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Remittances and Household Investment Decisions: Evidence from sub-Saharan Africa Cover

Remittances and Household Investment Decisions: Evidence from sub-Saharan Africa

Open Access
|Apr 2022

Figures & Tables

Substitutability of investments

Invested on physical capital or social capitalInvested on human capital or social capitalInvested on human capital or physical capital

Human capitalPhysical capital (=1 if yes)Social capital (=1 if yes)

Education (=1 if yes)Health (=1 if yes)

(1)(2)(3)(4)
Panel-A: Uganda

Received remittances (=1 if yes)0.022 (0.036)0.074 (0.066)0.018** (0.008)0.032 (0.021)
Mean of the outcome variable0.7690.8720.1240.314

Observations5765761,4801,468

Panel-B: Kenya

Received remittances (=1 if yes)0.064 (0.068)0.022 (0.115)0.108*** (0.026)0.177*** (0.016)
Mean of the outcome variable0.6720.8110.1520.470

Observations8828821,5451,516

Panel-C: Nigeria

Received remittances (=1 if yes)0.177*** (0.033)−0.049* (0.027)0.131*** (0.024)−0.179*** (0.005)
Mean of the outcome variable0.7580.8440.1840.391

Observations9869861,8741,884

Panel-D: Burkina Faso

Received remittances (=1 if yes)0.155*** (0.029)0.197*** (0.018)−0.181*** (0.018)0.147*** (0.017)
Mean of the outcome variable0.6720.9010.2350.661

Observations1,3311,3311,8341,800

Panel-E: Senegal

Received remittances (=1 if yes)0.011 (0.066)−0.006 (0.052)0.018 (0.058)0.208*** (0.023)
Mean of the outcome variable0.6780.8530.0990.748

Observations1,2821,2821,6511,584

Non-linear effect of remittances amount on household investment expenditure

2SLS2SLS


Human capitalLog (Physical capital expenditure)Log (Social capital expenditure)Human capitalLog (Physical capital expenditure)Log (Social capital expenditure)


Log (Education expenditure)Log (Health expenditure)Log (Education expenditure)Log (Health expenditure)

(1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)
Panel-A: Uganda

Log (Cash remittances)6.938 (4.588)0.530 (2.355)−3.109 (2.093)−3.317 (3.466)3.916 (2.970)2.155 (1.729)0.177 (0.699)1.956 (1.604)
Log (Cash remittances) squared−0.986 (0.809)0.045 (0.408)0.577 (0.366)0.735 (0.620)
Log (Cash remittances) × High remittance −2.933 (2.719)−1.214 (1.656)0.205 (0.824)−1.627 (1.560)
Observations1,6031,603

Panel-B: Kenya

Log (Cash remittances)0.867 (1.595)1.584 (1.356)0.904 (1.005)3.852* (2.028)0.996* (0.527)−0.057 (0.315)0.507* (0.262)0.311 (0.283)
Log (Cash remittances) squared−0.032 (0.281)−0.248 (0.240)−0.065 (0.177)−0.573 (0.358)
Log (Cash remittances) × High remittance −0.931 (0.584)0.001 (0.416)0.470 (0.466)−0.707* (0.426)

Observations1,8211,821

Panel-C: Nigeria

Log (Cash remittances)6.736 (4.127)0.171 (1.493)6.679* (4.012)4.603 (2.884)0.787*** (0.203)−0.579*** (0.178)0.517*** (0.181)−0.596*** (0.197)
Log (Cash remittances) squared−0.821 (0.540)−0.090 (0.197)−0.831 (0.525)−0.689* (0.383)
Log (Cash remittances) × High remittance −0.162 (1.672)−1.911 (2.561)3.061 (3.495)−2.348 (2.895)

Observations2,0292,029

Panel-D: Burkina Faso

Log (Cash remittances)−1.690 (2.917)−3.570 (4.115)2.952 (3.347)3.977 (3.135)0.588*** (0.212)0.517*** (0.182)−0.248 (0.153)0.573*** (0.215)
Log (Cash remittances) squared0.463 (0.614)0.863 (0.863)−0.682 (0.704)−0.751 (0.662)
Log (Cash remittances) × High remittance 2.096 (2.325)0.060 (1.659)0.565 (1.551)0.300 (1.624)

