Research

Cotton Boom, Childhood Burden: The consequences of genetically modified cotton adoption for child health in North India

(Presented; draft available upon request; JMP)

Abstract: "Over the past two decades, genetically modified (GM) crops have transformed global agriculture, yet their broader health consequences remain contested. This paper examines the medium- and long-term impact of Bt cotton adoption, a pest-resistant variety introduced in India in 2002, on infant mortality. Using geo-referenced data from the National Family and Health Surveys and spatial variation in agro-climatic cotton suitability across Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan, I implement a difference-in-differences design that exploits the staggered diffusion of Bt cotton. I find that adoption is associated with a significant increase in infant mortality: locations in the top two quintiles of cotton suitability experienced increases of about 0.77 percentage points relative to low-suitability areas. The results are robust to alternative estimators that account for staggered adoption, state-year shocks, and local confounders, as well as to placebo tests and triple-difference specifications. Evidence on mechanisms suggests that rising seed costs and increased maternal labor participation contributed to the observed health effects. These findings highlight unintended consequences of technological change in smallholder agriculture, underscoring the need to evaluate agricultural innovations not only in terms of productivity but also in terms of human development and child well-being."

Presented in (and scheduled *) University College Dublin PhD Seminar.

The Intergenerational Transmission of Health in the long-run: Exploring dynamic patterns across Africa

(Presented; draft available upon request ; new version coming soon)

Abstract: "In this study I examine patterns of intergenerational health transmission across 29 African countries over 40 years (1975–2015), using data on 4.5 million children from 104 Demographic and Health Surveys. We look at  maternal height and sibling mortality as indicators of maternal health and child mortality as a measure of child health. Our findings reveal a strong persistence of intergenerational health, with significant variations across countries. Using the Phillips & Sul (2007) dynamic clustering methodology, we identify distinct convergence clubs and highlight the roles of economic development, public health provision, and maternal education in shaping these dynamics. The results offer insights into health inequalities and intergenerational mobility in Africa."

Presented in (and scheduled *) University College Dublin PhD Seminar, 2nd Annual Conference of the French Association of Population Economists – AFÉPOP (Aix-en-Marseille School of Economics), International Conference on Empirical Economics (Pennsylvania State University Altoona), Applied Macro & Empirical Finance Conference (University of Macedonia), YIESS (Trinity College Dublin).

Covid-19, labour market effects and income inequality: the case of Greece

with S.Christodoulopoulou (ECB) & A.Zervoyianni (University of Patras)

(Analysis in progress ; draft preparation)

Abstract: "This study examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on labor market outcomes and income inequality in Greece, a country particularly vulnerable to economic shocks due to its structural labor market rigidities and rolonged fiscal instability. Using high-frequency labor force and household income data, we assess the extent to which pandemic-induced employment disruptions disproportionately affected different income groups, exacerbating pre-existing inequalities. By applying causal inference techniques, we identify the role of sectoral employment composition, government support measures, and wage adjustments in shaping post-pandemic income distribution. The findings provide insights into the long-term consequences of labor market shocks and policy responses for economic inequality in Greece."

Presented in (and scheduled *) 

Banks protecting children? Agricultural income shocks, child health and financial development in rural India 

(Submitted)

Abstract: "In this study, I examine the influence of financial infrastructure on child health outcomes in rural India, with a specific focus on how enhanced access to rural banks can mitigate the adverse effects of agricultural income shocks. I analyze data from the National Family and Health Surveys (NFHS), integrating them with local agricultural income fluctuations, as determined by the interaction between global agricultural price fluctuations and local agricultural conditions, alongside local indicators of financial development. The findings reveal that proximity to rural banks significantly mitigates the detrimental impacts of these shocks on child health. This challenges the conventional notion that rural communities with limited financial sector access experience minimal benefits. Instead, it uncovers the indirect yet substantial advantages of expanded financial accessibility in safeguarding children's health during economic instability."

Presented in (and scheduled *) Journées LAGV Conference (Aix-en-Marseille School of Economics), Workshop on Fertility, Health, and Human Capital (Queens' University Belfast), 2nd  PhD and Post-Doctoral Workshop Naples School of Economics (University of Naples Federico II), IPECE Conference (University College Dublin), PhD-Economics Virtual Seminar,  RGS Doctoral Conference (Universität Duisburg-Essen), Webinar Series in Finance and Development, German Development Conference (Leibniz Universität Hannover),  QMUL Economics & Finance Workshop (Queen Mary University London), International Conference on Development Economics (Aix-en-Marseille School of Economics).

Female Leadership and Children Welfare: Evidence from Elections in Sub-Saharan Africa

with D.Gavresi & E.Kempter (University of Luxembourg)

(Analysis in progress)

Abstract: "This paper examines the impact of women’s political representation on child welfare in Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on health and educational outcomes. Leveraging a regression discontinuity design (RDD) based on close elections, we analyze a rich dataset covering national parliamentary elections across 20 Sub-Saharan African countries. Our empirical strategy isolates the causal effect of electing a female legislator by comparing constituencies where women narrowly won to those where they narrowly lost. In addition to estimating average effects, we explore heterogeneity by ethnic group representation and political alignment with the executive branch. Our findings aim to contribute to the growing literature on gender and governance by shedding light on how female political participation influences policy outcomes related to child well-being in low-income settings."

Presented in (and scheduled *)