Are there gender differential effects of rainfall shocks on schooling outcomes? Evidence from Malawi

Eliminating gender inequality in schooling remains a challenge in most developing countries. This study examines the extent to which rainfall shocks differentially affect schooling outcomes among boys and girls using three waves of panel data for Malawi. We find gender heterogeneity for share of expenditure on education and school progression, but not so for school attendance. Although rainfall shocks have contrasting age-specific effects among boys, there are no age-specific differential effects of rainfall shocks on school attendance and progression by gender. These findings have implications for education policy in other countries that are aiming at eliminating gender inequality in schooling.