First Author:   Shiferaw Gurmu Georgia State University sgurmu@gsu.edu   Department of Economics, P.O. Box 3992, Georgia State University Atlanta, 30302, US   (404) 651-1907(Phone) (404) 651-1907(Fax) http://www.gsu.edu/~ecosgg Second Author: John Elder North Dakota State University john.elder@ndsu.edu         http://www.ndsu.edu/ndsu/jelder