| Chapter 1: | History and Consequence |
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Chapter 5 evaluates the landmine-related incident rate across time as a function of the price of metal. I test the hypothesis that as the price of metal increases, tampering activity also increases. In addition to observing the price of metal, I also control for seasonal effects, the impact of specific zones, and year effects. Formal policy suggestions follow the formal testing that takes place in this chapter.
1.5. Literature Review
The existing literature on landmines in Cambodia from an economic standpoint is quite limited. The work of three researchers stands out. First, Harris (2000) carried out a cost-benefit analysis in regard to landmine clearance in Cambodia. He concluded that the benefits of removing landmines in Cambodia were worth 2% of the costs. Next, Bottomley (2001) recommended training in the informal sector in an effort to reduce the risk of demining. Importantly, she delineated landmine/UXO incidents into categories that suggested a portion of incidents occurred as a result of economically driven incentive structures. Finally, Keeley (2006) paired the tools of economics with Mine Action (the efforts to combat problems related to landmines and residual ordnance worldwide, which was formalized by the 1997 Ottawa Treaty).His work was critical in shaping programs and applying principles of efficiency within the Mine Action sector. The contributions of these authors will now be considered in turn.
1.5.1. Harris (2000)
When the 14 governments and European Commission (EC) make decisions about funding efforts toward landmine/UXO rehabilitation, consideration is given to return-on-investment yields.3 These decisions directly affect 84 countries and eight territories impacted by landmines and UXO.4 Decisions regarding the selection of countries and organizations to fund are often complex and not transparent. While many components of this process may never be completely understood, the determination of return-on-investment yields follows the age-old approach entitled