WORLD DEVELOPMENT

Scope & Guideline

Illuminating pathways to impactful global change.

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the scholarly insights of WORLD DEVELOPMENT with our comprehensive guidelines detailing its aims and scope. This page is your resource for understanding the journal's thematic priorities. Stay abreast of trending topics currently drawing significant attention and explore declining topics for a full picture of evolving interests. Our selection of highly cited topics and recent high-impact papers is curated within these guidelines to enhance your research impact.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN0305-750x
PublisherPERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1973 to 2025
AbbreviationWORLD DEV / World Dev.
Frequency12 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressTHE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'World Development' focuses on interdisciplinary research that addresses critical issues of development across the globe. It aims to provide insights into the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of development, with a particular emphasis on the challenges faced by low- and middle-income countries.
  1. Sustainable Development and Environmental Justice:
    The journal emphasizes research that assesses the interplay between economic growth and environmental sustainability, exploring topics such as climate change adaptation, resource management, and the impacts of environmental policies on marginalized communities.
  2. Poverty and Inequality:
    Research focusing on poverty reduction strategies, income inequality, and their socio-economic implications is a core area. The journal publishes studies evaluating the effectiveness of social protection programs, cash transfers, and other interventions aimed at alleviating poverty.
  3. Gender and Development:
    A significant focus on gender issues, including women's empowerment, gender equality in labor markets, and the socio-economic impacts of gender-based policies. This includes examinations of women's roles in agriculture, labor, and decision-making processes.
  4. Migration and Mobility:
    The journal addresses themes related to migration, including the economic and social impacts of migration flows, the experiences of migrants, and the dynamics of refugee crises in relation to local economies and governance.
  5. Political Economy of Development:
    Research that investigates the political dimensions of development, including governance, public policy, and the influence of political structures on economic outcomes is a prominent aspect of the journal's scope.
  6. Health and Development:
    The intersection of health and economic development is a critical area of focus, with studies examining health systems, access to healthcare, and the impacts of health policies on community well-being.
  7. Technological Innovation and Development:
    The journal encourages research on the role of technology in driving development, including the adoption of agricultural innovations, digital technologies, and their implications for rural and urban livelihoods.
The journal 'World Development' has identified several emerging themes that reflect current global challenges and priorities in development research. These trending themes highlight the dynamism and responsiveness of the field to contemporary issues.
  1. Climate Change and Resilience:
    Research on climate change adaptation strategies and the resilience of communities to environmental shocks is rapidly gaining attention. This theme emphasizes the need for sustainable practices and policies to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
  2. Digital Transformation and Development:
    The role of digital technologies in facilitating development, including access to information and communication technologies (ICT), is a growing area of research. This includes studies on digital finance, e-governance, and the digital divide.
  3. Social Protection and Welfare Systems:
    There is an increasing focus on social protection mechanisms, their effectiveness in alleviating poverty, and their role in promoting social equity. This includes research on cash transfers, universal basic income, and integrated welfare programs.
  4. Health Equity and Access:
    Emerging research on health equity, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlights disparities in access to healthcare services and the socio-economic determinants of health outcomes.
  5. Indigenous Rights and Knowledge Systems:
    Research that recognizes the importance of indigenous rights, knowledge systems, and their integration into development policies is on the rise. This trend reflects a broader movement towards inclusivity and respect for diverse cultural perspectives.
  6. Impact of Global Crises on Development:
    The effects of global crises, such as pandemics and economic downturns, on development trajectories and community resilience are increasingly explored. This includes examining the adaptive strategies of vulnerable populations.

Declining or Waning

While 'World Development' continues to evolve, certain themes have seen a decline in prominence over recent years. This may reflect shifting priorities within the field of development studies and changing global contexts.
  1. Traditional Agricultural Practices:
    Research centered on traditional agricultural practices has become less prominent as the focus shifts towards sustainable practices, technological innovations, and the impacts of climate change on agriculture.
  2. Urbanization as a Sole Focus:
    The earlier emphasis on urbanization as a standalone theme has waned, with more integrated approaches that consider the rural-urban continuum and the interdependence of urban and rural areas gaining traction.
  3. Economic Growth as the Primary Indicator of Development:
    The narrative that economic growth alone is sufficient for development has diminished. There is now a stronger emphasis on multidimensional indicators of well-being, including social equity and environmental sustainability.
  4. Macro-level Economic Policies:
    Research focused solely on macroeconomic policies without consideration of their social impacts has declined. There is an increasing demand for analyses that incorporate micro-level perspectives and community-level outcomes.