Observations1,8951,895

Panel-E: Senegal
Log (Cash remittances)2.999 (2.592)−1.285 (1.823)−5.129 (3.366)−7.571 (4.902)−0.753 (0.525)0.428 (0.335)−0.293 (0.239)−0.112 (0.369)
Log (Cash remittances) squared−0.415 (0.348)0.190 (0.244)0.645 (0.448)0.969 (0.655)
Log (Cash remittances) × High remittance 8.061 (6.029)−3.989 (3.602)2.626 (2.747)1.752 (4.266)

Observations1,7051,705

Effect of remittances on household investment decision conditional on having a migrant

Household with a migrantHousehold with no migrant


Human CapitalPhysical Capital (=1 if yes)Social Capital (=1 if yes)Human CapitalPhysical Capital (=1 if yes)Social Capital (=1 if yes)


Education (=1 if yes)Health (=1 if yes)Education (=1 if yes)Health (=1 if yes)

(1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)
Panel-A: Uganda

Received remittances (=1 if yes)0.143*** (0.014)0.113* (0.064)0.044** (0.018)0.096*** (0.017)0.010 (0.011)−0.014*** (0.002)−0.010 (0.006)−0.005*** (0.001)
Mean of the outcome variable0.7360.7980.1310.3270.6410.7860.1080.276
Mean received remittances0.356 0.054

Observations719884

Panel-B: Kenya

Received remittances (=1 if yes)0.246*** (0.052)0.269*** (0.025)0.232*** (0.089)0.311*** (0.013)−0.014*** (0.002)0.008 (0.051)0.013* (0.007)0.013 (0.034)
Mean of the outcome variable0.6100.6920.1530.4360.5660.6490.1190.389

Mean received remittances0.622 0.104

Observations1,1581,158

Panel-C: Nigeria

Received remittances (=1 if yes)0.163** (0.067)−0.125*** (0.048)0.242*** (0.050)−0.247*** (0.040)0.047* (0.025)−0.010*** (0.003)0.022*** (0.005)−0.036*** (0.005)
Mean of the outcome variable0.7730.7560.1910.3470.6590.7770.1770.418
Mean received remittances0.579 0.151

Observations1,253776

Panel-D: Burkina Faso

Received remittances (=1 if yes)0.206*** (0.048)0.253*** (0.015)−0.216*** (0.056)0.242*** (0.027)0.053** (0.027)0.056 (0.046)−0.062* (0.034)0.057*** (0.011)
Mean of the outcome variable0.6960.8780.2310.6540.5680.8710.2290.641
Mean received remittances0.542 0.193

Observations1,142 753

Panel-E: Senegal

Received remittances (=1 if yes)−0.006 (0.145)0.069 (0.147)0.184 (0.123)0.318*** (0.052)−0.012 (0.011)0.032*** (0.012)0.007 (0.006)−0.014 (0.009)
Mean of the outcome variable0.7270.8380.1090.7380.5810.8030.0730.728
Mean received remittances0.745 0.072

Observations1,065640

Effect of remittances on household investment decision

ProbitRecursive biprobit


Human capitalPhysical capital (=1 if yes)Social capital (=1 if yes)Human capitalPhysical capital (=1 if yes)Social capital (=1 if yes)


Education (=1 if yes)Health (=1 if yes)Education (=1 if yes)Health (=1 if yes)

(1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)
Panel-A: Uganda

Received remittances (=1 if yes)0.198* (0.114)−0.058 (0.097)0.137 (0.106)0.157* (0.088)0.478 (0.489)0.047 (1.021)0.730 (0.881)0.572 (0.452)
Mean of the outcome variable0.6840.7920.1190.2990.6840.7920.1190.299

Observations1,6031,603

Panel-B: Kenya

Received remittances (=1 if yes)0.067 (0.070)0.043 (0.068)0.259*** (0.080)0.041 (0.065)1.311*** (0.125)1.414*** (0.102)1.447*** (0.251)1.332*** (0.095)
Mean of the outcome variable0.5940.6760.1410.4180.5940.6760.1410.418

Observations1,8211,821

Panel-C: Nigeria

Received remittances (=1 if yes)0.174** (0.068)0.070 (0.068)0.186*** (0.070)0.116* (0.062)1.205*** (0.137)−0.632* (0.337)1.416*** (0.183)−1.251*** (0.073)
Mean of the outcome variable0.7290.7640.1850.3740.7290.7640.1850.374

Observations2,0292,029

Panel-D: Burkina Faso

Received remittances (=1 if yes)0.282*** (0.065)0.080 (0.080)0.000 (0.067)0.032 (0.063)1.149*** (0.221)1.316*** (0.125)−1.178*** (0.207)1.401*** (0.055)
Mean of the outcome variable0.6450.8750.2310.6490.6450.8750.2310.649

