the ways in which Somali women have fulfilled their role as agents of change, while navigating the challenges posed by women's exclusion from many forms of public life (government, civil society, universities, open markets etc). Interviews and focus groups have been used to illustrate diverse perspectives and to demonstrate that Somali women have always been principal agents of change and social transformation. The report's recommendations are an acknowledgement of the role Somali women have played throughout the course of Somali history, and continue to play today, in shaping the pathway towards greater participation for women across Somali regions, and the challenges they face in so doing.
- Topic:
- Gender Issues, Social Movement, Women, and Gender Based Violence
- Political Geography:
- Africa and Somalia
86. A Europe For the Many, Not the Few: Time to reverse the course of inequality and poverty in Europe
- Author:
- Teresa Cavero
- Publication Date:
- 09-2015
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Oxfam Publishing
- Abstract:
- Europe is facing unacceptable levels of poverty and inequality. Instead of putting people first, policy decision making is increasingly influenced by wealthy elites who bend the rules to their advantage, worsening poverty and economic inequality, while steadily and significantly eroding democratic institutions. Austerity measures and unfair tax systems across Europe are skewed in favour of powerful vested interests. It is time to reverse the course of poverty and inequality in Europe, putting people first.
- Topic:
- Poverty, European Union, Economic Inequality, and Elites
- Political Geography:
- Europe
87. For Richer or Poorer: The capture of growth and politics in emerging economies
- Author:
- Alice Krozer
- Publication Date:
- 09-2015
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Oxfam Publishing
- Abstract:
- The emerging economies Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Russia, South Africa and Turkey - in short, the BRICSAMIT - have come to be considered the economic powerhouses of recent decades. Not only have these countries managed to reduce poverty; most have embarked on a steep economic growth path and play an increasingly influential role on the global scene. But today, all eight BRICSAMIT countries occupy the top ranks as some of the most unequal countries in the world. The price these countries - and millions of their citizens - pay for this is high. Excessive inequality hampers development prospects: negatively impacting growth potential, threatening poverty reduction, leading to mass migration flows and 'brain drain', and reducing opportunities for young people. This report, which was commissioned by civil society networks across the BRICSAMIT countries, aims to increase the urgency to tackle the structural causes of inequality by shedding light on the nature and scope of the issue in the BRICSAMIT, and the economic, political and social consequences these countries are now facing as a result.
- Topic:
- International Cooperation, Migration, Poverty, and Economic Inequality
- Political Geography:
- Africa, Russia, China, Europe, Indonesia, Turkey, Asia, South Africa, Brazil, South America, and Mexico
88. Implementing the PWDVA: Safeguarding women from domestic violence
- Author:
- Pooja Parvati
- Publication Date:
- 10-2015
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Oxfam Publishing
- Abstract:
- Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) is one of the most widespread, and yet the least recognized, human rights violations across the world. It can manifest in many forms, but the most common form experienced by women globally is physical violence inflicted by an intimate partner. Documenting this continues to be a challenge due to lack of reliable, timely datasets. In 2005, the government of India enacted the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (PWDVA), which came into force in 2006. Nine years later, progress in its implementation is insignificant as it remains plagued by challenges such as inadequate funds and human resources, poor coordination across implementing agencies and ineffective monitoring mechanisms. Addressing these would go a long way in strengthening the Act and making it effective. This also corresponds with the Indian government’s wholehearted commitment to ‘Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls’ by the year 2030 through its adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Topic:
- Gender Issues, Human Rights, Gender Based Violence, and Humanitarian Crisis
- Political Geography:
- India, Asia, and Global Focus
89. Right to a Future: Empowering refugees from Syria and host governments to face a long-term crisis
- Author:
- David Andres-Vinas, Daniel Gorevan, Martin Hartberg, Melissa Phillips, and Alexandra Saieh
- Publication Date:
- 11-2015
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Oxfam Publishing
- Abstract:
- With no end to the conflict in Syria in sight, the four million people forced to flee the country have no foreseeable prospect of safe return. And as the impact of the crisis on neighbouring countries grows and aid dries up, the situation for these refugees is becoming increasingly dire. This briefing calls for a new approach by the international community, including Syria's neighbours; one which offers hope, safety and dignity to the millions of refugees, and gives them a chance to contribute to the societies and economies of their hosts.
- Topic:
- Civil War, Refugee Issues, Refugee Crisis, and Humanitarian Crisis
- Political Geography:
- Middle East, Syria, and Global Focus
90. Made in Myanmar: Entrenched poverty or decent jobs for garment workers?
- Author:
- Daisy Gardener and Jasmine Burnley
- Publication Date:
- 12-2015
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Oxfam Publishing
- Abstract:
- In Myanmar, the garment industry is booming thanks to an upsurge in investment by international brands, but garment workers are facing tough conditions. According to new research from Oxfam and labour rights groups in Myanmar, garment workers are working up to 11 hours a day, six days a week, but remain trapped in poverty. Following decades of economic isolation, political reforms have seen global retail heavyweights like GAP, H&M, Primark and Adidas starting to source from Myanmar factories. With the garment industry growing quickly, companies need to act now to ensure that workers making their products can access their fundamental rights and provide a decent living for themselves and their families. This briefing paper presents the research findings and makes recommendations for international sourcing companies and factories to help them protect garment workers' rights.
