The role of linear programming methods in rural policy planning in developing countries
Biggs, S.
IDS Discussion Paper, Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex 57: 24
1974
Document Number: 263223
This paper stands back from the mathematics, computer jargon, etc. of the quantitative economists and asks whether previous applications of linear programming in economic planning have been concerned with important issues of income distribution, and whether adequate attention has been given to the full social 'costs and benefits' of advocating and using programming techniques in developing countries. To illustrate some of the limitations of previous computer models results are presented from a model developed to analyse the impact, on income distribution, of different rural policies on the socio-economic system of the Kosi region, Bihar, India. The paper ends by concluding the linear programming methodology has a place in rural policy planning in developing countries. However, this is only if adequate attention is given to such issues as the relevant degree of sophistication and level of aggregation, in terms of the specific problem to be solved, and the actual time and resources available. This is a rough draft of a section for a symposium book on the experiences of research workers in the Kosi region of Bihar, India.