(De facto) historical ethnic borders and land tenure in Sub-Saharan Africa
研究发现撒哈拉以南非洲地区靠近历史民族边界的个人拥有土地的可能性更低，农村移民从距边界57公里处移至2公里处时，土地拥有率下降15个百分点，表明边界附近土地竞争更激烈、产权更弱。
We study the role of proximity to historical ethnic borders in determining individual land ownership in Sub-Saharan Africa. Following an instrumental variable strategy, we document that individuals have a lower likelihood of owning land near historical ethnic borders. In particular, the likelihood of owning land decreases by 15 percentage points, i.e., about 1 / 3 of the mean rate of landownership, for rural migrants who move from 57 km (90th percentile) to 2 km (10th percentile) from the border. This result aligns with the view that competition for land is stronger and property rights are weaker close to historical ethnic borders in Sub-Saharan Africa. • What is the role of proximity to historical ethnic borders in determining individual land ownership in Sub-Saharan Africa? • People are less likely to own land near historical ethnic borders • This effect is particularly present for migrants in rural areas. • This suggests stronger land competition and weaker property rights near historical ethnic borders in Sub-Saharan Africa.