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The Economics of Missionary Expansion: Evidence from Africa and Implications for Development

Author

Listed:
  • Remi Jedwab

    (George Washington University)

  • Felix Meier zu Selhausen

    (University of Sussex)

  • Alexander Moradi

    (Free University of Bozen-Bolzano)

Abstract

How did Christianity expand in sub-Saharan Africa to become the continent's dominant religion? Using annual panel data on all Christian missions from 1751 to 1932 in Ghana, as well as cross-sectional data on missions for 43 sub-Saharan African countries in 1900 and 1924, we shed light on the spatial dynamics and determinants of this religious diffusion process. Missions expanded into healthier, safer, more accessible, and more developed areas, privileging these locations first. Results are confirmed for selected factors using various identification strategies. This pattern has implications for extensive literature using missions established during colonial times as a source of variation to study the long-term economic effects of religion, human capital and culture. Our results provide a less favorable account of the impact of Christian missions on modern African economic development. We also highlight the risks of omission and endogenous measurement error biases when using historical data and events for identification.

Suggested Citation

  • Remi Jedwab & Felix Meier zu Selhausen & Alexander Moradi, 2019. "The Economics of Missionary Expansion: Evidence from Africa and Implications for Development," Working Papers 2019-10, The George Washington University, Institute for International Economic Policy.
    • Handle: RePEc:gwi:wpaper:2019-10
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    JEL classification:

    • N3 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy
    • N37 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - Africa; Oceania
    • N95 - Economic History - - Regional and Urban History - - - Asia including Middle East
    • Z12 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Religion
    • O12 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Microeconomic Analyses of Economic Development
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration

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