development economics Flashcards
(52 cards)
hows does education affect development
π 1. Boosts Human Capital β Increases Productivity
Education improves literacy, numeracy, and technical skills β
β Workers become more productive and efficient β
β Leads to higher incomes and employability β
β Improves individual well-being and national human development
πΌ 2. Enables Economic Diversification
Skilled labour allows movement away from primary industries β
β Economy can develop manufacturing and service sectors β
β More stable and varied job opportunities arise β
β Reduces vulnerability and promotes long-term development
π₯ 3. Better Health Outcomes Through Knowledge
Educated individuals understand health, hygiene, and nutrition better β
β Leads to lower infant mortality and disease rates β
β Reduces burden on healthcare systems and improves life expectancy β
β Healthier populations contribute more effectively to society
βοΈ 4. Reduces Gender Inequality
Educating girls leads to lower fertility rates and better family planning β
β Delays childbirth and increases womenβs labour market participation β
β Raises household income and autonomy β
β Breaks cycles of poverty and promotes inclusive development
π§ 5. Encourages Civic Participation and Stability
Education increases awareness of rights, laws, and democratic values β
β Citizens demand better governance and transparency β
β Strengthens institutions and reduces corruption β
β Creates a stable, rule-based society that supports development
π 6. Supports Environmental Sustainability
Education teaches climate awareness and sustainable resource use β
β Leads to more eco-friendly behaviours and green innovation β
β Preserves the environment for future generations β
β Supports long-term development aligned with SDGs
ev points for education and development
Funding Challenges:
- The effectiveness of education in driving development depends heavily on the availability and allocation of funding.
- Developing countries may struggle to finance universal education, leading to disparities in access and quality between rural and urban areas.
- Without adequate resources, the benefits of education may not materialize, perpetuating inequalities and slowing development.
Underlying Structural Problems:
- Addressing education alone may not resolve broader structural issues that hinder development, such as poor governance or lack of infrastructure.
- Even with access to education, barriers like weak job markets, corruption, and inadequate healthcare systems can limit its impact on economic growth and social mobility.
- Development efforts must be holistic, addressing systemic issues alongside educational improvements to achieve meaningful progress.
Quality vs. Quantity of Education:
- Expanding access to education may not guarantee development if the quality of education is subpar.
- Without trained teachers, relevant curriculums, and adequate learning materials, students may not acquire the skills necessary for meaningful contributions to the economy.
- Investments should focus on improving both access and quality to maximize the developmental impact.
Mismatch Between Skills and Job Market Needs:
- Education systems must align with labour market demands to ensure productive employment for graduates.
- If education systems focus on outdated or irrelevant skills, it could lead to underemployment and frustration among educated individuals.
- Policymakers must integrate vocational training and market analysis into educational reforms
how does healthcare increase development
π₯ Better Healthcare β Higher Development
Improved healthcare systems reduce mortality and increase life expectancy β
β A healthier population is more productive, with fewer sick days and higher energy β
β Boosts labour supply and long-term human capital as children grow into healthier adults β
β Leads to sustained improvements in living standards, breaking cycles of poverty and enabling broader development
πΆ Reduced Infant and Child Mortality β Stronger Human Capital
Better access to healthcare reduces child mortality β
β Families can invest more in fewer children (e.g. schooling, nutrition) β
β Improves long-term educational outcomes and earning potential β
β Builds a more skilled, productive workforce, accelerating human development
π§ Improved Mental Health β Increased Labour Force Participation
Expanded access to mental health services improves emotional well-being β
β Reduces absenteeism and increases participation in work and education β
β Strengthens economic resilience, especially for vulnerable groups β
β Raises household income and living standards, supporting inclusive development
π Preventative Care β Lower Healthcare Burden
Vaccination and early treatment prevent disease outbreaks β
β Reduces long-term healthcare costs for families and governments β
β Frees up resources for education, infrastructure, and other development priorities β
β Enhances quality of life and reduces intergenerational poverty
π« Healthier Children β Better Educational Outcomes
Children with access to nutrition and basic healthcare are healthier β
β Improves school attendance and cognitive performance β
β Leads to higher achievement and skill accumulation β
β Strengthens long-term economic prospects and personal development
Womenβs Health β Greater Gender Equality
Access to maternal care and reproductive health services empowers women β
β Enables greater control over fertility and family planning β
β Increases female participation in the labour force and education β
β Promotes gender equality and boosts inclusive development
ev points for healthcare and development
Price of Healthcare Services:
- High healthcare costs can limit access for low-income households, particularly in developing countries.
