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Decentralization’s Effects on Education and Health: Evidence from Ethiopia

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  • Jean-Paul Faguet
  • Qaiser Khan
  • Devarakonda Priyanka Kanth

Abstract

We explore the effects of decentralization on education and health in Ethiopia using an original database covering all of the country’s regions and woredas (local governments). Ethiopia is a remarkable case in which war, famine and chaos in the 1970s–80s were followed by federalization, decentralization, rapid growth, and dramatic improvements in human development. Did decentralization contribute to these successes? We use time series and panel data analyses to show that decentralization improved net enrollments in primary schools and access to antenatal care for pregnant women. The main channel appears to be institutional, not fiscal. We offer the database as an additional contribution.

Suggested Citation

  • Jean-Paul Faguet & Qaiser Khan & Devarakonda Priyanka Kanth, 2021. "Decentralization’s Effects on Education and Health: Evidence from Ethiopia," Publius: The Journal of Federalism, CSF Associates Inc., vol. 51(1), pages 79-103.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:publus:v:51:y:2021:i:1:p:79-103.
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    1. Faguet, Jean-Paul & Poschl, Caroline (ed.), 2015. "Is Decentralization Good For Development?: Perspectives from Academics and Policy Makers," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780198737506.
    2. Barankay, Iwan & Lockwood, Ben, 2007. "Decentralization and the productive efficiency of government: Evidence from Swiss cantons," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 91(5-6), pages 1197-1218, June.
    3. Anila Channa & Jean-Paul Faguet, 2016. "Decentralization of Health and Education in Developing Countries: A Quality-Adjusted Review of the Empirical Literature," The World Bank Research Observer, World Bank, vol. 31(2), pages 199-241.
    4. Jean-Paul Faguet & Fabio Sánchez, 2014. "Decentralization and access to social services in Colombia," Public Choice, Springer, vol. 160(1), pages 227-249, July.
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    7. Khan, Qaiser & Faguet, Jean-Paul & Ambel, Alemayehu, 2017. "Blending Top-Down Federalism with Bottom-Up Engagement to Reduce Inequality in Ethiopia," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 96(C), pages 326-342.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • H41 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - Public Goods
    • H77 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - Intergovernmental Relations; Federalism
    • H75 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - State and Local Government: Health, Education, and Welfare

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