scholarly journals Does Energy Poverty Reduce Rural Labor Wages? Evidence From China’s Rural Household Survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei-ping Wu ◽  
Wei-kang Zeng ◽  
Si-wen Gong ◽  
Zi-gui Chen

Eliminating energy poverty is helpful to get rid of the vicious circle between the lack of adequate and affordable energy services and low income in rural areas. We deconstruct energy poverty into extensive energy poverty and intensive energy poverty and analyze the net effect and its heterogeneity of energy poverty on rural labor wages with micrometric methods, as well as further investigate the impact mechanism from education effect and health effect. The results show that both extensive energy poverty and intensive energy poverty have a significant negative effect on the wages of rural workers, and the marginal effect of extensive energy poverty on the wages of rural workers is lower than that of intensive energy poverty. In addition, the net effect of energy poverty on the wages of rural workers shows labor heterogeneity and regional heterogeneity, and the inhibition effect to low skilled workers and workers with middle wage and in the Western region is the most obvious. Furthermore, energy poverty will limit the access of rural workers to education and damage their health, and then inhibit their productivity and wage. Our results suggest that enhancing the accessibility of energy consumption in rural areas and reducing the incidence of energy poverty are critically essential, and the implementation and optimization of energy poverty alleviation policy should give full consideration to labor force heterogeneity and regional heterogeneity.

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S768-S768
Author(s):  
Megan L Srinivas ◽  
Eileen Yang ◽  
Weiming Tang ◽  
Joseph Tucker

Abstract Background Fifteen states have defunded family planning health centers (FPHCs), causing thousands to be left without health services. This has accelerated in the COVID-19 era. FPHCs provide low-income individuals in rural areas with essential primary care services, including sexually transmitted infection prevention, testing, and treatment. The purpose of this analysis is to use spatiotemporal methods to examine the impact of FPHC closures in Iowa on the reported number of gonorrhea and chlamydia cases at the county level. Methods This analysis investigates the association between FPHC closures and changes in the number of gonorrhea and chlamydia cases between 2016 and 2018. Iowa implemented defunding policies for family planning clinics, resulting in four FPHC closures in June 2017. 2016 pre-closure STI incidence rates were compared to 2018 post-closure rates. Gonorrhea and chlamydia rates in the four Iowa counties with clinic closures were compared to the 95 Iowa counties without closures. T tests were used to compare changes in reported gonorrhea and chlamydia rates in the two settings. Linear regression modeling was used to determine the relationship between clinic closures and changes in gonorrhea and chlamydia cases. Results The gonorrhea burden in Iowa increased from 83 cases per 100,000 people in 2016 to 153.8 cases per 100,000 people in 2018. The four counties with clinic closures experienced a significantly larger increase (absolute 217 cases per 100,000 population) in their gonorrhea rate compared to counties without FPHC closures (absolute 121 cases per 100,000 population). There was also a significant relationship between clinic closures and increasing gonorrhea rates (p = 0.0015). Over the three-year period, there was no change in chlamydia rates (p = 0.1182). However, there was a trend towards counties with more FPHC closures having a higher number of chlamydia cases (p = 0.057). Conclusion Despite the fact that many STI diagnoses are made and reported by FPHCs, our data suggest that clinic closures may have contributed to an increase in gonorrhea and chlamydia cases. This is consistent with delayed diagnoses and missed opportunities for providing essential STI services to vulnerable and under-served rural residents. Legislative action is urgently needed to curtail this trend. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures


2016 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 336-356 ◽  
Author(s):  
Franklin Amuakwa-Mensah ◽  
Louis Boakye-Yiadom ◽  
William Baah-Boateng

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of education on migration decisions focusing on rural and urban in-migrants by comparing the 2005/2006 and 2012/2013 rounds of the Ghana Living Standards Survey (GLSS5 and GLSS6). After correcting for selectivity bias, the authors observed that anticipated welfare gain and socio-economic variables such as sector of employment, sex, experience, age, educational level and marital status significantly affect an individual’s migration decision. Design/methodology/approach – The authors made use of Sjaastad’s (1962) human capital framework as a basis for examining the impact of education on migration. The migration decision equation was based on the Heckman two stage procedure. Findings – While educational attainment is observed to have a positive effect on migration decision in the period 2005/2006, the authors find a negative effect of educational attainment on migration decision in the period 2012/2013. The effect of educational attainment on migration decision in 2005/2006 for urban in-migrant is higher than the effect for rural in-migrant, with its significance varying for the different stages of educational attainment. In absolute terms, whereas the effect of secondary educational attainment on migration decisions for urban in-migrant is higher than that of rural in-migrant, the reverse holds for higher educational attainment during the period 2012/2013. Social implications – Based on the mixed effect of education on migration decision as evident from the study, policies to enhance the educational system in Ghana should be complemented with job creations in the entire country. Moreover, special attention should be given to the rural sector in such a way that the jobs to be created in the sector do not require skilled workers. With quality education and job creation, the welfare of individuals living in urban and rural areas will be enhanced. Originality/value – In spite of the importance of education in migration decisions, there is scanty literature on the rural-urban dimension. To the best of the author’s knowledge there is no literature in the Ghanaian context which examines the rural and urban perspective of the impact of education on migration with a much recent data. Further, the author consider how the determinants of migration decision have changed over time focusing on rural and urban perspectives.


