The vast majority of micro and small enterprises in developing countries are located in industrial clusters, and the majority of such clusters have yet to see their growth take off. The performance of micro and small enterprise clusters is especially low in Sub-Saharan Africa. While existing...

Using firm-level data on manufacturing sectors in Africa, this paper addresses how domestic supply constraints and other firm characteristics explain the geographical orientation of firms' exports and the overall market diversification of African manufacturing exports. The degree of market...

The need to construct an effective strategy for industrial development in low-income countries has been largely ignored by development economists because industrial policies have failed in many developing countries. This does not imply, however, that industrial development cannot be promoted....

Since the first quarter of 2020, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in developing countries have faced significant hardship due to the economic shocks related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Questions arise, however, regarding the extent to which MSMEs' hardship has varied between...

This study offers a comprehensive picture of the rural economy in Bangladesh during the first three months of the lockdown period in comparison with the pre-COVID-19 situation. Using a nationally representative sample (of 2,312 rural households from 62 villages in 56 districts) known as the...

Soon after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, many governments began extending financial and other forms of support to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and their workers because smaller firms are more vulnerable to negative shocks to their supply chain, labor supply, and final...

Conventional agricultural extension services in rural India have been insufficient due to various constraints, including accessibility, finances, and lack of access to other resources. These services primarily depend on in-person visits and physical demonstrations of farming practices, making...

Water shortage is one of the major environmental challenges in emerging Asian economies such as India and the People's Republic of China (PRC), presenting significant threats to livelihood and food security in coming decades. The growing population, increasing demand for food, rapid...

The growing number of older adults due to the demographic transition has brought about a complex change in health and disease patterns. Depression is common among older adults, linked to cognitive impairment and reduced physical activity. Little is known about the relationship between social...

In responding to the challenge of rapid population aging in Asia, promoting healthy and active aging has become a key policy priority in many countries.There is an opportunity to realize a "silver demographic dividend" by harnessing the potential of healthy and productive older people. This...