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Long-Term Effects of Preschool Subsidies and Cash Transfers on Child Development: Evidence from Uganda

Author

Listed:
  • Kjetil Bjorvatn
  • Denise Ferris
  • Selim Gulesci
  • Arne Nasgowitz
  • Vincent Somville
  • Lore Vandewalle

Abstract

Shortly before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, three-to-five-year-old children in Uganda were randomly offered a subsidy to attend full-day preschool for one year. A second treatment group received cash transfers that were at least as large as the cost of the preschool subsidy provided, while a third group received both. Children who attended preschool prior to the pandemic have better anthropometric outcomes three years later. We do not find persistent effects on their learning outcomes. Effects of cash transfers on child development are similar to those of the preschool subsidy.

Suggested Citation

  • Kjetil Bjorvatn & Denise Ferris & Selim Gulesci & Arne Nasgowitz & Vincent Somville & Lore Vandewalle, 2024. "Long-Term Effects of Preschool Subsidies and Cash Transfers on Child Development: Evidence from Uganda," AEA Papers and Proceedings, American Economic Association, vol. 114, pages 459-462, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:apandp:v:114:y:2024:p:459-62
    DOI: 10.1257/pandp.20241014
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jeffrey R Kling & Jeffrey B Liebman & Lawrence F Katz, 2007. "Experimental Analysis of Neighborhood Effects," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 75(1), pages 83-119, January.
    2. Robert W. Fairlie & Dean Karlan & Jonathan Zinman, 2015. "Behind the GATE Experiment: Evidence on Effects of and Rationales for Subsidized Entrepreneurship Training," American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, American Economic Association, vol. 7(2), pages 125-161, May.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • I28 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Government Policy
    • I38 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration

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