Abstract:

Son preference is widespread in many countries and is especially well-documented in South Asia. However, research on this topic in Nepal is limited. This paper provides causal ev- idence of the influence of son preference on fertility behaviors and child health outcomes, using data from multiple rounds of Nepal’s Demographic and Health Surveys. The find- ings reveal that son preference, indicated by the gender of the firstborn, significantly impacts subsequent fertility decisions. Specifically, parents with a firstborn daughter are more likely to desire additional children, reduce contraceptive use, and increase family size in pursuit of a son. This preference also results in shorter birth intervals and re- duced breastfeeding duration, which could potentially compromise child health. Despite these adverse effects on fertility outcomes, the analysis shows no significant impact of son preference on child health aspects such as height, weight, and mortality. By providing causal evidence, examining a broad spectrum of fertility behaviors, and investigating the extension of these effects to child health outcomes, this study fills a significant gap in the existing literature. These findings offer policymakers valuable insights into the persistent influence of cultural norms favoring sons on reproductive decisions and underscore the importance of addressing these biases to promote gender equality and child health in Nepal.

In India, state election (Vidhan Sabha) results significantly impact constituencies, as state governments hold substantial power over policies and expenditures. These elections occur at the assembly level, a smaller administrative unit than districts. "Low-caste parties," or political parties focused on representing marginalized groups such as Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC), can run for office. Using a fuzzy regression discontinuity design and assuming close election results are quasi-random, we examine the welfare impacts when low-caste parties win elections, particularly on health outcomes, which have historically been worse for these marginalized households. We also test whether these effects are lasting or depend on subsequent elections. 

Works include: Preparation of an agriculture and livestock database for the Suddhodhan Rural Municipality in Kapilvastu District, Nepal. Assessment of climate change vulnerability and risk (VRA) based on the AR5 and NAP frameworks. Providing capacity-building training to local officials and elected authorities on VRA and adaptation plan formulation. Preparation of various thematic maps in GIS based on VRA data. Preparation of eight climate change vulnerability and risk assessment reports. Documentation of historical disastrous events in the area. Conducting workshops at the local level. Formulation of eight climate adaptation and risk reduction plans.