BORA CMI

The role of the churches in poverty reduction in Angola

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 22:58:59 GMT

Title: The role of the churches in poverty reduction in Angola

Authors: Jensen, Søren Kirk; Pestana, Nelson

Abstract: This study was carried out as a collaborative effort between the Center of Studies and Scientific Research (CEIC) of the Catholic University of Angola (UCAN), the Chr. Michelsen Institute (CMI) and Independent Policy Analysis. Its purpose is to critically review the role the churches in Angola play in relation to addressing poverty in the country. Central questions addressed are the kinds of interventions the churches undertake and to what extent the churches contribute to poverty reduction in Angola? Churches have a long history in Angola, which is intertwined with the history of colonialism, the struggle for independence and the many years of civil war. This has forced churches to relate and adapt to radical changes in the political, social and economic environment. The churches are the civil society actors in Angola with the most developed organizational structures and strongest international networks. Yet, the strength of this network is weakened by the lack of skilled human resources. Making education available is perhaps the most significant contribution the churches make to development in Angola. Most of the churches also run health posts and hospitals in remote areas of the country.

Kalandula e os CACS. Voz activa ou prestação de contas

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Kalandula e os CACS. Voz activa ou prestação de contas

Authors: Orre, Aslak

Abstract: Este relatório pretende apresentar algumas das conclusões do primeiro trabalho de campo no projecto de pesquisa do CMI-CEIC-ADRA sobre os Conselhos de Auscultação e Concertação Social (CACS) em Angola.[1] A pesquisa teve lugar durante duas semanas no Município de Kalandula, província de Malanje, em Novembro de 2008. Discute as conclusões à luz de declarações de política e experiências internacionais com instituições similares. A pesquisa sobre os CACS em Kalandula faz parte de um projecto de pesquisa mais amplo envolvendo a colaboração entre o Centro de Estudos e Investigação Científica (CEIC), a ADRA e o Chr. Michelsen Institute. As conclusões e reflexões contidas neste documento constituem apenas resultados preliminares e pretendem estimular o debate em seminários e pesquisas em curso para experiências comparativas em outras províncias. O plano de pesquisa foi elaborado em colaboração com Nelson Pestana (CEIC) e Idaci Ferreira (ADRA) que baseados no mesmo padrão realizarão pesquisa sobre os CACS em Uíge e Benguela em 2009/10. O relatório final será apresentado aos fins de 2010.

Statistical evidence on social and economic exclusion in Nepal

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Statistical evidence on social and economic exclusion in Nepal

Authors: Das, Arun K.L.; Hatlebakk, Magnus

Abstract: The discourse on social exclusion in Nepal is very ideological, with some authors considering basically all Nepalis as socially excluded except for male Bahuns of hill origin. This is obviously not very useful for targeted economic and social interventions, and the present report attempts to provide statistical evidence on what population groups are de facto excluded along a number of economic and social dimensions. There are noticeable disparities in educational achievement, measured in terms of literacy and mean years of schooling. The hill Bahun/Chhetri group is ahead in terms of primary education, while the Tarai groups have less education, in particular the Dalits, amongst whom the Musahars have virtually no schooling. When it comes to health services, however, the Tarai communities have shorter travel distances to the health posts and better access to safe drinking water. In terms of the nutritional level of children under five, the mountain/hill Janajati groups are relatively well off, followed by the hill Bahun/Chettri group. For child mortality the hill Bahun/Chhetris have the lowest rate, while surprisingly the relatively wealthy Tarai middle castes have the highest. When it comes to economic variables, we focus on land as this is still the backbone of the rural economies. The traditional Tharu and Yadav landlords of the Tarai have the largest landholdings, while they are matched by the hill Bahun/Chhetri group in terms of land value. Most Tarai Dalits have no land, and in particular the Musahars are all landless. Landlessness combined with poor education have traditionally forced the Tarai Dalits to be farm laborers, where due to a poor bargaining position they accept very low agricultural wages. There has been some increase in the agricultural wage, but more so outside agriculture where in particular wages and salaries have increased for the hill Bahuns.

"If men and women were equal, we would all simply be people". Gender and poverty in northern Mozambique

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 22:58:59 GMT

Title: "If men and women were equal, we would all simply be people". Gender and poverty in northern Mozambique

Authors: Tvedten, Inge; Paulo, Margarida; Tuominen, Minna

Abstract: This is the second report in the series ‘Gender Policies and Feminisation of Poverty in Mozambique’. While the first report went through existing quantitative data on the national level, this report focuses on the social relations and cultural perception of gender in the rural district of Mossuril and the city of Nampula in the northern province of Nampula. Structural changes and more limited patriarchal control in urban Nampula have opened up opportunities for women that they do not have in rural Mossuril – where they remain generally disadvantaged and with few options for social mobility. Urban women and female headed households are more likely to be economically independent from men and invest in the well-being of their household members.