Interest and Identity in Network Formation: Who Do Smallholders Seek Out for Information in Rural Ghana?

43 Pages Posted: 8 Oct 2004

See all articles by Christopher B. Barrett

Christopher B. Barrett

Cornell University - Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics & Management

Paulo Santos

Cornell University

Date Written: March 2005

Abstract

In this paper, we use an unusually rich data set from Ghana to explore the endogenous formation of information network linkages among farmers. We propose and test a new measure of social distance that accommodates possible asymmetries in social distance. Using this improved measure, we show that social distance plays a major role in shaping network structure, but that other factors related to the inherent costs and benefits of linkage matter significantly as well. Network interlinkages appear relatively modest. We are also able to corroborate the sociological "strength of weak ties" hypothesis.

Keywords: Agricultural production, identity, markets, social networks

Suggested Citation

Barrett, Christopher B. and Santos, Paulo, Interest and Identity in Network Formation: Who Do Smallholders Seek Out for Information in Rural Ghana? (March 2005). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=601261 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.601261

Christopher B. Barrett (Contact Author)

Cornell University - Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics & Management ( email )

315 Warren Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853-7801
United States
607-255-4489 (Phone)
607-255-9984 (Fax)

HOME PAGE: http://aem.cornell.edu/faculty_sites/cbb2/

Paulo Santos

Cornell University ( email )

Ithaca, NY 14853
United States

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