The aim of this book is to show how Development Economics and Development Studies have interacted as well as how they differ. At the root of this are the implications for policy with the actual outcome of many recommendations leading to severe ongoing problems in developing countries. 'By exploring the often tetchy and conflict-ridden boundaries between 'pure' economics and development practice, this book sheds important light on the strengths and weaknesses of each, and should help both sides understand and learn better from each other.' - Duncan Green, Oxfam 'Adam Fforde is a long-standing sceptic when it comes to development economics, and in the wake of the global economic crisis he has written an important book that not only challenges the orthodoxies of development economics but also shows what development studies can learn by challenging the orthodoxies of development economics. Students of development economics and development studies will both benefit from engaging with the central arguments of Understanding Development Economics. It is a book that deserves to be widely read.' - Haroon Akram-Lodhi, Trent University, Canada 'Don't be deceived by appearances: not only is this a comprehensive, scholarly, and practical textbook, it's also a rapprochement between the disciplines of development economics and development studies. These two approaches to development are too often separated ideologically, epistemologically and methodologically. Fforde's informed mediation is both timely and welcome. A 'must read' for undergraduates, postgraduates and professional scholars with an interest in international development. Prepare to be challenged!' -Peter Case, James Cook University, Australia "Understanding Development Economics is a valuable contribution to some of the perennial controversies that continue to inform its practitioners."-Bill Lucarellia, University of Western Sydney, Australia "It is a sceptical examination of development economics and its epistemological and normative underpinnings from a trained economist, written for economists and development studies readers. It is also a book that, while focused on development economics, in various places gives a sense of how (at least some) development studies academics think."-Terence Wood, The Australian National University