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Childcare for Informal-Sector Workers: Delivery Models, Access, and Welfare

Author

Listed:
  • Jacklyn Makaaru Arinaitwe
  • George Bogere
  • Anna Fiore
  • Sylvan Herskowitz
  • Megan Lang
  • Francis Mwesigye
  • Tracy Nalumansi

Abstract

Childcare burdens limit productivity among women in the informal sector, but we know little about the optimal design of childcare support. We randomize 883 women market vendors in Kampala, Uganda to receive free workplace- or community-based childcare. Free childcare redistributes caregiving away from household members, raises women’s hourly earnings, and improves child development and women’s well-being. Community centers achieve higher utilization and larger gains in development and well-being, while workplace centers generate larger economic impacts. Both models have a high marginal value of public funds. Community centers currently dominate, but workplace-based centers could prove superior if operated at scale.

Suggested Citation

  • Jacklyn Makaaru Arinaitwe & George Bogere & Anna Fiore & Sylvan Herskowitz & Megan Lang & Francis Mwesigye & Tracy Nalumansi, 2026. "Childcare for Informal-Sector Workers: Delivery Models, Access, and Welfare," CESifo Working Paper Series 12969, CESifo.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:ceswps:_12969
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • O12 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Microeconomic Analyses of Economic Development
    • O18 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Urban, Rural, Regional, and Transportation Analysis; Housing; Infrastructure
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply

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