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Numeracy development in Africa: New evidence from a long-term perspective (1730–1970)

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  • Cappelli, Gabriele
  • Baten, Joerg

Abstract

Historical evidence of numeracy on the African continent since the 18th century is presented for the first time based on a panel dataset of 43 African countries covering the periods before, during and after colonialism (1730–1970). Estimates of numeracy draw on the age-heaping methodology: we carefully discuss the potential biases and sources of measurement error concerning the use of this index for long-term analyses. These new estimates enable us to gain a better understanding of long-term African development. We find that the evolution of numeracy over time correlates with differences in colonial education systems, even when controlling for other variables.

Suggested Citation

  • 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).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:deveco:v:150:y:2021:i:c:s0304387821000079
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jdeveco.2021.102630
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    Cited by:

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    3. Ewout Frankema & Marlous van Waijenburg, 2023. "What about the race between education and technology in the Global South? Comparing skill premiums in colonial Africa and Asia," Economic History Review, Economic History Society, vol. 76(3), pages 941-978, August.
    4. 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.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Human capital; Africa; Colonial education systems; Numeracy; History;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • N37 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - Africa; Oceania
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration

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