Transforming Poor Economies

Transforming Poor Economies expertly proposes effective strategies for the development of agriculture and industry within lower income countries in Africa and Asia using insightful case studies to illustrate key findings.

Kei Otsuka focuses on how to achieve the first and second Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), using detailed analysis of how agriculture and industry have developed to eradicate poverty and hunger. Otsuka demonstrates that ultimately success is driven by technological and managerial innovation based on learning from abroad, and investment in human capital so that major decision-makers such as farmers and enterprise managers can facilitate innovation. Otsuka further argues that the use of welfare programs to support the livelihoods of these countries are unlikely to have transformative impacts and that agricultural and industrial development results in proven poverty reduction.

Scholars of economics and development will find the book’s case studies both invaluable and informative. Practitioners and policymakers in development assistance and planning, particularly in Africa and Asia, will also find this an excellent resource for future planning.