Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Synopsis The subject has three objectives. First, to study the role of agriculture in economic growth of low-income countries; second to examine the reasons for and constraints on agricultural development in low income countries; third, to examine alternative agricultural development policies in the light of development goals and knowledge of the development process. Topics covered include the characteristics of the rural economy in poor countries, agriculture's role as a source of food, labour, capital, and foreign exchange; agriculture-industry linkages; technology, culture and institutions in poor rural societies and their relationship to agricultural development; theories of agricultural development; the relevance of the experiences of Japan, Taiwan and China to other countries; the impact of modern agricultural technology in rural societies; alternative agricultural development policies.
Assessment Written (7000 words): 80% + Seminar participation: 20%