Conflicts and Economic Development

Study Context

Most of the existing literature on the economic consequences of conflicts in Africa focus largely on the effects of conflict on economic development at the national level. However, scant evidence exists on the consequence that conflicts impose on economic development at local scales.

Study Design

Using quasi-experimental methods, this study explores the extent to which conflicts affect and thus delay local economic development in Africa. Employing remotely-sensed night time satellite imagery data to measure local economic development and spatial conflict data, the study estimates the impact of conflicts on economic development in over 4,000 districts across 42 countries in Africa between 1997 and 2013. With the analysis centered on the origin of conflict, the study hopes to offer further insight on how conflict disrupts economic development in Africa.

Results and Policy Lessons

Results forthcoming.