The impact of fiscal decentralization on early childhood education in Cameroon

Abstract

Abstract The objective of this article is to analyze the effect of fiscal decentralization on early childhood education in Cameroon. Using a methodological framework based on econometric modeling by ordinary least squares (OLS), generalized least squares (GLS), and the generalized method of moments (GMM), it emerges that fiscal decentralization positively and significantly affects early childhood education in Cameroon. The results obtained by OLS and GLS reveal that Fiscal decentralization has a significant and positive effect on the number of desks per student. The Global Monitoring Mechanisms (GMM) demonstrate that fiscal decentralization leads to a significant and positive increase in both the number of classrooms per student and the number of desks per student. The investigations revealed that fiscal decentralization has a positive effect on early childhood education in Cameroon.These results suggest implementing financing mechanisms for local authorities to stimulate local development through the provision of sustainable socioeconomic infrastructure that can ensure equal and equitable access to education for children. Keywords: Cameroon, schooling, early childhood, fiscal decentralization