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The Management of Aid and Conflict in Africa

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  • Jacob Moscona

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between the management of development aid and violent conflict in Africa. I exploit variation in World Bank project management quality driven by the assignment of project leaders of varying ability, combined with geo-coded data on all projects linked to performance report cards. I find that better project management reduces violent conflict across subnational aid receiving regions. Poorly managed projects increase conflict while well-managed projects do the opposite. Project monitoring is particularly important, and management matters most in regions with a recent history of warfare and for large projects that involve the transfer of appropriable resources.

Suggested Citation

  • Jacob Moscona, 2025. "The Management of Aid and Conflict in Africa," American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, American Economic Association, vol. 17(4), pages 228-259, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:aejpol:v:17:y:2025:i:4:p:228-59
    DOI: 10.1257/pol.20220219
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Macartan Humphreys, 2005. "Natural Resources, Conflict, and Conflict Resolution," Journal of Conflict Resolution, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 49(4), pages 508-537, August.
    2. Koedel, Cory & Mihaly, Kata & Rockoff, Jonah E., 2015. "Value-added modeling: A review," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 47(C), pages 180-195.
    3. Alfonso Flores-Lagunes, 2007. "Finite sample evidence of IV estimators under weak instruments," Journal of Applied Econometrics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 22(3), pages 677-694.
    4. Nickell, Stephen J, 1981. "Biases in Dynamic Models with Fixed Effects," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 49(6), pages 1417-1426, November.
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    Cited by:

    1. Jacob Moscona & Nathan Nunn & James A. Robinson, 2026. "Searching for Fish in Trees (緣木求魚)? Economic Development when Context Matters," Working Papers 2026-27, Becker Friedman Institute for Research In Economics.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D74 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Conflict; Conflict Resolution; Alliances; Revolutions
    • F35 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - Foreign Aid
    • O17 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Formal and Informal Sectors; Shadow Economy; Institutional Arrangements
    • O19 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - International Linkages to Development; Role of International Organizations
    • O22 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Development Planning and Policy - - - Project Analysis

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