Publication: The Role of Fathers in Promoting Early Childhood Development in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Review of the Evidence
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Published
2024-06-10
ISSN
0257-3032 (print)
1564-6971 (online)
1564-6971 (online)
Date
2025-08-08
Author(s)
Jakiela, Pamela
Editor(s)
Abstract
The role of fathers in parenting young children varies significantly across societies. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), policymakers are increasingly focused on enhancing early childhood stimulation and other investments to boost human capital, promote school readiness, and improve long-term outcomes. Historically, few interventions targeted fathers, and many impact evaluations assumed fathers had little involvement in parenting. This paper reviews emerging literature on fathers’ participation in early childhood stimulation and parenting in LMICs, summarizing findings from rigorous impact evaluations. It reveals that fathers generally spend less time stimulating their children's development than mothers or other household adults, although mothers’ and fathers’ investments are positively correlated. Additionally, while fathers’ participation in parenting programs tends to be low, such programs have shown success in improving fathers’ knowledge and, to a lesser extent, their behaviors.
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“Evans, David K.; Jakiela, Pamela. 2024. The Role of Fathers in Promoting Early Childhood Development in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Review of the Evidence. World Bank Research Observer. © World Bank. http://hdl.handle.net/10986/43566 License: CC BY-NC-ND 3.0 IGO.”
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