This exploration introduces you to many of the issues and ideas that are of interest in the field of development economics. You can take a series of virtual field trips throughout Zambia visiting a number of places and people. At each stop on the way you will be able to gain access to key data and conomic theory.
Background
Before starting out your field trips it's a good idea to find out a little background knowledge about Zambia and get some idea of the meaning of the term 'development'. Many of Zambia's economic problems that you will encounter cannot really be considered out of the historical, geographical and political context.
The background section is divided into four parts
The meaning of growth and development
The economic history of Zambia
The geography of Zambia
The politics of Zambia
One problem that a visitor to a country faces is that they only experience what is happening at the present. They get a snapshot view of the country. All economic systems are continually changing. In the 1960s and early 1970s Zambia had one of the fastest growing economies in
Africa. Twenty years later it suffered major economic decline with appalling increases in the level of poverty. Economic systems are dynamic and constantly changing. They are prone to impact from many different external forces. Changes in climate, global market conditions and political philosophy all involve decision making about the use of resources. Some countries seem to be able to adapt and adjust to these changes better than others can. Whereas the More Developed Countries have the resources, expertise and confidence to be able to cope with external shocks the Less Developed Countries do not seem to.
Related Glossary Items:
Development
Absolute Poverty
Relative
Poverty
Before starting out your field trips it's a good idea to find out a little background knowledge about Zambia and get some idea of the meaning of the term 'development'. Many of Zambia's economic problems that you will encounter cannot really be considered out of the historical, geographical and political context.
The background section is divided into four parts
The meaning of growth and development
The economic history of Zambia
The geography of Zambia
The politics of Zambia
One problem that a visitor to a country faces is that they only experience what is happening at the present. They get a snapshot view of the country. All economic systems are continually changing. In the 1960s and early 1970s Zambia had one of the fastest growing economies in
Africa. Twenty years later it suffered major economic decline with appalling increases in the level of poverty. Economic systems are dynamic and constantly changing. They are prone to impact from many different external forces. Changes in climate, global market conditions and political philosophy all involve decision making about the use of resources. Some countries seem to be able to adapt and adjust to these changes better than others can. Whereas the More Developed Countries have the resources, expertise and confidence to be able to cope with external shocks the Less Developed Countries do not seem to.
Related Glossary Items:
Development
Absolute Poverty
Relative
Poverty