Does land registration and certification boost farm productivity? Evidence from Ethiopia. (29th June 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Melesse, Mequanint B.; Bulte, Erwin
• Is Part Of: Agricultural economics. Volume 46:Number 6(2015:Nov.)
• Page Start: 757
• Page End: 768
• Publication Date: 2015-06-29
• Subjects: Q12 -- Q15 -- R52 -- Land certification -- Land productivity -- Propensity score matching -- Ethiopia; Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- Periodicals; 338.105
• DOI: 10.1111/agec.12191
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0169-5150

Abstract

Abstract: According to economic theory, tenure security is an important determinant of agricultural investment and productivity. Land titling has been at the center stage of development efforts of many African countries to boost tenure security. We investigate the productivity impacts of the Ethiopian land registration and certification program, employing propensity score matching method in an effort to create a credible counterfactual. Consistent with theory, we find land registration and certification has robust positive effects on farm productivity. More tentatively, we identify the assurance effect as one probable channel for impact. Households with land certificates are more likely to adopt soil‐fertility management strategies on their plots than households without certificates.