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How is China shaping Africa? The role of Chinese development projects on land cover transformation

Author

Listed:
  • Nicoló Pecora

    (Catholic University)

  • Alessandro Spelta

    (University of Pavia)

  • Paolo Pagnottoni

    (University of Insubria)

  • Jong-Min Kim

    (University of Minnesota-Morris)

Abstract

This paper investigates the impact of Chinese development projects on the change of land covering in the African continent over the years 2000-2017 by means of a new gridded dataset. The geo-referenced panel dataset matches information on Chinese development projects with satellite data on the evolution of land surface. The econometric analysis shows that Chinese development projects have played a significant role in the transformation of the African land covering, and that the Chinese intervention in Africa has had a significant impact on the transition of land covering from natural to artificial surfaces.

Suggested Citation

  • Nicoló Pecora & Alessandro Spelta & Paolo Pagnottoni & Jong-Min Kim, 2025. "How is China shaping Africa? The role of Chinese development projects on land cover transformation," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 59(3), pages 2309-2331, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:qualqt:v:59:y:2025:i:3:d:10.1007_s11135-025-02072-3
    DOI: 10.1007/s11135-025-02072-3
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • O19 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - International Linkages to Development; Role of International Organizations
    • H54 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Infrastructures
    • Q24 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Renewable Resources and Conservation - - - Land

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