After decades of isolationism and economic stagnation, Myanmar opened its economy in the beginning of the 2010s, leading to rapid economic growth (Myanmar’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was almost 50 percent larger in 2020 than in 2011).

Remittances are a critical source of household income in Myanmar and are significantly associated with positive welfare outcomes.

This paper provides evidence on the extent and characteristics of migration in Myanmar between December 2021 and June 2022.

Large-scale male outmigration has placed new pressures on both men and women, especially regarding labour division in farm households and involvement in Water Users Associations (WUAs).

Nepal has a long history of irrigation, including government and farmer-managed irrigation systems that are labor- and skill-intensive. Widespread male migration has important effects on Nepalese society.

This working paper synthesizes findings from four large household and community surveys in Myanmar, each covering a major agro-ecological zone, to evaluate inter-regional variations in the composition of agriculture, livelihoods, and the rural eco

Highlights

Although migration remains crucial for economic development, financial constraints may limit individual ability to migrate.

Using primary survey data collected in Tajikistan, Nepal and Senegal, three countries with high male outmigration rates, this study analyzes the impacts of migration on the empowerment of women who remain in rural areas.

Chinese migrant workers are very exposed to the shocks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Falling remittances adversely affect their families who rely on remittance incomes.

Nepal has a long history of irrigation, including government and farmer-managed irrigation systems that are labor- and skill-intensive. Widespread male migration has important effects on Nepalese society.

How do perceptions of relative economic status affect gender attitudes regarding women’s economic participation and decision-making authority in their household and community? Several recent trends highlight the importance of this question.

It is estimated that nearly one in seven people — more than 1 billion in total — are classified as migrants in national statistics.

As soon as COVID-19 cases were reported in Nepal in early 2020, the Government of Nepal took several measures to minimize the spread of the virus and provide support to vulnerable groups.

How do fluctuations in income affect labor supply decisions, and how do their effects differ by gender? We analyze data from a 13-year rolling panel in Kyrgyzstan spanning 2004—2016.

COVID-19 prevention measures are at their lowest levels since June 2020. However, several restrictions were recently implemented to curtail political unrest that are likely to also slow the spread of the virus.