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Sustainability and Wealth of Rural Households: Measurement and Inequality Analysis

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  • Soumaïla Gansonré
  • Ramatu M. Al‐Hassan
  • Idrissa M. Ouédraogo
  • George T. Kwadzo
  • Edward E. Onumah

Abstract

A small but growing literature is linking well‐being with the value of assets, measured comprehensively. This measure, called comprehensive wealth, has appeared as a leading economic indicator of sustainability by reflecting the potential of future well‐being. Despite the concerns of sustainability for policy interventions at the micro‐level, the existing literature is limited to country‐level estimations. This paper applies the general framework of weak sustainability to measure wealth at the household level. Using data from three rounds of household survey, market prices, and yield data from rural Burkina Faso, we measure wealth, income, and consumption per adult. The results show that wealth has consistently increased over time in contrast to income and consumption which have fluctuated. Wealth is also less unequally distributed. Finally, consumption is found to be more correlated with wealth. This suggests that wealth‐based interventions are more likely to improve well‐being in a sustainable way.

Suggested Citation

  • Soumaïla Gansonré & Ramatu M. Al‐Hassan & Idrissa M. Ouédraogo & George T. Kwadzo & Edward E. Onumah, 2023. "Sustainability and Wealth of Rural Households: Measurement and Inequality Analysis," Review of Income and Wealth, International Association for Research in Income and Wealth, vol. 69(1), pages 150-169, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:revinw:v:69:y:2023:i:1:p:150-169
    DOI: 10.1111/roiw.12572
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