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Resource Inefficiency and Poor Aggregate Economic Performance in African Countries: The Case of Namibia, 1968-1992

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  • Voxi Heinrich Amavilah

    (Glendale College)

Abstract

This essay develops a transcendental variable elasticity of substitution (Trans-VES) production function in which hypotheses concerning scale, output-input, and substitution, elasticities can be examined. The objective is to determine the impacts of domestic resources on the pattern of economic performance. Using aggregate data for Namibia during the 1968-1992 period, the analysis find constant return to scale pre- 1980, followed by diminishing returns to scale post-1980, representing a switch from flexible to rigid substitutes (complements), along with limited technical progress. The shift indicates widespread inefficiencies, and recommend resource improvement.

Suggested Citation

  • Voxi Heinrich Amavilah, 2003. "Resource Inefficiency and Poor Aggregate Economic Performance in African Countries: The Case of Namibia, 1968-1992," Development and Comp Systems 0307005, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:wpa:wuwpdc:0307005
    Note: Type of Document - WordPerfect; prepared on IBM PC - PC; to print on HP/PostScript; pages: 42 ; figures: included. I never published this piece and now Iwould like to reduce mailing and xerox cost by posting it.
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    Cited by:

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Trans-VES production function resource inefficiency and economic performance Namibia Africa;

    JEL classification:

    • O47 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - Empirical Studies of Economic Growth; Aggregate Productivity; Cross-Country Output Convergence
    • C6 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Mathematical Methods; Programming Models; Mathematical and Simulation Modeling
    • D5 - Microeconomics - - General Equilibrium and Disequilibrium
    • D9 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics
    • O55 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Africa
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • O38 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Government Policy

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