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International remittances – the panacea for underdevelopment? A comparative panel data analysis of Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America

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  • Adenutsi, Deodat E.
  • Ahortor, Christian R.K.

Abstract

In this paper we analyzed a dynamic cross-country panel dataset on 31 sampled developing countries involving 16 Latin America and the Caribbean, and 15 Sub-Sahara African countries within the framework of Blundell-Bond Generalized Method of Moments (GMM). Our results show that generally the impact of remittance inflows on overall development differ across regions. Specifically, the paper reveals that the positive role of international remittances in the development process of underdeveloped economies is more pronounced in Sub-Saharan Africa than in Latin America and the Caribbean sub-region where remittances actually retard socioeconomic development prospects. It would, therefore, be politically imprudent and economically suicidal, to over-depend on international remittances as the panacea for the underdevelopment of Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. The contribution of this paper is unique because it has examined the long-run impact of international remittances on overall socioeconomic development which takes into account real per capita income, income disparity, and other socioeconomic equity factors incorporated into the construction of Human Development Index.

Suggested Citation

  • Adenutsi, Deodat E. & Ahortor, Christian R.K., 2010. "International remittances – the panacea for underdevelopment? A comparative panel data analysis of Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America," MPRA Paper 29349, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:29349
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    3. Syden Mishi, 2014. "Remittances and Sustainability of Family Livelihoods: Evidence from Zimbabwe," Journal of Economics and Behavioral Studies, AMH International, vol. 6(12), pages 958-973.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    International Remittances; Panel Data; GMM Estimation; Latin America and the Caribbean; Sub-Saharan Africa;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration
    • F24 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - Remittances

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