ECO3103 Development Economics, Planning and Policy

As more countries emerged from colonial rule, during the post World War II Period, differences in economic structure, behavior and performances among nations became abundantly clear. Countries in Western Europe and North America were found to be relatively more industrialized with higher living standards. While the economies of Africa and most countries in Asian and Latina America were characterized by large rural populations principally dependent on primary and subsistence agricultural production. These differences, among others, inspired the emergence of a special branch of economics known as development economics. Development economics was then defined as the study of the economic structure and behavior of poor (or less developed) countries [W.A. Lewis]. It is generally agreed that "development" encompasses the reduction of poverty, improvements in the health and education of the population, and an increase in productive capacity as well as rising per capita income. As such a course in this discipline attempts to examine the concept of development, highlight the differences between industrialized and less developed economies and critically analyze the experiences and developmental approaches adopted to raise the standards of living globally.  

Course Objectives
A course in Development Economics engages learners for the following general objectives; 

• To appreciate the concept of Development as applied in socio – economic and political debate 
• To examine critically the reasons for the economic divide among developed and less developed countries
• To examine the approaches that have been undertaken in different countries to achieve development goals or objectives
• To analyses policies and planning techniques that the underdeveloped world can apply to attain sustainable development.    

Course Learning Outcomes
Based on above stated objectives this course is structured to achieve certain goals at the end. Such outcomes will be demonstrated in students’ ability to; 

• Assess development policy issues in the developing world
• Evaluate various theories and models of economic development
• Illustrate the Economic challenges that confront poor countries
• Critically analyze alternative planning models and draw policy implications from these models
• Examine problems of development planning and suggest possible solutions in developing world, and particularly in Uganda.