,DVA3703 Assignment 2 (COMPLETE ANSWERS) 2025 –
DUE 7 APRIL 2025; 100% trusted, comprehensive and
complete reliable solution with clear explanation
2 answers provided
QUESTION:Discuss the evolution of the concept of
development and its implications on development policy in
Africa.
The Evolution of the Concept of Development and Its
Implications on Development Policy in Africa
Introduction
The concept of "development" has undergone significant
transformations over the past century, with its meaning shifting
across time, contexts, and disciplines. In the African context,
development has been intertwined with the continent's complex
history of colonization, post-colonial struggles, economic
planning, global influence, and the demands of international
institutions. This essay examines the evolution of the concept of
development, from its early economic underpinnings to its
broader social, political, and environmental dimensions, and
explores how these changes have shaped development policies
in Africa.
I. The Early Economic Focus of Development (1940s-1960s)
The roots of modern development discourse can be traced to the
post-World War II era, particularly the late 1940s and 1950s,
when the need for reconstruction and economic revitalization
, became a global priority. In the context of Africa, this period
coincided with the decolonization wave, where newly
independent African nations sought to establish their
sovereignty and create prosperous economies.
1. Economic Growth and Modernization
Early development thinking was heavily influenced by
economic theories such as modernization theory, which
suggested that underdeveloped nations could achieve
prosperity through the adoption of Western-style
industrialization, market economies, and modern
institutions. Scholars like Walt Rostow argued that
economic growth was a linear process that all societies
would inevitably go through, moving from traditional to
modern stages of development (Rostow, 1960). For Africa,
this meant the adoption of capitalist market economies,
foreign investment, and the construction of modern
infrastructure.
2. The Role of the State
During this period, the state was seen as the central actor in
driving development. Many African countries, having
recently gained independence, adopted state-led
development policies. The focus was on building state
institutions, industrializing, and investing in infrastructure.
The African state was expected to take an active role in
managing national economies, particularly in sectors such
as agriculture, manufacturing, and public services. 3.
Implications for African Development Policies The
application of modernization theory to African
development led to the formulation of policies centered on
import substitution industrialization (ISI), large-scale
DUE 7 APRIL 2025; 100% trusted, comprehensive and
complete reliable solution with clear explanation
2 answers provided
QUESTION:Discuss the evolution of the concept of
development and its implications on development policy in
Africa.
The Evolution of the Concept of Development and Its
Implications on Development Policy in Africa
Introduction
The concept of "development" has undergone significant
transformations over the past century, with its meaning shifting
across time, contexts, and disciplines. In the African context,
development has been intertwined with the continent's complex
history of colonization, post-colonial struggles, economic
planning, global influence, and the demands of international
institutions. This essay examines the evolution of the concept of
development, from its early economic underpinnings to its
broader social, political, and environmental dimensions, and
explores how these changes have shaped development policies
in Africa.
I. The Early Economic Focus of Development (1940s-1960s)
The roots of modern development discourse can be traced to the
post-World War II era, particularly the late 1940s and 1950s,
when the need for reconstruction and economic revitalization
, became a global priority. In the context of Africa, this period
coincided with the decolonization wave, where newly
independent African nations sought to establish their
sovereignty and create prosperous economies.
1. Economic Growth and Modernization
Early development thinking was heavily influenced by
economic theories such as modernization theory, which
suggested that underdeveloped nations could achieve
prosperity through the adoption of Western-style
industrialization, market economies, and modern
institutions. Scholars like Walt Rostow argued that
economic growth was a linear process that all societies
would inevitably go through, moving from traditional to
modern stages of development (Rostow, 1960). For Africa,
this meant the adoption of capitalist market economies,
foreign investment, and the construction of modern
infrastructure.
2. The Role of the State
During this period, the state was seen as the central actor in
driving development. Many African countries, having
recently gained independence, adopted state-led
development policies. The focus was on building state
institutions, industrializing, and investing in infrastructure.
The African state was expected to take an active role in
managing national economies, particularly in sectors such
as agriculture, manufacturing, and public services. 3.
Implications for African Development Policies The
application of modernization theory to African
development led to the formulation of policies centered on
import substitution industrialization (ISI), large-scale
