Development Economics And Policy Training Course: Tackling Global Poverty And Inequality

Introduction:

Global poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment are among the most pressing challenges facing the world today. This Development Economics and Policy training course equips you with the economic frameworks and tools to understand the complex factors driving economic development and underdevelopment. You'll explore theories of economic growth, analyze the role of institutions, markets, and policies in promoting development, and examine the challenges faced by developing countries. From poverty reduction and human capital development to trade, investment, and governance, this course empowers you to contribute to solutions for a more equitable and prosperous world.

Target Audience:

This course is designed for professionals and individuals interested in the economic and policy aspects of development. The target audience includes:

• Economists working in academia, government, and international organizations
• Development practitioners and aid workers
• Policy analysts and researchers
• NGO staff working on development issues
• Government officials and policymakers in developing countries
• Anyone seeking to understand the challenges of economic development

Course Objectives:

Upon completion of this Development Economics and Policy training course, participants will be able to:

• Understand core concepts and theories of economic development, including economic growth, poverty, inequality, and human capital.
• Analyze the factors influencing economic development, such as institutions, markets, technology, and governance.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of development policies and programs.
• Understand the role of international trade, investment, and aid in development.
• Assess the challenges faced by developing countries, including poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation.
• Apply economic tools and models to analyze development issues.
• Critically evaluate development economics research and publications.
• Contribute to informed policy discussions and decision-making on development issues.
• Understand the complexities of development and the importance of context-specific solutions.
• Contribute to efforts aimed at promoting sustainable and inclusive development.

Duration

5 Days

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Development Economics

• Defining development: Economic growth, human development, and well-being.
• Measuring development: Indicators of economic and social progress.
• Key concepts and challenges in development economics.
• Course overview: Structure, learning objectives, and assessment methods.

Module 2: Theories of Economic Growth

• Classical growth theory: The role of capital accumulation.
• Neoclassical growth theory: Technological progress and convergence.
• Endogenous growth theory: The importance of innovation and human capital.
• Growth accounting: Decomposing the sources of economic growth.

Module 3: Poverty and Inequality

• Measuring poverty: Absolute and relative poverty, poverty lines, and poverty indices.
• Measuring inequality: Gini coefficient, income distribution, and wealth inequality.
• Causes of poverty and inequality: Structural factors, market failures, and social exclusion.
• Policies to reduce poverty and inequality: Social safety nets, education, and healthcare.

Module 4: Human Capital Development

• The importance of human capital: Education, health, and skills.
• Investing in education: Returns to education and educational policy.
• Health and nutrition: The link between health and economic development.
• Early childhood development: The foundation for human capital formation.

Module 5: Institutions and Development

• The role of institutions: Property rights, rule of law, and governance.
• Institutional development: Building effective and accountable institutions.
• Corruption and its impact on development.
• The relationship between institutions and economic growth.

Module 6: Markets and Development

• Market failures in developing countries: Information asymmetry, externalities, and public goods.
• The role of the private sector in development.
• Promoting market development: Deregulation, competition policy, and access to finance.
• Microfinance and its impact on poverty reduction.

Module 7: International Trade and Development

• The benefits and costs of international trade for developing countries.
• Trade policy and development: Export promotion, import substitution, and trade liberalization.
• Regional integration and South-South trade.
• The role of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Module 8: Foreign Direct Investment and Development

• Foreign direct investment (FDI): Flows, motives, and impacts.
• Attracting FDI: Investment climate and policies.
• Managing FDI: Maximizing benefits and minimizing risks.
• The role of multinational corporations in development.

Module 9: Aid and Development

• Official development assistance (ODA): Trends, effectiveness, and challenges.
• Aid effectiveness: Measuring the impact of aid.
• Aid conditionality and ownership.
• Alternative sources of development finance.

Module 10: Rural Development and Agriculture

• The role of agriculture in development.
• Rural poverty and food security.
• Agricultural productivity and technology.
• Land reform and rural development policies.

Module 11: Urbanization and Industrialization

• Urbanization trends and challenges in developing countries.
• Industrialization strategies and policies.
• The role of manufacturing and services in development.
• Urban planning and infrastructure development.

Module 12: Sustainable Development Goals and the Future of Development

• The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A global agenda for development.
• The role of technology and innovation in achieving the SDGs.
• Climate change and its impact on development.
• The future of development: Emerging challenges and opportunities.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.