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Intergenerational Human Capital Impacts and Complementarities in Kenya

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Listed:
  • Madeline Duhon
  • Lia Fernald
  • Joan Hamory
  • Edward Miguel
  • Eric Ochieng
  • Michael W. Walker

Abstract

This study exploits experimental variation in parent human capital (early-life school-based deworming) and a shock to schooling (extended Covid closures) to estimate how these factors interact in the production of child human capital within a sample of 3,500 Kenyan 3-8 year olds. Parents with additional exposure to childhood deworming have children with improved human capital, including in health, non-cognitive development, and cognition; cognitive scores are +0.26 standard deviation units higher among treated parents' school-age children, only prior to school closures. Findings are interpreted through a model where home-based and school inputs are complements in the production of child cognition.

Suggested Citation

  • Madeline Duhon & Lia Fernald & Joan Hamory & Edward Miguel & Eric Ochieng & Michael W. Walker, 2024. "Intergenerational Human Capital Impacts and Complementarities in Kenya," NBER Working Papers 32617, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:32617
    Note: CH DEV ED EH LS
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    JEL classification:

    • I00 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - General - - - General
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration

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