| Widowhood and Asset Inheritance in Sub-Saharan Africa: Empirical Evidence from 15 Countries |
| Authors: |
Amber Peterman |
| Source: |
Development Policy Review, Volume 30, Issue 5, pages 543–571, DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-7679.2012.00588.x |
| Topic(s): |
Poverty
Women's status
|
| Country: |
Africa
Multiple African Countries
|
| Published: |
SEP 2012 |
| Abstract: |
Widows in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are perceived to face discrimination in asset inheritance, leading to poverty for themselves and their children. However, large-sample empirical research supporting this claim is scarce. This article explores asset inheritance among widows using two data sources: (i) nationally representative demographic and health survey (DHS) data from 15 SSA countries, and (ii) a 13-year longitudinal panel from the Kagera region in north-west Tanzania. Results indicate that, across the 15 DHS countries, less than half of widows report inheriting any assets; the proportion reporting inheriting the majority of assets is lower. Findings from Kagera indicate that the value of inheritance is significant in determining changes in long-term household welfare. |
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