Nutrition, labour productivity and labour supply of men and women in Ghana

G.J.M. van den Boom, M. Nubé and W.K. Asenso‐Okyere
Authors registered in the RePEc Author Service: Kwadwo Asenso-okyere

Journal of Development Studies, 1996, vol. 32, issue 6, 801-829

Abstract: An efficiency‐wage relation and a nutritional status production function are estimated in conjunction with Hausman‐type preferences for food and leisure time. A non‐linear FIML estimator is used to account for simultaneity. The estimates reveal that hourly earnings of men and women in Ghana are similar and respond positively to food consumption and, to a lesser extent, to nutritional status and negatively to additional hours worked. The last effect is strongest for women, who work fewer hours but have higher workloads during hours not allocated to income earning. The effects of nutrition are strongest for men, reflecting a higher workload during working hours. The propensity to reduce workload is high for both, witness backward bending labour supply curves. It is further indicated that women's labour productivity would rise by some 20 per cent, if female family workers moved to market employment; while similar productivity gains may be expected from middle school enrolment. With average increases of 14 per cent from labour market participation and six per cent from middle school enrolment, such gains are much less pronounced for men.

Date: 1996
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DOI: 10.1080/00220389608422441

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