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Efficiency of local public education in a decentralized context

Author

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  • Melo-Becerra, Ligia Alba
  • Hahn-De-Castro, Lucas Wilfried
  • Ariza, Dalma Sofía
  • Carmona, Cristian Oswaldo

Abstract

This paper estimates the local efficiency of the public provision of education in Colombia between 2008 and 2013. Since the decentralization process in 1991, local authorities have spent an increasing amount of resources in the provision of education services. The empirical analysis relies on a multiproduct function that assesses public performance considering two types of education products: quality and enrolment. Results for Colombian municipalities show efficiencies that vary between 26% and 98%, suggesting that better results in quality and enrolment in public education could be accomplished using the same resources. Possible sources of inefficiency are explored, such as institutional environment and fiscal autonomy. Differing regional patterns are observed for the cases of education quality and enrolment.

Suggested Citation

  • Melo-Becerra, Ligia Alba & Hahn-De-Castro, Lucas Wilfried & Ariza, Dalma Sofía & Carmona, Cristian Oswaldo, 2020. "Efficiency of local public education in a decentralized context," International Journal of Educational Development, Elsevier, vol. 76(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:injoed:v:76:y:2020:i:c:s0738059319307205
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ijedudev.2020.102194
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Education; Technical Efficiency; Multiproduct Function; Colombia;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C23 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models
    • D24 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Production; Cost; Capital; Capital, Total Factor, and Multifactor Productivity; Capacity
    • H75 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - State and Local Government: Health, Education, and Welfare
    • I20 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - General

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