This question attracted few candidates, most of whom scored average marks. Candidates were expected to state the meaning of economic development, state features of a developing country and explain factors that can speed up economic development in their country in the (a), (b) and (c) parts of the question respectively. The few candidates that attempted this question were able to define economic development and state the features of a developing country but were unable to expatiate on their points in the (c) part of the question, hence their performance was a bit above average.

The candidates were expected to answer thus:

(a)        Economic development is the persistent growth in real per capita income coupled with structural changes in the economy which results in an improvement in the standard of living of the citizens.                                                                                    

(b)(i)    Low per capita income because of low levels of national output.
(ii)    Low life expectancy as a result of poor medical services and poor nutrition.
(iii)   Heavy dependence on agriculture and primary production because of low levels of technology/ industrialization.
(iv)   High population growth rate due to high birth rate and reduced death rate.
(v)    Rapid rate of urbanization due to rural-urban migration as a result of lack of social amenities in the rural areas.
(vi)   High rate of unemployment as a result of lack of industries and high population growth.
(vii)  High rate of illiteracy which leads to low levels of productivity.
(viii)             High dependency ratio leading to low rate of savings and investment.
(ix)  High indebtedness due to high interest rate payments on foreign loans which constitute a high fraction of the national budget.
(x)   Heavy dependence on foreign aids and grants.
(xi)  Inadequate infrastructural facilities.

(c)(i)    Improving the savings ratio and hence capital formation.
(ii)    Population control measures to check rapid population growth.
(iii)   Manpower training to enhance labour efficiency.
(iv)   Improvement of technology.
(v)    Improving the infrastructure of the economy
(vi)   Improving the health delivery system to enhance improved health of labour.
(vii)  Exploitation of idle natural resources to add value.
(viii)             Making available regular and cheap energy supply.
(ix)   Improving agriculture and expanding agro-processing.
(x)   High level of political stability (peace and stability) to encourage investment and growth.
(xi)  Provision of credit facilities for businesses to stimulate economic development.