Differences in Agricultural Productivity of 19th Century French Algerian Colonies

Theresa Finley, Susquehanna University

This paper explores potential explanations for observed variation in agricultural productivity of French settlers in 19th century Algeria. Using a novel data set of wheat yields from 1851-1854 for Algerian colonies, I find that agricultural colonies exhibited had lower agricultural productivity compared to non-agricultural colonies and this effect dissipated over time. The results hold when controlling for measures of human capital, soil suitability, physical capital, local ethnic identities and family structure.

No extended abstract or paper available

 Presented in Session 91. Interdisciplinary Histories of Religion, Economics, and Culture