The human side of economic development in Africa: a paradigm shift
African Journal of Economic and Management Studies
ISSN: 2040-0705
Article publication date: 7 December 2015
Abstract
Purpose
This editorial builds on the distinction between soft and hard economics and discusses dominant explanations for the development challenges of Sub-Sahara African (SSA) countries. It also seeks to offer a backdrop for the papers in the present volume of AJEMS. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
It is based on a review of a selection of literature that highlights the dominant perspectives in neoclassical economics and competing streams of research that provide alternative perspectives.
Findings
The review suggests the emergence of a competing paradigm that focuses attention on the human factor in economic growth process – i.e. the development of human capability as a foundation of sustainable inclusive growth. The competing streams of research seem to co-exist today, but there are potentials for paradigmatic criss-crossing in future research.
Originality/value
It provides directions for future research into issues of economic growth and poverty alleviation in SSA.
Keywords
Citation
Kuada, J. (2015), "The human side of economic development in Africa: a paradigm shift", African Journal of Economic and Management Studies, Vol. 6 No. 4, pp. 334-342. https://doi.org/10.1108/AJEMS-09-2015-0104
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited