Journal of International Development
May 2014 Volume 26, Issue 4 Pages 409–566
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jid.v26.3/issuetoc

Research Article
BRAZILIAN LAND TENURE CONFLICTS: A SPATIAL ANALYSIS
Carlos Pestana Barros1, João Ricardo Faria2,* and Ari Francisco de Araujo Jr.3
Abstract
This paper analyses land occupation involving landless peasants in Brazil for the period 2000–2008. It is the first study to be undertaken at the national level, with a contemporary data span, using spatial analysis. Land occupation in Brazil is a state-based phenomenon and mainly a political issue. Our results show that land occupation grows with left-wing political violence and left-wing government’s support through public agencies. The view that land invasion is caused by poverty does not apply to the Brazilian case.

Research Article
SELF-HELP GROUPS AND EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN: SELF-SELECTION, OR ACTUAL BENEFITS?
Zakir Husain1,*, Diganta Mukerjee2 and Mousumi Dutta3
Abstract
Researchers argue that programmes promoting SHGs often attract women already active in the public domain (‘self-selection effect’), excluding those most in need of assistance. This exaggerates estimates of the effects of the programme (‘programme effects’). This paper attempts to test the significance of the programme effect of SHGs by comparing empowerment levels of newly inducted and older members of SHGs, based on a survey conducted in six municipalities in West Bengal, India. Results indicate that programme effects operated only to reduce tolerance of domestic violence and enhance status of members within the household.

Research Article
MAKING POVERTY INTO A FINANCIAL PROBLEM: FROM GLOBAL POVERTY LINES TO KIVA.ORG
Anke F. Schwittay*
Abstract
This paper presents the financialization of poverty as a conceptual addition to the literature on microfinance. It argues that for microfinance to be seen as a solution to poverty alleviation, poverty has been made into a financial problem. This is exemplified by the World Bank’s global poverty line and leads to the constitution of poor people as financial subjects. In addition, thinking of poverty in financial terms enables Northern publics’ engagement with poverty. Recent initiatives like Live Below the Line and Kiva.org are presented as examples of how poverty is made manageable for Northern supporters of microfinance.