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Canals and Orchards: The Impact of Transport Network Access on Agricultural Productivity in Nineteenth-Century Bangkok

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  • Chankrajang, Thanyaporn
  • Vechbanyongratana, Jessica

Abstract

We assess the impact of access to Bangkok’s nineteenth-century canal network on orchard productivity using a new dataset constructed from 1880s orchard land deeds. We find that properties located adjacent to canals, which were built for purposes exogenous to orchard production, had significantly higher labor productivity than those located inland. Gaining direct access to canals led to productivity improvements through better access to markets, which in turn enhanced cultivators’ welfare. We conclude, based on a method developed by Oster (2019), that unobserved selection bias is negligible, allowing for the positive impact of canal access to be interpreted as causal.

Suggested Citation

  • Chankrajang, Thanyaporn & Vechbanyongratana, Jessica, 2020. "Canals and Orchards: The Impact of Transport Network Access on Agricultural Productivity in Nineteenth-Century Bangkok," The Journal of Economic History, Cambridge University Press, vol. 80(4), pages 996-1030, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:jechis:v:80:y:2020:i:4:p:996-1030_3
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    Cited by:

    1. Qiuyi Huang & Xiaoping Zheng & Ruimei Wang, 2022. "The Impact of the Accessibility of Transportation Infrastructure on the Non-Farm Employment Choices of Rural Laborers: Empirical Analysis Based on China’s Micro Data," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(6), pages 1-15, June.
    2. Panarat Anamwathana & Jessica Vechbanyongratana, 2021. "The economic history of Thailand: Old debates, recent advances, and future prospects," Australian Economic History Review, Economic History Society of Australia and New Zealand, vol. 61(3), pages 342-358, November.
    3. Thanyaporn Chankrajang & Jessica Vechbanyongratana, 2021. "Land, ladies, and the law: a case study on women's land rights and welfare in Southeast Asia in the nineteenth century," Economic History Review, Economic History Society, vol. 74(1), pages 138-163, February.

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