Abstract
The objective of this article is to measure the effects of income and gender on informal social networks in the rice value chain. Using primary data collected on 490 entrepreneurs in Benin, Niger and Nigeria, the paper first demonstrates that the monthly profit of entrepreneurs is determined by their structural position within the rice value chain. The most prosperous actors are simultaneously deeply embedded in their community through numerous ties and capable of building connections with other communities outside their own ethnic groups and countries. The paper then analyses to what extent gender is a strong predictor of social ties. An econometric analysis shows that women are less central than men and that their income is much lower after controlling for age, experience, education, religion and matrimonial status.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 104650 |
Journal | World Development |
Volume | 124 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Dec 2019 |
Keywords
- Social networks
- trade
- West Africa
- Food
- Gender
- Social network analysis