Howard L. Petterson

Bahrain has positioned itself as a compact but influential financial hub in the Gulf, combining a well-established banking sector, an early-adopter regulator for fintech, and an ecosystem of development agencies. This mix creates opportunities for corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives that go beyond philanthropy to actively expand financial inclusion and improve household financial capability. Financial inclusion in Bahrain is driven by three structural advantages: high digital and mobile penetration, a dense network of retail banks and insurers, and active public agencies (development banks and labor support agencies) that link finance to social policy.Institutional and regulatory driversCentral and development institutions serve…

A brief look at Benin: its farming practices, community livelihoods, and the growing strain on soilsBenin's economy and social fabric remain closely tied to agriculture. The sector contributes roughly one-quarter of national GDP and employs a majority of the rural population, making it central to poverty reduction, food security, and export earnings. Key crops include cotton (a major cash crop), maize, cassava, yam, cashew, groundnuts, palm oil, millet, and sorghum. Smallholder farms dominate production, typically operating on less than two hectares each.This agricultural landscape faces mounting challenges: soil nutrient depletion, erosion, shortening fallow periods, deforestation for new fields, and increasing…

Benin at a glance: agriculture, livelihoods, and pressure on soilsBenin's economy and social structure remain deeply anchored in agriculture, a sector responsible for about one-quarter of the country's GDP and employing most of its rural residents, thereby playing a pivotal role in reducing poverty, strengthening food security, and generating export revenue. Main crops encompass cotton, which stands out as a leading cash crop, along with maize, cassava, yam, cashew, groundnuts, palm oil, millet, and sorghum. Agricultural output is largely driven by smallholder farmers, who generally manage plots of under two hectares.This farming environment confronts escalating strains, including declining soil nutrients,…

The 2013 Rana Plaza collapse, which claimed over 1,100 lives and left thousands more injured, marked a pivotal turning point for Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) industry. The tragedy laid bare deep-rooted safety lapses and set in motion a surge of corporate social responsibility (CSR) actions, broad multi-stakeholder accords, and development initiatives designed to strengthen factory safety and build more defined career pathways for employees. This article examines the central CSR efforts and programs, highlights tangible results in workplace safety and skills development, and distills key insights for maintaining long‑term progress.Key CSR mechanisms introduced after Rana PlazaThe Accord on Fire and…