UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS

17 October
2022

ECS3707
Development Economics

Ms K Nchoe (First examiner)

Mrs L Stone (Second examiner)
Dr S Gumede (External examiner)

100 marks
Duration: 3 hours

This paper consists of 4 (four) pages.

Instructions:

(1) Submit your answers as a single document in PDF format. It is preferable for you to type
your answers (Font: Arial 12) and then convert your document to PDF format for submission.
However, if this is not possible, you may also write down your answers and scan them to a
PDF file. Please write legibly.

(2) Start with a cover page stating the module code (ECS3707) and your student number.

(3) This should be followed by your answers to the questions. Note that all four questions are
compulsory. There are no elective questions.

(4) There is no need for a table of content, introduction, conclusion or a list of references (as was
required in your assignments). Simply answer the questions asked.

(5) Make sure that each question and sub-question is clearly numbered starting from page
3.

(6) While you are not required to cite your sources, this does not mean that you can simply copy
information from any source. You need to answer the questions in your own words. Plagiarism
will not be tolerated and may result in disciplinary action if detected.

(7) Please ensure that you submitted a declaration of honesty on myUnisa.

(8) Please ensure that your PDF document is NOT encrypted to a “secured” mode and that it is
NOT password protected as these files cannot be marked. Virus-infected files will also not be
marked.
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Page 2 of 4 17/10/2022

This p a p er c o n s i s t s of F O U R com pul sor y quest ions worth 25 marks each. Answer a ll f our
questions.

QUESTION 1

1.1 Why do we not see a stronger relationship between income and happiness, significantly once
income has risen above $10,000–$20,000 a year per person? (5)

1.2 What are the essential characteristics that have shaped Pakistan and Bangladesh’s economic and
social progress since the early 1970s? (10)

1.3 Why is increasing income not enough to improve health and education in developing countries?
(10)

Total [25]

QUESTION 2

2.1 Describe the extent and nature of poverty in South Africa, referring to recent trends and
statistical information. (10)

2.2 Compare the population growth rates versus the economic growth rates for Canada and China.
Discuss your results in the context of the microeconomic household theory of fertility. (15)

Total [25]

QUESTION 3

3.1 Corruption in South Africa has reached epidemic levels and threatens the lives of all South African
citizens. Discuss the impact of corruption in South Africa and outline strategies to reduce it.
(10)

3.2 Summarise the three essential complementary elements of an agriculture and employment
strategy of economic development. (15)

Total [25]
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Page 3 of 4 17/10/2022

QUESTION 4

4.1 The core element of South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP) is to ensure that all South
Africans attain a decent standard of living by reducing poverty and socio-economic inequalities by
2030. Discuss the long-term impact of Covid-19 on the progress toward achieving the plan’s core
element. [25]

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UNISA 2022