Work

Urbanization and educational attainment: Evidence from Africa

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Despite the rapid urbanization of the developing world, little remains known about how urban migration and residency affect childhood outcomes. Using census data for 14 African countries combined with an age-at-move design, I show that childhood exposure to cities significantly increases primary school completion and literacy rates, even among children from poor urban households. Better availability of schools and lower opportunity costs of education in cities appear to be important channels to explain the positive effects. The paper thus provides evidence of a novel channel through which urban migration can promote economic development.

Source: Journal of Development Economics

DOI: 10.1016/j.jdeveco.2025.103654

Author: Raoul van Maarseveen

Institution: University of Cologne

Language: English

Topic: Urban and Rural Development Challenges

Subfield: Urban Studies

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Sustainable cities and communities, Quality education

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,590