By Leonardo Corral* and Heath Henderson** Land inequality in developing countries has been found to hamper long-term economic growth and also mitigate the poverty-reducing effects of existing growth by limiting effective access to land by the rural poor. Further, given the often-observed inverse relationship between farm size and productivity, land inequality can … [Read more...] about Can land markets reduce land inequality in developing countries?
What does and doesn't work in development
Can incentives improve our habits?
By Sebastian Galiani* No doubt, we economists believe that incentives matter. Recently, it has been argued that incentives could be used to encourage desirable habits, such as getting regular exercise or having a healthy diet. This has become particularly important in Latin America given its demographic and epidemiological situation (Galiani and Weinschelbaum, 2014). If … [Read more...] about Can incentives improve our habits?
Do non-contributory pensions work?
Undoubtedly, pensions are one of the most important components of a social security system. Pensions improve welfare by facilitating individuals to be able to smooth consumption over the life-cycle. By contributing to a pension, an individual consumes today less than what she produces, so as to consume more after she has retired and is no longer producing. Pensions allow … [Read more...] about Do non-contributory pensions work?
Cash transfers, 103 years ago
Cash Transfers are probably one of the most researched interventions in the world. The great majority of this research has focused on short to medium term impacts. This is not surprising as the first modern Cash Transfer Program, Progresa (now called Oportunidades), is a 16 years old adolescent. In addition, the evidence on “longer” term effects is still considered weak. A … [Read more...] about Cash transfers, 103 years ago
Montevideo’s Sanitation Project Stands the Test of Time
By Tania Páez The pressure to obtain short-term results is not exclusive to the corporate world. Development projects are also subject to the same type of pressure. While CEOs feel compelled to show profits to shareholders every quarter, politicians need to show voters the results of their development projects every election cycle. That can make it difficult to implement … [Read more...] about Montevideo’s Sanitation Project Stands the Test of Time