There is no international consensus on what poverty is and how it should be measured. The most commonly used poverty indicator, income level, is limited as it ignores the multidimensional character of poverty. Because the choice of an indicator reflects societal values and developmental goals,...

Rural poverty remains one of the biggest challenges in development. It is generally recognized that land reform, in combination with complementary support services and infrastructure development, is effective in reducing rural poverty; however, empirical evidence on the extent of the impacts is...

The growth of ethical consumerism in developed countries has led to increased imports of environmentally and socially certified products produced by the poor in developing countries, which could potentially contribute towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Among...

There is no international consensus on what poverty is and how it should be measured. The most commonly used poverty indicator, income level, is limited as it ignores the multidimensional character of poverty. Because the choice of an indicator reflects societal values and developmental goals,...

This paper examines the prospects for organic agriculture (OA) and the production of biofuels as strategies for rural development in Cambodia and the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). Both agricultural activities are growing worldwide, although there are some questions as to how...

Microfinance is recognized as contributing both directly and indirectly to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Using data from a survey of clients of a microfinance bank, Khushhali Bank, in 2005, the study revisited the survey data and found that despite the Bank's strict poverty-targeting...

From the farmer's perspective, contract farming provides stable market access, credits, extension services, infrastructure and other benefits, but has drawbacks such as limiting the flexibility of farming and marketing. Based on a survey of rice contract farming for export in Cambodia, this...