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The anatomy of fragile states in Sub‐Saharan Africa: Understanding the interrelationship between fragility and indicators of wellbeing

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  • Andy McKay
  • Erik Thorbecke

Abstract

According to most classifications, Sub‐Saharan Africa is the region of the world with the highest presence of fragile states. In this paper we examine the relationship between fragility and poverty, suggesting that countries may become trapped in a vicious circle of fragility and low levels of wellbeing. We consider fragility as a continuum and begin by reviewing available measures. These show the high presence of fragility in Sub‐Saharan Africa and allow the more fragile countries to be identified. There is seen to be a strong association between fragility, poor growth performance, and lower wellbeing in Sub‐Saharan Africa. Building on the strong evidence for the two‐way relationship between economic growth and poverty, we present an analysis of how the vicious circle linking poorer welfare outcomes and fragility may be able to be broken. We argue that building successful institutions is key here, and this can be enabled by specific policy interventions that are both poverty reducing and productive.

Suggested Citation

  • Andy McKay & Erik Thorbecke, 2019. "The anatomy of fragile states in Sub‐Saharan Africa: Understanding the interrelationship between fragility and indicators of wellbeing," Review of Development Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 23(3), pages 1073-1100, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:rdevec:v:23:y:2019:i:3:p:1073-1100
    DOI: 10.1111/rode.12578
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    Cited by:

    1. Elkhan Richard Sadik‐Zada, 2021. "Natural resources, technological progress, and economic modernization," Review of Development Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 25(1), pages 381-404, February.
    2. Ghassan Baliki & Tilman Brück & Neil T. N. Ferguson & Sindu Workneh Kebede, 2022. "Fragility exposure index: Concepts, measurement, and application," Review of Development Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 26(2), pages 639-660, May.
    3. Fadare, Olusegun & Zanello, Giacomo & Srinivasan, Chittur, 2022. "The joint effects of terrorism and land access on livestock production decisions: Evidence from northern Nigeria," World Development Perspectives, Elsevier, vol. 27(C).
    4. Ijirshar, Victor Ushahemba & Andohol, Jerome, 2022. "Investment-growth nexus in West Africa: An assessment of whether fragility matter," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 81(C), pages 1-17.
    5. Nick Vink, 2022. "African agricultural development: How are we contributing?," Agricultural Economics, International Association of Agricultural Economists, vol. 53(4), pages 540-562, July.
    6. Sabina Alkire & Usha Kanagaratnam & Ricardo Nogales & Nicolai Suppa, 2022. "Revising the Global Multidimensional Poverty Index: Empirical Insights and Robustness," Review of Income and Wealth, International Association for Research in Income and Wealth, vol. 68(S2), pages 347-384, December.
    7. Muhammad Ahsan Ali Raza & Chen Yan & Hafiz Syed Mohsin Abbas & Atta Ullah, 2021. "Impact of institutional governance and state determinants on foreign direct investment in Asian economies," Growth and Change, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 52(4), pages 2596-2613, December.

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