Resource Economics 121 - Hunger In Globl Econ
Fall
2017
02
4.00
Abdul Kidwai
TU TH 11:30AM 12:45PM
UMass Amherst
40150
Explores the causes of hunger (chronic undernutrition) from an economic perspective. Focus on how population growth and economic development are increasing demand for food and on the prospects for food production to supply those needs at affordable prices, while sustaining the environment. Discussion in the context of the global economy in which increased trade links even the poorest urban and rural residents in developing countries to market forces. (Gen.Ed. SB, G)
Open to first year students in Global Viewpoints RAP in Gorman. RES-ECON 121-02
See http://www.umass.edu/rap/global-viewpoints-rap
Hunger in a global economy is one of the most important questions that we face today. One can argue that it is "the" question. After all, modern human civilization owes its existence to the development of agriculture. The problem of hunger is a multi-faceted one and therefore can be dealt with a variety of perspectives. For this course, we will examine the problem through the methods of analysis in social sciences, with a particular focus on techniques developed in economics. The goal would be to use these methods to engage with fundamental questions:
(1) Where and why does hunger exist? And why does it persist?
(2 What policy responses have been formulated? What are the limitations of these responses?
Of course, these methods cannot give us a definitive answer but they can enable us to highlight some key issues. We will examine the inter-connectedness of the global economy and how the production, consumption and distribution of food fits into it. We will draw upon qualitative and quantitative evidence to grasp this complex challenge.
By the end of the course, we will have an understanding of the central issues and familiarity with the key debates related to hunger in our global economy.
See http://www.umass.edu/rap/global-viewpoints-rap
Hunger in a global economy is one of the most important questions that we face today. One can argue that it is "the" question. After all, modern human civilization owes its existence to the development of agriculture. The problem of hunger is a multi-faceted one and therefore can be dealt with a variety of perspectives. For this course, we will examine the problem through the methods of analysis in social sciences, with a particular focus on techniques developed in economics. The goal would be to use these methods to engage with fundamental questions:
(1) Where and why does hunger exist? And why does it persist?
(2 What policy responses have been formulated? What are the limitations of these responses?
Of course, these methods cannot give us a definitive answer but they can enable us to highlight some key issues. We will examine the inter-connectedness of the global economy and how the production, consumption and distribution of food fits into it. We will draw upon qualitative and quantitative evidence to grasp this complex challenge.
By the end of the course, we will have an understanding of the central issues and familiarity with the key debates related to hunger in our global economy.