2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-132
Author(s):  
Nitin Tagade ◽  
Sukhadeo Thorat

In India, the rural economy still remains crucially important in the economic wellbeing of the majority population. The low income and high poverty in rural areas are closely associated with unequal distribution of income-earning assets, particularly agricultural land and non-land capital assets. In this article, therefore, we try to understand the intergroup inequality in wealth ownership across caste, ethnic and religious groups in rural India based on the 2013 data from the All India Debt and Investment survey carried out by National Sample Survey Office. The results indicate high interpersonal wealth inequality so also the intergroup wealth inequality at the aggregate level and by type of assets in rural India. The impact of caste on the ownership of wealth clearly indicates high ownership among Hindu high caste and Hindu other backward caste at the cost of low wealth share or ownership of the SC/ST indicating the existence of graded inequality.


2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Georges V. Houngbonon ◽  
Julienne Liang

Abstract Digital technologies like the Internet can affect income inequality through increased demand for employment in manual and abstract jobs and reduced demand for employment in routine jobs. In this paper, we combine city-level income distribution and jobs data with broadband data from France to investigate the impact of broadband Internet access on income inequality. Using an instrumental variable estimation strategy, we find that broadband Internet reduces income inequality through increased employment in manual jobs. These effects increase with the availability of skilled workers and are significant in cities with a large service sector or high-speed Internet access. Further, the diffusion of broadband Internet comes with relatively greater benefits in low-income cities compared to high-income cities. Several robustness checks support these findings.


2020 ◽  
Vol 39 (79) ◽  
pp. 303-328
Author(s):  
Mauricio Giovanni Valencia Amaya

This paper investigates the impact of the unprecedented climate shocks of the 2010 in Colombia on the results of the Saber 11 standardized test for the 2010- 2012 period. By using two unique datasets, this paper contributes to the literature by providing a better estimate of the human capital costs of climate shocks. The findings indicate that the climate shocks occurred on 2010 decreased Saber 11 test scores. The impact was stronger for female students, students from rural areas and students from low-income families. A possible channel of transmission is identified: the destruction of schools.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eleni Spyreli ◽  
Michelle C. McKinley ◽  
Jayne V. Woodside ◽  
Colette Kelly

Abstract Background The first UK-wide lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19 had a serious financial impact on low-income households, a population already in higher risk of food insecurity and poor dietary choices. Qualitative data on the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on food decisions of UK families are scarce. This study aimed to explore how the measures to control the spread of COVID-19 influenced the food-related decisions of socioeconomically deprived families in Northern Ireland. Methods A qualitative study captured data from online individual interviews. Participation was open for parents of children 2–17 years old living on a tight budget in urban and rural areas of Northern Ireland. A sampling matrix enabled equal representation of single- and two-parent households, as well as parents of younger children (<12y) and adolescents (≥12y). Data were collected by using the methods of Photovoice and mapping exercise. Data were analysed through a thematic approach. Results Twelve online interviews were conducted and five distinct themes were identified reflecting families’ food-related decisions that were affected by the COVID-19 lockdown: 1) food planning; 2) food purchasing; 3) meal preparation; 4) eating and feeding behaviours and 5) eating food prepared outside the house. Conclusions The restrictions put in place to inhibit the spread of COVID-19 influenced all aspects of dietary decisions of low-income families. Changes observed during this period included frequent consumption of homemade meals, but also increased unhealthy snacking. Infrequent food shopping encouraged good meal planning, but was also a barrier to securing adequate fresh food. Food-related support including school meal assistance contributed to families’ food security, particularly those of single parents.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 250-250
Author(s):  
Eleni Spyreli ◽  
Michelle McKinley ◽  
Jayne Woodside ◽  
Colette Kelly

