Research
Work in Progress
Financial Access
Banks protecting children ? Agricultural income shocks, child health and financial development in rural India
(Draft available upon request)
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)
Health economics
How subjective beliefs about mortality affect investment and savings: Evidence from rural Malawi
with F. Kämpfen (University College Dublin) & H.-P. Kohler (University of Pennsylvania)
(Presented)
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)
Patterns of inter-generational transmission of health across 55 developing countries
with A.Zervoyianni (University of Patras)
(Analysis in progress)
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 31 African countries. We extend the analysis, looking 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 *) MLSFH Project Meeting (University of Pennsylvania, Population Studies Center)*, University College Dublin PhD Seminar
Covid-19, labour market effects and income inequality: the case of Greece
with S.Christodoulopoulou (ECB) & A.Zervoyianni (University of Patras)
(Analysis in progress)
Abstract:
Presented in (and scheduled *)
Financial Access
Gender and institutional quality
Abstract: "This paper investigates any relationship of women legislators on children's health and educational outcomes after national elections in Sub-Saharan African countries."
Presented in (and scheduled *)
Gender and Institutional quality
Selected Presentations
2022-2023
Workshop on Fertility, Health, and Human Capital: Queens' University Belfast
Journées LAGV Conference: Aix-en-Marseille School of Economics
2nd PhD and Post-Doctoral Workshop Naples School of Economics: University of Naples Federico II
2023-2024
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