Information from Markets Near and Far: Mobile Phones and Agricultural Markets in Niger
- (pp. 46-59)
Abstract
Price dispersion across markets is common in developing countries. Using novel market and trader-level data, this paper provides estimates of the impact of mobile phones on price dispersion across grain markets in Niger. The introduction of mobile phone service between 2001 and 2006 explains a 10 to 16 percent reduction in grain price dispersion. The effect is stronger for market pairs with higher transport costs. (JEL O13, O33, Q11, Q13)Citation
Aker, Jenny C. 2010. "Information from Markets Near and Far: Mobile Phones and Agricultural Markets in Niger." American Economic Journal: Applied Economics, 2 (3): 46-59. DOI: 10.1257/app.2.3.46Additional Materials
JEL Classification
- O13 Economic Development: Agriculture; Natural Resources; Energy; Environment; Other Primary Products
- O33 Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
- Q11 Agriculture: Aggregate Supply and Demand Analysis; Prices
- Q13 Agricultural Markets and Marketing; Cooperatives; Agribusiness
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