Observations1,8951,895

Panel-E: Senegal

Received remittances (=1 if yes)0.262*** (0.071)−0.008 (0.081)0.192** (0.094)−0.150** (0.071)1.204*** (0.383)0.270 (0.417)0.198 (0.760)1.202*** (0.140)
Mean of the outcome variable0.6720.8250.0960.7340.6720.8250.0960.734

Observations1,7051,705

Effect of cash remittances on household investment decision

ProbitIV-probit


Human capitalPhysical capital (=1 if yes)Social capital (=1 if yes)Human capitalPhysical capital (=1 if yes)Social capital (=1 if yes)


Education (=1 if yes)Health (=1 if yes)Education (=1 if yes)Health (=1 if yes)

(1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)
Panel-A: Uganda

Log (Cash remittances)0.008 (0.005)−0.003 (0.005)0.004 (0.003)0.009* (0.005)0.137*** (0.015)0.102** (0.046)0.019 (0.049)0.120*** (0.015)
Mean of the outcome variable0.6840.7920.1190.2990.6840.7920.1190.299

Observations1,6031,603

Panel-B: Kenya

Log (Cash remittances)0.000 (0.003)0.002 (0.004)0.006** (0.002)−0.000 (0.004)0.072*** (0.010)0.079*** (0.011)0.072*** (0.008)0.085*** (0.002)
Mean of the outcome variable0.5940.6760.1410.4180.5940.6760.1410.418

Observations1,8211,821

Panel-C: Nigeria

Log (Cash remittances)0.008** (0.003)0.002 (0.003)0.006** (0.003)0.003 (0.004)0.073*** (0.010)−0.044** (0.017)0.066*** (0.009)−0.073*** (0.009)
Mean of the outcome variable0.7290.7640.1850.3740.7290.7640.1850.374

Observations2,0292,029

Panel-D: Burkina Faso

Log (Cash remittances)0.020*** (0.005)0.005 (0.004)−0.001 (0.004)−0.001 (0.005)0.099*** (0.015)0.113*** (0.011)−0.096*** (0.019)0.119*** (0.003)
Mean of the outcome variable0.6450.8750.2310.6490.6450.8750.2310.649

Observations1,8951,895

Panel-E: Senegal

Log (Cash remittances)0.012*** (0.003)0.001 (0.003)0.005** (0.002)−0.010*** (0.003)0.022 (0.024)0.024 (0.021)−0.021 (0.020)0.021 (0.024)
Mean of the outcome variable0.6720.8250.0960.7340.6720.8250.0960.734

Observations1,7051,705

Correlation of treatment and outcome variables

Received remittances (=1 if yes)Log (cash remittances)Education (=1 if yes)Health (=1 if yes)Physical capital (=1 if yes)Social capital (=1 if yes)Log (education expenditure)Log (health expenditure)Log (physical capital expenditure)Log (social capital expenditure)

(1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)
Panel-A: Uganda

Received remittances (=1 if yes)1
Log (cash remittances)0.9431
Education (=1 if yes)0.1200.1081
Health (=1 if yes)0.0170.0150.1201
Physical capital (=1 if yes)0.0490.0470.0880.0501
Social capital (=1 if yes)0.0740.0680.1130.1670.1531
Log (education expenditure)0.1610.1710.8650.1410.0820.1291
Log (health expenditure)0.1120.1220.1750.7970.0850.1880.2821
Log (physical capital expenditure)0.0870.0940.0910.0390.8780.1310.1230.1201
Log (social capital expenditure)0.1020.1140.1430.1420.1750.8870.2060.2320.1901

Panel-B: Kenya

Received remittances (=1 if yes)1
Log (cash remittances)0.9371
Education (=1 if yes)0.0560.0471
Health (=1 if yes)0.080.0780.2251
Physical capital (=1 if yes)0.0990.090.1060.0541
Social capital (=1 if yes)0.0650.0440.1380.2970.0931
Log (education expenditure)0.0720.1010.8810.2040.060.1061
Log (health expenditure)0.1140.1580.2030.8120.0470.2290.2661
Log (physical capital expenditure)0.0980.1140.0950.0480.9180.070.0780.0641
Log (social capital expenditure)0.0760.0850.1470.2730.080.8650.1580.3040.0821

