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Family Size, Human Capital And Growth: Structural Path Analysis Of Rwanda

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  • TUGRUL TEMEL

    (ECOREC Economic Research and Consulting, Netherlands)

Abstract

This paper analyzes the macroeconomic role that different household groups play in human capital formation, sectoral growth and income distribution in Rwanda. Using a disaggregated SAM for Rwanda and, with the assistance of structural path analysis, the paper explores the macroeconomic implications of family size for human capital, sectoral growth and income distribution. The findings support the so-called quantity-quality trade-off hypothesis: the smaller the family size, the higher the investment in human capital. In particular, the human capital investment of households with 1-3 children tends to be more pronounced than that of households with more than 3 children. Moreover, households with 1-3 children act as an important intermediate pole transmitting the influence of human capital investment on agricultural production. As a result, promoting family planning programs seems to be a viable strategy for economic growth and poverty reduction.

Suggested Citation

  • Tugrul Temel, 2013. "Family Size, Human Capital And Growth: Structural Path Analysis Of Rwanda," Journal of Economic Development, Chung-Ang Unviersity, Department of Economics, vol. 38(4), pages 39-73, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:jed:journl:v:38:y:2013:i:4:p:39-73
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Boonaert, Eva & Hoyweghen, Kaat Van & Feyisa, Ashenafi Duguma & Goos, Peter & Maertens, Miet, 2021. "Twofold Gendered Preferences in the Quantity-Quality Trade-Off Impact the Demographic Transition in Ethiopia," 2021 Conference, August 17-31, 2021, Virtual 315224, International Association of Agricultural Economists.
    3. Mutiu Abimbola Oyinlola and Abdulfatai Adekunle Adedeji, 2020. "Enhancing Economic Growth Impact of Financial Development and Human Capital through Capital Flows in Sub-Saharan Africa," Journal of Economic Development, Chung-Ang Unviersity, Department of Economics, vol. 45(2), pages 95-114, June.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Fertility; Family Planning; Human Capital; Growth; Income Distribution; Path Analysis; SAM Multipliers; Rwanda;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I15 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Economic Development
    • I25 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Economic Development
    • 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
    • O21 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Development Planning and Policy - - - Planning Models; Planning Policy

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