"By developing a simple theoretical model of the impact of market integration on sectoral output and employment in a poor rural setting, this paper demonstrates that trade can induce asymmetric growth. Under certain, plausible, assumptions, the non-farm sector will grow much faster than the...

"This paper analyzes characteristics of nonfarm enterprises, their employment growth patterns, and constraints in doing business in rural Tanzania. Using unique survey data, the authors describe a low-return sector struggling to compete in a difficult business environment. However, about...

"Dabalen, Paternostro, and Pierre investigate the differences in outcomes (earnings and consumption) between individuals (households) who participate in the nonfarm sector and those who do not. They use propensity score matching methods where they create appropriate comparison groups of...

Ethiopia's rural non-farm sector is significant and participation is increasing. The sector is particularly important for women and poorer households. Non-farm enterprises provide income-earning opportunities to those lacking alternative options and supplementary income for farming households....

The Rural Investment Climate Survey (RICS) carried out in 2006 sampled more than 2,500 predominantly very small firms in six rural districts in Indonesia [Labuhan Batu (North Sumatra), Kutai (East Kalimantan), Barru (South Sulawesi), Malang Java), Badung (Bali), Sumbawa (NTB)]. It compiled...

Tanzania's Pilot Rural Investment Climate Assessment (RICA) measures the economic environment of non-farm entrepreneurs. The pilot assessment has three key objectives: it aims to better understand the rural non-farm economy in Tanzania, shed light on rural enterprise dynamics and business...

The major constraints to RNF growth, according to a large survey of rural entrepreneurs,' include (1) flood and natural disasters; (2) access to electricity; (3) road conditions, (4) access to finance and (5) transportation to markets. Bangladesh's vulnerability to frequent floods and other...

The major constraints to RNF growth, according to a large survey of rural entrepreneurs,' include (1) flood and natural disasters; (2) access to electricity; (3) road conditions, (4) access to finance and (5) transportation to markets. Bangladesh's vulnerability to frequent floods and other...

The report is structured as follows. Section one examines the contribution of the rural economy to the national economy, the structure of the farm and non-farm sectors and their relative importance. Section two describes policies and constraints affecting the wider rural economy including,...