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Lithium-ion batteries and fertility in Africa

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  • Maurizio Malpede

    (University of Verona)

Abstract

This study investigates how the global adoption of modern electrical batteries influenced women’s fertility choices in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a country rich in cobalt, an essential component of lithium-ion batteries. The findings reveal that women living in cobalt-rich villages experience higher fertility rates and a greater desire for children relative to those in non-cobalt-rich communities. I attribute this phenomenon to the use of children in cobalt mines, as opposed to other mineral mining activities, which leads to a short-term increase in household wealth and motivates parents to have more children. These results provide novel insights into our understanding of the complex relationship between economic development, natural resources, and fertility decisions in developing economies.

Suggested Citation

  • Maurizio Malpede, 2024. "Lithium-ion batteries and fertility in Africa," Journal of Population Economics, Springer;European Society for Population Economics, vol. 37(1), pages 1-31, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jopoec:v:37:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1007_s00148-024-01005-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s00148-024-01005-y
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Lithium-ion batteries; Child labor; Fertility; Cobalt mining;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O13 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Agriculture; Natural Resources; Environment; Other Primary Products
    • I25 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Economic Development
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth

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