Education in developing countries

Abstract

This page examines the evidence for education interventions in developing countries, focusing on experimental studies and their impact on important outcomes like earnings, health, and fertility. While limited, recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) show positive effects of secondary school scholarships on earnings, with more evidence expected in the future. Four RCTs demonstrate that education interventions can reduce fertility and marriage rates among young women. However, there is scant evidence of effects on health outcomes. Cost-effectiveness analyses indicate that secondary school scholarships in Ghana are cost-effective, while those in Colombia are less so. A small school uniform subsidy in Kenya shows potential cost-effectiveness due to its impact on teenage pregnancy and marriage, though this estimate is uncertain. Overall, the evidence for education interventions’ impact on key outcomes is improving but still thin. While positive effects on earnings are promising, more studies are needed. The value of social effects like reduced fertility and marriage remains uncertain, requiring further research and careful consideration of subjective value judgments.