Economic growth and poverty alleviation in Africa – linking hard and soft economics

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this editorial is to provide a quick glance at the dominant issues that have characterized the developing economics debate during the past five decades. It seeks to offer a backdrop for the papers in the present volume of AJEMS.

Design/methodology/approach

It is based on a review of a selection of literature that highlights the dominant perspectives in development economics.

Findings

It draws a distinction between soft and hard economics, arguing that economic growth must be converted into social change that benefits poor for it to be described as development-oriented.

Originality/value

It provides a direction for future research into issues of economic growth and poverty alleviation in Sub-Sahara Africa.

Citation

Kuada, J. (2014), "Economic growth and poverty alleviation in Africa – linking hard and soft economics", African Journal of Economic and Management Studies, Vol. 5 No. 1, pp. 2-8. https://doi.org/10.1108/AJEMS-03-2014-0016