Economic Vulnerability, Land Use Planning and Human Capital in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU): Analysis based on PASEC Data

Abstract

This article examines the factors that influence the human capital of primary school students in six WAEMU countries, considering both the economic vulnerability of households and land use planning. Drawing on theories of human capital, intergenerational poverty, and educational resilience, it uses PASEC 2019 data and adopts a three-level multilevel model supplemented by a binary logit model to analyze factors of educational resilience. The results show that economic vulnerability significantly reduces human capital, while better spatial planning and favorable educational practices (preschool education, interest in reading, urban or private schooling) strengthen it. The study highlights the importance of an integrated approach combining social, educational, and territorial policies to reduce educational inequalities and strengthen human capital in the WAEMU region.