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Commentary on 'The economics of landmine clearance: case study of Cambodia'

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  • Ted Paterson

    (Development Consultant, Québec Canada)

Abstract

A recent cost-benefit analysis of landmine clearance in Cambodia (Harris, JID 12 (2), 2000) reported a net present value (NPV) of minus $3,434 million, and concluded landmine clearance using existing technologies is not economically justified for Cambodia. Professor Harris suggested higher returns would accrue to investments in de-mining technology, while aid funds for landmine clearance should be reallocated to meet other development objectives. However, the methodology used massively overstates the present value of de-mining costs while the estimated benefits are far too low. More fundamentally, the specification of the model makes it suitable only for an 'all-or-nothing' decision whether to rid Cambodia entirely of landmine contamination, and does not allow the analysis of targeted clearance of priority land. With appropriate adjustments, the economics of landmine clearance in Cambodia are not bleak, and may well yield positive rates of return in NPV terms. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Suggested Citation

  • Ted Paterson, 2001. "Commentary on 'The economics of landmine clearance: case study of Cambodia'," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 13(5), pages 629-634.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:jintdv:v:13:y:2001:i:5:p:629-634
    DOI: 10.1002/jid.751
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Geoff Harris, 2000. "The economics of landmine clearance: case study of Cambodia," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 12(2), pages 219-225.
    2. Jacoby, Hanan C, 2000. "Access to Markets and the Benefits of Rural Roads," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 110(465), pages 713-737, July.
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    1. Gibson, John & Barns, Sandra & Cameron, Michael & Lim, Steven & Scrimgeour, Frank & Tressler, John, 2007. "The Value of Statistical Life and the Economics of Landmine Clearance in Developing Countries," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 35(3), pages 512-531, March.
    2. Mitchell, Shannon K., 2004. "Death, Disability, Displaced Persons and Development: The Case of Landmines in Bosnia and Herzegovina," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 32(12), pages 2105-2120, December.

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