Panel-C: Nigeria

Received remittances (=1 if yes)1
Log (cash remittances)0.9411
Education (=1 if yes)0.0660.0851
Health (=1 if yes)0.0310.0190.1261
Physical capital (=1 if yes)0.0760.068−0.0110.0021
Social capital (=1 if yes)0.0560.0310.0760.2660.0211
Log (education expenditure)0.1290.1830.8750.0810.0060.0351
Log (health expenditure)0.1020.1180.1220.8450.0310.2720.1571
Log (physical capital expenditure)0.0810.090.0010.0140.9230.0380.0440.0561
Log (social capital expenditure)0.0740.0690.0510.2250.0440.920.0550.2740.0741

Panel-D: Burkina Faso

Received remittances (=1 if yes)1
Log (cash remittances)0.9281
Education (=1 if yes)0.1170.1231
Health (=1 if yes)0.030.0480.0881
Physical capital (=1 if yes)0.0120.0090.0260.0471
Social capital (=1 if yes)0.0210.0150.0980.1280.1371
Log (education expenditure)0.1260.1540.8610.1050.0530.0851
Log (health expenditure)0.0380.0910.1160.760.0590.1350.2021
Log (physical capital expenditure)0.0280.0330.0550.0620.9390.1340.0960.1061
Log (social capital expenditure)−0.0190.0020.1350.1310.1580.8770.1660.2250.1821

Panel-E: Senegal

Received remittances (=1 if yes)1
Log (cash remittances)0.9611
Education (=1 if yes)0.1480.1541
Health (=1 if yes)0.0580.0750.0961
Physical capital (=1 if yes)0.0470.045−0.0020.0291
Social capital (=1 if yes)−0.003−0.0160.0270.1150.061
Log (education expenditure)0.1570.1780.920.0820.0050.0081
Log (health expenditure)0.1060.1450.1140.860.0150.0960.1461
Log (physical capital expenditure)0.0560.0580.0040.0280.9710.0560.0180.0231
Log (social capital expenditure)0.0310.0380.0740.1560.0330.9160.0870.1960.0351

Descriptive statistics by sources of remittances

UgandaKenyaNigeriaBurkina FasoSenegal





InternalAfricanOut-of-AfricaInternalAfricanOut-of-AfricaInternalAfricanOut-of-AfricaInternalAfricanOut-of-AfricaInternalAfricanOut-of-Africa

(1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)
Log (cash remittances)4.621 (1.402)5.534 (1.624)6.686 (1.407)5.097 (1.457)6.232 (1.682)7.013 (1.428)5.458 (1.586)6.262 (1.11)7.069 (1.441)3.844 (1.218)4.427 (1.255)5.51 (1.435)6.13 (1.208)6.293 (1.33)7.295 (1.319)
Log (education expenditure)4.187 (2.393)4.525 (2.616)4.469 (3.011)3.003 (2.745)3.078 (3.02)3.511 (3.18)4.153 (2.73)4.128 (2.611)5.152 (2.861)2.545 (2.049)2.587 (1.933)3.738 (1.667)3.202 (2.095)3.221 (2.184)3.793 (2.38)
Log (health expenditure)3.116 (1.88)3.405 (1.813)3.361 (2.197)2.465 (2.03)2.845 (2.243)3.442 (2.621)3.433 (2.155)3.128 (2.476)3.795 (2.435)3.479 (1.582)3.329 (1.673)4.057 (2.177)3.851 (1.968)3.825 (1.935)4.328 (2.129)
Log (physical capital expenditure)0.675 (1.856)0.406 (1.27)0.898 (2.188)0.994 (2.1)0.745 (2.077)0.701 (1.904)1.259 (2.409)0.677 (1.958)1.291 (2.61)0.876 (1.677)0.785 (1.547)1.129 (2.027)0.402 (1.369)0.722 (1.804)0.639 (1.82)
Log (social capital expenditure)1.184 (1.768)1.326 (1.943)1.812 (2.239)1.571 (1.952)1.643 (2.252)1.416 (2.227)2.154 (2.516)0.952 (2.238)1.528 (2.534)2.329 (1.991)2.329 (2.045)4.046 (2.051)3.762 (2.401)3.675 (2.395)4.023 (2.664)

Observations1834466331822274593716831432711278152368

Alternative estimates of the effect of remittances on household investment decision

OLS2SLSImperfect IV



Human capitalPhysical capital (=1 if yes)Social capital (=1 if yes)Human capitalPhysical capital (=1 if yes)Social capital (=1 if yes)Human capitalPhysical capital (=1 if yes)Social capital (=1 if yes)



