ECO4020S - Economic Problems of Africa

Course Information

This course covers a set of topical issues on the economic problems of Africa. The focus is on structural adjustment, the political-economy of growth, and the institutional context of development. Particular attention is paid to labour market issues, poverty and inequality, and the AIDS pandemic. Case studies are drawn from all over Africa (but especially South and Southern Africa). The course starts off with a broad exploration of the problem of growth in Africa, and examines various attempts to explain Africas comparatively dismal record. The effect of political instability on growth and the policy challenges concerning instability is dealt with in some detail. In light of the widespread criticism of World Bank and IMF structural adjustment policies in Africa, the course allocates two sessions to this issue. Readings touch on the impact of structural adjustment on the poor, the political-economy of adjustment, the conduct of the IMF and World Bank, and on the experience of market liberalisation. Particular attention is paid to the policy challenge of addressing poverty and inequality. The South African case, where unemployment is a major determinant of poverty and inequality, is examined in a dedicated session. Other topics covered in the course include the agrarian economy in Africa, AIDS and Human Development in Africa (and a dedicated session on AIDS in South Africa). The course concludes with an examination of the impact and efficacy of aid, and examines alternative policy options (such as debt relief and the new Millennium Africa Plan).