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The legacy of coercive cotton cultivation in colonial Mozambique

Author

Listed:
  • Henrique Barros
  • Rute Martins Caeiro
  • Sam Jones
  • Patricia Justino

Abstract

We examine the long-term impact of forced labour on individual risk behaviour and economic decisions. For that, we focus on a policy of coercive cotton cultivation enforced in colonial Mozambique between 1926 and 1961. We combine archival sources about the boundaries of historical cotton concessions with survey data collected specifically for this study. By employing a regression discontinuity design to compare individuals living in areas inside and outside the historical cotton concessions, we document significant disparities in risk aversion and agricultural patterns between communities.

Suggested Citation

  • Henrique Barros & Rute Martins Caeiro & Sam Jones & Patricia Justino, 2024. "The legacy of coercive cotton cultivation in colonial Mozambique," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2024-12, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    • Handle: RePEc:unu:wpaper:wp-2024-12
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Long-run effects; Forced labour; Colonialism; Risk attitudes; Behaviour; Regression discontinuity;
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