The Returns from Reducing Corruption: Evidence from Education in Uganda

Jakob Svensson and Ritva Reinikka

No 6363, CEPR Discussion Papers from C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers

Abstract: What is the most effective way to increase primary school enrolment and student learning? We argue that innovations in governance of social services may yield the highest return since social service delivery in developing countries is often plagued by inefficiencies and corruption. We examine this hypothesis by exploiting an unusual policy experiment: A newspaper campaign in Uganda aimed at reducing capture of public funds by providing schools (parents) with information to monitor local officials' handling of a large education grant program. Combining survey and administrative data, we show that the campaign was successful, and the reduction in capture of funds had a positive effect on enrolment and student learning.

Keywords: Corruption; Education; Newspaper campaign (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D73 I22 O12 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2007-06
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-afr, nep-dev, nep-edu and nep-hrm
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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