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European Trade, Colonialism, and Human Capital Accumulation in Senegal, Gambia and Western Mali, 1770–1900

Author

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  • Cappelli, Gabriele
  • Baten, Joerg

Abstract

We trace the development of human capital in today's Senegal, Gambia, and Western Mali between 1770 and 1900. European trade, slavery, and early colonialism were linked to human capital formation, but this connection appears to have been heterogeneous. The contact with the Atlantic slave trade increased regional divergence, as the coast of Senegambia developed more quickly than inner areas. This pattern was affected by French early colonialism and by the reaction of different West African populations to the economic incentives provided by foreign demand for agricultural products. The peanut trade since the mid-nineteenth century further amplified regional economic inequalities.

Suggested Citation

  • Cappelli, Gabriele & Baten, Joerg, 2017. "European Trade, Colonialism, and Human Capital Accumulation in Senegal, Gambia and Western Mali, 1770–1900," The Journal of Economic History, Cambridge University Press, vol. 77(3), pages 920-951, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:jechis:v:77:y:2017:i:03:p:920-951_00
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    Cited by:

    1. Chen Feng & Yao Zhang & Renjie Zhao & Xiaolu Zhao, 2024. "Mineral extraction and long‐term human capital accumulation," Review of Development Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 28(1), pages 190-215, February.
    2. Joerg Baten & Kleoniki Alexopoulou, 2022. "Elite violence and elite numeracy in Africa from 1400 CE to 1950 CE [Quantifying quantitative literacy: age heaping and the history of human capital]," European Review of Economic History, European Historical Economics Society, vol. 26(2), pages 155-184.
    3. Roessler, Philip & Pengl, Yannick I. & Marty, Robert & Titlow, Kyle Sorlie & van de Walle, Nicolas, 2022. "The cash crop revolution, colonialism and economic reorganization in Africa," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 158(C).
    4. Ali, Merima & Fjeldstad, Odd‐Helge & Shifa, Abdulaziz B., 2020. "European colonization and the corruption of local elites: The case of chiefs in Africa," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 179(C), pages 80-100.
    5. Cappelli, Gabriele & Baten, Joerg, 2021. "Numeracy development in Africa: New evidence from a long-term perspective (1730–1970)," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 150(C).
    6. Fredriksson, Per G. & Gupta, Satyendra Kumar, 2022. "Land productivity and colonization," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 113(C).

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • N37 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - Africa; Oceania
    • N57 - Economic History - - Agriculture, Natural Resources, Environment and Extractive Industries - - - Africa; Oceania
    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education

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