Spreading the fruits of development

Now that statistics show unprecedented national economic growth, there are apprehensions that such growth cannot be sustained. There are also doubts as to whether this growth is being felt at the household level.
           
There is, of course, no simple answer that will erase those doubts. Economic growth affects people in different ways.
           
I pointed out in last week’s column that the growth was largely traced to high government spending in infrastructure.
           
We can see, therefore, that the spread effects of such growth will be immediately felt by those directly and indirectly engaged in government construction. After which will flow the benefits that will be enjoyed by those using the roads, bridges, ports, irrigation and classrooms which constitute the bulk of public construction.
           
Since agriculture is fairing slightly better than it did last year then only modest improvements in the quality of life of farmers and fishermen can be expected. And since this sector constitutes 49% of our employed labor force, then this portion of our population will experience improvements but not as much as those in construction.
           
The challenge to government is to come up with strategies and programs that will improve the quality of life of those in the agriculture sector. The improvements in roads already benefit them, but this won’t be enough.
           
The challenge is in improving productivity in terms of real incomes and in providing them the opportunity and support to acquire skills, live healthy lives and live in decent housing. These are the two main dimensions of development: economic and social.
           
Spreading the fruits of economic development must redound to the improvement in the social well being of this sector - their health, education, and housing.

If we are able to do this, the fruits of growth as we termed it, will benefit the many who in the first place need much of government’s assistance.