Introduction to Development Economics at the Vrije Universiteit

VU Amsterdam has a long tradition in its attention for the position of developing countries. This has contributed to a prominent position of the Development Economics group in the Netherlands.

The Development Economics group covers a wide geographical area with research in Central America (Costa Rica), Africa (Ghana, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Uganda, and Benin), and Asia (India, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam).

 The group comprises a wide variety of subjects and specialisations including trade shocks, rural finance, decision making of rural households, social networks and social capital, environmental aspects of trade and production of primary goods, small enterprises, and rural development.

However, development economists are not solely working in the Development Economics group; the Stichting Onderzoek Wereldvoedselvoorziening (SOW - Centre for World Food Studies), and the Economic and Social Institute (ESI) employ well known development economists as well. Due to the presence of these institutes, with whom the department collaborates on a regular basis, the Vrije Universiteit is one of the best places for the study of development economics.