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War and Stature: Growing Up During the Nigerian Civil War

Author

Listed:
  • Richard Akresh

    (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and IZA)

  • Sonia Bhalotra

    (University of Bristol and IZA)

  • Marinella Leone

    (University of Sussex)

  • Una Osili

    (Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis)

Abstract

The Nigerian civil war of 1967-70 was precipitated by secession of the Igbodominated south-eastern region to create the state of Biafra. It was the first civil war in Africa, the predecessor of many. We investigate the legacies of this war four decades later. Using variation across ethnicity and cohort, we identify significant long-run impacts on human health capital. Individuals exposed to the war at all ages between birth and adolescence exhibit reduced adult stature and these impacts are largest in adolescence. Adult stature is portentous of reduced life expectancy and lower earnings.

Suggested Citation

  • Richard Akresh & Sonia Bhalotra & Marinella Leone & Una Osili, 2012. "War and Stature: Growing Up During the Nigerian Civil War," HiCN Working Papers 113, Households in Conflict Network.
    • Handle: RePEc:hic:wpaper:113
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    war; height; early life conditions; human capital investments; Nigeria;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • O12 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Microeconomic Analyses of Economic Development
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth

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