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Investigating the Long-Term Effects of Child Labor on Household Poverty and Food Insecurity in Ghana

Author

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  • Monica Puoma LAMBON-QUAYEFIO

    (University of Ghana)

  • Nkechi S. OWOO

    (University of Ghana)

Abstract

This paper explores the extent to which child labor perpetuates the cycle of household poverty, as well as food insecurity using the sixth round of the Ghana Living Standards Survey. The study employs a counterfactual framework and an endogenous treatment effect econometric technique to accurately examine the causal link between child labor and long-term household poverty and food security. Results suggest a positive relationship between early paid work and long-term poverty and food insecurity. This finding provides empirical evidence to indicate that child labor has the potential to create and perpetuate poverty traps. From a policy perspective, findings from this study also contribute to the modern policy debates surrounding the achievement of the sustainable development goals on reducing poverty and hunger in developing countries.

Suggested Citation

  • Monica Puoma LAMBON-QUAYEFIO & Nkechi S. OWOO, 2021. "Investigating the Long-Term Effects of Child Labor on Household Poverty and Food Insecurity in Ghana," JODE - Journal of Demographic Economics, Cambridge University Press, vol. 87(4), pages 561-587, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:ctl:louvde:v:87:y:2021:i:4:p:561-587
    DOI: 10.1017/dem.2020.29
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Child labor; Endogenous treatment; Food insecurity; Poverty trap;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D10 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - General
    • Q12 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Micro Analysis of Farm Firms, Farm Households, and Farm Input Markets
    • I30 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General
    • J10 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - General

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