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Does childhood work impede long-term human capital accumulation? Empirical evidence from rural Ethiopia

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  • Mussa, Essa Chanie
  • Mirzabaev, Alisher
  • Admassie, Assefa
  • Nshakira-Rukundo, Emmanuel
  • von Braun, Joachim

Abstract

We examine the long-term effects of childhood work on human capital formation in rural Ethiopia using a unique panel dataset constructed through tracking of children after sixteen years. The findings show that full-time childhood work impedes long-term grade attainment and transitions between school cycles. Furthermore, childhood work-entry age non-linearly affects children’s long-term school transitions. The effects, however, are heterogeneous by child gender and work types. Eliminating full-time childhood work should be at the core of the country’s human capital development agenda. Nevertheless, a blanket ban on all forms of childhood work may be infeasible at best or counterproductive at worst.

Suggested Citation

  • Mussa, Essa Chanie & Mirzabaev, Alisher & Admassie, Assefa & Nshakira-Rukundo, Emmanuel & von Braun, Joachim, 2019. "Does childhood work impede long-term human capital accumulation? Empirical evidence from rural Ethiopia," International Journal of Educational Development, Elsevier, vol. 66(C), pages 234-246.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:injoed:v:66:y:2019:i:c:p:234-246
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ijedudev.2018.09.001
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Child labor; Child schooling; Educational outcomes; Long-term human capital; Ethiopia;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity

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