A Dam Problem: TVA's Fight Against Malaria, 1926–1951

B-Tier
Journal: Journal of Economic History
Year: 2013
Volume: 73
Issue: 3
Pages: 694-724

Score contribution per author:

2.011 = (α=2.01 / 1 authors) × 1.0x B-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

The TVA has been applauded for its anti-malaria programs in the Southeast during the 1930s and 1940s. However, the TVA developed their anti-malaria programs because they created lakes suitable for mosquito breeding. To estimate the relationship between the TVA and malaria, I construct a county-level panel data from the Southeast United States. I find that the net effect of the TVA was to increase malaria rates following its construction. Using statistical life value estimates, I find that the hidden malaria cost of the TVA offset 24 percent of the fiscal stimulus multiplier generated by the TVA.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:cup:jechis:v:73:y:2013:i:03:p:694-724_00
Journal Field
Economic History
Author Count
1
Added to Database
2026-01-25