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Development Economics II
Entwicklungsökonomie II
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:24:16
Abstract
The main theme of the lecture is the role of agriculture in the development process. We discuss topics related to agricultural trade, land, credit, and insurance markets. Another focus is food aid. The lecture material is conveyed by economic concepts and experience in the field.
Objective
The goal is to recognize the fundamental role of agriculture in the development process; to be able to propose adequate policy measures; to handle economic principles related to development, trade, sustainablility, factor markets, and new institutional economics.
Content
Development economics II follows up on development economics I. The role of agriculture is fundamental to understand economic development. In many developing countries that are at the beginning of economic development the largest share of the population is often involved in agriculture. In agriculture the production factor land is more important than in other sectors. Agriculture together with fisheries is the only sector that produces food. Food can either be produced locally or imported. This shows that international trade is very important for growth and food security. However, agricultural products are often subject to the highest trade barriers. We discuss the following topics: The role of agriculture in economic development. What is sustainable development? How do missing or malfunctioning land, credit, insurance and labor markets lead to the vicious circle of poverty? What solutions exist? What are the problems related to food aid? How could the incentive problems be resolved?
Resources
Lecture Notes
Summaries by topic, selected articles
Literature
Perkins, D.H., Radelet, S., Snodgrass, D.R., Gillis, M., and M. Roemer. (2001). Economics of Development, fifth Edition, W.W. Norton, New York and London.
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- BSC , DS
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- end-of-semester examination
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | Entwicklungsökonomie II |
|
2 h weekly |