Land Reform Backfires, Slashing Farm Productivity by 17% in the Philippines
The article examines how a land reform in the Philippines in 1988 affected farm size and productivity. By analyzing data and using a model, the researchers found that the reform reduced average farm size by 34% and agricultural productivity by 17%. The way the government assigned land and restricted its transfer played a crucial role in these outcomes. This study highlights the importance of efficient land markets for productivity in agriculture.