RURAL ECONOMICS

The module has nine lectures which are going to be uploaded for student's consultation

1. Description/Aims of the Module
   1. To introduce to key theories and debates in rural Economics.
   2. To outline the main opportunities and constraints relating to the development of rural economies and the reduction of rural poverty.
   3. To explore the contributions of different policies, sectors, services and actors to the process of rural development.
   4. To examine how the management of natural resources affects rural development outcomes.
2. Learning outcomes   2.1 Knowledge and Understanding:

   By the end of this module, students should be able to:

   1. Explain and critically review current debates in rural development regarding rural livelihoods and the respective roles of markets, the state, institutions, property rights, agriculture and the rural non-farm economy.
   2. Critically evaluate past and existing attempts to supply rural services, such as infrastructure, finance, research and extension, health and education.
   3. Analyse critically alternative rural development policies in terms of their potential impact on rural poverty, equity and economic growth, taking account of different regional and geographical circumstances.
   4. Outline and evaluate different approaches to the management of land and water resources and their potential impact on rural development goals.

   3. Analytical/Cognitive /Intellectual/Skills

   Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to:

   a. Identify and analyse quantitative methods problems and issues related to the subject area of rural and economics

4. Communication /Application Skills

Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to:

a. Deploy the key techniques of the discipline rural economics with confidence and use it to support and enhance work

5. Transferable/ Value and Attitudes/Skills

1. Skills in preparing briefing papers
2. Skills in relating and problematizing the links between polices, theories and practice