- If healthcare services are unaffordable, a significant portion of the population will remain untreated, reducing productivity and perpetuating poverty.
- This highlights the importance of subsidized healthcare or universal healthcare models to ensure equitable access and support development.
Funding Challenges:
- Insufficient public funding for healthcare can undermine its effectiveness, especially in low-income economies.
- If governments lack resources to invest in hospitals, equipment, or trained professionals, healthcare systems may fail to meet the populationβs needs, leading to poor health outcomes.
- Development is stunted as both productivity and life expectancy remain low without adequate investment in healthcare infrastructure.
Dependency on External Aid:
- Many developing countries rely on foreign aid to fund healthcare systems, which can be unsustainable.
- If aid is withdrawn or delayed, healthcare services may collapse, creating gaps in public health delivery.
- This dependency highlights the need for governments to prioritize domestic revenue generation and efficient spending to reduce reliance on volatile external funding.
Quality vs. Affordability Trade-off:
- Balancing affordable healthcare with maintaining quality services can be a challenge.
- Subsidizing healthcare may lead to budgetary pressures, while underfunding risks reducing the quality of care, making the system inefficient.
- A lack of quality healthcare reduces its developmental impact, as low-quality care may not effectively address health issues or improve productivity.
Opportunity Cost of Healthcare Funding:
- Large-scale healthcare spending may divert funds from other critical areas, such as education or infrastructure.
- Governments face trade-offs when allocating budgets, and over-prioritizing healthcare may leave other sectors underfunded, limiting broader development.
- Sustainable development requires a balanced approach to funding healthcare without neglecting other crucial drivers of growth.
factors that affect development: infrastructure
improved infrastructure increases access to marks, export based firms can expand production, increases demand for labour, increased wages, better living standards, increased development
π£οΈ Improved Transport Infrastructure
Better roads, ports, and rail reduce travel times β
β Easier access to markets, schools, and hospitals β
β Increases access to essential services and jobs β
β Raises living standards and social inclusion
β‘ Reliable Energy Supply
Consistent electricity enables firms to operate efficiently β
β Businesses can produce higher-quality goods and services β
β More jobs created and incomes rise β
β Enhances overall welfare and reduces poverty
πΆ Advanced Telecommunications
Improved internet and mobile networks enhance communication β
β People access education, health info, and government services β
β Increases human capital and participation in economy β
β Supports better quality of life and social development
π° Water and Sanitation Infrastructure
Access to clean water and sanitation reduces disease β
β Improves health outcomes and life expectancy β
β Reduces healthcare costs and increases productivity β
β Directly boosts wellbeing and human development
evaluation points for infrastructure and development
Funding Challenges:
- Developing infrastructure requires significant capital investment, which may strain government budgets or increase national debt.
Corruption and Mismanagement:
- Poor governance can lead to inefficient allocation of resources, with funds for infrastructure projects being misused or wasted.
Maintenance Costs:
Infrastructure requires ongoing maintenance, and failing to budget for these costs can lead to deteriorating systems that hinder rather than support development.
Environmental Impact:
- Large-scale infrastructure projects, such as dams or highways, can have adverse environmental effects, displacing communities or damaging ecosystems.
Opportunity Cost:
- Focusing heavily on infrastructure might divert funds from other critical areas, such as healthcare or education, limiting balanced development.
taxes and development
- Taxation provides governments with the fiscal dividend needed to fund public services like education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
- By collecting taxes effectively, governments can redistribute wealth and invest in essential services, improving human capital and long-term development.
- This supports economic growth and reduces poverty, contributing to more equitable and sustainable development.
Evaluation:
- Corruption may result in misuse or misallocation of tax revenue, reducing its developmental impact.
- Tax exemptions for corporations and the wealthy can erode the tax base and perpetuate inequality.
- Low levels of corporate activity and incentives to evade taxes can limit revenue collection, especially in developing economies.
- Informal markets dominate in many developing countries, making it difficult to enforce taxation.
WTO trade agreements can restrict countriesβ ability to impose tariffs, limiting tax revenue from trade.
