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Local economic development and poverty reduction in developing societies: The experience of the ILO decent work project in Ghana

Author

Listed:
  • Richardson Azunu

    (University of Ghana Business School, Ghana)

  • James Kwame Mensah

    (University of Ghana Business School, Ghana)

Abstract

There have been series of contest analysis of developmental role of international development partners in sub-Saharan Africa. However, evidence abound that whiles international development partners have over the past three decades participated actively in local economic development the academic literature has barely focused on this area. As a result, very little is known about how development partners-led local economic development has translated into poverty reduction and economic prosperity. Through a qualitative case study of ILO decent work project in Ghana, this study provides empirical assessment and impact of development partners’ role in conceptualising, implementing and monitoring local economic development interventions in sub-Saharan Africa. The findings show that ILO decent work project has led to the creation of jobs, enabled participants to improve their businesses, improve their economic situation and meet their health needs and also adopt strategies to pull themselves out of poverty. The outcome of this paper is useful for both national and international development agencies in their attempt to improve societal development.

Suggested Citation

  • Richardson Azunu & James Kwame Mensah, 2019. "Local economic development and poverty reduction in developing societies: The experience of the ILO decent work project in Ghana," Local Economy, London South Bank University, vol. 34(5), pages 405-420, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:loceco:v:34:y:2019:i:5:p:405-420
    DOI: 10.1177/0269094219859234
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Evelyn Agba Tackie & Hao Chen & Isaac Ahakwa & Samuel Atingabili & Kobina Abaka Ansah, 2022. "Investigating the Relationship Between Local Business and Employment Creation for Poverty Reduction in Northern Ghana: The Moderating Role of Local Economic Development (LED) Policy," SAGE Open, , vol. 12(2), pages 21582440221, June.
    2. Kelvin Omari Mintah & Kwame Ameyaw Domfeh & Albert Ahenkan & Justice Nyigmah Bawole & Solomon Nborkan Nakouwo, 2025. "Optimising Private Sector Participation in Local Economic Development: A Study of Kwahu South Municipal Assembly in the Eastern Region of Ghana," Journal of Development Policy and Practice, , vol. 10(2), pages 192-207, May.
    3. Akpeko Agbevade, 2020. "Implementation dynamics of local economic development: Comparative empirical experiences from Ghana’s local governance system," Local Economy, London South Bank University, vol. 35(6), pages 609-624, September.
    4. Darrold Cordes & Shahram Latifi & Gregory M. Morrison, 2022. "Systematic literature review of the performance characteristics of Chebyshev polynomials in machine learning applications for economic forecasting in low-income communities in sub-Saharan Africa," SN Business & Economics, Springer, vol. 2(12), pages 1-33, December.
    5. Benjamin Doe & Prince Dacosta Aboagye & Paa Kofi Osei-Owusu & Theophilus Amoah & Andrews Aidoo & Nana Yaa Amponsah, 2023. "Towards Circular Economy and Local Economic Development in Ghana: Insights from the Coconut Waste Value Chain," Circular Economy and Sustainability, Springer, vol. 3(1), pages 347-372, March.

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