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Stochastic wealth dynamics and risk management among a poor population

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Title Stochastic wealth dynamics and risk management among a poor population
 
Creator Lybbert, T.J.
Barrett, Christopher B.
Desta, S.
Coppock, D.L.
 
Description We use herd history data collected among pastoralists in southern Ethiopia to study stochastic wealth dynamics among a poor population. Although covariate rainfall shocks plainly matter, household-specific factors, including own herd size, account for most observed variability in wealth dynamics. We find no support for the tragedy of the commons hypothesis. Past studies may have conflated costly self-insurance with stocking rate externalities. Biophysical shocks move households between multiple dynamic wealth equilibria – the lowest suggesting a poverty trap – according to nonconvex path dynamics. These findings have broad implications for development and relief strategies among a poor population vulnerable to climatic shocks.
 
Date 2010-03-25T06:34:09Z
2010-03-25T06:34:09Z
2004-09-28
 
Type Journal Article
 
Identifier Lybbert, T.J.; Barrett, C.B.; Desta, S.; Coppock, D.L. 2004. Stochastic wealth dynamics and risk management among a poor population. The Economic Journal. 114(498):750-777.
1468-0297
0013-0133
https://hdl.handle.net/10568/916
 
Language en
 
Source Economic Journal