Just as giant AETNA uses Google searches to track Flu outbreaks, development economists are starting to capitalize on cell phone usage data. In a recent paper Joshua Blumenstock analyzes cell phone use - a largely untapped source of fresh data for development economists - to track migration patterns in Rwanda: … [Read more...] about A new data plan for development economics?
Inequality in Colombia
Latin America is arguably the most unequal place on earth. Inequality in Colombia is the worst in Latin-America. And if you are born poor in the countryside, a small town or on the coast or if you are part of an ethnic minority your prospects are even worse argue Marcela Meléndez and Francisco Ferreira in this paper. … [Read more...] about Inequality in Colombia
Do teachers learn anything?
From a very recent blog by our colleague Hugo Ñopo (in Spanish) Those that choose teaching are not those that have best Reading scores. Just the opposite. In this blog entry, we will state two additional facts: (i) on top of the poor reading scores, Young teachers have the worst performance in Math and English among all the college youth in their generation; and (ii) … [Read more...] about Do teachers learn anything?
Walmart and farmers’ welfare
A recent paper on the effects of WalMart on small farmers’ welfare in Nicaragua Despite more than a decade of NGO and government activities promoting developing world farmer participation in high-value agricultural markets, evidence regarding the household welfare effects of such initiatives is limited. This article analyzes the geographic placement of supermarket supply … [Read more...] about Walmart and farmers’ welfare
The cream of an amazing crop
Every 2 years, Colombia honors one young economist – under 40 – with the Juan Luis Londoño Prize, which recognizes her/his contribution to the country's social welfare. The prize is named after an economist who died ten years ago while serving his country as Social Protection Minister. Juan Luis (pictured) was brilliant, outgoing, funny and loved shocking people and making … [Read more...] about The cream of an amazing crop