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Instrumenting the Effect of Terrorism on Education in Kenya

Author

Listed:
  • Alfano, Marco

    (Lancaster University)

  • Goerlach, Joseph-Simon

    (Bocconi University)

Abstract

This paper estimates the effect of exposure to terrorist violence on education. Since terrorists may choose targets endogenously, we construct a set of novel instruments. To that end, we leverage exogenous variation from a local terrorist group's revenues and its affiliation with al-Qaeda. Across several Kenyan datasets we find that attacks suppress school enrolment more than predicted by difference-in-differences-type estimators. This indicates that terrorists target areas experiencing unobserved, positive shocks. Evidence suggests fears and concerns as mechanisms of impact, rather than educational supply.

Suggested Citation

  • Alfano, Marco & Goerlach, Joseph-Simon, 2023. "Instrumenting the Effect of Terrorism on Education in Kenya," IZA Discussion Papers 16544, IZA Network @ LISER.
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp16544
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Alan B. Krueger, 2007. "Introduction to What Makes a Terrorist: Economics and the Roots of Terrorism," Introductory Chapters, in: What Makes a Terrorist: Economics and the Roots of Terrorism, Princeton University Press.
    2. Nicolas Berman & Mathieu Couttenier & Dominic Rohner & Mathias Thoenig, 2017. "This Mine Is Mine! How Minerals Fuel Conflicts in Africa," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 107(6), pages 1564-1610, June.
    3. Kai Gehring & Sarah Langlotz & Stefan Kienberger, 2019. "Stimulant or Depressant? Resource-Related Income Shocks and Conflict," CESifo Working Paper Series 7887, CESifo.
    4. Conley, T. G., 1999. "GMM estimation with cross sectional dependence," Journal of Econometrics, Elsevier, vol. 92(1), pages 1-45, September.
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D74 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Conflict; Conflict Resolution; Alliances; Revolutions
    • I25 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Economic Development
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration

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