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• 1. [Article] Assessing Vulnerability to Poverty in Fishing Communities

  In this paper we develop an index of economic vulnerability which we use conjointly with a more conventional measure of income poverty to explore the different dimensions of poverty (transient, chronic, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Assessing Vulnerability to Poverty in Fishing Communities Author: Béné, Christophe In this paper we develop an index of economic vulnerability which we use conjointly with a more conventional measure of income poverty to explore the different dimensions of poverty (transient, chronic, vulnerability) that affect fishing communities in developing countries. We illustrate the potential uses of this method with cross-sectoral data of farming-fishing communities from a remote rural area in Democratic Republic of Congo. In line with recent works on poverty and vulnerability our analysis suggests that income poverty and economic vulnerability are only loosely correlated at the household level. In particular, the data show that households can remain highly vulnerable even when their incomes lie well above the average local income. The analysis also highlights the high vulnerability of full-time fisherfolks and identifies mobility as a key-factor increasing vulnerability. These different results are consistent with the conclusions usually proposed in the more specialized literature on small-scale fisheries in Africa. Title: Assessing Vulnerability to Poverty in Fishing Communities Author: Béné, Christophe In this paper we develop an index of economic vulnerability which we use conjointly with a more conventional measure of income poverty to explore the different dimensions of poverty (transient, chronic, vulnerability) that affect fishing communities in developing countries. We illustrate the potential uses of this method with cross-sectoral data of farming-fishing communities from a remote rural area in Democratic Republic of Congo. In line with recent works on poverty and vulnerability our analysis suggests that income poverty and economic vulnerability are only loosely correlated at the household level. In particular, the data show that households can remain highly vulnerable even when their incomes lie well above the average local income. The analysis also highlights the high vulnerability of full-time fisherfolks and identifies mobility as a key-factor increasing vulnerability. These different results are consistent with the conclusions usually proposed in the more specialized literature on small-scale fisheries in Africa. Close

• 2. [Article] Designing and Piloting a Program to Provide Water Filters and Improved Cookstoves in Rwanda

  Background: In environmental health interventions addressing water and indoor air quality, multiple determinants contribute to adoption. These may include technology selection, technology distribution ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Designing and Piloting a Program to Provide Water Filters and Improved Cookstoves in Rwanda Author: Barstow, Christina K., Ngabo, Fidele, Rosa, Ghislaine, Majorin, Fiona, Boisson, Sophie, Clasen, Thomas, Thomas, Evan A. Year: 2014 Background: In environmental health interventions addressing water and indoor air quality, multiple determinants contribute to adoption. These may include technology selection, technology distribution and education methods, community engagement with behavior change, and duration and magnitude of implementer engagement. In Rwanda, while the country has the fastest annual reduction in child mortality in the world, the population is still exposed to a disease burden associated with environmental health challenges. Rwanda relies both on direct donor funding and coordination of programs managed by international non-profits and health sector businesses working on these challenges. Methods and Findings: This paper describes the design, implementation and outcomes of a pilot program in 1,943 households across 15 villages in the western province of Rwanda to distribute and monitor the use of household water filters and improved cookstoves. Three key program design criteria include a.) an investment in behavior change messaging and monitoring through community health workers, b.) free distributions to encourage community-wide engagement, and c.) a private-public partnership incentivized by a business model designed to encourage ‘‘pay for performance’’. Over a 5- month period of rigorous monitoring, reported uptake was maintained at greater than 90% for both technologies, although exclusive use of the stove was reported in only 28.5% of households and reported water volume was 1.27 liters per person per day. On-going qualitative monitoring suggest maintenance of comparable adoption rates through at least 16 months after the intervention. Conclusion: High uptake and sustained adoption of a water filter and improved cookstove was measured over a five-month period with indications of continued comparable adoption 16 months after the intervention. The design attributes applied by the implementers may be sufficient in a longer term. In particular, sustained and comprehensive engagement by the program implementer is enabled by a pay-for-performance business model that rewards sustained behavior change. Title: Designing and Piloting a Program to Provide Water Filters and Improved Cookstoves in Rwanda Author: Barstow, Christina K., Ngabo, Fidele, Rosa, Ghislaine, Majorin, Fiona, Boisson, Sophie, Clasen, Thomas, Thomas, Evan A. Year: 2014 Background: In environmental health interventions addressing water and indoor air quality, multiple determinants contribute to adoption. These may include technology selection, technology distribution and education methods, community engagement with behavior change, and duration and magnitude of implementer engagement. In Rwanda, while the country has the fastest annual reduction in child mortality in the world, the population is still exposed to a disease burden associated with environmental health challenges. Rwanda relies both on direct donor funding and coordination of programs managed by international non-profits and health sector businesses working on these challenges. Methods and Findings: This paper describes the design, implementation and outcomes of a pilot program in 1,943 households across 15 villages in the western province of Rwanda to distribute and monitor the use of household water filters and improved cookstoves. Three key program design criteria include a.) an investment in behavior change messaging and monitoring through community health workers, b.) free distributions to encourage community-wide engagement, and c.) a private-public partnership incentivized by a business model designed to encourage ‘‘pay for performance’’. Over a 5- month period of rigorous monitoring, reported uptake was maintained at greater than 90% for both technologies, although exclusive use of the stove was reported in only 28.5% of households and reported water volume was 1.27 liters per person per day. On-going qualitative monitoring suggest maintenance of comparable adoption rates through at least 16 months after the intervention. Conclusion: High uptake and sustained adoption of a water filter and improved cookstove was measured over a five-month period with indications of continued comparable adoption 16 months after the intervention. The design attributes applied by the implementers may be sufficient in a longer term. In particular, sustained and comprehensive engagement by the program implementer is enabled by a pay-for-performance business model that rewards sustained behavior change. Close

• 3. [Article] Livelihoods development for MPA affected communities - a case study of Cu Lao Cham

  Abstract only.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Livelihoods development for MPA affected communities - a case study of Cu Lao Cham Author: Nguyen, Thanh Viet, Brown, Paula Abstract only. Title: Livelihoods development for MPA affected communities - a case study of Cu Lao Cham Author: Nguyen, Thanh Viet, Brown, Paula Abstract only. Close