Study: “Dynamic Analysis of Young Women’s Schooling, Marriage, and Fertility Decisions in Senegal”
PI: Herrera-Almanza, Catalina
Affiliation: Cornell University
Funding Partner: IIE
Project Dates:
Start: 2012
End: 2014
Data Source(s): Panel Data Collection
Method(s): Instrumental Variables Method
Geographic Location: Senegal

Description:
Female secondary school attendance has recently increased in sub-Saharan Africa. However, the higher likelihood of attending school after puberty has put girls at risk of becoming pregnant while attending school. Using a panel survey designed to capture the transition from adolescence to early adulthood, this project analyzes whether teenage pregnancy contributes to lower school attainment and cognitive skills among young women in Madagascar. This research aims to address the impact of early marriage, pregnancy, and family planning on schooling decisions and the dropout rates of girls. Results show that having a child during teenage years increases the likelihood of dropping out of school by 42 percent and decreases the chances of completing lower secondary school by 44 percent.

Research Outputs:

Herrera, Catalina & Sahn, David. (2013). The Impact of Early Childbearing on Schooling and Cognitive Skills among Young Women in Madagascar (Cornell University Food and Nutrition Policy Program Working Paper No. 247).

Herrera, Catalina & Sahn, David. (2015). The Impact of Early Childbearing on Schooling and Cognitive Skills among Young Women in Madagascar. CERDI. IZA Discussion Paper No 9369.