Journal of Economics and Development Studies

The Effect of School Quality on Child Labour: Empirical Evidence from Côte d’Ivoire
Abou Pokou Edouard

Abstract
This study highlights the effect of the school quality on child labour in Côte d'Ivoire. Primary data from the 2010 Local Child Labour Survey and Education Policies are used. This survey interviewed a sample of 750 households of 1,338 children aged 6-14 with the support of the Strategic Support Program for Scientific Research. Theoretically, maximizing a household decision function shows that when the school has infrastructure, the head of the household shares the child's time between work and school. Empirically, Heckman's selection model indicated that the availability of canteens and electricity in schools reduces the number of hours and the likelihood of child labour regardless of sex. Moreover, the luxury axiom is confirmed. Putting children to work is a survival strategy for poor households. Thus, policy makers for an effective fight against child labour need to focus on improving the learning environment for children by focusing on the construction of school canteens and the electrification of schools from disadvantaged backgrounds. This policy can be implemented by involving local elected representatives and development partners.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jeds.v7n4a6