Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0
Author-Name: Marco Alfano
Author-Name-First: Marco
Author-Name-Last: Alfano
Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Economics, University of Strathclyde
Author-Name: Thomas Cornelissen
Author-Name-First: Thomas
Author-Name-Last: Cornelissen
Author-Workplace-Name: University of Esseex
Title: Spatial Spillover Effects of Conflict: Propagation through Food Prices in Somalia
Abstract: This paper examines whether violent conflict in one area has discernible impacts in distant locations. To document such spatial spillover effects, we focus on food prices as a
propagation mechanism in Somalia. Using geo-coded data on the food distribution network, we link food prices and human capital in different locations to conflict occurring
within a narrow geographical corridor around food transportation routes supplying
those areas. Our results show that conflict along transportation routes significantly
increases food prices, even if markets are located hundreds of kilometres away. Evidence suggests increased transportation cost due to uncertainty and risk as a possible
pathway of impact. We further find that conflict along transportation routes decreases
food security, nutrition, health, and education for households living in far-away market
areas. All effects are robust to controlling for local conflict.

Length:  pages
Creation-Date: 
Revision-Date: 
Publication-Status: 
Number: 21 8
Classification-JEL: D74, I15, I25, Q18
Keywords: Conflict, Spillover Effects, Food Security, Health, Education
Handle: RePEc:str:wpaper:21 8