Erwin Bulte
Erwin Bulte is professor of economics at Wageningen University and Tilburg University. He is also a research fellow at the University of Cambridge, UK, and an advisor to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. His research interests lie at the interface of natural resources, economic growth and development, and institutional change.
According to a recent International Labour Organization (ILO) report, some 74 million children below the age of 14 are engaged in the so-called ‘worst forms’ of child labour. Although this number has been declining over time, it is still too high and is a shameful reminder of our inability to achieve global justice. The ‘worst forms’ of child labour lead to suffering and a loss of schooling opportunities for the children involved. Limited ‘accumulation of human capital’, to speak in economic jargon, perpetuates poverty and thus creates conditions that increase instances of child labour – it is a depressing cycle.
access_time 2 - 4 min
2 February, 2009
label_outline Development Policy
bookmark Magazine
Earlier this year, economist Paul Collier visited the Netherlands and talked about the policy recommendations spelled out in his best-selling book The Bottom Billion. He flew in from Africa, spent a few hours in the Netherlands, and then was on his way to rescue the Middle East. Recently Jeffrey Sachs and William Easterly – equally high-powered economists – also honoured the Netherlands with a visit, preaching their own version of the economic gospel.
7 October, 2008
label_outline Inclusive Economy
bookmark Magazine
Recently, I was asked to say a few words on Dutch national radio about the global skyrocketing of food prices. Expecting that it would be an ego-boosting experience, I eagerly accepted. However, things did not quite work out as planned. I shocked the interviewer by pointing out the benefits associated with the current food price crisis. Benefits?
access_time 3 - 5 min
16 June, 2008
label_outline Food Security
bookmark Magazine
When sitting in seminars, I now count the number of minutes until the speaker first mentions the word ‘institutions’. Usually this doesn’t take long.
4 February, 2008
label_outline Inclusive Economy
bookmark Magazine