Institute for Development Studies, University of Nairobi

Historically education in Europe, through its timing, was linked to rural labour needs. In Africa the child and youth contribution to the sedentary and pastoral modes of production are significant. Because education in LDCs has become an important drain of rural labour a prima facie case is made for consciously linking educational timing to rural labour demand which is not the case at present. It is shown that a significant increase in rural household production could be achieved at no capital or foreign exchange cost. In addition such a link would reduce the "opportunity cost" of education to the poor. Seasonal aspects of educational timing and curricula are discussed and areas for further research are indicated.