11.471 Political Economy of Development Projects: Targeting the Poor, Spring 2003

Abstract

Covers conditions under which public-sector policies, programs, and projects succeed in enhancing the economic activities of poorer groups and micro-regions in developing countries. Topics include local economic development; small enterprises; various forms of collective action; labor and worker associations; nongovernment organizations. Links these to literature on poverty, economic development, and reform of government, and to types of projects, tasks, and environments that are conducive to equitable outcomes. From the course home page: Course Description This course treats public-sector policies, programs, and projects that attempt to reduce poverty and unemployment in developing countries, mainly through directly income-generating activities and employment. Topics covered are: the nature of poverty and targeting, the political-economy and politics of poverty-reducing initiatives, implementation experiences, employment and local economic development, particularly as related to small and medium enterprises and the informal sector, cooperatives and other forms of collective action for income generation, and decentralization, civil society, and non-government organizations.