Maternal Off-farm Wage Employment and Primary School Enrollment: Evidence from a Natural Quasi-experiment in Senegal

This study examines the impact of maternal off-farm wage employment on primary school enrollment in rural Senegal, leveraging a natural quasi-experiment from the horticulture export boom in the Niayes region. Using household survey data and econometric analysis, we find that maternal income significantly increases enrollment for both boys and girls, driven by higher household resources and enhanced maternal bargaining power. The results highlight the role of female employment in achieving educational outcomes and reducing gender disparities, contributing to the Millennium Development Goals of universal primary education and gender equality.