Anita M. Chaudhry
Assistant Professor of Economics
Ph.D. Economics, University of Wyoming, 2008
M.S. Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of Connecticut, 2003
M.A. Economics, University of Southern California, 2001
BSc.(Hons.) Economics, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Pakistan, 1999
California State University, Chico
400 West First Street
Chico, CA 95929
Email: achaudhry@csuchico.edu
Telephone: (530) 898-5494
Fax: (530) 898-5901
Teaching
Econ 102: Principles of Macroeconomic Analysis || Econ 365: Environmental Economics
Environmental and Natural Resource Economics, Development Economics, Applied Econometrics
- Can water availability constrain economic growth and development?
Intuition suggests that water is critical for economic growth. However, formal models, as well as empirical evidence for this hypothesis are scant. We propose analytical and empirical approaches to examine the role of water in multiple uses, specifically those in agricultural and urban sectors. The institutional context is that of western United States. This work stems from my Ph.D. dissertation (see dissertation abstract)
- Urban water supply in developing countries.
To reduce by half the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water is a key Millennium Development Goal set by the United Nations. This task is made increasingly harder by the current and projected trends of urban growth in the developing countries. We study the problem of long run economic growth of an urban area when welfare of the urban resident is partly determined by publicly-provided water services. Our analytical model examines the role of population growth in influencing the optimal provision of water services, specifically the widespread presence of informal water sector that has mushroomed to meet the basic water needs of many urban residents in developing countries.
- Water transfers: the environmental and economic challenges for northern California.
The objectives of this project are to examine the negative effects of water transfers in the North State’s rural areas, specifically:
- The loss of economic activity in the areas selling water.
- Water transfer may result in the reduction in the quantity or quality of water available to others. Groundwater may be substituted for surface water and may result in groundwater overdraft. This research project will also study the impact of water transfers on the groundwater resources.
- Third, this project will examine how existing state and county level regulations may reduce the social costs of water transfers.