AEP-31306 Rural Economic Analysis

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

ECH-21806, AEP-20806 and mathematics at the level of MAT-12806.

Continuation courses:

AEP-30306, AEP-30806, DEC-30306, ENP-32306, ENR-30306.

Contents:

This course provides insight into the economy of rural areas in both developed and developing countries. With economic development, the importance of agriculture tends to diminish in rural areas and the provision of public goods as wildlife and landscape tends to gain in significance. Imperfections in output, variable input and factor markets cause relatively low incomes or even poverty in rural areas. Clustering of economic activity, co-operation between firms and a wide range of policies and institutional arrangements can reduce these market imperfections. After this course you will be able to apply relevant concepts and analyse policies, institutions and markets in rural areas in both developed and developing countries.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of this course the student is expected to be able to:
- reproduce the economic descriptions and theories;
- understand location of economic activities in rural areas;
- recognize and understand market imperfections and institutional arrangements in rural areas;
- apply theories in exercises;
- analyze topics in area of rural economics analysis;
- understand the rationale behind specific policies, and critically evaluate such policies.

Activities:

- attending lectures and studying the reader;
- doing exercises in practical sessions;
- writing policy briefs.

Examination:

The final mark is based on a written policy briefs.

Literature:

Syllabus Rural Economic Analysis. The course is supported by means of a Blackboard site.