New Publication from Professor Ardyn Nordstrom

We are proud to share that SPPA Professor Ardyn Nordstrom, in collaboration with Christopher Cotton, has released a new study examining how climate change may impact educational outcomes in developing countries, particularly in contexts where near-universal primary education has already been achieved.

The study focuses on a recent severe drought in Southern Africa, using data from a large cluster-randomized control trial involving school-aged girls, along with satellite data measuring drought intensity. The findings reveal that drought exposure led to increased school attendance, particularly among the poorest girls. However, while attendance rose, learning outcomes told a more nuanced story. Girls experiencing food insecurity saw declines in assessment scores, and on average, there were no learning gains compared to the counterfactual.

This research highlights the importance of evaluating both attendance and academic performance when assessing the impact of environmental shocks on education. It also underscores the critical need for education systems to be equipped with the resources to manage increased attendance and to support vulnerable students—such as through school-based food assistance—during climate-related disruptions.

This timely publication contributes important insights to the intersection of climate resilience, educational equity, and global development policy.

Check it out here! https://lnkd.in/g2URVDfv