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Natural resource management and nutrition outcomes: an evaluation of fisheries decentralization in Laos

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  • Benjamin Chipperfield
  • Paulo Santos

Abstract

We estimate the impact of Lao PDR’s 2009 policy of fisheries decentralization on the nutritional status of children under 2 years old, using a double robust estimator that combines propensity score and OLS regression. Fisheries decentralization led to important gains in height-for-age in young children living in environments that, due to seasonal absence of local markets, are highly dependent on local natural resources. The analysis of the impact of this policy on older children and on health behaviors that are unlikely to be influenced by natural resource management (vaccination) supports the causal interpretation of these estimates. We identify higher consumption of fish as one mechanism that explains these gains. This change is not accompanied by greater allocation of time to fishing or investment in fishing assets, suggesting that decentralization of fisheries management likely led to better management of the resource, rather than its over-exploitation.

Suggested Citation

  • Benjamin Chipperfield & Paulo Santos, 2023. "Natural resource management and nutrition outcomes: an evaluation of fisheries decentralization in Laos," Monash Economics Working Papers 2023-01, Monash University, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:mos:moswps:2023-01
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • Q22 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Renewable Resources and Conservation - - - Fishery
    • Q28 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Renewable Resources and Conservation - - - Government Policy

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