What are the Sources of Risk and How do people cope? Insights from household surveys in 16 countries

Type Working Paper
Title What are the Sources of Risk and How do people cope? Insights from household surveys in 16 countries
Author(s)
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2013
URL http://siteresources.worldbank.org/EXTNWDR2013/Resources/8258024-1352909193861/8936935-1356011448215​/8986901-1380568255405/WDR15_bp_What_are_the_Sources_of_Risk_Oviedo.pdf
Abstract
We report on a major multi-country comparison of household surveys on shocks and coping. Natural disasters, health shocks, economic shocks, and asset loss are the most commonly reported types of shocks. People often cope using costly responses that increase their vulnerability to future shocks. We conclude that household survey modules on shocks and coping largely fulfill their objective of providing information on risk exposure yet do little to inform policy beyond providing broad diagnostics.

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