(African Economic Research Consortium, 2022-06) Melie, Nchinda Pechue; Tambi, Mbu Daniel
This study applied the probit model controlling for endogeneity, using the 2004/2011
Demographic and Health Survey in Cameroon to investigate the influence of child
health on maternal labour force participation (MLFP) and to explore the heterogeneous
effects of MLFP by sector of activity and marital status. The summary statistics revealed
that participating mothers systematically differ from non-participating mothers on
various characteristics. The results showed that overall, child health increases the
probability of MLFP for married women and single mothers in both agriculture and
non-agriculture sectors. These results mean that poor child health exerts emotional
stress and imposes a physical demand for caring on family members. As the primary
carer, the mother consequently reduces work commitment or even leaves the labour
market to care for the ill child. Thus, investing in child health is very important as it
enables the mother to use the extra-time at their disposal to participate additionally
in labour market and job training opportunities.