Gender equality and development
- Empowering women has significant benefits for childrenβs health, education, and overall economic well-being.
- Women who have access to education and employment opportunities are more likely to invest in their families, leading to better health and education outcomes for their children.
- Increased participation of women in the economy raises household incomes and improves social outcomes, boosting economic growth and reducing poverty.
EV:
- Social and cultural barriers may limit the effectiveness of policies aimed at women empowerment.
- Unequal access to credit or property rights can hinder womenβs ability to achieve economic independence.
what does the HDI(human development index) measure
- life expectancy
- knowledge(adult literacy)
- living standards, using gdp and ppp
- 0 - 0.49 = low development
- 0.5 - 0.69 = medium development
- 0.7 - 0.79 - high development
- > 0.8 = very high development
why is hdi a good measure of development
- Broad and Comprehensive Measure
β Includes education, income, and life expectancy
β Provides a more holistic view of development
β Measures social and economic aspects, not just economic growth
β Allows for a better comparison between countries π
Encourages Policy Focus
β Highlights areas like health and education for improvement
β Encourages governments to address social and economic imbalances
β Aids in identifying gaps in development efforts
β Supports targeted policy interventions for sustainable growth π
- Tracks Progress Over Time
- HDI allows for the measurement of progress in human development over time.
- Countries can assess the impact of their policies by observing improvements or declines in HDI components.
- This makes HDI a valuable tool for accountability and long-term planning, fostering continuous improvements in development. - Highlights Countries with Low Development
- HDI draws attention to countries with low development levels, encouraging international aid and support.
- The ranking system identifies the nations most in need of assistance, ensuring resources are targeted effectively.
- This fosters global cooperation and aligns aid efforts to address disparities in development, promoting equity.
disadvantages of hdi
- Does Not Address Income Redistribution
- HDI focuses on average income (GDP per capita) but does not account for income inequality or redistribution.
- A country with a high HDI may still have significant income inequality, leaving large sections of the population in poverty.
- This limits HDIβs ability to reflect the true quality of life for all citizens, especially those at the bottom of the income scale. - Arbitrary Weighting and Resource Allocation
- The three components of HDIβincome, education, and healthβare given equal weight, which might not reflect their actual importance in a specific country.
- This arbitrary weighting can misrepresent priorities, as resource allocation should vary based on a countryβs specific developmental needs.
- Policymakers might not address pressing issues, focusing instead on areas that artificially boost HDI rankings. - Lacks Consideration of Freedom and Choice
- HDI does not account for individual freedoms, democratic participation, or human rights.
- While economic and health metrics are vital, the lack of consideration for political freedom and societal choices diminishes its comprehensiveness.
- Countries with restricted freedoms but high HDI components may rank well, masking underlying societal issues. - Ignores Other Key Factors of Development
- HDI does not include crucial aspects like poverty rates, crime levels, environmental sustainability, or gender equality.
- Development is multi-dimensional, and excluding these factors can result in an incomplete representation of a countryβs progress.
- This limits HDIβs usefulness in guiding policies to address issues such as social equity, security, and sustainable development.
how does political stability increase development
ποΈ Policy Consistency and Long-Term Planning
Stable governments can implement consistent development policies β
β Long-term investment in education, healthcare, and infrastructure is more likely β
β Improves public service delivery and human capital β
β Leads to better living standards and long-term development
π° Encourages Domestic and Foreign Investment
Political stability reduces risks for investors β
β Increases FDI and domestic business expansion β
β Creates employment and boosts income levels β
β Reduces poverty and enhances quality of life
βοΈ Better Governance and Rule of Law
Stable governments are more likely to enforce property rights and legal systems β
β Businesses and individuals feel secure in their activities β
β Reduces corruption and allocates resources more efficiently β
β Supports inclusive development and public trust
what is fdi
refers to purchase of an asset in another country
how does instability threaten development
- Loss of Infrastructure
- Political instability often leads to destruction or degradation of critical infrastructure such as roads, schools, hospitals, and utilities.
- Armed conflict, riots, or mismanagement during periods of instability can divert resources away from maintenance and development, while physical infrastructure is damaged or destroyed.
