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Journal of Political Economy Vol. 103 No. 5 1995

Property Rights and Investment Incentives: Theory and Evidence from Ghana

Timothy Besley

Abstract

This paper examines the link between property rights and investment incentives. The author develops three theoretical arguments based on security of tenure, using land as collateral and obtaining gains from trade. The paper then presents empirical evidence from two regions in Ghana. The author investigates the possibility that rights are endogenous, with farmers making improvements to enhance their land rights. Finally, he suggests tests for which of the theories might explain the results.

DOI
10.1086/262008
Volume
103
Issue
5
Pages
903-937
Language
en
Sources
crossref openalex

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