Differential impacts of electricity access on educational outcomes: Evidence from Uganda

Abstract

We investigate the differential impact of electricity access on educational outcomes in Uganda using the Uganda National Panel Survey data and employ instrumental panel probit techniques. The findings indicate that reliable electricity is associated with high school enrolment and completion. Also, the results show that education level of household head, marital status, gender, and good housing conditions are associated with better education outcomes. Our results provide evidence for designing supportive policies for increased access to reliable electricity especially among rural households where there are high disproportionately lower education outcomes. Also, the results suggest that policies to eliminate all barriers to reliable electricity access can greatly enhance educational outcomes in Uganda.