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Are natural resources also bad for infrastructure quality?

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  • Sosson Tadadjeu
  • Paul Ningaye
  • Henri Njangang

Abstract

This study contributes to the extensive non‐consensus literature on the resource curse by examining the effect of natural resource dependence on infrastructure quality. We show that natural resources on average have a negative effect on the overall quality of infrastructure, including the quality of various infrastructures such as roads, ports, railroads, airports and the quality of electricity supply. However, we find that, beyond a certain threshold, natural resources improve the quality of some infrastructure. This study also supports the importance of improving the quality of institutions, as we show that natural resources are a blessing for the infrastructure quality in countries with a better institutional framework.

Suggested Citation

  • Sosson Tadadjeu & Paul Ningaye & Henri Njangang, 2023. "Are natural resources also bad for infrastructure quality?," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 35(6), pages 1053-1079, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:jintdv:v:35:y:2023:i:6:p:1053-1079
    DOI: 10.1002/jid.3718
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