Selected Publications

Abstract

This chapter summarizes data on regional and ethnic inequality in Burkina Faso. The Sahel and Est regions appear to be the worst-off, according to a variety of indicators. There is less data and research on ethnic inequality, but it is likely that the Peul and Gourma ethnic groups (residing predominantly in the Sahel and Est regions) are also worse off. There has been little systematic analysis of how government investment in public goods have affected regional and ethnic inequality. Some of the important drivers of inequality in Burkina Faso are likely similar to those identified for other African countries. These include the colonial heritage, especially of missionary settlement and effects on education, forced labor, the location of road and rail networks, dam and irrigation infrastructure, and public services investments in rural areas.