Geographical differences in living standards are a pressing concern for policymakers in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Economies of agglomeration mean that production is most efficient when concentrated in leading areas. So how can the region reduce spatial disparities in well-being without compromising growth? The solution to spatial disparities lies in matching the policy package to a lagging area s specific characteristics. Key questions include: is the lagging area problem really as serious as one thinks; is it a problem of low economic opportunity or of poor human development; are lagging area populations close enough to agglomerations to benefit from spillovers; and is there manifest private investor interest? Drawing on the World Bank s 2009 World Development Report, Reshaping Economic Geography, the book proposes 3 policy packages. First, all lagging areas can benefit from a level playing-field for development and investment in people. Geographic disparities in the policy environment are a legacy of MENA s history, and gaps in human development are a major component of spatial disparities. Smart policies for the investment environment, health, education, social transfers and urban development can therefore close spatial gaps in living standards. Second, lagging areas that are close to economic agglomeration can benefit from spillovers - provided that they are connected. MENA s expenditure priority is not necessarily long-distance primary connections, but infrastructure maintenance and short-distance connections such as rural roads and peri-urban networks. Public-private partnerships can also bring electronic connectivity to lagging areas. Third, shifting regional development policy away from spatial subsidies towards the facilitation of cluster-based growth will increase the chance of cost-effective impacts. The final chapter of the book examines the institutional prerequisites for effective spatial policy. It argues that MENA s centralized/sectoral structures are not always adapted to governments spatial development agendas, and describes alternative institutional options.

This lecture note volume aims to introduce economic concepts and analysis to undergraduate level students, in the context of contemporary development challenges in the economics of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

First published in 1989, this book deals with the impact of cereal production upon the Third World, specifically ‘Modern Varieties’ (MVs). Using evidence from plant breeding, economics and nutrition science, the authors seek to pinpoint what has been achieved, what has gone wrong and what needs to be done in future. Although the technical innovations of MVs mean more employment, cheaper food and less risk for small farmers, the reduction in crop diversity increases the risk of danger from pests and though MVs enlarge cereal stocks, many are too poor to afford them. The book concludes that technical breakthroughs alone won’t solve deep-rooted social problems and that only new policies and research priorities will increase the choices, assets and power of the rural poor.

Phelps investigates the on-the-ground implementation of President Lyndon Johnson's War on Poverty during the 1960s and 1970s and argues that the fluid interaction between federal policies, urban politics, and grassroots activists created a significant site of conflict over the meaning of American democracy.

In the face of the political climate, and so many other challenges that we face in our day and age, it is necessary for us to accumulate more information and more tools that will help push us forward in life. In this book, I will be introducing systems, principles, and real-life examples that are proven to give you the power to take action and take command of your life with every word. Think of how you felt the last time you felt hopeless, done, and unmotivated. No more! Say no to poverty.

This volume shows music educators how music teaching and learning can help address humanity’s greatest challenge—the ecological crisis. It provides the essential background knowledge in ecomusicology, from compositions about nature, soundscape experiences, activist songs, to practical lesson ideas. Motivated by the urgent need for increased ecological awareness and sustainable practices, and the ecological aspects of music and musical aspects of ecosystems, the book explores the powerful role that music educators can play in protecting and preserving the natural environment. Each chapter includes a narrative and potential lesson ideas that include listening, singing, playing instruments, moving, and contextualizing, with the goal of translating research in ecomusicological theory into a sustainable, creative, and critical music teaching practice. Bridging the gap between recent scholarship and pedagogical work, this book will be a valuable resource for educators, P–12 classroom teachers, and music specialists, as well as in undergraduate music education methods courses.

In this controversial work, Herv Varenne and Ray McDermott explore education as cultural phenomenona construct of artifice and reality we impose upon ourselves. Questioning how the American education system defines and measures success and failure, Successful Failure is a must-read for anyone interested in educational reform, the American educational system, and the anthropology of education. }In this controversial work, Herv Varenne and Ray McDermott explore education as cultural phenomenona construct of artifice and reality we impose upon ourselves. The authors discuss in five case studies how the American education system defines and measures success and failure, why there is polarization between suburban schools and urban schools, and what about our system leads us to focus on the negative. Their exploration focuses not on the people or the activities of the system, but on the institutions themselves: who decided what was a success or failure? How was the identification done, and with what consequences?This important and timely book is a must-read for anyone interested in educational reform, the American educational system, and the anthropology of education.

He knew the earth experiment was still working even though the human-element component was running very much behind schedule. Tommy made a grumbling sound and slowly shook his furry head from side to side, crying, Wars, greed, jealousy, illnesses, unhappiness, dissatisfaction, obsessions for power - Its just not what I had expected! I know, but give it time. It will happen one day. The earth assignment is not as old as all the other projects we have been working upon, Eric hastily reassured. Tommy was not about to give up on the present venture and with this thought in mind, he stared with his numerous eyes into Erics multiple eyes, and with many worrisome looks he mumbled, ..its a nice place, shame about the human race! The above is an extract taken from the final piece of my foreword for the book Nice place, shame about the human race which attempts to create a better awareness of our everyday actions and elucidates the importance of discovering ones true identity for a better chance of living a happier, more balanced life. Mounting dissatisfactions and insecurities of our modern world, together with the general inquisitiveness of human nature to wish observe ones actions, are areas of modern life which have gained popularity over the last decade when searching for reasoning or answers to our everyday problems. Commencing at the aftermath of World War II and continuing to the present day, a journey is undertaken in trying to illustrate modern western societys increased negative attitudes and behaviour and of the importance of discovering who we really are with a view to more personal happiness. This book is an entertaining, slightly ironical check-in-the-mirror, if you like, of modern behaviour. It observes how modern society has seemingly done away with aspiring to reach higher goals and standards, and at the same time, appears to have become content with mediocrity and of aiming towards lower levels of existence. My main justifications for writing such a book were primarily based upon the search for answers as to why society in the modern western world has reached its present state of development in the constitution of which it finds itself in the present day; if it is possible to live modern life in a more balanced, friendlier frame-of-mind which would inexorably, lead to more happiness, and as an attempt to help you, the reader, into being more aware of our daily conscious and subconscious conduct towards fellow-citizens and of the ensuing consequences of those actions. We are to journey through the many different stages of modern western life as based upon our upbringing in an industrialised society; and although you may have heard some of the themes and topics many times before, I have attempted to pick out the quintessence of noting how individuals react within the confines of our various societies and communal boundaries. What type of person is Nice place, shame about the human race aimed for? Well basically, anybody who is still interested about the values of our modern society, but specifically, when amid the interference and confusion of modern society, one is searching for personal direction into discovering oneself. Emphasis has been placed upon the significance of living ones own individuality, thus being aware of who one really is, and of the importance of taking more self-responsibility for ones actions. Here is a short list of reasons compiled for those who would possibly find my work of interest. 1. If feeling a little out-of-touch with our fast-paced modern society. 2. When interested in achieving more personal awareness in everyday activities. 3. When concerned about societies present course of development. 4. When trying to understand modern societies push and shove mentality. 5. When searching for more in-depth reasoning to our lives. 6. W

This book examines the everyday living conditions experienced and also shaped by young people in Europe. Contributors reflect on the current context of economic, social and political change affecting youth in the critical transition from dependence to independence. The volume provides the reader with a multi-dimensional and interdisciplinary view of youth cultures, drawn from a variety of recent research throughout the continent.