This novel book, motivated by the recent introduction of a major innovation in information technology, explores the possibility of the Internet being made available to millions of poor people in developing countries, who are not yet connected. The new technology, known as a smart feature phone,...

The concept of risk-sharing in financial and social contracts is one of the unique features of Islamic finance. Many theoretical studies generally claim superiority of an Islamic financial system based on pure equity and participatory modes of financing, while empirical studies provide mixed...

This volume reviews Africa's past experiences of social policy, with an eye on the future. Contributions examine a range of social policy issues around healthcare, education, the labour market and social welfare, and highlight important conceptual and policy issues for rebuilding Africa

Part 1: Introducing Regional Integration.-The Economic Value of Regional Integration in Africa -- Current Account Im(balances) and Adjustments to Targets for Regional Integration in West Africa: One Step Forward, Two Steps Backwards -- Obstacles to Strengthening Economic Integration in the West...

Chapter 1: On writing Africa’s economic history -- Chapter 2: Research on Africa’s history and development – a review -- Chapter 3: Back in history, 1000-1850 -- Chapter 4: Economic and political integration, 1850-1920 -- Chapter 5: Transformation and administration, 1920-1950 -- Chapter...

Part I -- 1 Introduction -- Aim and Contribution -- Case Study Approach -- References -- 2 The Role of Agriculture in Economic Development -- Agriculture for Development -- Agricultural Development -- References -- 3 The Role of the State in Agricultural Development -- Agricultural Policies --...

1. The Narrative -- 2. The Quantum of Growth -- 3. Drivers of Growth in Sub Saharan Africa -- 4. Sectoral Growth in Sub Saharan Africa -- 5. Deindustrialisation in Sub Saharan Africa Explains Key Vulnerabilities in Growth and Productivity -- 6. The Labour Market in Sub Saharan Africa -- 7....

SECTION I: ICT, Digital Divide and Development -- Economics of ICT, Digital Divide and Development – Some Emerging Issues -- ICT and Wellbeing: A Cross Country Analysis -- Digital Divide: How India and China Stack up? -- Evolution of Inter-state disparities in the use of ICT: A study of Indian...

Looking back on World War I at the turn of the century -- The international pattern and world order under "A Hundred Years of change" -- National rejuvenation and peripheral diplomacy under "A hundred years of change" -- The responsibility of great powers and global governance under the "Hundred...

This book compares the experiences of the Philippines and Vietnam to gain insight into how openness to trade and financing can increase prosperity. In contrast, theoretical and empirical work in the 20th and early 21st centuries have returned mixed results regarding this assertion. The book also...