Education (=1 if yes)Health (=1 if yes)Education (=1 if yes)Health (=1 if yes)Education (=1 if yes)Health (=1 if yes)

(1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)
Panel-A: Uganda

Received remittances (=1 if yes)0.051**−0.0170.0280.053*1.673**0.6560.1021.317**[0.051, 1.673][0.051, 0.656][0.035, 0.102][0.180, 1.317]
(0.025)(0.026)(0.022)(0.031)(0.684)(0.468)(0.262)(0.619)(0.002, 3.014)(−0.043, 1.572)(−0.029, 0.616)(0.082, 2.530)

Observations1,6031,6031,603

Panel-B: Kenya

Received remittances (=1 if yes)0.0290.0160.056***0.0150.694***0.649***0.471***1.192***(0.722, 0.842)(0.853, 1.754)(0.499, 0.625)(1.436, 2.520)
(0.022)(0.022)(0.017)(0.024)(0.219)(0.232)(0.129)(0.270)(0.211, 1.792)(0.293, 3.281)(0.185, 1.246)(0.705, 4.498)

Observations1,8211,8211,821

Panel-C: Nigeria

Received remittances (=1 if yes)0.051**0.0200.049***0.042*0.791***−0.387**0.708***−0.872***(0.051, 0.791)(−0.387, 0.020)(0.049, 0.708)(−0.872, 0.042)
(0.020)(0.020)(0.019)(0.023)(0.232)(0.195)(0.226)(0.277)(0.012, 1.246)(−0.786, 0.060)(0.013, 1.150)(−1.415, 0.087)

Observations 2,029

Panel-D: Burkina Faso

Received remittances (=1 if yes)0.097***0.017−0.0010.0120.530***0.501***−0.415***1.145***(0.361, 0.777)(0.256, 0.858)(−1.338, −1.078)(0.012, 0.675)
(0.022)(0.016)(0.020)(0.023)(0.160)(0.131)(0.144)(0.233)(0.049, 1.441)(−0.018, 1.470)(−2.485, −0.101)(−0.033, 1.352)

Observations1,8951,8951,895

Panel-E: Senegal

Received remittances (=1 if yes)0.087***0.0040.028*−0.047**0.1610.203−0.1640.196(0.087, 0.161)(0.018, 0.203)(−0.164, 0.028)(−0.047, 0.196)
(0.023)(0.020)(0.016)(0.023)(0.192)(0.172)(0.119)(0.206)(0.041, 0.538)(−0.040, 0.539)(−0.398, 0.058)(−0.091, 0.600)

Observations1,7051,7051,705

First stage regression estimates

UgandaKenyaNigeriaBurkina FasoSenegal





(1)(2)(3)(4)(5)
Domestic migration network0.004*** (0.001)−0.445*** (0.090)0.646*** (0.130)2.411*** (0.436)
International migration network0.632* (0.356)0.312*** (0.068)−0.535*** (0.113)
Household head is female (=1 if yes)0.082*** (0.023)0.230*** (0.025)0.172*** (0.034)0.151*** (0.047)0.288*** (0.026)
Head paid employee (=1 if yes)−0.078** (0.040)−0.143*** (0.032)−0.200*** (0.039)−0.227*** (0.082)−0.118***
(0.041)
Head self-employed (=1 if yes)−0.096*** (0.034)−0.085*** (0.029)−0.137*** (0.034)−0.078 (0.055)−0.078*** (0.030)
Head has secondary education (=1 if yes)0.061** (0.024)0.014 (0.027)0.039 (0.031)0.058 (0.064)0.046 (0.035)
Head has above secondary education (=1 if yes)0.076** (0.030)0.040 (0.032)0.018 (0.030)0.177 (0.131)−0.022 (0.048)
Head's age 45–60 (=1 if yes)0.111*** (0.026)0.022 (0.026)0.123*** (0.024)0.114*** (0.025)−0.065** (0.026)
Head's age is >60 (=1 if yes)0.073 (0.060)0.125*** (0.045)0.212*** (0.044)0.212*** (0.037)−0.017 (0.038)
Log household income (in USD)0.057*** (0.010)0.071*** (0.011)0.085*** (0.013)0.024* (0.014)0.099*** (0.017)
Number of children in household0.010* (0.005)−0.001 (0.007)−0.004 (0.003)0.015* (0.008)0.017*** (0.004)
Number of elderly in household0.080* (0.041)0.036 (0.026)0.026 (0.024)0.039** (0.018)0.060*** (0.022)
Household is in urban area (=1 if yes)−0.002 (0.024)−0.070*** (0.025)−0.066*** (0.023)−0.075 (0.052)−0.077*** (0.027)
Constant−0.285*** (0.072)−0.109 (0.082)−0.324*** (0.108)−0.201 (0.137)−0.364** (0.135)
Observations1,6031,8212,0291,8951,705
F-statistics (test of excluded instrument)7.2416.1124.6820.5822.45
SW Chi-squared statistics (underidentification test)7.332.4724.8441.4722.62
SW F-statistics (weak identification test)7.2416.1124.6720.5822.45
Cragg-Donald Wald F-statistic (weak identification test)7.7814.6824.4420.0623.19
Hansen's J-statistic (overidentification test of instruments)0.3822.87

