The Economic Theory of Agrarian Institutions (Electronic book text)

Many economists accept that institutions are of fundamental importance, although the analysis of their formation and behaviour has remained largely undiscussed. In this collection of papers, the contributors seek to demonstrate that advanced economic theory provides tools which may usefully be applied to an understanding of the operation of institutions, in this case with particular and significant implications for the problems faced by poor agrarian economies. They show that sound theoretical analysis can enable economists to reach conclusions that will enable practitioners to avoid many pitfalls in the formation and implementation of development policies, both within individual countries and in the context of international aid. Academic and policy-oriented researchers in development economics, agricultural economics and institutional economics should all find this work of value.