Study: “Fertility, Schooling and Work Transitions of Young Women in Africa: Understanding Determinants and Outcomes”
PI(s): Plane, Patrick
Co-PI(s): Audibert, Martine; Sahn, David
Affiliation(s): CNRS, CERDI, Cornell University
Institutional Partner(s): AFD/IRD
Project Dates:
Start: 2008
End: 2012
Data Source(s): Panel Data Collection
Methods: Econometric Methods and Survival Analysis
Geographic Location(s): Senegal and Madagascar

Description:
The transition from adolescent to adulthood is a critical time in the lives of young women. The decisions that they and their families make regarding marriage, childbearing, schooling, and work can profoundly affect the rest of their lives. Through their effects on fertility, labor supply and productivity, and child health and schooling, these choices can also have a major impact on economic growth and welfare. However, the knowledge of these benefits, and of how policy and other factors influence young women’s early life course transitions, remains poor for Africa. The research was designed to improve the understanding of the determinants and impacts of the major life course transitions of young women in Senegal and Madagascar involving marriage, family, schooling, and work. The study used long-term data on cohorts of individuals that looked at transitions in family formulation, schooling, and workforce entry. The study aimed to make reliable and meaningful recommendations for policies that, by influencing the timing and nature of these transitions, had the potential to improve young women’s future welfare and that of society as a whole.

Research Outputs:
Almanza, Catalina Herrera et al. (2013). Madagascar Young Adult Transitions Survey (CERDI Working Paper No. 23).

Marchetta, Francesca, & Sahn, David E. (2012). The role of education and family background in marriage, childbearing and labor market participation in Senegal (Cornell Food and Nutrition Policy Program Working Paper No. 243). DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.2111709