Regional Disparities: Analysis of Policy Responses Towards Educational Inequalities in Cameroon

Abstract

The rise of regional inequalities within countries, especially in developing countries, has been a heated discussion topic among scholars and political leaders. They significantly increase even though, both nationally and internationally, studies show a slight decline in the poverty rate among the population. This study, therefore, explores inequalities in the education sector and policy responses that address those disparities by focusing specifically on Cameroon. The study explores existing literature, conceptual frameworks and statistical data to highlight inequalities in education in Cameroon. It also examines different perspectives of social inequalities and policy responses in some selected countries in order to find out the best policies and strategies to address regional inequalities in education in Cameroon. The analysis finds out that despite the existence of a huge gap between lagging behind northern regions and other regions, little appropriate has been done regarding policy responses to overcome regional disparities in the education sector. Inequalities in education access, resource provision and quality education between regions are tremendously phenomenal, and it has progressively widened. The education access and provision of resources do not take into consideration the needs and the complexity of each region. Therefore, the study recommends effective special policies regarding the development of infrastructures and the supply of human resources in underserved regions.

Keywords: Regional Inequality, Education, Policy, Social Justice, Cameroon

DOI: 10.7176/DCS/10-3-07

Publication date:March 31^st 2020