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Returns to Physical Capital in Ethiopia: Comparative Analysis of Formal and Informal Firms

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  • Siba, Eyerusalem

Abstract

This paper investigates returns to capital in the formal and informal sectors in Ethiopia using parametric and semi-parametric regression techniques. Results show that there is a higher annual median return to capital in the informal sector (52–140%) than the formal sector (15–21%). However, informal firms might benefit from working formally as their capital stock gets larger. Marginal returns in the informal sector increase with: firm size, access to reliable markets, market uncertainty, and owners’ labor supply. On the other hand, marginal returns to capital and overall profitability decrease with capital stock, contrary to the poverty trap hypothesis.

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  • Siba, Eyerusalem, 2015. "Returns to Physical Capital in Ethiopia: Comparative Analysis of Formal and Informal Firms," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 68(C), pages 215-229.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:wdevel:v:68:y:2015:i:c:p:215-229
    DOI: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2014.11.016
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    6. Reardon, Thomas & Liverpool-Tasie, Saweda & Minten, Bart, 2022. "IFAD Research Series 78: The Small and Medium Enterprises’ quiet revolution in the hidden middle of food systems in developing regions," IFAD Research Series 321998, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
    7. Elena Perra, & Sanfilippo, Marco & Sundaram, Asha, 2022. "Roads, Competition, and the Informal Sector," Department of Economics and Statistics Cognetti de Martiis. Working Papers 202221, University of Turin.
    8. Babbitt, Laura G. & Brown, Drusilla & Mazaheri, Nimah, 2015. "Gender, Entrepreneurship, and the Formal–Informal Dilemma: Evidence from Indonesia," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 72(C), pages 163-174.
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