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The Allocation of volatile aid and economic growth: Evidence and a suggestive theory

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Abstract

We present evidence on the effects of aid transfers and their degree of volatility on economic growth and show that these effects can be categorised in relation to the allocation of foreign aid between productive and non-productive purposes. Using a stochastic endogenous growth model, we provide a theoretical rationalisation for our empirical evidence. Both the empirical and the theoretical analyses generate a pertinent conclusion: situations in which aid actually inhibits the recipient’s growth rate may appear if and only if aid is volatile. As a result, we conclude that it is only in conjunction with the presence of aid variability that aid allocation decisions determine whether aid hurts or promotes trend growth.

Suggested Citation

  • Kyriakos C. Neanidis & Dimitrios Varvarigos, 2007. "The Allocation of volatile aid and economic growth: Evidence and a suggestive theory," Discussion Paper Series 2007_07, Department of Economics, Loughborough University, revised Mar 2007.
    • Handle: RePEc:lbo:lbowps:2007_07
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Kasuga, Hidefumi & Morita, Yuichi, 2012. "Aid effectiveness, governance and public investment," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 29(2), pages 514-521.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Foreign aid; Growth;

    JEL classification:

    • F35 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - Foreign Aid
    • O41 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - One, Two, and Multisector Growth Models
    • O47 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - Empirical Studies of Economic Growth; Aggregate Productivity; Cross-Country Output Convergence

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