There are many problems regarding poverty, inequality and growth in developing countries in Asia and Africa. Policy makers at the national level and at international institutions such as the United Nations, World Bank, International Monetary Fund and others have implemented various policies in order to decrease poverty and inequality. This book provides empirical observations on Asian countries and Africa. Each chapter provides theoretical and empirical analysis on regional case studies with an emphasis on policy implications.

The book will be of use to many who wish to assess and improve policies in developing countries and mitigate poverty and inequality, and stimulate growth, by drawing on relevant empirical research and economic theories. Clearly, there have been numerous policy failures and the book aims to provide a basis for improving policies and outcomes based on relevant empirical observations.

Atsushi Maki is presently with the Department of Economics, Tokyo International University, Japan. He is Professor Emeritus of Economics at Keio University, Japan. Previously, he was Professor of Economics (1987-2009) at the Faculty of Business and Commerce, Keio University. He has been a visiting scholar at several universities such as Harvard University and the Australian National University, and has taught at several universities and institutions such as Osaka University, ESSEC (France), KSMS (Kenya) and Willamette University as a visiting professor. His main fields are empirical analysis of consumer behaviour and market behaviour.