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From Fields to Factories: Malaria Eradication and Structural Transformation in Post-War Italy

Author

Listed:
  • Buonanno, Paolo
  • Lecce, Giampaolo
  • Mariella, Vitantonio
  • Ogliari, Laura

Abstract

This paper studies the long-term economic impact of malaria eradication in post-war Italy, one of the first countries to implement a nationwide campaign (1947–mid 1950s). Using a new panel dataset (1911–1981) and a matched difference-in-differences approach, we compare historically malarial areas to non-malarial areas with similar pre-treatment characteristics. We find that eradication significantly accelerated structural transformation, boosting industrial and manufacturing employment. These effects unfolded gradually and are robust to controls for confounding policies and divergent local growth paths. Mechanism analysis reveals that eradication raised agricultural productivity by enabling a more efficient crop mix and fostering mechanization, particularly where potential for modernization was highest. The study offers new insights into how health improvements can drive economic development.

Suggested Citation

  • Buonanno, Paolo & Lecce, Giampaolo & Mariella, Vitantonio & Ogliari, Laura, 2025. "From Fields to Factories: Malaria Eradication and Structural Transformation in Post-War Italy," CEPR Discussion Papers 20394, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:20394
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • N34 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - Europe: 1913-
    • O18 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Urban, Rural, Regional, and Transportation Analysis; Housing; Infrastructure
    • I15 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Economic Development
    • R11 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes

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