FOSTERING HUMAN CAPITAL AND GROWTH: PERCEPTIONS OF INEQUALITY IN RURAL DISTRICTS

F.L.A.C. Lichucha
Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Faculty of Economics, Mozambique, Maputo – flichucha@gmail.com

Introduction/Contextualisation
Persistent inequalities in the rural districts of Nampula Province hinder human capital development and constrain social mobility. Understanding how perceptions of inequality influence local economic behaviour is essential for informing more effective and equitable public policy.

Objectives
To analyse demographic characteristics, economic behaviours, and perceptions of inequality among residents of eight rural districts in Nampula Province, to inform context-sensitive development policies.

Methodology
The study draws on data from the @EQUAL project (2022), which surveyed 905 participants. Descriptive statistics (means, medians, standard deviations, and frequencies) were used to examine: (i) demographic characteristics (age, sex, education, and religion), (ii) economic behaviours (donation patterns and decisions in experimental games), and (iii) attitudinal measures (perceived inequality and beliefs about social mobility). The analysis focuses on inequalities related to education, employment opportunities, and exposure to economic shocks.

Results
Participants with secondary education were more likely to perceive inequality (85.9% vs 50%, χ²=21.67) and expressed higher mobility aspirations (+0.11, p<0.01), even when exposed to shocks. Donation behaviours varied by education and location, with significantly higher contributions among more educated participants (p=0.043). These patterns reflect structural inequalities that shape both economic behaviour and future expectations in rural settings.

Conclusions
Education and exposure to economic shocks significantly influence perceptions of inequality and mobility expectations. While more educated individuals recognise structural barriers yet maintain higher aspirations, more vulnerable groups demonstrate strong communal solidarity. The findings support the design of equity-oriented public policies, such as targeted livelihood interventions and adaptive social protection, to enhance inclusive growth and human capital development.

Keywords: rural Nampula, inequality, human capital, inclusive development