- Topic:
- Labor Issues, Investment, Clothing, and Garmet Industry
- Political Geography:
- Burma and Myanmar
91. Climate Change Resilience: The case of Haiti
- Author:
- Marc J. Cohen and Bhawan Singh
- Publication Date:
- 03-2014
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Oxfam Publishing
- Abstract:
- Haiti's climate has changed over the past four decades. Annual mean temperatures have risen, and the rainy season now begins up to three months later than usual. Projections of future climate change indicate that annual mean temperatures will continue to rise over the course of the 21st century. Rainfall variability is also expected to increase, meaning more extreme droughts in the dry season and more intense rainfall in the wet season. Sea-level rise and increased storm surges are also expected. The coastal plains are increasingly subject to the influx of saltwater, and as ocean surges lead to saltier soils, farmers can no longer cultivate them. These factors will exacerbate current serious problems of flooding and erosion in coastal areas that lie in the direct path of tropical storms and hurricanes. In the absence of significant adaptation efforts, these dynamics will in turn have severe impacts on water resources, land, agriculture, and forests. Annual population growth of 1.5 per cent means over 11 million mouths to feed by 2020 and additional pressure on agricultural resources.
- Topic:
- Climate Change, Development, Poverty, Natural Disasters, and Infrastructure
- Political Geography:
- Caribbean and Haiti
92. Effective Public Policies and Active Citizenship: Brazil's experience of building a food and nutrition security system
- Author:
- Marília Leão and Renato S. Maluf
- Publication Date:
- 02-2014
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Oxfam Publishing
- Abstract:
- Brazil has achieved promising results in the fight against hunger and poverty. This paper describes the path toward building a new governance framework for the provision of public policies that initiated a virtuous cycle for the progressive elimination of hunger and poverty. However, it is important to emphasize that the country continues to be characterized by dynamics that generate inequalities and threaten social and environmental justice.
- Topic:
- Agriculture, Economics, Poverty, Food, and Governance
- Political Geography:
- Brazil and Latin America
93. Review of Myanmar's Disaster Management Law from the Angle of Inclusivity
- Author:
- Adele Peers
- Publication Date:
- 02-2014
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Oxfam Publishing
- Abstract:
- This research reviews Myanmar's Disaster Management Law from the angle of inclusivity. It aims to make Myanmar's disaster management cycle more inclusive of women, children, persons with disabilities and aged persons. It offers recommendations aimed at government and members of the Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group (DRRWG) as to how to address inclusivity gaps identified through an analysis of the Disaster Management Law, and beyond. It suggests that many of the gaps can be addressed by construction of robust and inclusive Rules and Regulations to accompany the Law. While this research is focused predominantly on inclusion within Myanmar's Disaster Management Law, it also discusses disaster management processes more broadly. In this way, this research offers useful insights with regards to current and future challenges for comprehensive disaster management in Myanmar.
- Topic:
- Humanitarian Aid, Poverty, Natural Disasters, and Governance
- Political Geography:
- Southeast Asia and Myanmar
94. Who Wants to Farm? Youth Aspirations, Opportunities and Rising Food Prices
- Author:
- Jennifer Leavy and Naomi Hossain
- Publication Date:
- 03-2014
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Oxfam Publishing
- Abstract:
- Who wants to farm? In an era of land grabs and environmental uncertainty, improving smallholder productivity has become a higher priority on the poverty and food security agenda in development, focusing attention on the next generation of farmers. Yet emerging evidence about the material realities and social norms and desires of young people in developing countries indicates a reasonably widespread withdrawal from work on the land as an emerging norm. While de-agrarianisation is not new, policymakers are correct to be concerned about a withdrawal from the sector: smallholder productivity growth, and agricultural transformation more broadly, depend in part on the extent to which capable, skilled young people can be retained or attracted to farming, and on policies that support that retention. So who wants to farm, and under what conditions? Where are economic, environmental and social conditions favourable to active recruitment by educated young people into farming? What policy and programmatic conditions are creating attractive opportunities in farming or agro-food industry livelihoods?
