Markets

In this paper, published in the American Economic Review, Bustos, Caprettini and Ponticelli (2016) study the effects of the adoption of new agricultural technologies on structural transformation.

Search and trust frictions have historically made it hard for small firms in lower-income countries to buy inputs from foreign markets. Consider a clothing wholesaler in Senegal, who wants to start selling high quality European-made jeans.

Search and trust frictions have historically made it hard for small firms in lower income countries to buy inputs from foreign markets. The growth in smartphone ownership and social media usage has the potential to alleviate these barriers.

This paper shows that self-employment shapes labor market power in low-income countries, affecting industrial development.

Markets in developing countries are often portrayed as dysfunctional, with low levels of competition and large numbers of unproductive firms. In theory, increased competition could work as a disciplining force in these settings.

Landmines affect the lives of millions in many conflict-ridden communities long after the cessation of hostilities. However, there is little research on the role of demining.

A lack of trust in product quality can distort markets, reducing demand and investment. Can a low-touch information campaign improve confidence in fertiliser quality in Tanzania, raising demand for a critical agricultural input?

A lack of reliable information about fertiliser quality depresses farmer demand, reducing crop yields and negatively impacting livelihoods.