Abstract Objectives The first lockdown enforced in the United Kingdom to limit the spread of COVID-19 had serious financial consequences for some lower-income households, which were already at risk of suboptimal food choices. Particularly in Northern Ireland, where 10% of the population live in food insecure households, the pandemic has potentially further exacerbated the nutritional challenges experienced by low-income families. This paper aimed to explore the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on food-related decisions as experienced by economically disadvantaged families in Northern Ireland, UK. Methods A qualitative study collected data through online individual interviews. Participation was open to parents of children 2–17 years old who self-identified as living on a tight budget in urban and rural areas of Northern Ireland. A sampling matrix enabled equal representation of single- and two-parent households, as well as younger (&lt;12 y) and older children (&gt;12 y). Photovoice and participatory mapping techniques were employed to capture participant data. A thematic approach was utilised for data analysis. Results A total of 12 interviews were conducted. Five distinct themes were found, reflecting families’ food-related decisions that were affected by the COVID-19 lockdown: 1) food planning; 2) food purchasing; 3) meal preparation; 4) eating and feeding behaviours and 5) eating food prepared outside the house. Changes included an increase in home food preparation, but also in unhealthy snacking. Fear of being exposed to carriers of the virus led to infrequent food shopping and greater reliance on supermarket home deliveries. Long waiting times in-between food shops encouraged food planning but were also a barrier to providing daily fresh foods including fruit and vegetables to their families. Financial constraints were exacerbated during lockdown and led to a search for new ways to budget when food shopping. Food donations from the community and the government were important to maintain food security, particularly in single-parent families. Conclusions This study highlights that the COVID-19 lockdown influenced a broad range of dietary decisions of economically disadvantaged families and offers an insight into the nutritional challenges they experienced. Funding Sources The work was completed with financial support from internal funds of Queens University Belfast.


2022 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolina Panis ◽  
Aedra Carla Bufalo Kawassaki ◽  
Ana Paula Jaqueline Crestani ◽  
Claudiceia Risso Pascotto ◽  
Durcelina Schiavoni Bortoloti ◽  
...  

Brazil is among the biggest pesticide consumers in the world, with its population severely exposed to tons of such substances, both because of environmental contamination and occupational use. The health consequences of pesticide exposure are well-documented, but still sparse regarding Brazilian population. This study systematically reviewed the Brazilian studies published that address the relationship between exposure to pesticides and health problems in the Brazilian population. Also, information about pesticide use in Brazil is provided. The included studies showed that exposure to pesticides has a relevant impact on the health of the Brazilian population, regardless of age and gender, and on workers in rural areas or not. Most poisoning events seem to result from the continuous use of pesticides, whether occupationally or environmentally, characterizing a public health problem. The major consequences reported in literature were damage to the central nervous system, cancer, deleterious effects on rural workers' health, intoxications, malformations, and endocrine changes. These findings point out the need to understand the impact of chronic exposure to pesticides on severely exposed people and highlight the importance of creating public policies to protect them and avoid disease occurrence.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 43-48
Author(s):  
Saseela Balagobei ◽  
Sankeetha Aravinthakumar

Microcredit is part of micro finance, which provides a wider range of financial services for low income people. Micro credit serves as a vital role for Living standard of poor people in the developing countries as well as in Sri Lanka. In this Study Oddusuddan DS division in Mullaitivu district was selected as research area. After the 30 years conflict situation most people in the Oddusuddan area in Mullaitivu district are subordinate to the poverty line, because most of the displaced people who are female other than male staying here. Women lost their male relatives in struggle, and forced to take a responsibility of their family in order to look after their children, aged parents and their male relatives.  Micro credit helps the poor people particularly women in effective ways in order to create income generating activities.  The prime objective of this study is to investigate the impact of Microcredit on living standard of dairy entrepreneurs in Oddusuddan DS division in Mullaitivu District. In the rural areas of Mullaitivu, Oddusuddan Divisional Secretariat Divisions 100 dairy entrepreneurs were selected as the sample size of population. The selected entrepreneurs who have received loan from samurdhi bank for dairy farming activities in Oddusuddan DS Division. Primary data were used for gathering information and quantitative analysis was carried out to find out the results. In the quantitative analysis the correlation and regression methods were employed to examine the hypotheses by using SPSS. The result of this study concluded that there is a positive impact of samurdhi micro credit on living standard of dairy entrepreneurs in Oddusuddan DS Division. In addition to this, using micro credit facilities create more job opportunities and variety of economic activities and improve household education, income, saving and heath condition of the people. The study recommends that micro credit institution should consider improve the living standard of dairy entrepreneurs through increase the loan amount with lower interest rate.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Niccolò Riccardi ◽  
Simone Villa ◽  
Andrea Giacomelli ◽  
Mama M Diaw ◽  
Mamoud Ndiaye ◽  
...  

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) unevenly affects individuals across the globe, especially in rural areas of low-income countries. Aim of the study was to assess the impact of social protection to increase TB awareness on treatment outcomes among TB patients in a rural area of Senegal. Materials & methods: The study, conducted in Fimela district (Senegal) from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2019 and the intervention started from 31 January 2013, includes activities to increase awareness, active case finding, active follow-up and social protection. Results: Overall, 435 subjects – mainly male and young – were included in the analysis. Among TB cases, 94% had pulmonary involvement, 87% had no previous TB history, and 6% resulted positive HIV. Improved outcome was observed once intervention began (from 71 to 91%, p < 0.001); whereas mortality decreased (from 15 to 5%; p < 0.001), especially for those HIV co-infected for whom TB mortality rate dropped from 70 to 29%. Conclusion: After beginning the cooperation program, TB treatment success increased as a result of the decline of mortality, especially in people living with HIV.


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