The challenge of designing development programs that benefit the poor

The gap

Evidence profile

Sourced from the stated research gap and stated challenges and future-work section of the source papers, classified as general, drawn from work published between 1973 and 2026, spanning 3 journals. Those papers have been cited 16 times in total.

Supporting evidence — 4 representative gaps

• James Ferguson on Development, Modernity, and Labor (2026) · African Studies Review · doi

  The paper identifies a gap in the field of development studies, particularly in the area of critical thinking and empirical investigation. It highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of the concept of development and its relation to political economy, anthropology, and history. The paper also touches on the lack of attention to the material and cultural ambiguities of social transformation in development studies.

  generalstated research gap
  Keywords: paper identifies gap field development studies particularly area
• Strategies for Equitable Growth (1974) · Challenge · cited 5× · doi

  The paper identifies the challenge of designing development programs that benefit the poor. It notes the difficulty of combining economic growth with increasing equity in countries with limited institutional capabilities. The paper also highlights the challenge of addressing the power structure and distribution of wealth in developing countries.

  generalstated challengesevidence 5/5
  Keywords: paper identifies challenge designing development programs benefit poor
• The underdeveloped political science of development (1973) · Studies in Comparative International Development · cited 6× · doi

  The paper identifies a research gap in the existing literature on development and modernization, particularly in terms of addressing the problems of underdevelopment. The author argues that the existing literature fails to adequately address the uneven distribution of wealth and income between nations. The paper highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to development studies, one that takes into account the complexities of the international economy and the role of power and ideology.

  generalstated research gapevidence 5/5
  Keywords: paper identifies research gap existing literature development modernization
• Strategies for Equitable Growth (1974) · Challenge · cited 5× · doi

  Further research is needed to understand the relationship between economic growth and income distribution in developing countries. Studies should examine the impact of different development strategies on income distribution and poverty reduction. Research should also investigate the role of institutional capabilities and power structures in shaping development outcomes.

  generalfuture-work sectionevidence 4/5
  Keywords: further research needed understand relationship between economic growth

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