Effect of remittances amount on household investment expenditure

OLS2SLS


Human capitalLog (Physical capital expenditure)Log (Social capital expenditure)Human capitalLog (Physical capital expenditure)Log (Social capital expenditure)


Log (Education expenditure)Log (Health expenditure)Log (Education expenditure)Log (Health expenditure)

(1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)
Panel-A: Uganda

Log (Cash remittances)0.053* (0.029)0.028 (0.023)0.035 (0.022)0.041* (0.024)1.469** (0.638)0.779* (0.401)0.093 (0.242)0.759* (0.388)
Mean of the outcome variable3.4082.7910.4660.9813.4082.7910.4660.981

Observations1,6031,603

Panel-B: Kenya

Log (Cash remittances)0.023 (0.022)0.025 (0.018)0.044*** (0.015)0.002 (0.017)0.686*** (0.253)0.188 (0.183)0.540*** (0.153)0.624*** (0.204)
Mean of the outcome variable3.1152.7420.6801.5563.1152.7420.6801.556

Observations1,8211,821

Panel-C: Nigeria

Log (Cash remittances)0.070*** (0.019)0.032* (0.017)0.042** (0.017)0.025 (0.019)0.633*** (0.162)−0.498*** (0.144)0.504*** (0.151)−0.522*** (0.162)
Mean of the outcome variable3.9893.3120.9761.7633.9893.3120.9761.763

Observations2,0292,029

Panel-D: Burkina Faso

Log (Cash remittances)0.087*** (0.020)0.033** (0.016)0.007 (0.018)−0.037* (0.021)0.500*** (0.159)0.508*** (0.147)−0.275** (0.127)0.428** (0.169)
Mean of the outcome variable2.3613.3760.8202.4542.3613.3760.8202.454

Observations1,8951,895

Panel-E: Senegal

Log (Cash remittances)0.071*** (0.017)0.023 (0.015)0.025** (0.012)−0.039** (0.019)−0.232 (0.149)0.192 (0.122)−0.111 (0.082)−0.037 (0.150)
Mean of the outcome variable3.1123.8670.4843.7903.1123.8670.4843.790

Observations1,7051,705

Effect of remittances on household investment decision by remittance source

Internal remittancesWithin-Africa remittancesOut-of-Africa remittances



Human capitalPhysical capital (=1 if yes)Social capital (=1 if yes)Human capitalPhysical capital (=1 if yes)Social capital (=1 if yes)Human capitalPhysical capital (=1 if yes)Social capital (=1 if yes)



Education (=1 if yes)Health (=1 if yes)Education (=1 if yes)Health (=1 if yes)Education (=1 if yes)Health (=1 if yes)

(1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)
Panel-A: Uganda

Received remittances (=1 if yes)0.011 (0.011)−0.013* (0.008)−0.025 (0.044)0.009 (0.018)0.006 (0.007)0.009 (0.020)0.002 (0.001)−0.002*** (0.000)−0.006*** (0.002)−0.002 (0.009)0.004*** (0.001)0.010*** (0.002)
Mean of the outcome variable0.6770.7900.1150.2910.6610.7910.1110.2850.6610.7880.1140.290

Observations1,4821,3431,365

Panel-B: Kenya

Received remittances (=1 if yes)0.083*** (0.009)0.095*** (0.014)0.061** (0.030)0.073*** (0.007)0.021*** (0.006)0.028*** (0.009)0.005*** (0.002)0.016*** (0.003)0.038 (0.038)0.066 (0.048)0.021*** (0.006)0.009 (0.082)
Mean of the outcome variable0.5810.6540.1370.4090.5720.6480.1120.3930.5730.6570.1140.381

