The Effects of Household Shocks on Children’s Schooling in Tanzania

Abstract

This study examines effects of household shocks on children’s schooling in Tanzania. Using data from the Tanzania National Panel Survey - 2008–2013 and the randomeffects probit regression model, the study analyses the link between the shocks and child schooling, measured by school attendance and truancy. The results show that the shocks (weather, food price rises and death of a family member) affect school attendance. Furthermore, education of the head of the household increases the probability of child school attendance and reduces the probability of child truancy. Access to credit is found to increase the probability of child school attendance. Therefore, measures to help the poor and marginalized households to afford their children’s education include improving their access to credit and establishing pro-poor policies, such as improving irrigation schemes and promoting drought-resistant crops, which would enhance agricultural production, increase incomes and improve vulnerability to shocks.

Keywords: household shocks, panel data, school attendance, truancy, Tanzania