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Research ArticleArticles

First and Second Generation Impacts of the Biafran War

Richard Akresh, Sonia Bhalotra, Marinella Leone and Una Osili
Published online before print March 09, 2021, 0118-9272R1; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3368/jhr.58.4.0118-9272R1
Richard Akresh
Richard Akresh is an associate professor of economics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
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Sonia Bhalotra
Sonia Bhalotra is a professor of economics at the University of Essex
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Marinella Leone
Marinella Leone is an assistant professor of economics at the University of Pavia
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Una Osili
Una Osili is a professor of economics at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
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Abstract

We analyze long-term impacts of the 1967-1970 Nigerian Civil War, providing the first evidence of intergenerational impacts. War exposure among women results in reduced adult stature, an increased likelihood of being overweight, earlier age at first birth, and lower educational attainment. War exposure of mothers has adverse impacts on next-generation child survival, growth, and education. Impacts vary with age of exposure. For the mother and child health outcomes, the largest impacts stem from adolescent exposure. Exposure to a primary education program mitigates impacts of war exposure. War exposure leads to men marrying later and having fewer children.

JEL Codes:
  • I12
  • I25
  • J13
  • O12
  • Intergenerational
  • Conflict
  • War
  • Human capital
  • Fetal origins
  • Africa
  • Early Childhood
  • Adolescence

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Journal of Human Resources: 60 (3)
Journal of Human Resources
Vol. 60, Issue 3
1 May 2025
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First and Second Generation Impacts of the Biafran War
Richard Akresh, Sonia Bhalotra, Marinella Leone, Una Osili
Journal of Human Resources Mar 2021, 0118-9272R1; DOI: 10.3368/jhr.58.4.0118-9272R1

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First and Second Generation Impacts of the Biafran War
Richard Akresh, Sonia Bhalotra, Marinella Leone, Una Osili
Journal of Human Resources Mar 2021, 0118-9272R1; DOI: 10.3368/jhr.58.4.0118-9272R1
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Keywords

  • I12
  • I25
  • J13
  • O12
  • intergenerational
  • Conflict
  • War
  • human capital
  • fetal origins
  • Africa
  • early childhood
  • Adolescence
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