Essays on agricultural productivity and intrahousehold dynamics in the Philippines

Abstract

This dissertation is composed of three independent chapters investigating issues related to agricultural productivity and intrahousehold dynamics in the Philippines. It is based on large-scale secondary data as well as on first-hand data collected in a mountainous region of the island of Mindanao. The first chapter studies an environmental consequence of genetically modified corn cultivation and documents a strong increase in landslide probability on plots planted with this variety. The second chapter uses agricultural census data to compute landholding inequality measures at the municipality level and analyzes the impact of genetically modified corn seeds commercialization on the evolution of the land distribution. Results show that this new agricultural technology increased inequality. Finally, the last chapter studies married couples’ behavior when spouses interact with each other in an experimental setting. It finds a high level of inefficiency in individual decisions, especially coming from women which reveals an unmet demand for agency.

Date of Award	31 Mar 2022
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Namur
Sponsors	University of Namur & FSR-FNRS
Supervisor	Jean-Marie Baland (Supervisor), Mathias Hungerbuhler (President), CATHERINE GUIRKINGER (Jury), Marc Sangnier (Jury), Peter Lanjouw (Jury) & Tanguy Bernard (Jury)