Research Reports (2008): Economic Studies, Vol - XXVI

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10361/13182

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Study on the first phase of the 100-day employment generation programme
(BRAC, 2009-02-10) NFPCSP; BRAC (RED); BDI of BRAC University; Rural--Employment--Bangladesh.
In September 2008, the Government of Bangladesh embarked on the first phase of a 100-day Employment Generation Programme (EGP) for the poorest and jobless poor. This endeavour came in response to the soaring food price. NFPCSP was requested by the Government to assist in the appraisal of the programme through an evaluation of its first phase and the preparation for the assessment of the impact of the entire programme.
Environmental performance of BRAC microfinance programme: an assessment
(BRAC, 2008-09) Seraj, Kazi Faisal Bin; Arif, Tahmid
Ecosystem services and poverty linkages in Bangladesh
(BRAC, 2008-01) Chaudhury, Moushumi
What is the relationship between ecosystem services and poverty alleviation? Finding answers to this question is vital if resources are to be used sustainably and to alleviate poverty. However, this is a question that has not received thorough attention in Bangladesh. In an attempt to understand and create linkages between ecosystem services and poverty alleviation, this Situation Analysis (SA) presents and analyses literature that has been published in academic books and journals that could help address this question. In order to conceptualise the linkage between ecosystem services and poverty alleviation, emphasis has been placed on identifying ecosystems services. These services primarily include provisioning and regulating services. Additionally, it has also been important to identify the drivers of change that alter services. Drivers identified fall into two categories: direct and natural, and indirect and social. Keeping services and drivers in mind, the SA attempts to analyse various drivers change services that could affect poverty, which in the SA is defined through the concept of 'well-being'. This includes security, basic material for a good life, health, good social relations, and freedom of choice and action to influence decisions about services and well-being. Five different ecosystems have been chosen to demonstrate the linkages between services, drivers, and poverty. In the mangrove swamp ecosystem section, focus is placed primarily on the impact of shrimp farming regulating and provisioning services, as well as women's economic well-being. Although women gain financially from shrimp fry collection, such activities have increased salinity and have affected agricultural land. The impact of drivers such as, floods and riverbank erosion, are explored in relation to inland water and floodplain ecosystem. Not only do these drivers destroy homes and livelihoods, but they also greatly affect human health. In an effort to control these drivers, the creation of embankments has had both negative and positive impacts, which are discussed. The SA also covers two types of wetland ecosystems, haor and beel. Such wetland areas provide vital provisioning and regulating services. These services are, however, under threat due to poor policies and over exploitation of natural resources. When analysing agroecosystems, the primary focus is placed on costs and opportunities that high yielding variety (HYV) crops bring. Case studies on HYV demonstrate the paradox of the need for Green Revolution technologies to feed large numbers of people, yet at the same time how people must cope with soil and water degradation due to heavy use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Finally, an analysis of upland and lowland forest ecosystems highlight tensions between various actors and how poor policies have drastically changed ecosystems and the ability of ethnic minorities to access services. The SA ends by identifying future areas of research taking account of the type of literature that has not been found through a bibliometric approach. It is anticipated that attempts will be made to fill in research gaps to create sound policies that both conserve services and help alleviate poverty.
Agarwood plantation at BRAC tea estate: introduction, environmental factors and financial analysis
(BRAC, 2008-06) Akter, Nasima; Neelim, Ananta Z
The Aquillaria malaccensis (known as agar) produces agarwood which is used in perfumes, incense and medicines, and thus, can be extremely valuable. Excessive harvesting of agarwood has made this species threatened. Considering its conservation value and economic benefit BRAC has started agarwood plantation at Kaiyachara Tea Estate from July. 2007. At Kaiychara tea estate, a plantation of about 17 acres has been created, where 83,400 agar seedlings have been planted between August and October 2007. In addition, 700,000 agar seedlings have been planted in two nurseries, namely 'Kaiya' and 'Sirgasia', at Kaiyachara tea estate. The survival rate of young seedlings was around 95%, which can be considered impressive. The habitat provided by the environment in the tea estate, along with the microclimatic and soil condition in that area is favourable for growing agar plants. Initially, the BRAC tea estate plans to plant 50 acres of land with agar plant, after which agarwood harvesting would take place after 12 years. Assuming 90% survival rate and 2 kg premium quality agarwood production per plant the estimated investment related to plantation would be Tk. 145,497,198 and total return would be Tk. 60,907,155,348 with the rate of return 41.861%. However, this high rate of return is an underestimate given the environmental benefits of this plantation would generate. The establishment of this plantation would also be significant in terms of the environmental conservation of this endangered species, as well as provide a carbon sink to reduce green house gases. Furthermore, there are potential opportunities that would arise in the future for improving the livelihoods of poor people in the region by providing income generating means. This report was prepared after field investigation and laboratory analysis and contains suggestions regarding proper management of the plantation as well as further research.

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