Central Data Catalog
Citation Information
Type | Journal Article - Journal of Development Economics |
Title | Irrigation dams, water and infant mortality: Evidence from South Africa |
Author(s) | |
Volume | 138 |
Publication (Day/Month/Year) | 2019 |
Page numbers | 17 -40 |
URL | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304387818300166 |
Abstract | Irrigation dams enable farmers to harness substantial water resources. However, their use consumes finite water supplies and recycles agricultural water pollutants back into river systems. This paper examines the net effect of irrigation dams on infant mortality in South Africa. It relies on both fixed effects and instrumental variables approaches to counteract potential bias associated with non-random dam placement, with the latter approach predicting dam placement based on geographic features and policy changes. The analysis reveals that additional irrigation dams within South Africa's former homeland districts after Apartheid increased infant mortality by 10–20 percent. I then discuss and evaluate possible channels. Dam-induced increases in agricultural activity could increase water pollution and reduce water availability, and I provide supporting evidence that both channels may contribute. These results suggest a potential trade-off between the health costs of agricultural water use and the economic benefits of increased agricultural production. |
Related studies
» | South Africa - October Household Survey 1995, Statistics South Africa |
» | South Africa - October Household Survey 1996, |
» | South Africa - October Household Survey 1997, Statistics South Africa |
» | South Africa - October Household Survey 1998, |
» | South Africa - October Household Survey 1999, Statistics South Africa |
» | South Africa - South African Census 1996, 10% Sample, Statistics South Africa - Government of South Africa |
» | South Africa - South African Census 2001, 10% Sample, Statistics South Africa |
Mettetal, Elizabeth. "Irrigation dams, water and infant mortality: Evidence from South Africa." Journal of Development Economics (2019).