A Senior Capstone Experience by Julianna Sterling ’23

Submitted to the Departments of International Studies and Economics

Advised by Dr. Daniels

Contributor Biography:  Julianna Sterling is a graduating senior with majors in Economics, French, and International Studies and a minor in European Studies. At Washington College, Julianna held positions in the SGA, is a member of the Omicron Delta Epsilon, Omicron Delta Kappa, and Phi Beta Kappa honor societies, and was a member of the field hockey team. After graduating, Julianna will be joining the Federal Reserve Board of Governors in Washington, D.C. as a Research Assistant in the division of Supervision and Regulation.

Description: Using data available from the World Bank’s Living Standard Measurement Study (LSMS) collected in Senegal between 2018-2019, a logit regression is used to analyze the impact of rice production on food security. Findings show that, in rural areas, households with greater rice production are less food secure. This could reflect a number of factors, including imperfect consideration of high entry risks, a decline in crop diversification, and climate change. The results of this analysis emphasize the need for further research on the microeconomic effects of cash crop policies, particularly in relation to household food security.

Read Julianna’s SCE below: