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Bugged Out: Locust Plagues, Migration, and Adaptation in 19th Century US

Author

Listed:
  • Luisito Bertinelli

    (DEM, Université du Luxembourg)

  • Aurélie Gillen

    (DEM, Université du Luxembourg)

  • Eric strobl

    (University of Bern, CH)

Abstract

This paper examines the impact of locust invasions on internal migration and adaptive strategies in the late 19th-century United States. Using an instrumental variable approach based on wind patterns to predict locust presence, we show that individuals living in locust-affected counties were, on average, 10.9 percentage points more likely to leave their home counties between 1870 and 1880 compared to those in unaffected areas. Furthermore, farmers who relocated experienced a greater increase in their occupational income scores than those who remained. At the county level, we observe significant structural changes, including a substantial decline in the number of mid- and large-sized farms and a reduction in crop diversification in affected counties. These findings highlight adaptive responses to environmental crises and provide insights into migration and resilience during periods of extreme environmental shocks.

Suggested Citation

  • Luisito Bertinelli & Aurélie Gillen & Eric strobl, 2025. "Bugged Out: Locust Plagues, Migration, and Adaptation in 19th Century US," DEM Discussion Paper Series 25-07, Department of Economics at the University of Luxembourg.
    • Handle: RePEc:luc:wpaper:25-07
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    File URL: https://hdl.handle.net/10993/66000
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • N51 - Economic History - - Agriculture, Natural Resources, Environment and Extractive Industries - - - U.S.; Canada: Pre-1913
    • O13 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Agriculture; Natural Resources; Environment; Other Primary Products
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration
    • Q10 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - General

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