Global and local food value chains in Africa: A review

The rapid expansion of agrifood exports from low- and middle-income countries and the contribution of global value chains to rural development are well-documented in the literature. Also, studies on modernization of domestic food value chains in these countries are emerging. Yet, the linkages between global and local value chains are rarely studied. On the one hand, the development and expansion of global value chains may create competition with local value chains for land, labor, water, soil nutrients, and other resources. On the other hand, positive spillover effects, such as investment, technical or institutional spillovers, may occur and spur the development of local value chains. In this article, we put forward a conceptual discussion on the type of linkages between global and local value chains, and how these depend on crop and value chain characteristics. We review the empirical evidence on these linkages. Our focus is on Africa, where agrifood exports and global value chains evolved rapidly and where challenges remain to upgrade and increase efficiency in local food value chains.     

Die Innovationsfähigkeit deutscher Metropolregionen — ein Vergleich

Within the article, new key findings on the innovation capability of the largest metropolitan areas in Germany are presented. One result is that the innovation capability is relatively heterogeneously distributed among the metropolitan areas. Munich possesses an enormous lead in innovation, and is one of the most innovative regions in Germany. Compared to Munich, the metropolitan areas of Berlin Brandenburg and Hamburg possess an underdeveloped innovation capability. However, through its capital function, Berlin-Brandenburg, has an excellent potential to catch up. Nevertheless, the metropolitan areas have still a long way ahead to develop their regional innovation profile and to close in the gap with the Munich region.     

Why Young Boys Stumble: Early Tracking,Age and Gender Bias in the German School System

Abstract. After primary school, German pupils are given a secondary school track recommendation. This recommendation and the actual track choice are strongly associated with later life outcomes. Using data from the German PISA 2000 extension study, we analyze the effect of relative age on track recommendations and actual choice. Younger pupils and boys are less likely to be recommended to and enrolled in the academic track (Gymnasium), the most attractive track in terms of later life outcomes. Flexible enrollment and grade retention partly offset these effects. We find no convincing evidence that postponing the recommendation by lengthening primary school by 2 years reduces the age or gender bias.     

How Large Is International Trade’s Effect on Economic Growth?

The estimated static welfare gains from international trade are very small, on the order of one percent of GDP. The case for free trade is therefore increasingly linked to trade’s apparent positive effects on economic growth. But how large are these growth effects? The vast empirical literature has emphasized the statistical significance, not the economic significance, of the trade‐growth relationship. This survey’s re‐examination of the empirical literature focuses on the size of the relationship between trade and growth. Our survey reveals that the many empirical studies are surprisingly consistent in terms of the size of the relationship: A one percentage point increase in the growth of exports is associated with a one‐fifth percentage point increase in economic growth. Given the power of compounding, the effect of trade on growth is very important for human welfare.     

Die nächste Ausgabe von Controlling &; Management erscheint am 12.06.07

Vorschau / 3/07

Die n?chste Ausgabe von Controlling & Management erscheint am 12.06.07     

Was tun auf dem Strommarkt? Weichenstellungen für mehr Wettbewerb!

Im November 2007 befasste sich die Wirtschaftsministerkonferenz mit der Frage, ob im Gesetz gegen Wettbewerbsbeschr?nkungen die M?glichkeit eines Zwangsverkaufs von Kraftwerken aufgenommen werden sollte. Sind derart drastische Vorschl?ge notwendig und ad?quat, um die Strompreise zu senken? Kommt es nicht vielmehr auf eine Ausweitung des Angebots an? Hendrik Hering, 43, ist Minister für Wirtschaft, Verkehr, Landwirtschaft und Weinbau des Landes Rheinland-Pfalz.