- Topic:
- Agriculture, Economics, and Food
- Political Geography:
- Africa and Latin America
95. Is There a Role for Mobiles to Support Sustainable Agriculture in Africa?
- Author:
- Batchelor Simon, Scott Nigel, Valverde Alvaro, Manfre Cristina, and Edwards David
- Publication Date:
- 07-2014
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Oxfam Publishing
- Abstract:
- This paper from the Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on ICTs for Sustainability (ICT4S 2014) reviews findings from detailed consultation with 50 global experts in Agriculture and Information Communication Technologies (ICTs). The study explores how ICTs (particularly mobile phones) could be used to accelerate the uptake of sustainable agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa. The paper develops a detailed conceptual model, built around the smallholder farmer, for understanding the flow of information through the agriculture sector.
- Topic:
- Agriculture, Human Rights, Human Welfare, and Science and Technology
- Political Geography:
- Africa
96. Climate Shocks, Food and Nutrition Security: Evidence from the Young Lives cohort study
- Author:
- Dornan Paul, Ogando Portela, Maria Jose, and Pells Kirrily
- Publication Date:
- 09-2014
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Oxfam Publishing
- Abstract:
- Drawing on survey data from Young Lives, an international study of childhood poverty involving 12,000 children in four countries, this paper examines the effects of environmental shocks on food insecurity and children‟s development. The data, from children and their families living in rural and urban locations in Ethiopia, the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, Peru , and Vietnam , provide information on the same individuals over time, allowing consideration of how earlier incidences of food insecurity and exposures to environmental shocks shape later outcomes. Regression analysis is used to estimate the relationships between these and other relevant factors.
- Topic:
- Security, Climate Change, Human Welfare, and Food
- Political Geography:
- India, Vietnam, Ethiopia, Andhra Pradesh, and Peru
97. The UN Climate Summit's Public–Private Action Announcements: Sorting the promising from the greenwash
- Author:
- Hanks Kiri
- Publication Date:
- 09-2014
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Oxfam Publishing
- Abstract:
- UN Secretary - General Ban Ki - moon invited business leaders to bring to the Climate Summit the bold actions they are undertaking to address climate change. These public – private initiatives are touted to be a key outcome of the summit – especially given that few governments will be in a position to make major new commitments. The hope is that they will inject some positive momentum into the global talks by showing that business is already ' getting on with it ' and leading the way.
- Topic:
- Climate Change, International Cooperation, and International Political Economy
- Political Geography:
- United Nations
98. A Sign of Things to Come? Examining four major climate-related disasters, 2010–2013, and their impacts on food security
- Author:
- Coghlan Christopher, Muzammil Maliha, Ingram John, Vervoort Joost, Otto Friederike, and James Rachel
- Publication Date:
- 09-2014
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Oxfam Publishing
- Abstract:
- From 2010 to 2013 the world experienced a number of extreme weather events, several of which were notable for their intensity, duration, and impacts on livelihoods and food security. This report focuses on four case studies – a heat wave in Russia, flooding in Pakistan, drought in East Africa, and a typhoon in the Philippines – that represent a range of extreme weather. It analyses the impact of these extreme weather events on food security, by considering when and why threats emerge. This involves characterization of the weather events, examination of the vulnerable groups affected, and analysis of livelihoods and the role of governance and capital.
- Topic:
- Security, Climate Change, Environment, and Food
- Political Geography:
- Pakistan, Africa, Russia, and Philippines
99. Food prices and how people are eating: Views from 'Life in a Time of Food Price Volatility'
- Author:
- Nick Chisholm
- Publication Date:
- 08-2014
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Oxfam Publishing
- Abstract:
- On food prices: The case studies on food prices and how people are eating in Bangladesh, Kenya, and Pakistan confirm that price changes, and the impacts of such changes on households, are far more varied in space and time than national average data reveal. In turn, national price movements can clearly diverge from global prices due to a variety of country - specific factors. The case studies also demonstrate that politics and policies have a significant impact on prices: governments can directly (for good or ill) influence the wellbeing of the poor thro ugh decisions on policy instruments such as taxation and levels of subsidies. Finally, there is some evidence that prices in rural agricultural areas are more influenced by seasonal supply and demand factors than are prices in urban areas. In principle, rural producers may benefit from higher prices, but that is not usually the case for small producers, who are still net consumers of basic food commodities.
- Topic:
- Food
- Political Geography:
- Pakistan, Bangladesh, Kenya, and Vietnam
100. Women's Economic Leadership in Asia: A review of WEL programming
- Author:
- Bowman Kimberly
- Publication Date:
- 09-2014
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Oxfam Publishing
- Abstract:
- This report summarizes an internal review of Women‟s Economic Leadership (WEL) programming in Asia. Conducted by an internal MEL advisor in 2013–2014, the review draws upon project documentation, evaluation reports, site visits and staff and partner interviews to try and reflect how WEL programming is being implemented by Oxfam and partners in Asia. Part of a formative evaluation activity, the report aims to help gather and consolidate good practice, based on what Oxfam project teams and partners have learned through recent experience and evaluation. There are at least four distinct topics covered in this report that may be of specific interest to readers.
- Topic:
- Economics, Gender Issues, and Sociology
- Political Geography:
- Asia