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
Our 2012 blogstats (or looking at the mirror and smiling, twice)
Welcome and thanks for coming back. We had a good year in terms of readership and we want to share our numbers (over 40,000 visitors for our two language site), but first allow me a (very) short blurb. … [Read more...] about Our 2012 blogstats (or looking at the mirror and smiling, twice)
Do Leaders Matter?
There is ample evidence that managers have a large effect on firm performance and productivity. In a recent study of the performance of development projects in Latin America we find that project team leaders matter for project success, and to the extent that they do, on aggregate they matter for the success of development finance. Even if the impact of additional development … [Read more...] about Do Leaders Matter?
Albert Hirschman and Colombia
Albert Hirschman was one of the most influential development economists in the last 50years. As he passed away yesterday, it is important to remember that his years in Colombia helped shape both Colombian development policy and his classic The Strategy of Economic Development. Jeremy Adelman reminds us: … [Read more...] about Albert Hirschman and Colombia