While driving around rural areas of Puno in Peru, Caaguazú in Paraguay or Granada in Nicaragua, do not be surprised to see women lifting rocks from the roads and using shovels and picks alongside…

One of the core principles of trade economics is that of “comparative advantage.” First described by David Ricardo, the theory says that countries are best off if they specialize in products that…

One of the core principles of trade economics is that of “comparative advantage.” First described by David Ricardo, the theory says that countries are best off if they specialize in products that…

Hurricane Sandy / NOAA In addition to their often devastating human toll, natural disasters can have an extremely adverse economic impact on countries. Disasters can be particularly calamitous for…

Recently planted avocado trees in the Alto Laran district, in Peru. A five hours’ drive south of Lima lays the coastal provinces of Chincha. If one heads inland into the deserted mountains that…

On a Friday evening last November, twelve mayors from nearby districts gathered at the municipal office building in Tarapoto, Peru. Even though the rainy season was just ramping-up in this lush…

What does it take to make reforms work in small island countries? At the end of June 2013, twelve Caribbean countries presented a roadmap for growth in three areas -logistics and connectivity,…

Increased hurricane activity and rising sea levels are well-known effects of climate change, and they prompt solemn head-shaking when we read about them in reports. But in the Caribbean they are…