Mariaflavia Harari

Mariaflavia Harari and Maisy Wong (Under Revision), Colonial Legacy and Land Market Formality (Revised and resubmitted, Journal of Urban Economics).

Abstract: We study the role of Dutch colonial institutions on urban development for the megacity of Jakarta, Indonesia. Using historical maps of Dutch settlements and a rich granular database, we implement a boundary discontinuity design comparing locations on either side of Dutch boundaries. We find that historical Dutch areas today have significantly lower parcel density, are more likely to have formally registered parcels, and have more regular parcel layout, pointing to the importance of planning and cadastral mapping. Dutch settlements are also more likely to appear formal, as per a photographic index that ranks the appearance of neighborhoods. We highlight the role of land market institutions over alternative channels, such as direct Dutch investments or natural advantage.

Mariaflavia Harari and Maisy Wong (Forthcoming), “Slum Upgrading and Long-run Urban Development: Evidence from Indonesia” (Accepted, Review of Economic Studies).

Abstract: Developing countries face massive urbanization and slum upgrading is a popular policy to improve shelter for many. Yet, preserving slums at the expense of formal developments can raise concerns of misallocation of land. We estimate causal, long-term impacts of the 1969-1984 KIP program, which provided basic upgrades to 5 million residents covering 25% of land in Jakarta, Indonesia. We assemble high-resolution data on program boundaries and 2015 outcomes and address program selection bias through localized comparisons. On average, KIP areas today have lower land values, shorter buildings, and are more informal, per a photographs-based slum index. The negative effects are concentrated within 5km of the CBD. We develop a spatial equilibrium model to characterize the welfare implications of KIP. Counterfactuals suggest that 78% of the welfare effects stem from removing KIP in the center and highlight how to mitigate losses to displaced residents. JEL Classifications: R14, R31, R4.

Mariaflavia Harari (Draft), Residential Patterns and Local Public Goods in Urban Brazil.

Abstract: Millions of migrants in developing countries move to urban areas in search of better prospects, but access to public services varies widely within cities. Yet, we know little about spatial inequalities within cities in low- and middle-income countries. This paper investigates the spatial distribution of socio-economic status and public goods access within Brazilian cities, using high-resolution Census maps. I consider spatial metrics of "distance segregation", capturing the physical proximity between neighborhoods of different socio-economic status. I document descriptive patterns of segregation by income, race, and informality and disparities in access to public goods within cities. To make progress on the identification of the impacts of residential patterns on public goods provision, I develop an instrumental variables strategy that leverages within-city geography to predict where the poor and rich live. I find that cities with greater distance between rich and poor have fewer households connected to sewerage and water, worse neighborhood quality, and lower access to public amenities. Leveraging spatial variation in public goods provision within cities, I highlight competing mechanisms that shape the allocation of urban services, including externalities across neighborhoods, strategic underprovision to deter the poor, and preferences over public goods provision. These findings help inform the debate on policies such as slum clearance and relocations, social housing, and the spatial targeting of public goods.    

Mariaflavia Harari (2020), Cities in Bad Shape: Urban Geometry in India, American Economic Review, 2020, Vol. 10 (8), pp. 2377-2421.

Abstract: The spatial layout of cities is an important feature of urban form, highlighted by urban planners but overlooked by economists. This paper investigates the causal economic implications of city shape in India. I measure cities’ geometric properties over time using satellite imagery and historical maps. I develop an instrument for urban shape based on geographic obstacles encountered by expanding cities. Compact city shape is associated with faster population growth and households display positive willingness to pay for more compact layouts. Transit accessibility is an important channel. Land use regulations can contribute to deteriorating city shape.  

Mariaflavia Harari (2019), Women’s Inheritance Rights and Bargaining Power: Evidence from Kenya, Economic Development and Cultural Change, 2019, Vol. 68 (1), pp. 189-238.

Abstract: This paper investigates the human capital effects of a legal reform granting Kenyan women equal inheritance rights. I employ a difference-in-differences strategy, exploiting variation in pre-reform inheritance rights across religious groups. I find that women exposed to the reform are more educated, less likely to undergo genital mutilation, more likely to receive prenatal care, and that they delay marriage and childbearing. They also tend to participate more in family decisions, suggesting improved bargaining power as the main channel. These findings suggest that legal recognition of women's inheritance rights can be beneficial for women even in contexts of poor enforcement.

Mariaflavia Harari and Eliana La Ferrara (2018), Conflict, Climate and Cells: a Disaggregated Analysis, Review of Economics and Statistics, 2018, Vol. 100 (4), pp. 594-608.

Abstract: We conduct a disaggregated empirical analysis of civil conflict at the subnational level in Africa over 1997-2011 using a new gridded dataset. We construct an original measure of agriculture-relevant weather shocks exploiting within-year variation in weather and in crop growing season, and spatial variation in crop cover. Temporal and spatial spillovers in conflict are addressed through spatial econometric techniques. Negative shocks occurring during the growing season of local crops affect conflict incidence persistently, and local conflict spills over to neighboring cells. We use our estimates to trace the dynamic response to shocks and predict how future warming may affect violence.  

Mariaflavia Harari and Guido Tabellini “The Effect of Culture on the Functioning of Institutions: Evidence from European Regions”, in Harrison, L. and E. Yasin, eds. “Culture Matters II: Focus on Russia”, New York: Lexington Books, 2014.