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Robin Hood's Compromise: The Economics of Moderate Land Reforms

Author

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  • Bandiera Oriana

    (LSE)

  • Levy Gilat

    (LSE)

Abstract

This paper analyses the consequences of an unusual type of land redistribution; we take land from the very rich, as usual, but give it to the rich instead of the poor. We show that such "moderate" reform reduces agency costs and thereby increases productivity, total surplus in the economy, and the welfare of rural workers. Compared to the classic redistribution "to the tiller", moderate reforms do worse in terms of equity and do not give the poor a collaterizable asset. They can however do equally well in terms of efficiency and might be more sustainable both financially and politically.

Suggested Citation

  • Bandiera Oriana & Levy Gilat, 2004. "Robin Hood's Compromise: The Economics of Moderate Land Reforms," The B.E. Journal of Economic Analysis & Policy, De Gruyter, vol. 3(1), pages 1-23, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:bpj:bejeap:v:contributions.3:y:2004:i:1:n:19
    DOI: 10.2202/1538-0645.1306
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Timothy Besley & Robin Burgess, 2000. "Land Reform, Poverty Reduction, and Growth: Evidence from India," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 115(2), pages 389-430.
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    6. Levy, Gilat & Bandiera, Oriana, 2004. "Robin Hood's Compromise: Land Reforms, Inequality, Redistribution and Moral Hazard," CEPR Discussion Papers 4410, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    land reform; moral hazard;

    JEL classification:

    • J1 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics

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