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Interpersonal, Intertemporal and Spatial Variation in Risk Perceptions: Evidence from East Africa

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  • Doss, Cheryl R.
  • McPeak, John G.
  • Barrett, Christopher B.

Abstract

This study investigates variation over time, space and household and individual characteristics in how people perceive different risks. Using original data from the arid and semi-arid lands of east Africa, we explore which risks concern individuals and how they assess their relative level of concern about these identified risks. Because these assessments were gathered for multiple time periods, sites, households and individuals within households, we are able to identify the degree to which risk perceptions vary across time, across communities, across households within a community, and across individuals within a household. We find the primary determinants of risk rankings to be changing community level variables over time, with household specific and individual specific variables exhibiting much less influence. This suggests that community based planning and monitoring of development efforts that address risk exposure should be prioritized. We also find that individuals throughout this area are most concerned about food security overall, so that development efforts that directly address this problem should be given the highest priority.

Suggested Citation

  • Doss, Cheryl R. & McPeak, John G. & Barrett, Christopher B., 2006. "Interpersonal, Intertemporal and Spatial Variation in Risk Perceptions: Evidence from East Africa," Center Discussion Papers 28415, Yale University, Economic Growth Center.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:yaleeg:28415
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.28415
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Risk and Uncertainty;

    JEL classification:

    • O12 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Microeconomic Analyses of Economic Development
    • D80 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - General
    • Q0 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - General

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