The metropolitan hierarchy of occupations: An economic interpretation of central place theory

The usefulness of central place theory, as a general explanation of the spatial distribution of activities in a system of cities and of the spatial ordering of urban places within that system, clearly relies on economic phenomena. Christaller's original formulation of the theory was similarly economic in basis, yet economic phenomena have been ignored in subsequent empirical testing of the theory. These tests, chiefly by geographers, have relied on population size as the chief, if not sole, determinant. This paper demonstrates that an economic explanation is a necessary component of the general theory of central places. Moreover, explicit economic variables not only alter the ordering of activities based strictly on demographic size, but generally offer a more powerful explanation of ordering.     

Instrument choice : Empirical implications and analysis

A neglected consequence of instrument choice is that standard regression approaches are invalid in macroeconomic research. Analysis accommodating policy objective and reaction functions yields non-technical solutions to this problem. Exploratory empirical analysis undertaken has implications for monetary targetting strategies.     

Targeting and distribution in complex emergencies: Participatory management of humanitarian food assistance

The extensive literature on community participation in the targeting and management of humanitarian food assistance suggests that participatory approaches work best in slow-onset emergencies with no conflict or displacement. Yet the policies of many agencies—and compliance with Sphere minimum standards—require that the recipient community participate in decisions about the assistance they receive including targeting, regardless of the causes of the emergency. This paper analyzes current practice in the targeting and management of humanitarian food assistance in complex emergencies, the constraints to recipient communities’ participation, and the possibilities for participatory approaches to improve targeting.