PROPERTY-RIGHTS AND INVESTMENT INCENTIVES - THEORY AND EVIDENCE FROM GHANA

Authors
BESLEY T
Citation
T. Besley, PROPERTY-RIGHTS AND INVESTMENT INCENTIVES - THEORY AND EVIDENCE FROM GHANA, Journal of political economy, 103(5), 1995, pp. 903-937
Citations number
17
Categorie Soggetti
Economics
Journal title
Journal of political economy → ACNP
ISSN journal
00223808
Volume
103
Issue
5
Year of publication
1995
Pages
903 - 937
Database
ISI
SICI code
0022-3808(1995)103:5<903:PAII-T>2.0.ZU;2-Q
Abstract
This paper examines the link between property rights and investment in centives. I develop three theoretical arguments based on security of t enure, using land as collateral and obtaining gains from trade. The pa per then presents empirical evidence from two regions in Ghana. I inve stigate the possibility that rights are endogenous, with farmers makin g improvements to enhance their land rights. Finally, I suggest tests for which of the theories might explain the results.