This paper investigates whether human capital raises the productivity and labor allocation of rural households in four districts of Pakistan. Better fed males are also more productive in off-farm work.
Education has no significant effect on productivity in crop and livestock production.
Half of the effect of human capital on household incomes is realized through the reallocation of labor from low productivity activities to non-farm work. Female education and nutrition do not affect productivity and labor allocation in any systematic fashion, consistent with the marginal role women play in market oriented activities in Pakistan.