AbstractsLaw & Legal Studies

This thesis presents existing published work examining the coherent theme of the pertinent issues on economic development in West Africa. The seven distinct and thematically related papers span over six years of study into the issues relating to the socio-economic context of development in West Africa. Each of the papers discusses salient aspects of regional development in selected West African economies. This thesis has contributed to knowledge in the academic literature on: • The importance of health-responsive development policies in enhancing agricultural transformation. • The role of crude oil in augmenting economic performance. • The importance of export diversification in fostering intra-trade expansion and economic growth. • The role of agricultural trade policy options in facilitating economic expansion: the case of rice. • The contribution of standards to enhancing market access and economic development: the cocoa case study. • The importance of the African Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA) in promoting market access and economic performance. • The contribution of Saemaul Undong Model to enhancing rural development policy space. The thesis has attempted to provide an answer to the question: How can regional economic development be achieved in West Africa? The critical review and analyses of the issues examined in each of the papers provide deep insights into the drivers of economic transformation in West Africa. In an attempt to respond to this research question, this thesis proposes a workable strategy for fostering economic development, but cautions that the success of the strategy is contingent on a strong political will, coupled with an effective coordination and cooperation at national and regional levels. The thesis concludes that the proposed transformation plan must be innovation led by strategically reconstructing the rural communities where economic potentials are yet to be exploited.