RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Food for thought? Experimental Evidence on the Learning Impacts of a Large-Scale School Feeding Program
JF Journal of Human Resources
FD University of Wisconsin Press
SP 1019-10515R1
DO 10.3368/jhr.58.3.1019-10515R1
A1 Elisabetta Aurino
A1 Aulo Gelli
A1 Clement Adamba
A1 Isaac Osei-Akoto
A1 Harold Alderman
YR 2020
UL http://jhr.uwpress.org/content/early/2020/12/03/jhr.58.3.1019-10515R1.abstract
AB There is limited experimental evidence on the effects of large-scale, government-led interventions on human capital in resource-constrained settings. We report results from a randomized trial of the government of Ghana’s school feeding. After two years, the program led to moderate average increases in math and literacy standardized scores among pupils in treatment communities, and to larger achievement gains for girls and disadvantaged children and regions. Improvements in child schooling, cognition, and nutrition constituted suggestive impact mechanisms, especially for educationally-disadvantaged groups. The program combined equitable human capital accumulation with social protection, contributing to the “learning for all” sustainable development agenda.