Observations1,3631,1141,259

Panel-C: Nigeria

Received remittances (=1 if yes)0.127*** (0.006)0.073 (0.317)0.071*** (0.014)−0.084*** (0.006)−0.003** (0.001)0.002*** (0.000)0.001 (0.001)0.002 (0.002)0.037** (0.018)0.015 (0.025)0.004 (0.021)0.013 (0.022)
Mean of the outcome variable0.7220.7590.1840.3850.7060.7500.1590.3460.7150.7530.1670.343

Observations1,6461,2241,355

Panel-D: Burkina Faso

Received remittances (=1 if yes)0.082*** (0.018)0.122*** (0.009)−0.095*** (0.013)0.053*** (0.002)0.081*** (0.022)0.114*** (0.009)−0.041*** (0.005)0.051*** (0.004)0.002 (0.005)0.002*** (0.001)0.000** (0.000)0.002 (0.019)
Mean of the outcome variable0.6190.8750.2280.6420.6240.8670.2260.6400.6020.8670.2270.643

Observations1,4451,4581,142

Panel-E: Senegal

Received remittances (=1 if yes)0.052** (0.025)−0.006 (0.022)−0.033 (0.049)0.003 (0.037)0.014 (0.022)−0.001 (0.018)−0.039* (0.024)0.027 (0.035)−0.017 (0.037)0.067 (0.056)0.003 (0.073)0.121*** (0.006)
Mean of the outcome variable0.6360.8130.0830.7400.6220.8100.0910.7360.6480.8150.0920.732

Observations1,1441,0181,234

Mechanisms of the effect

Income effectLabor substitutionMigration expectation

Above median consumption expenditure (=1 if yes)Own radio (=1 if yes)Own mobile phone (=1 if yes)Proportion of adult household member workingProportion of children aged 6–15 workingProportion of children aged 6–15 in school

(1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)
Panel-A: Uganda

Received remittances (=1 if yes)0.045*** (0.003)−0.013 (0.021)0.006 (0.020)−0.234 (0.266)−0.094 (0.237)0.305 (0.464)
Mean of the outcome variable0.3030.7780.5690.6760.0800.871

Observations1,6031,6031,6031,603963963

Panel-B: Kenya

Received remittances (=1 if yes)0.154*** (0.011)0.136*** (0.051)0.001 (0.069)−0.298*** (0.105)0.058 (0.039)0.308 (0.930)
Mean of the outcome variable0.2530.8480.8010.5410.0040.832

Observations1,8211,8211,8211,821901901

Panel-C: Nigeria

Received remittances (=1 if yes)0.070*** (0.024)0.196*** (0.016)0.171*** (0.011)0.665*** (0.172)−0.073 (0.057)0.984*** (0.274)
Mean of the outcome variable0.3390.8760.57830.5950.0310.705

Observations2,0302,0302,0302,0301,2451,245

Panel-D: Burkina Faso

Received remittances (=1 if yes)−0.132** (0.062)0.149*** (0.044)0.104*** (0.030)0.278*** (0.094)−1.001*** (0.221)0.802*** (0.205)
Mean of the outcome variable0.3220.0620.4030.7640.4120.452

Observations1,8951,8951,8951,8951,6331,633

Panel-E: Senegal

Received remittances (=1 if yes)0.179*** (0.009)0.110** (0.045)0.117* (0.064)−0.205* (0.117)0.342 (0.247)−0.606* (0.353)
Mean of the outcome variable0.6780.8230.8500.5410.2940.684

Observations1,7051,7051,7051,7051,2961,296

Summary statistics

UgandaKenyaNigeriaBurkina FasoSenegal





Received Remittances (= if yes)Not Received Remittances (= if yes)Received Remittances (= if yes)Not Received Remittances (= if yes)Received Remittances (= if yes)Not Received Remittances (= if yes)Received Remittances (= if yes)Not Received Remittances (= if yes)Received Remittances (= if yes)Not Received Remittances (= if yes)

