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This study examines the impact of some selected macroeconomic variables on the performance of the non-life insurance companies of Bangladesh. Here, we consider 32 such companies that are operating in the country. These companies are observed over the period of 7 years (2009–2015) giving rise to 224 panel observations. In our study, we use two performance measures, like return on asset (ROA) and return on equity (ROE) as dependent variables. The explanatory variables are categorized as macroeconomic factors and firm-specific factors. Former includes variable such as inflation rate, GDP growth rate, interest rate, and exchange rate. To measure the firm-specific factors, we use eight proxy variables such as age, size, loss ratio, solvency margin, assets tangibility, liquidity ratio, debt ratio, and management competence index as explanatory variables. The research employs panel data regression methodology to examine the effects of macroeconomic variables on the performance of the aforementioned companies. The regression results of our study suggest that except interest rate, none of the macroeconomic variables has statistically significant influence on the performance of non-life insurance companies. These results, indeed, gainsay with economic theories. On the other hand, the firms’ specific factors; e.g., age, sizes, loss ratio, solvency margin, tangibility of assets, and management competence index have statistically significant impact on the performance of the non-life insurance sector of Bangladesh. Thus, the interest rate along with firm-specific factors can be identified as determinants of the performance of the Bangladeshi non-life insurance companies. This analysis obviously provides some noteworthy new information to different stakeholders of the Bangladesh non-life insurance sector. In particular, the findings of the study are expected to be useful to both domestic and foreign investors to make more rational decisions regarding selection of insurance companies’ stocks for their portfolios at Dhaka stock exchange. Public policy authorities may also use the same results to formulate sound policies to ensure economic growth and stability of the nation.

The principal aim of the study is to find out a way to effectively manage the agricultural risks like price volatility, weather risks, and fund shortage. To hedge price volatility, farmers sometimes make contracts with agro-traders but fail to protect themselves effectively due to not having the legal framework for such contracts. The study extensively reviews existing literature and find evidence that the majority studies either deal with price volatility or weather risks. If we could address these risks through a single model, it would be more useful to both the farmers and traders. Intrinsically, the authors endeavor in this regard, and the key contribution of this study lies in it. Initially, we conduct a small survey aspiring to identify the shortcomings of existing contracts. Later, we propose a model encompassing forward and insurance contracts together where the forward contract will be used to hedge price volatility and insurance contract will be used to protect weather risks.

Purpose Sustainable food security at the household level is one of the emerging issues for all nations. Several factors such as social, economic, political, demographic, natural and livelihood strategies cause vulnerability in the status of household food security. This study aims to examine the vulnerability of the factors of household food accessibility and its linkage with the climatic changes in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on primary data collected in the months of July-October, 2012, through a questionnaire survey on 460 low-income households from the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) in Malaysia. The samples were selected from E-Kasih poor household database, based on the cluster random sampling technique. The questionnaire uses a five-point Likert scale, and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA F statistics for chi-square two-sample test. Findings The study finds that the vulnerability of the factors of household food accessibility has increased statistically and significantly over the past five years in Malaysia, whereas the contributions of climatic factors are low on these changes. This study suggests that the food security programs in Malaysia need to be integrated with the climatic change adaptation programs to ensure more effective and sustainable household food security in the future. Originality/value This study is an original work based on primary data that empirically measures the vulnerability of the factors of household food accessibility, one of the important dimensions of household food security, and its linkage with climatic changes.

Purpose Sustainable food security at the household level is one of the emerging issues for all nations. It is expected that the patterns of household resilience factors and adaptation practices have a strong linkage with household food security. The purpose of this paper is to seek an effective technique of adaptation for food security and the required types of support for adaptation to food insecurity among the poor and low-income households in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach This study was based on primary data that were collected in July-October 2012 through a questionnaire survey among 460 poor and low-income households from the Pahang, Kelantan, and Terengganu states of Malaysia. The samples were selected from E-Kasih poor household database based on a two-stage cluster random sampling technique. The study considered household food security as household food availability and food accessibility, and ran ordinal regressions to find out the linkages of household food security with household resilience factors, adaptation practices, and expected support for adaptation to food security. Findings The study concludes that several resilience factors and adaptation practices were statistically significant to household food security, and several external supports were statistically and significantly needed to ensure household food security. Therefore, to ensure sustainable household food security in Malaysia, the food security programs need to be integrated with sustainable development goals (SDGs) and climatic changes adaptation programs, and the involvement of relevant stakeholders are crucial. Originality/value This study is a pioneer work based on primary data that empirically measured the linkages of household food security with household resilience factors, adaptation practices, and expected support for adaptation to food security in Malaysia. This study also discussed some issues related to the climate change linkage, which would help future climate change research. The findings of the study will be beneficial for all the stakeholders, including policy makers related to the food security and climate change adaptation.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the direct and indirect impacts of climatic changes as well as the effects of non-climatic factors on household food security in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach – The study is based on primary data collected in the months of July – October, 2012 through a questionnaire survey on 460 low-income households from East Coast Economic Region (ECER) of the country. The samples were selected from E-Kasih poor household database, based on cluster random sampling technique. The statistical estimation was done through two-stage formative path measurement model by using non-parametric bootstrap procedure under Smart PLS. Findings – This study finds that household food insecurity ECER – Malaysia is not only related to social and economic factors, but also statistically significantly linked to the direct and indirect impacts of climatic factors. The policy implications of the study suggest that design of food security programs must be integrated with climatic change adaptation programs. Originality/value – The government and other relevant agencies should jointly develop appropriate policies for poverty alleviation, household-level food security, and adaptation with climatic changes in Malaysia.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to analyze the profitability performance of Islamic banks (IBs) of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region during 2008 global financial crisis. Design/methodology/approach Bank-specific data are taken from the Bank Scope database and macroeconomic data are collected from International Financial Statistics. Using a panel data series of 30 banks for the period of 2005 to 2011, the study shows the evidence of structural break for the crisis year as well as the factors that impact the profitability of IBs. Findings The performance of GCC IBs was significantly influenced during the crisis period by capital adequacy, credit risk, financial risk, operational efficiency, liquidity, bank size, gross domestic product, growth rate of money supply, bank sector development and inflation rate. The study also finds that there is a structural change before and after the global financial crisis. Originality/value This is an original study that shows that the Sharīʿah-compliant banks have performed better during the crisis and are not affected based on their internal performance records; rather, they have been affected indirectly from the macro shock owing to the overall economic crisis.

(2000). The Grameen bank of Bangladesh: History procedures, effects and challenges. Asian Affairs: Vol. 31, No. 2, pp. 160-169.

Grameen Bank of Bangladesh formally began operating as a specialized credit institution in 1983, although its history can be traced back to an innovative pilot project that began in 1976. The bank gives small-business loans to the poorest of the rural poor on a group liability basis instead of requiring any collateral. Because they have no collateral, the Grameen Bank borrowers do not have access to conventional sources of credit. The loan and the accrued interest are repayable in small weekly installments over a period of one year. The bank also provides comprehensive investment advice to its clients and helps them generate savings for themselves. Peer pressure works as a driving force for the borrowers to repay the loan on time. In case of default, the borrowers as well as other members of the group become ineligible for further loans. The loan-collection rate of the Grameen Bank is nearly 98 percent, a rate that is far higher than that for any other conven

(1992). The grameen bank and the changing patron-client relationship in Bangladesh. Journal of Contemporary Asia: Vol. 22, No. 3, pp. 303-321.

(1985). Impact of agricultural modernisation on rural labour market of Bangladesh. Journal of Contemporary Asia: Vol. 15, No. 1, pp. 64-78.