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Transitory shocks and birth weights: Evidence from a blackout in Zanzibar

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  • Burlando, Alfredo

Abstract

Do transitory economic shocks affect neonatal outcomes? I show that an unexpected, month-long blackout in Tanzania caused a sharp but temporary drop in work hours and earnings for workers in electricity-dependent jobs. Using records from a maternity ward, I document a reduction in birth weights for children exposed in utero to the blackout, and an increase in the probability of low birth weight. The reduction is correlated with measures of maternal exposure to the blackout. The blackout also increased fertility for teenage and first-time mothers, but selection into pregnancy cannot fully explain the drop in weights.

Suggested Citation

  • Burlando, Alfredo, 2014. "Transitory shocks and birth weights: Evidence from a blackout in Zanzibar," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 108(C), pages 154-168.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:deveco:v:108:y:2014:i:c:p:154-168
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jdeveco.2014.01.012
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    JEL classification:

    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration
    • O14 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Industrialization; Manufacturing and Service Industries; Choice of Technology
    • J29 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Other
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior

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