The broad goal of this dissertation is to quantify the effect of shocks, policies, and programs on human capital, firms, and communities, especially in Africa.

Foreign aid is a major flow of income into sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries, averaging roughly 12% of GDP over the last four decades. Yet, SSA countries are

Therefore, if developing economies want to improve their growth prospects, they need to invest in education and provide buffers so that income shocks do not hin