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Do Solar Lamps Help Children Study? Contrary Evidence from a Pilot Study in Uganda

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  • Chishio Furukawa

Abstract

Over half a billion children lack adequate lighting and use dim, smoky and dangerous kerosene-based lighting for their evening studies. This article examines the conventional wisdom that the brighter, clean, safe and zero-marginal-cost light of solar lamps enhances children's learning outcomes. In a randomised experiment, unexpectedly, solar lamps lowered test scores by five points out of 100 (0.25 standard deviation), but increased reported study time by approximately 30 minutes per day. This may be due to flickering from lack of full charge, lowering their productivity. The nationwide learning assessment suggests that solar lamps likely have an insignificant effect on educational attainment.

Suggested Citation

  • Chishio Furukawa, 2014. "Do Solar Lamps Help Children Study? Contrary Evidence from a Pilot Study in Uganda," Journal of Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 50(2), pages 319-341, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:jdevst:v:50:y:2014:i:2:p:319-341
    DOI: 10.1080/00220388.2013.833320
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    1. Stinebrickner Ralph & Stinebrickner Todd R., 2008. "The Causal Effect of Studying on Academic Performance," The B.E. Journal of Economic Analysis & Policy, De Gruyter, vol. 8(1), pages 1-55, June.
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    3. Paul Glewwe & Albert Park & Meng Zhao, 2006. "The impact of eyeglasses on the academic performance of primary school students: Evidence from a randomized trial in rural china," Natural Field Experiments 00254, The Field Experiments Website.
    4. Roland G. Fryer, Jr, 2010. "Financial Incentives and Student Achievement: Evidence from Randomized Trials," NBER Working Papers 15898, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
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