- A loss of infrastructure reduces access to essential services, hampers trade and economic activity, and lowers the quality of life, stalling or reversing development progress. - Reduced investment
- Instability discourages both domestic and foreign investment due to heightened risks and uncertainty.
- Investors are less likely to invest in regions where policies may change abruptly, corruption is rampant, or conflict threatens the safety of assets. This results in reduced capital inflow, business closures, and a weaker industrial base.
- The lack of investment slows economic growth, limits job creation, and reduces the governmentβs fiscal capacity to fund development projects
how does corruption threaten development
πΈ 1. Misallocation of Resources
Corruption often leads to inefficient allocation of resources, as public funds meant for infrastructure, education, and healthcare are diverted for personal gain
β‘οΈ This means that essential services and public goods are underfunded or poorly managed, preventing economic development
β‘οΈ The lack of adequate infrastructure, health services, or educational opportunities can hinder productivity growth and human capital development
β‘οΈ As a result, economic growth slows down and development is stunted
ποΈ 2. Reduced Investment and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
Corruption creates an uncertain business environment, where firms are less likely to invest due to the risk of bribery, unfair competition, or lack of legal protection
β‘οΈ This discourages both domestic investment and foreign direct investment (FDI), which are crucial for driving development
β‘οΈ Without sufficient investment, businesses may not have the capital to expand, innovate, or create jobs, limiting overall economic growth
β‘οΈ The result is a stunted development trajectory, as capital inflows and business expansion are significantly reduced
βοΈ 3. Weakening of Institutions and Governance
Corruption undermines institutions such as the judiciary, regulatory bodies, and law enforcement, making it difficult to uphold the rule of law
β‘οΈ This leads to poor governance and ineffective public policies, as officials prioritize personal gain over national interests
β‘οΈ Weak institutions make it harder for governments to implement development policies effectively, hindering the delivery of public goods and services
β‘οΈ As a result, the development process is slowed down and undermined by inefficiency and lack of accountability
π΅ 4. Increased Inequality
Corruption often leads to income inequality by enabling the wealthy or powerful to capture resources that should be used to support development initiatives
β‘οΈ Those in power may channel funds into projects that benefit only a small segment of society, leaving the majority without access to basic services or opportunities
β‘οΈ As inequality widens, social tensions rise, and the poor may have less opportunity to contribute productively to the economy
β‘οΈ This creates a vicious cycle where unequal access to resources stifles human development and undermines long-term economic growth
π¦ 5. Increased Cost of Doing Business
Businesses may be forced to pay bribes or face other illegal demands to operate in a corrupt system, which raises the cost of doing business
β‘οΈ This discourages both domestic and foreign businesses from entering the market or expanding their operations
β‘οΈ High business costs also discourage entrepreneurship, innovation, and the creation of new jobs
β‘οΈ As a result, economic growth is constrained, as the private sector remains underdeveloped and unable to drive expansion
π 6. Erosion of Trust in Government
Widespread corruption erodes public trust in government institutions and policies, leading to political instability
β‘οΈ Citizens may become disillusioned with the political system, reducing civic engagement and weakening social cohesion
β‘οΈ This decreases the governmentβs ability to effectively manage the economy and carry out policies that could promote development
β‘οΈ A lack of trust in government can also lead to instability, which makes long-term development goals difficult to achieve
the poverty cycle: growth poverty cycle
-
Low Incomes
- Low income levels prevent individuals and households from accumulating significant savings.
- When incomes are just enough to cover basic needs, there is little surplus left for saving or investing in productive assets.
- This perpetuates financial constraints, leaving families and businesses unable to build wealth - Leads to Low Savings
Point: Insufficient income leads to low savings, limiting the resources available for future investments.
- Savings are critical for funding physical and human capital, such as purchasing equipment, starting businesses, or improving education. Without savings, these opportunities are missed.
- This weakens a nationβs capacity to develop its economy, keeping individuals and businesses trapped in poverty. - Leads to Low Investment
- Low savings mean limited funds are available for investment in physical and human capital.
- A lack of investment hinders productivity improvements and the adoption of better technologies, stagnating industries and reducing output potential.
- This slows economic progress, preventing the development of high-income jobs or industries that could uplift communities from poverty. - Leads to Low Economic Growth
- Without adequate investment, economic growth remains sluggish or non-existent.
- Limited growth reduces government revenues from taxes and restricts opportunities for job creation or infrastructure development.
