Core-periphery relations: An empirical study from North Cameroon
Abstract
The aim of this study is to determine the overall economic impact of a regional core on its periphery, defined as a distinct rural area located within a radius of 15 kilometers from the regional capital of Garoua in North Cameroon. This determination is achieved through the measurement of five major core-periphery linkages selected as part of a review of the relevant literature. These linkages consist of: innovation diffusion; human capital flows; trade flows; private capital flows; and, government expenditure and taxation. Based on the development model adopted by Cameroon, it is hypothesized that these means of interaction will result in benefits for the core that will outweigh those for the periphery. Contrary to the principal hypothesis advanced, the findings of this empirical research show that the periphery-directed flows were generally more significant than those bound in the direction of the core. As such, the rural research area studied in 1982-83 has profited from its trade, capital and government/taxation linkages with the core. It even appears that the periphery has benefited from migration flows in this particular instance. The research states that in the case of the study area selected it can be concluded that the periphery has benefited more from its linkages with core areas than have core areas with periphery. However, it goes on to speculate about the outcome had a different, less well endowed rural zone located at greater distances from growing core areas been chosen for research or had the study been conducted at a different time under modified economic conditions. The dissertation concludes by stressing the importance of spatial and time factors in determining the impact of the core on the periphery.
Subject Area
Geography
Recommended Citation
Perry, Edward Carl, "Core-periphery relations: An empirical study from North Cameroon" (1990). Dissertations available from ProQuest. AAI9026626.
https://repository.upenn.edu/dissertations/AAI9026626