Livelihoods

The Dilemma of Informal Economies: Why Should Cities Take It Seriously?

Member Interview Author: Farraz Theda, Sarah Reed

Did you know that the informal economy continues to grow and accounts for more than 50% of GDP in Asian developing countries? While doing so, most of informal employees in this sector are vulnerable to various forms of exploitation as they often work without written contracts. This month, we unravel the challenges brought by informal sector with Sarah Reed.


A Glimpse of Odong-Odong: Alternative Transportation to Cope with the Flood in Jakarta

Stories from the field Author: M Risky Dwi Sabana, Farraz Theda

The northern part of Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta, contains all the city’s coastal area. North Jakarta is bounded by Java Sea to the north and this makes this low-lying area very prone to tidal floods. Out of the six districts of North Jakarta, Penjaringan has the most waterways. In the north part of Penjaringan Sub-district (Muara Angke), the coastal area experienced approximately 4.1 meters of subsidence between 1974 and 2010. At high tide, saltwater flooding in Muara Angke rises by between 20 and 50 centimeters.


A new model for economic growth and youth inclusion

Opinion Author: Nicholas Taylor

"The concept of the ‘sharing economy’ could be extended to thinking across the various types of Asian entrepreneurship and public participation." Investing in the skills of young people, start ups and the sharing economy, could be key to fostering socially inclusive economic growth in Asia, argues urban development consultant Nicholas Taylor. 


Global politics of 1.5 to stay alive

Opinion Author: Shaila Mahmud

The article gives a brief overview of the present day climate change induced phenomenon with a background on how 1.5 limit has made it to the global climate negotiations. The article also discusses the impediments in achieving the goals in context to the over-ambitiousness of the goal and the recent withdrawal of the US from the Paris Agreement.


Intercropping, a climate change adaptation initiative in the Philippines

Stories from the field Author: Naeema Jihan Zinia, Nyoman Prayoga

The City Veterinary and Agricultural Services (OCVAS) of Batangas City in collaboration with the East West Seed Co. have introduced intercropping method in the Pinamucan area of Batangas. This multiple cropping practice involves growing two or more crops in close proximity. Farmers can assess crop suitability through this practice. Irrigation is a challenge for farming in Pinamucan because of its geographic location and hilly terrain. Intercropping enables farmers to choose and cultivate crops that can give higher yields, allowing them to adapt to the local climatic conditions and increase their incomes.