- This reinforces poverty, as low-income households remain unable to access better opportunities or resources to break the cycle. - Cycle Perpetuates
- Low economic growth keeps incomes stagnant, feeding back into the cycle of low savings and low investment.
- Without significant intervention, such as external aid, policy reform, or technological advancement, the poverty cycle continues unbroken.
- Generations remain trapped in poverty, with little hope of achieving long-term development or sustainable growth.
poverty cycle: development - poverty cycle
- Low Incomes
- Low incomes make it difficult for families to afford education and healthcare.
- When resources are scarce, households prioritize immediate needs like food and shelter over long-term investments in education and health.
- This prevents individuals from gaining the skills or maintaining the health necessary to improve their economic prospects. - Leads to Low Levels of Education and Health
- Insufficient investment in education and healthcare results in low levels of human capital.
- Poor education limits literacy and skill development, while inadequate healthcare reduces life expectancy and workforce productivity.
- This creates a poorly equipped labor force, unable to contribute effectively to economic growth. - Leads to Low Levels of Human Capital
- A lack of educated and healthy workers weakens the overall quality of human capital in the economy.
- Human capital is essential for innovation, efficiency, and economic progress. Without it, productivity stagnates, and industries fail to grow.
- This limits the potential for upward mobility and keeps the population trapped in poverty. - Leads to Lower Productivity
- With insufficient human capital, productivity remains low across industries and sectors.
- A poorly educated workforce cannot effectively use advanced technology or improve efficiency, while poor health reduces hours worked and overall output.
- This slows economic growth, further entrenching poverty and reducing opportunities for future development. - Cycle Perpetuates
- Low productivity leads to continued low incomes, restarting the cycle of poor education and healthcare.
- Without external intervention, such as aid, families remain trapped in a cycle of deprivation.
- This intergenerational cycle hinders both individual and national development, making poverty difficult to escape
what is microfinance
the distribution of small loans to individual entrepeneurs or groups to stimulate business activity, profits and incomes
advantages of microfinance
β
1. Increases Investment and Capital Formation
Microfinance provides loans to low-income individuals β
β Increases access to credit for small-scale entrepreneurs β
β Boosts investment in microenterprises and productive activities β
β Leads to higher aggregate investment and long-term economic growth
β
2. Reduces Poverty and Inequality
Microfinance targets the unbanked(who may lack financial collateral) and poorest populations β
β Enables them to generate income through small businesses β
β Raises living standards and reduces income inequality β
β Contributes to inclusive economic development
β
3. Increases Employment and Output
Access to microloans allows people to start or expand small businesses β
β Creates job opportunities, especially in informal sectors β
β Boosts overall employment and raises national output β
β Supports higher GDP and economic resilience
β
4. Encourages Financial Inclusion
Microfinance institutions serve people excluded from traditional banks β
β Expands access to savings, credit, and insurance products β
β Increases financial literacy and long-term economic security β
β Builds a more inclusive and stable financial system
β
5. Stabilises Rural and Underdeveloped Regions
Microfinance is often concentrated in rural or deprived areas β
β Facilitates local economic activity and reduces rural-urban migration β
β Encourages regional development and reduces urban strain β
β Promotes balanced, sustainable growth
disadvantages of microfinance
πΈ High Interest Rates
Microfinance institutions (MFIs) often charge high interest rates β
β Due to the high administrative costs of servicing small, dispersed loans β
β This can trap borrowers in a cycle of debt, especially if their business fails β
β Reduces long-term welfare and undermines the development goal of poverty alleviation
π Limited Impact on Income and Poverty
Many borrowers use loans for consumption rather than productive investment β
β This means little or no income is generated to repay the loan β
β Long-term poverty remains unchanged, despite short-term liquidity β
β Reduces the effectiveness of microfinance as a development tool
π Over-Indebtedness
Easy access to microloans may encourage excessive borrowing β
β Especially in areas with multiple MFIs competing for clients β
β Borrowers may take on more debt than they can repay, leading to financial stress β
β In extreme cases, this has led to personal tragedies and reputational damage for the sector
π§βπΎ Neglect of the Poorest
MFIs often target those with some income or assets β
