Research

In this study, we explore the impact of network size on temporary migration, using data from the Indian Human Development Survey 2011–12. Network size indicates the availability of informal risk-sharing for rural households, with temporary migration acting as another self-insurance method. We demonstrate that the effect of network size on migration is contingent upon the network’s endowment, particularly emphasizing the role of credit constraints in low-endowed networks. The findings reveal that larger network sizes reduce temporary migration in high-endowed upper-caste networks but increase in less-endowed lower-caste networks. This association is supported using historical caste population data from the 1961 census and regions dominated by non-migrants. We further ascertain that enhanced network size alleviates credit constraints in lower-endowed networks, driven by the network’s income and influenced by exogenous rainfall shocks.

The effectiveness of corporate climate initiatives depends not only on firms’ commitments but also on existing asset ownership structure. We study this question in the context of the World Bank’s Zero Routine Flaring by 2030 initiative, under which oil and gas companies pledge to eliminate routine flaring from their assets. Using asset-level ownership and satellite-based flaring measurements for nearly 20,000 oil and gas assets worldwide (2012–2024), we exploit staggered firm endorsements to study how committed firms navigate the tradeoff between voice, exercising governance influence to reduce emissions, and exit, divesting from assets that are costly to decarbonize. Committed ownership reduces flaring gradually but persistently, reaching approximately 45% below pre-commitment levels after nine years. The persistence of these gains hinges on continued committed presence: when the last committed owner divests, flaring rises by roughly 40% within two years and exceeds 90% within six years, a result we term the ‘last good owner effect’. Retaining at least one committed voice on the board is both necessary and sufficient to sustain emissions discipline.

The effectiveness of microfinance in fostering well-being, particularly that of women, remains debatable. This study leverages causal inference techniques to assess the impact of credit on household consumption and income when it is provided to women versus men. Using migrant loan application data from Shram Sarthi, a financial institution in rural Rajasthan, India, we employ an instrumental variable approach to identify the gender of loan applicants and address selection bias. The analysis reveals a significant increase in household consumption and income when credit is provided to women. Improved access to credit empowers women to manage resources effectively and navigate income and health shocks, particularly in disadvantaged migrant households. Consequently, male migrants can potentially pursue higher-return economic activities. These findings suggest that providing credit to women stabilizes household consumption and boosts income, highlighting its potential as a tool for women’s empowerment and poverty alleviation in migrant communities.