Abstract

Refugees encounter a distinctive challenge upon resettling in developed countries, as they are often subject to location assignments aimed at preventing ethnic clustering. While existing literature extensively explores the impact of initial neighborhood characteristics on refugees' labor market outcomes and cultural assimilation, the relationship between initial location assignment and their health remains an open question. Drawing on administrative data from the Netherlands, this study examine the effect of initial placement of refugees on their health outcomes. The study finds that initial location can significantly influence various health outcomes of the refugees during the early stages of their integration into the new society. By shedding light on the intricate interplay between initial location assignment and health outcomes, this study contributes valuable insights that can inform more nuanced and targeted approaches in designing policies for the well-being of refugees in developed nations.

Abstract

Internal migration can increase regional disparities in healthcare costs and needs between economically disadvantaged and more prosperous regions in the same country. Persons who move to more prosperous regions tend to be young and healthy while persons who move to or remain in economically disadvantaged regions are on average older and sicker. In this study, we propose a novel framework that allows estimating the effect of internal migration and resulting changes in population composition on average healthcare costs and needs in different regions. Our framework refines a “move people back” approach by adjusting for place effects. Based on data for the entire population of the Netherlands we show that internal migration during the 1998-2018 period  increased average healthcare costs in economically disadvantaged provinces by up to 3%, and it explains 28% of regional variation in healthcare costs and 26.5% of regional variation in healthcare needs.

Abstract

In this study, I delve into the factors shaping the adoption of new farming practices among Indian farmers, with a particular focus on the role of information access and its diverse sources. Leveraging nationally representative data on rural households from the National Sample Survey Office, Government of India for the year 2019, I employ logistic regression to gauge the likelihood of farmers adopting new agricultural techniques based on the information they receive from various channels. Additionally, I undertake spatial linear regression analysis to unravel the dynamics of information spillovers pertaining to new farming practices across districts. The results highlight the significance of the information source in driving adoption decisions, with progressive farmers and input dealers emerging as influential sources. Moreover, the spatial analysis provides compelling evidence of information diffusion across district boundaries, highlighting the varying efficacy of different information channels. These findings offer valuable insights for policymakers aiming to craft targeted interventions aimed at shaping farmers' decision-making processes regarding the adoption of innovative farming practices.

Abstract

In this survey paper we explore the differences in the health status of the immigrants relative to the native population in the northern and western European countries. The study focuses on the countries that have seen an increase in the number of international migrants as a share of total population in the recent past. Based on the review of literature, this study presents various mechanisms through which health differences between the immigrants and the non-immigrants can be explained. Findings from various papers and their explanations suggest that immigrants would have better health outcomes at the initial stage due to selective migration of healthier individuals. However, this effect would not play a role over time and hence the health status of the immigrants would be similar or inferior to that of the natives in the long run. These findings and mechanisms could help the policy makers to frame targeted health policies in order to improve the health status of the immigrants.

Abstract

Census of India, 2011, shows that the top 42 cities, with a population of over one lakh (0.1 million), have the same population concentration as the remaining 454 cities. Such high population density would entail growth of urban slums. While Ministry of Urban Development has launched various initiatives such as JNNURM and Smart City Mission towards ensuring sustainable development, the slums have not progressed adequately. This paper investigates the inclusivity of slums in the urban planning policies and variations in living conditions using data from National Sample Survey Organization and Census of India. The estimates show that the conditions in slums related to sanitation, water supply and housing were still dismal and raises concerns in achieving SDG targets for cities and communities.