By: Ana Corbacho and Carlos Scartascini * Crime and violence are major concerns in Latin America and the Caribbean. The region suffers from the highest homicide rate in the world, reaching over 25 deaths per 100,000 people in recent years, tripling the global average. The region is also affected by widespread common crime, which victimizes more than 10 percent of the … [Read more...] about The Costs of Crime and Violence in Latin America and the Caribbean
What does and doesn't work in development
If it rains less, will more kids die?
Just as you can’t use real rain to make movies, it turns out it’s not much good as an instrumental variable either: … [Read more...] about If it rains less, will more kids die?
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
Punishment pays?
For a mom or a dad, every day is filled with threats and cajoling. We whisper, shout, sigh. If you finish your homework, you can watch TV for half an hour. Please, this is the third time I ask you to stop bouncing that ball off the wall. One more and I will take it away for the rest of the week! STOP! Gone forever! Like most moms and dads, I was properly schooled on the … [Read more...] about Punishment pays?