Introduction to the Economics of Agricultural Development

This text is designed to help students from a broad background gain an understanding of the complexities of the agricultural development problem and to develop analytical skills that will enhance their capability to respond to and solve development problems. It provides coverage of the field by examining such current topics as environmental degradation, the role of women in agricultural development, foreign debt problems, foreign aid and the importance of macroeconomic policies. The book presupposes only an introductory knowledge of economics and gives a review of basic economic theory where necessary, such as supply and demand analysis, production economics and fiscal and monetary policy. In addition, the text interprets standard neoclassical economic theory while also illustrating the importance of modifying that theory to account for imperfect information and the willingness of people to exploit others. Important insights for development policy are provided, helping to explain why some countries develop while others are left behind.