This paper deals with the question of whether for biodiversity an Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) exists. In addition, we are interested in identifying the key determinants of the falling limb of such a curve. An Environmental Kuznets Curve here is understood to be a graphical representation...

Phosphorus is a key element in food production, but is a non-renewable resource. Recent estimates suggest that global production of P fertilizers will peak in 2033 and will be one third of that peak level by the end of the 21st century. Population and income growth will increase demand for food,...

This paper surveys the main issues and controversies in the economic literature on infrastructure in developing countries. Section I reviews the evidence on the role of infrastructure in promoting economic growth. It is argued that, although infrastructure may be more important for growth than...

Pro Poor Growth has become a central concern to achieve sustainable poverty reduction in developing countries. Despite being widely used, the term is not well-defined nor has there been a clear policy document that would summarize the determinants and policy implications of pro poor growth. This...

A recently much debated issue is why observed investment and growth rates inpoor countries are lower than traditional theory predicts. Empirical evidencesuggests that social and political instability is a major reason for thedivergence between poor and rich countries. However, there is still the...

The long-lasting nature of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict has caused a severe slowdown of economic activity within and between the two economies involved. Palestine is currently afflicted with economic stagnation and structural bottlenecks - namely sharp income reductions, low investors'...

This paper develops a two-sector model with specific factors of production à la Ricardo-Viner-Jones, in which agriculture is subject to diminishing returns and market-clearing wages, while increasing returns and efficiency wage mechanisms prevail in industry. The asymmetric interaction of the...

The recent increase in the world price of primary commodities has brought back to the forum the issue of the role of natural resources in the development process. Whilst improving terms of trade may help developing countries to grow faster in the short run, doubts still exist on the long-run...