The objective of this study is to review panchayat finances, identify issues and make recommendations to improve the fiscal decentralization system. Using Kamataka and Kerala as case studies, this report describes the context for rural decentralization in India, summarizes the current fiscal...

This paper summarizes the findings of a study in rural load segregation for lighting rural India. The study focused on (i) analyzing differences in approach to rural feeder segregation across states, (ii) assessing the financial viability of the schemes, (iii) evaluating socio economic benefits...

As the first output from the gender and governance in rural services project, this report presents descriptive findings and qualitative analysis of accountability mechanisms in agricultural extension and rural water supply in India, Ghana, and Ethiopia, paying specific attention to gender...

The study is conducted in two states with different geographic, public health, and socioeconomic characteristics, together spanning a range of conditions in rural India: Maharashtra and Orissa. The secondary objectives of the study were to develop proxy indicators for routine monitoring of the...

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are a potentially revolutionary means of empowering the poor. Realizing this potential will require investments that increase access to ICTs in remote low productivity areas and the development of innovative applications that cater to the needs...

Bolivia benefited from an overall favorable economic evolution in the last few years, supported by sound macro-economic indicators. Yet, economic growth was unevenly distributed between the sectors, with particularly extractive industries, construction and financial services showing higher real...