Network externalities are analysed in the telecommunications sector and the public good character of the network is stressed. It is examined whether the presence of network externalities justifies a subscribership subsidy usually reflected in a low connection charge. The answer is, in general,...

Examines the effects of fertilizer subsidy on the rural poor in Indonesia. Discusses the factors which lead to rural poverty and measures which have been undertaken to combat these. Describes in detail a survey undertaken in two villages to establish the effects of the removal of the fertilizer...

Increased emphasis on environment, increased faith in private sector forests rather than government‐owned plantations, and improved techniques for tree growing have led to changes in reforestation policies, particularly in timber‐importing countries. Farm and community forestry has become...

Environmental policies are rarely set by environmentalists, whatever they may think to the contrary. Macro‐level policies relating to land, water, atmosphere and other prime environmental resources are generally set by departments of agriculture, industry, settlement and the like, and...

Spotlights important developments in the Japanese food distribution system over the past two to three years. States that, foreign pressure, combined with economic and social change in Japan, has forced the Japanese Government to alter some government regulations, including the Large Scale Retail...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse the issues and concerns of Indian rural credit, which is a powerful tool for enhancing production and productivity and for poverty alleviation. Further it highlights some of the strategies adopted by Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to increase the...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse the issues and concerns of Indian rural credit, which is a powerful tool for enhancing production and productivity and for poverty alleviation. Further it highlights some of the strategies adopted by Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to increase the...