β As these individuals are seen as more βbankableβ and less risky β
β The ultra-poor, who need help the most, may be excluded β
β Increases inequality and limits the inclusiveness of development
π Lack of Business Support
Microfinance usually provides money but not skills β
β Without training, financial literacy, or market access β
β Borrowers may mismanage funds or invest in unprofitable ventures β
β Weakens long-term success and sustainable poverty reduction
how do natural factors source economic growth
π± 1. Fertile Land β Boost in Agriculture β Increased Exports β Higher GDP
Fertile land leads to a strong agricultural sector
β Surpluses can be exported abroad
β Improves trade balance and foreign exchange earnings
β Contributes directly to GDP growth
βοΈ 2. Abundant Natural Resources β Lower Input Costs β Competitive Advantage β Economic Expansion
Countries rich in resources (oil, gas, minerals) can extract and export them
β Firms benefit from lower production costs domestically
β Enhances competitiveness in global markets
β Drives industrial growth and national income
π 3. Access to Waterways/Coastlines β Lower Transport Costs β Boost in Trade β Growth in Output
Natural access to ports reduces shipping/transport costs
β Makes international trade more efficient and profitable
β Encourages exports/imports
β Stimulates wider economic activity and job creation
βοΈ 4. Favorable Climate β Increased Tourism β Higher Inflows of Foreign Exchange β Regional Development
Good weather/climate attracts tourists
β Tourism sector generates employment and income
β Increases demand for services (hotels, transport, food)
β Multiplier effect raises regional and national growth
how does human capital source economic growth
- An increase in human capital contributes significantly to growth by boosting productivity and innovation.
- As workers become more skilled through education and training, they can produce more goods and services in less time.
- Increased productivity raises the overall efficiency of the economy, leading to higher output and economic growth. - Improved access to health and education ensures a healthier, more educated workforce.
- Better health means fewer sick days, while education enables individuals to acquire higher skills, enhancing their productivity.
- Both factors lead to a more efficient workforce, which contributes to a higher standard of living and sustained economic growth. - Vocational training allows individuals to specialize in certain fields, boosting productivity in targeted industries.
- Providing specific skills through vocational training programs helps workers meet the demands of emerging industries.
- With an increasingly specialized and skilled labour force, industries thrive, leading to higher economic growth and more job opportunities.
how do capital and technological factors source economic growth
π 1. Capital investment β βProductive capacity
β Investment in physical capital (e.g. machinery, factories)
β Boosts production efficiency and reduces average costs
β Firms can supply more output at lower prices
β βAggregate Supply β βReal GDP = Economic Growth
π€ 2. Technological progress β βTotal Factor Productivity
β Innovation improves how capital and labour are used
β Leads to faster production, better quality goods, and lower wastage
β βEfficiency in both production and resource allocation
β βLong-run aggregate supply β Sustained growth
π§ 3. Capital deepening β βLabour productivity
β More capital per worker (e.g. automated tools, AI systems)
β Each worker produces more output in less time
β βOutput per capita β βGDP per head = βLiving standards
π 4. Technology attracts FDI β External growth stimulus
β Advanced tech and infrastructure attract foreign investors
β Brings in capital, skills, and managerial expertise
β Multiplier effect via job creation and new industries
β Accelerates domestic development and growth
how do institutional factors source economic growth
π 1. Rule of Law & Property Rights
β‘ Clear legal systems protect ownership of assets
β‘ Reduces uncertainty for investors and entrepreneurs
β‘ Increases FDI and domestic investment
β‘ Boosts capital formation β β productive capacity β β LRAS β β growth
π 2. Political Stability & Effective Governance
β‘ Stable governments reduce risk of conflict and corruption
β‘ Ensures consistent economic policy and business confidence
β‘ Encourages both local and foreign long-term investment
β‘ Increases aggregate demand and long-run output β β growth
π 3. Quality of Institutions (e.g. judiciary, bureaucracy)
β‘ Efficient institutions reduce transaction costs and red tape
β‘ Makes it easier to start/run a business β β ease of doing business
β‘ Boosts entrepreneurship and job creation
β‘ Enhances productivity β β GDP growth
π° 4. Financial Institutions & Banking Sector
β‘ Well-regulated financial systems allocate capital efficiently
β‘ Increases access to credit for firms and households
β‘ Leads to higher consumption and investment
β‘ Multiplier and accelerator effects β β short and long-run growth