Research Deserts and Oases: Evidence from 27 Thousand Economics Journal Articles on Africa*

Abstract

The distribution of economics research across Africa's 54 countries is highly uneven. I use a simple conceptual model and reduced‐form regressions with cross‐sectional, panel, and subnational data to explore the determinants of this distribution. Of the variation in research across countries, 93% can be explained by peacefulness, political institutions, international tourist arrivals, having English as an official language, and population. Within countries, research is concentrated in regions with higher income and large urban areas. Most research on African countries is context‐specific, so the lack of research in many countries and regions means a smaller potential evidence base for local policymakers.

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