Coffee mills enhance educational performance in rural Rwanda

This study highlights the surprising link between coffee mills and improved educational outcomes. While it may sound unusual, this is the conclusion of a comprehensive study on Rwanda’s coffee industry.

Specifically, a research team analyzed data from over 1.5 million primary school students who took national exams between 2012 and 2019. Using the “difference-in-difference” method, they compared children born near coffee mills after their establishment with those born before the mills opened or living far from the mills.

The results were quite unexpected: test scores of students exposed to coffee mills increased by 0.09 standard deviations, equivalent to a 4% improvement compared to those unexposed. This effect was particularly significant in rural areas and non-STEM subjects, such as English and social studies.

To ensure reliability, the researchers tested various factors. They examined alternative exposure measures, such as years spent near a coffee mill, and still found consistent results. Confounding factors, such as selective migration or school expansion, were ruled out. The study found no signs of wealthier families moving closer to the mills or new schools being built, confirming that the economic impact of coffee mills was the primary driver. Even when the range expanded from 2.5 km to 5 km, the effect slightly decreased but the overall conclusion remained intact.

Why do coffee mills improve educational performance?

In 2000, Rwanda had only three coffee mills. However, with a national strategy to increase export value, this number grew to 226 mills by 2013. These mills introduced modern wet processing technology, improving coffee quality, increasing farmer incomes, and creating local job opportunities.

According to the study, the impact of coffee mills extended beyond the economy, significantly improving children’s educational achievements. The underlying reasons for this effect include:

Increased Household Income: Higher prices for washed-processed coffee and expanded job opportunities, particularly for women in mills, allowed families to invest more in their children’s education.

Improved Health Conditions: Better living standards reduced stunting rates and increased height-for-age scores among children, which enhanced cognitive abilities and learning efficiency.

Higher School Attendance Rates: Stable incomes enabled families to prioritize education over early child labor, leading to higher attendance and better academic performance.

A remarkable model of agricultural industrialization

This study reveals the enormous potential of agricultural industrialization policies. Rwanda successfully boosted exports and economic growth while simultaneously improving crucial social indicators like education and child health.

Reading this study, I’m reminded to treat myself to a cup of wet-processed coffee and reflect further. After all, coffee is not just a drink—it carries a deeply meaningful story.