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.

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