DVA3703
Assignment 2 Semester 1 2025
Unique #:
Due Date: 7 April 2025
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+27 81 278 3372
, 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
Varsity Cube 2024 +27 81 278 3372
Assignment 2 Semester 1 2025
Unique #:
Due Date: 7 April 2025
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+27 81 278 3372
, 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
Varsity Cube 2024 +27 81 278 3372
