Collier and Gunning review approximately forty factors that have been offered as possible explanations for poor growth in sub-Saharan Africa. The authors conclude that “domestic policies largely unrelated to trade” may be the major factors holding back growth now. This comment, “Overlooking the Obvious in Africa,” contends that Collier and Gunning appear reluctant to identify the importance of institutional factors – especially economic freedom – in slowing economic growth in Africa. And, despite their listing many possible explanations, they curtly dismiss one important one – the role that foreign aid may be playing in perpetuating poor policies. Thus, the paper accepts all manner of lame theories while ignoring those that have stood the test of time. As a result, it offers little guidance on a critical development issue.
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Article provided by Atlas Economic Research Foundation in its journal Econ Journal Watch.
Find related papers by JEL classification: O10 - Economic Development, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - General O13 - Economic Development, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Agriculture; Natural Resources; Environment; Other Primary Products O38 - Economic Development, Technological Change, and Growth - - Technological Change - - - Government Policy
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