RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Selling Crops Early to Pay for School JF Journal of Human Resources JO J Hum Resour FD University of Wisconsin Press SP 1296 OP 1325 DO 10.3368/jhr.56.4.0617-8899R1 VO 56 IS 4 A1 Dillon, Brian YR 2021 UL http://jhr.uwpress.org/content/56/4/1296.abstract AB In 2010, primary school in Malawi began in September, three months earlier than in 2009. I show that this change forced households to sell crops early, when prices are low. The effect is limited to households with school children, increases with the number of children, and is present only for poor households. Households that financed school by selling early missed out on an expected 17.3–26.5 percent increase in output prices over three months. There is little evidence of improved schooling outcomes as a result of the change. I discuss the implications for policies that offer farmers commitment opportunities at harvest.