Essays on Poverty Reduction in Latin America

The third paper sheds light on the spatial distribution of poverty, and the intra-regional dynamics of income distribution within a country (Ecuador). The paper assesses the importance of geographical, physical, and human capital variables in explaining differences in consumption growth in Ecuador--- a country characterized by significant geographical and cultural heterogeneity. In particular, the paper uses novel pseudo-panel data techniques to analyze the link between geographic factors and household welfare. The evidence indicates that geographical variables are important determinants of the household consumption growth after accounting for household characteristics such as education and labor market experience. Furthermore, the results indicate that individuals with similar characteristics experience increments in growth levels differently, depending on where they reside. Altogether, the results indicate that in other to reduce poverty, efficient and equitable government policies should take into account the role of geography and geographical diversity, including the regional distribution and provision of public goods.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Economics

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2015

Author dc:creator

• de Azevedo, Viviane Martins Rodrigues

Contributors dc:contributor

• Anne Villamil

• Latin American Studies

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

(MiAaPQ)AAI3452064

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/85600