DOI
10.1016/j.worlddev.2007.06.017
Abstract
Economists such as Hernando De Soto have argued that clearly defined property rights are essential to capital formation and ultimately to economic growth and poverty alleviation. This article traces two impediments to the clear definition of property rights in the African context: customary law and the status of women. Both of these issues interfere with the attempt of African countries to rearticulate property law with the goal of capital formation. Constructive attempts to define property rights must address the problem of enforcement in under-resourced environments where changes may not be welcomed.
Document Type
Post-print Article
Publication Date
2008
Publisher Statement
Copyright © 2008 Pergamon Press.
The definitive version is available at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0305750X08000521
DOI: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2007.06.017
Full Citation:
Joireman, Sandra F. "The Mystery of Capital Formation in Sub-Saharan Africa: Women, Property Rights and Customary Law." World Development 36, no. 7 (2008): 1233-1246. doi:10.1016/j.worlddev.2007.06.017.
Recommended Citation
Joireman, Sandra F., "The Mystery of Capital Formation in Sub-Saharan Africa: Women, Property rights and Customary law" (2008). Political Science Faculty Publications. 70.
https://scholarship.richmond.edu/polisci-faculty-publications/70