Research

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), BSE Summer Forum: Children's Health, Well-Being, and Human Capital Formation  (Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF)), International Conference on Development Economics (Aix-en-Marseille School of Economics*)

Abstract: "This study examines the causal relationship between income and fertility decisions. By analyzing the effects of labor income shocks resultant from trade policy alterations in India, particularly the cessation of the Multi-Fibre Agreement, we elucidate the dynamics of family behavior in response to economic fluctuations. Utilizing panel data from the Indian Human Development Survey, we adopt a generalized differences-in-differences methodology to explore how changes in trade policy and the subsequent income variations impact fertility choices and son preference practices among Indian families. This study not only contributes to the labor-family economics literature by providing individual-level analyses of trade policy shocks but also engages with the discourse on economic determinants of son preference, offering a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between labor market conditions, fertility decisions, and gender preferences within households."

Presented in (and scheduled *) Journées LAGV Conference (Aix-en-Marseille School of Economics*)

Abstract: "In developing countries like Malawi, where financial markets are underdeveloped and health risks are high understanding the determinants of saving and investment behavior is crucial. This study examines how mortality expectations influence these behaviors in rural Malawi. To answer our question of interest we employ the Malawi Longitudinal Study of Families and Health (MLSFH) dataset (Kohker 2020) and   analyze data from 1998 to 2010, encompassing 119 villages and approximately 4,000 respondents. Expectations about future conditions play a crucial role in economic decisions. Modern life-cycle models  stress the role of    expectations about longevity and health are important determinants of individual decisions on savings and asset allocation. The study contributes to the microeconomic literature on savings in developing countries, particularly in the context of health risks and subjective mortality expectations."

Presented in (and scheduled *) MLSFH Project Meeting (University of Pennsylvania, Population Studies Center)

Abstract: "In a seminal contribution Bhalotra & Rawlings (2011) record  substantial persistence of health between mothers and children based on individual health information coming DHS surveys for 38 developping countries. We document the dynamics of this persistence across time by implementing the Phillips and Sul (2007) technique for convergence test and club identification."

Presented in (and scheduled *) 

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