DVA3703
Assignment 2 Semester 1 2025
Detailed Solutions, References & Explanations
Unique number:
Due Date: 7 April 2025
Essay question
Discuss the evolution of the concept of development and its implications on
development policy in Africa.
1. Introduction
Development has long been a subject of intense debate and research in both academic and
policy circles. Over the decades, the concept of development has evolved from a narrow focus
on economic growth to a more holistic understanding that encompasses social, political,
cultural, and environmental dimensions. In the context of Africa, this evolution has significant
implications for the formulation and implementation of development policies. This essay
critically discusses the evolution of the concept of development and examines its implications
for contemporary and future development policy in Africa. Key themes include historical
approaches to development, the rise of neoliberalism, and alternative perspectives that
emphasize sustainability and human well-being. Relevant examples from various African
countries are used to illustrate the practical impact of these conceptual shifts. Terms of use
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document as a guide for learning, comparison and reference purpose,
Terms of use
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document
Fully accept the consequences
solely as a guide forshould you plagiarise
learning, reference,or and
misuse this document.
comparison purposes,
Ensure originality of your own work, and fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Comply with all relevant standards, guidelines, regulations, and legislation governing academic and written work.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
information contained within this document. This document is intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes.
Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +27 67 171 1739
Essay question
Discuss the evolution of the concept of development and its implications on
development policy in Africa.
1. Introduction
Development has long been a subject of intense debate and research in both
academic and policy circles. Over the decades, the concept of development has
evolved from a narrow focus on economic growth to a more holistic understanding
that encompasses social, political, cultural, and environmental dimensions. In the
context of Africa, this evolution has significant implications for the formulation and
implementation of development policies. This essay critically discusses the evolution
of the concept of development and examines its implications for contemporary and
future development policy in Africa. Key themes include historical approaches to
development, the rise of neoliberalism, and alternative perspectives that emphasize
sustainability and human well-being. Relevant examples from various African
countries are used to illustrate the practical impact of these conceptual shifts.
2. The Evolution of the Concept of Development
2.1 Historical Approaches to Development
In its early stages, the concept of development was primarily equated with economic
growth. In the post-colonial era, development policy was often synonymous with
modernization, where the primary goal was to transform traditional societies into
modern industrial economies (Rostow, 1960). This linear, stage-based approach, as
reflected in Rostow’s ―Stages of Economic Growth,‖ viewed development as a series
of sequential steps leading to industrialization. During this period, African nations
inherited colonial economic structures, and early policies focused on rapid
industrialization and urbanization, often neglecting indigenous social systems and
cultural practices.
The modernization theory, however, came under criticism for its ethnocentric bias.
Critics argued that the one-size-fits-all model ignored the diverse historical, cultural,
and social contexts of African countries (Chambers, 1982). This criticism led to a
broader definition of development that included not only economic indicators but also
social progress, education, health, and political freedoms. As development thinking
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
Assignment 2 Semester 1 2025
Detailed Solutions, References & Explanations
Unique number:
Due Date: 7 April 2025
Essay question
Discuss the evolution of the concept of development and its implications on
development policy in Africa.
1. Introduction
Development has long been a subject of intense debate and research in both academic and
policy circles. Over the decades, the concept of development has evolved from a narrow focus
on economic growth to a more holistic understanding that encompasses social, political,
cultural, and environmental dimensions. In the context of Africa, this evolution has significant
implications for the formulation and implementation of development policies. This essay
critically discusses the evolution of the concept of development and examines its implications
for contemporary and future development policy in Africa. Key themes include historical
approaches to development, the rise of neoliberalism, and alternative perspectives that
emphasize sustainability and human well-being. Relevant examples from various African
countries are used to illustrate the practical impact of these conceptual shifts. Terms of use
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document as a guide for learning, comparison and reference purpose,
Terms of use
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document
Fully accept the consequences
solely as a guide forshould you plagiarise
learning, reference,or and
misuse this document.
comparison purposes,
Ensure originality of your own work, and fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Comply with all relevant standards, guidelines, regulations, and legislation governing academic and written work.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
information contained within this document. This document is intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes.
Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +27 67 171 1739
Essay question
Discuss the evolution of the concept of development and its implications on
development policy in Africa.
1. Introduction
Development has long been a subject of intense debate and research in both
academic and policy circles. Over the decades, the concept of development has
evolved from a narrow focus on economic growth to a more holistic understanding
that encompasses social, political, cultural, and environmental dimensions. In the
context of Africa, this evolution has significant implications for the formulation and
implementation of development policies. This essay critically discusses the evolution
of the concept of development and examines its implications for contemporary and
future development policy in Africa. Key themes include historical approaches to
development, the rise of neoliberalism, and alternative perspectives that emphasize
sustainability and human well-being. Relevant examples from various African
countries are used to illustrate the practical impact of these conceptual shifts.
2. The Evolution of the Concept of Development
2.1 Historical Approaches to Development
In its early stages, the concept of development was primarily equated with economic
growth. In the post-colonial era, development policy was often synonymous with
modernization, where the primary goal was to transform traditional societies into
modern industrial economies (Rostow, 1960). This linear, stage-based approach, as
reflected in Rostow’s ―Stages of Economic Growth,‖ viewed development as a series
of sequential steps leading to industrialization. During this period, African nations
inherited colonial economic structures, and early policies focused on rapid
industrialization and urbanization, often neglecting indigenous social systems and
cultural practices.
The modernization theory, however, came under criticism for its ethnocentric bias.
Critics argued that the one-size-fits-all model ignored the diverse historical, cultural,
and social contexts of African countries (Chambers, 1982). This criticism led to a
broader definition of development that included not only economic indicators but also
social progress, education, health, and political freedoms. As development thinking
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
