Poverty Traps and Index Based Risk Transfer Products

34 Pages Posted: 11 Jul 2007

See all articles by Barry J. Barnett

Barry J. Barnett

University of Georgia - Department of Agricultural & Applied Economics

Christopher B. Barrett

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

Jerry R. Skees

University of Kentucky - College of Agriculture - Department of Agricultural Economics

Multiple version iconThere are 2 versions of this paper

Date Written: July 2006

Abstract

A growing literature suggests that in low-income countries, households with few assets can be trapped in chronic poverty. This article reviews relevant threads of the poverty traps literature to motivate a description of the opportunities presented by innovative index-based risk transfer products. These products can be used to address some insurance and credit market failures that contribute to the persistence of poverty among households in low-income countries. Applications are considered at the micro, meso, and macro levels.

Keywords: index-based risk transfer products, insurance, poverty traps, risk management

Suggested Citation

Barnett, Barry J. and Barrett, Christopher B. and Skees, Jerry R., Poverty Traps and Index Based Risk Transfer Products (July 2006). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=999399 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.999399

Barry J. Barnett (Contact Author)

University of Georgia - Department of Agricultural & Applied Economics ( email )

Athens, GA 30602-7509
United States

Christopher B. Barrett

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/

Jerry R. Skees

University of Kentucky - College of Agriculture - Department of Agricultural Economics ( email )

Rm 310, Agricultural Engineering Bldg.
Lexington, KY 40546
United States
606-257-7262 (Phone)
606-257-7290 (Fax)

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