An Empirical Examination of Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) in West Africa

Abstract

This study aims to examine the relationship between income and environmental degradation in West Africa and ascertain the validity of EKC hypothesis in the region. The study adopted a panel data approach for fifteen West Africa countries for the period 1980-2012. The available results from our estimation procedure confirmed the EKC theory in the region. At early development stages, pollution rises with income and reaching a turning point, pollution dwindles with increasing income; as indicated by the significant inverse relation between income and environmental degradation. Consequently, literacy level and sound institutional arrangement were found to contribute significantly in mitigating the extent of environmental degradation. Among notable recommendation is the need for awareness campaign on environment abatement and adaptation strategies, strengthening of institutions to caution production and dumping pollution emitting commodities and encourage adoption of cleaner technologies.

Keywords: Environmental Kuznets Curve, Pollution, West Africa, Panel Data

JEL Classification: Q51, Q53, N57, C33