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The Formation of Community-Based Organizations: An Analysis of a Quasi-Experiment in Zimbabwe

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  • Barr, Abigail
  • Dekker, Marleen
  • Fafchamps, Marcel

Abstract

Previous analyses of the formation and composition of community-based organizations (CBOs) have used cross section data. So, causal inference has been compromised. We obviate this problem by using data from a quasi-experiment in which villages were formed by government officials selecting and clustering households. Our findings are as follows: CBO co-memberships are more likely between geographically proximate households and less likely between early and late settlers, members of female-headed households are not excluded, in poorer villages CBO co-membership networks are denser and, while wealthier households may have been instrumental in setting up CBOs, poorer households engage shortly afterward.

Suggested Citation

  • Barr, Abigail & Dekker, Marleen & Fafchamps, Marcel, 2015. "The Formation of Community-Based Organizations: An Analysis of a Quasi-Experiment in Zimbabwe," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 66(C), pages 131-153.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:wdevel:v:66:y:2015:i:c:p:131-153
    DOI: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2014.08.003
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    8. S. Khodaparasti & H. R. Maleki & S. Jahedi & M. E. Bruni & P. Beraldi, 2017. "Enhancing community based health programs in Iran: a multi-objective location-allocation model," Health Care Management Science, Springer, vol. 20(4), pages 485-499, December.
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    10. Precious, Tirivanhu, 2017. "Facilitating transformative learning for community development: Experiences from Zimbabwe," African Journal of Rural Development (AFJRD), AFrican Journal of Rural Development (AFJRD), vol. 1(3), March.

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