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Iodine Deficiency and Schooling Attainment in Tanzania

Author

Listed:
  • Erica Field
  • Omar Robles
  • Maximo Torero

Abstract

Cognitive damage from iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) has important implications for economic growth through its effect on human capital. To gauge the magnitude of this influence, we evaluate the impact on schooling of reductions in IDD from intensive iodine supplementation in Tanzania. Our findings suggest a large effect of in utero iodine on cognition and human capital: treated children attain an estimated 0.35-0.56 years of additional schooling relative to siblings and older and younger peers. Furthermore, the effect appears to be substantially larger for girls, consistent with laboratory evidence indicating greater cognitive sensitivity of female fetuses to maternal thyroid deprivation. (JEL I12, I21, J16, O15)

Suggested Citation

  • Erica Field & Omar Robles & Maximo Torero, 2009. "Iodine Deficiency and Schooling Attainment in Tanzania," American Economic Journal: Applied Economics, American Economic Association, vol. 1(4), pages 140-169, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:aejapp:v:1:y:2009:i:4:p:140-69
    Note: DOI: 10.1257/app.1.4.140
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Erica M. Field & Omar Robles & Máximo Torero, 2008. "The Cognitive Link Between Geography and Development: Iodine Deficiency and Schooling Attainment in Tanzania," NBER Working Papers 13838, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration

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    1. Iodine Deficiency and Schooling Attainment in Tanzania (American Economic Journal: Applied Economics 2009) in ReplicationWiki

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