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If you would like to write for this, or any other Emerald publication, then please use our Emerald for Authors service information about how to choose which publication to write for and submission guidelines are available for all. Please visit www.emeraldinsight.com/authors for more information. About Emerald www.emeraldinsight.comEmerald is a global publisher linking research and practice to the benefit of society. The company manages a portfolio of more than 290 journals and over 2,350 books and book series volumes, as well as providing an extensive range of online products and additional customer resources and services.Emerald is both COUNTER 4 and TRANSFER compliant. The organization is a partner of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and also works with Portico and the LOCKSS initiative for digital archive preservation.*Related content and download information correct at time of download. Muhammad ImranSchool of People, Environment and Planning, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand Abstract Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to provide a historical analysis of the disaster management structure, policies and institutions in Pakistan between 1947 and 2005, and highlights the contemporary challenges in view of the learning from the past. Design/methodology/approach -The paper uses a historic-integrative case study approach to disaster management and risk reduction policy, planning and practice. Qualitative data were collected through purposive sampling and a case study design was adopted. A broad range of actors was recruited as research participants. In total, 22 semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted in relation to this study in six different districts of Pakistan to achieve insight into the role of different institutions and stakeholders. Findings -Overall, the post-colonial flood-centric policy framework and fragmented responsibilities of different disaster management institutions show the lack of an effective institutional structure for disaster management and mitigation in Pakistan, particularly at the local level. Until the event of the 2005 earthquake, policies heavily relied on attaining immediate and short-term goals of response and relief while ignoring the long-term objectives of strategic planning for prevention and preparedness as well as capacity building and empowerment of local institutions and communities. Practical implications -The analysis explains, in part, why disaster planning and management needs to be given due attention in the developing countries at different policy scales (from local to national) especially in the face of limited resources, and what measures should be taken to improve effectiveness at different phases of the disaster management cycle. Originality/value -The paper advances the importance of a historical case study approach to disaster management and mitigation. The empirical work provides original research evidence about the approaches to dealing with disasters in Pakistan and thus enriches existing knowledge of disaster management...

This practical note highlights lessons learnt during the data collection of two large field surveys as part of the ongoing "Sindh Union Council and Economic Strengthening Support" (SUCCESS) programme in southern Pakistan. The experience is discussed in terms of language barriers, the educational status of households, dealing with people's expectations and non-cooperation, and the weather conditions. The note also highlights the practice of public sharing of data in real-time to improve the design and implementation of future surveys, especially those measuring poverty and quality of life.

Access to reproductive health services and products in remote and rural communities is a critical area of concern for developing countries. This article considers a pilot intervention in three districts of Pakistan where "Business-in-a-Box" as a model of place-based social innovation is used to improve the socioeconomic conditions of women in remote rural settings through socially responsible micro-franchising. It finds that such programmes help build a sense of community, ownership and grassroots capabilities and skills. The article also discusses the impacts of such actions on the individual and community life, and the need to upscale and sustain these initiatives.

In recent years, several Micro Health Insurance (MHI) schemes have been initiated in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) to meet the universal health coverage targets. Evidence on the utilization of these MHI schemes is scarce. Field experiences and lesson learning is crucial to effectively increase access to health care and offer protection against catastrophic health expenditure to the poorest population through the MHI schemes. This paper analyzes community utilization and factors affecting utilization of an MHI provided to the poorest rural households in eight districts of Sindh province of Pakistan. This initiative is part of a larger pro-poor European Union (EU) funded Sindh Union Council and Community Economic Strengthening Support (SUCCESS) Programme implemented by the Rural Support Programs (RSPs). The analysis draws on insurance utilization records and an internal assessment report by the RSPs Network (RSPN). The analysis provides qualitative experiences of the community, empanelled health care providers, the insurance agency and frontline management staff. Our analysis revealed that the overall utilization was very low (0.42%) and the highest number of cases treated at the hospital were of women utilizing obstetric and gynaecology related care. The scheme was noted to prevent catastrophic health expenditure in households that were able to successfully utilize the scheme. Key factors affecting utilization were identified to be around i) awareness creation, ii) distance to empanelled hospitals, and iii) access issues at the health facility level. We aim to add to the knowledge base around MHI for policy makers to design and implement more informed initiatives in the future.