(1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)
Female household head (=1 if yes)0.375 (0.485)0.282 (0.45)0.425 (0.495)0.221 (0.415)0.167 (0.374)0.074 (0.262)0.089 (0.285)0.051 (0.221)0.431 (0.496)0.186 (0.389)
Head is paid employee (=1 if yes)0.243 (0.43)0.254 (0.435)0.238 (0.426)0.408 (0.492)0.214 (0.41)0.297 (0.457)0.021 (0.143)0.033 (0.178)0.107 (0.31)0.217 (0.413)
Head is self-employed (=1 if yes)0.546 (0.499)0.631 (0.483)0.381 (0.486)0.383 (0.486)0.576 (0.494)0.626 (0.484)0.904 (0.294)0.935 (0.247)0.485 (0.5)0.533 (0.499)
Head has secondary education (=1 if yes)0.336 (0.473)0.326 (0.469)0.262 (0.44)0.296 (0.457)0.236 (0.425)0.214 (0.41)0.034 (0.181)0.036 (0.187)0.142 (0.349)0.15 (0.357)
Head has above secondary education (=1 if yes)0.418 (0.494)0.373 (0.484)0.251 (0.434)0.261 (0.439)0.521 (0.5)0.545 (0.498)0.012 (0.108)0.006 (0.078)0.055 (0.228)0.11 (0.313)
Head's age 45–60 years (=1 if yes)0.352 (0.478)0.224 (0.417)0.284 (0.451)0.301 (0.459)0.433 (0.496)0.365 (0.482)0.336 (0.473)0.306 (0.461)0.308 (0.462)0.386 (0.487)
Head's age >60 years (=1 if yes)0.204 (0.404)0.112 (0.315)0.316 (0.465)0.149 (0.356)0.284 (0.451)0.114 (0.318)0.318 (0.466)0.157 (0.364)0.336 (0.473)0.255 (0.436)
Log household income7.6 (1.091)7.181 (1.09)7.974 (1.102)7.755 (1.253)8.574 (0.902)8.321 (0.876)7.661 (0.787)7.591 (0.852)8.829 (0.731)8.612 (0.813)
Number of children in the household2.299 (1.998)2.045 (1.929)1.432 (1.54)1.47 (1.614)6.057 (3.183)6.039 (3.436)1.529 (1.545)1.492 (1.417)4.277 (3.631)3.18 (2.934)
Number of elderly in household0.332 (0.584)0.175 (0.433)0.583 (0.747)0.344 (0.637)0.504 (0.722)0.253 (0.562)0.67 (0.847)0.416 (0.675)0.703 (0.753)0.515 (0.709)
Household is in urban area (=1 if yes)0.51 (0.501)0.487 (0.5)0.423 (0.494)0.54 (0.499)0.456 (0.498)0.513 (0.5)0.067 (0.25)0.058 (0.235)0.631 (0.483)0.692 (0.462)
Remittances amount (in USD)776.47 (2,391.68)0 (0)2,170.59 (10,769.82)0 (0)1,847.85 (6,819.30)0 (0)181.86 (427.82)0 (0)1,890.90 (2,752.23)0 (0)
Domestic migration network (%)−1.915 (7.992)−2.849 (8.077)0.106 (0.169)0.152 (0.218)0.129 (0.082)0.108 (0.081)0.109 (0.031)0.103 (0.023)3.486 (2.122)3.67 (2.014)
International migration network (%)0.037 (0.045)0.045 (0.052)0.356 (0.17)0.329 (0.163)0.101 (0.116)0.128 (0.122)
Education investment (in USD)481.154 (769.14)269.02 (585.13)464.76 (965.26)375.07 (911.61)607.35 (944.09)360.37 (709.12)71.07 (134.21)50.86 (109.27)143.80 (209.14)106.97 (190.90)
Health investment (in USD)89.89 (131.07)48.15 (83.14)181.44 (420.75)128.95 (363.64)157.03 (236.93)100.82 (177.72)81.46 (116.24)74.74 (111.63)203.65 (299.5)145.53 (244.77)
Physical capital investment (in USD)91.94 (437.17)28.83 (232.32)142.41 (745.31)56.58 (384.57)211.58 (821.46)123.18 (591.59)19.33 (70.58)14.077 (51.69)34.77 (134.67)18.77 (92.35)
Social capital investment (in USD)30.01 (72.08)17.19 (53.70)100.34 (411.34)67.70 (327.98)186.17 (603.84)112.51 (432.07)52.20 (92.62)57.22 (95.56)269.08 (412.80)217.64 (346.22)
Number of observations3041,2997891,0328421,1887641,131839866
Language: English
Accepted on: Mar 11, 2022
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Published on: Apr 19, 2022
Published by: Sciendo
In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services
Publication frequency: 1 issue per year

© 2022 Md Shahadath Hossain, Adesola Sunmoni, published by Sciendo
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.