Similar Journals

Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy

Unlocking Insights for Effective Development Strategies
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 2040-5790Frequency: 4 issues/year

Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy is a leading journal published by WILEY, focusing on contemporary issues in economics and development policy. With its commitment to advancing knowledge in these critical fields, the journal boasts an impressive impact factor and consistently ranks in the top quartiles, being categorized as Q1 in both Development and Economics & Econometrics as of 2023. Its Scopus rankings reflect this excellence, placing it at #15 out of 306 in Social Sciences Development and #45 out of 716 in Economics and Econometrics, indicating a prestigious standing within the academic community (95th and 93rd percentiles, respectively). The journal is dedicated to publishing high-quality research that informs policy-making and fosters economic development, inviting submissions that explore innovative solutions to pressing global challenges. As an open-access journal, it ensures widespread visibility and accessibility, encouraging researchers, professionals, and students to engage with the latest findings and contribute to meaningful discussions in the field. With a converged presence from 2010 to 2024, it serves as a vital resource for those looking to stay at the forefront of economic research and policy analysis.

African Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics-AFJARE

Exploring innovative solutions for Africa's agricultural challenges.
Publisher: AFRICAN ASSOC AGRICULTURAL ECONOMISTSISSN: 1993-3738Frequency: 2 issues/year

African Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics (AFJARE) is a dynamic publication dedicated to advancing the fields of agricultural and resource economics within the context of Africa. Published by the African Association of Agricultural Economists, this journal serves as a vital platform for researchers, professionals, and students to disseminate their findings and engage with contemporary issues affecting the agricultural sector across the continent. With an ISSN of 1993-3738 and an E-ISSN of 1993-3738, AFJARE aims to reach a wide audience through its commitment to open access, ensuring that crucial research is accessible to all. The journal has recently established itself in the academic landscape, achieving a Q3 ranking in Agricultural and Biological Sciences and a Q4 ranking in Economics and Econometrics for 2023. Covering a diverse scope from 2018 to 2023, AFJARE encourages submissions that explore innovative economic strategies and policies that can foster agricultural development and resource management in Africa. With its growing impact and relevance, AFJARE is poised to become a cornerstone in the discourse on agricultural economics in Africa and beyond.

World Development Perspectives

Shaping perspectives for a more sustainable world.
Publisher: ELSEVIERISSN: 2452-2929Frequency: 4 issues/year

World Development Perspectives, published by Elsevier, is a premier academic journal poised at the forefront of multidisciplinary research in the realms of development, economics, geography, sociology, and political science. With an ISSN of 2452-2929, this journal is committed to fostering an insightful dialogue among researchers and practitioners on pressing global challenges. The journal holds an impressive Q1 ranking in both Geography, Planning and Development and Sociology and Political Science, highlighting its exceptional contribution to these fields. Furthermore, its Q2 status in Development and Economics underscores its relevance in addressing economic issues through innovative development perspectives. Operating from its base in the United Kingdom and with a broad range of access options, World Development Perspectives invites scholarly submissions that explore transformative strategies aimed at sustainable development. As it converges from 2016 to 2024, the journal is dedicated to advancing knowledge and practice, making it an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students committed to shaping a more equitable and sustainable world.

Economics & Sociology

Innovative Insights at the Crossroads of Economics and Society.
Publisher: CENTER SOCIOLOGICAL RESEARCHISSN: 2071-789XFrequency: 4 issues/year

Economics & Sociology is a prominent open-access journal published by the CENTER SOCIOLOGICAL RESEARCH, based in Poland. With an ISSN of 2071-789X and an E-ISSN of 2306-3459, this journal has been serving the academic community since 2014 by facilitating the dissemination of impactful research in the fields of economics, sociology, and their intersections. With its rigorous peer-review process, Economics & Sociology has achieved an impressive standing in various quartiles, ranked as Q2 in disciplines such as Business, Management and Accounting, Economics, Econometrics and Finance, and Social Sciences as of 2023. Its Scopus rankings demonstrate its significance, placing it within the top percentile rankings across multiple categories. The journal aims to foster innovative and empirical research that not only contributes to theoretical frameworks but also provides practical insights into societal dynamics. By embracing an open-access model, it ensures that valuable knowledge is accessible to a wider audience, making it a vital resource for researchers, professionals, and students interested in the evolving landscapes of economics and sociology.

PROFESSIONAL GEOGRAPHER

Pioneering Interdisciplinary Dialogue in Geospatial Studies
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 0033-0124Frequency: 4 issues/year

PROFESSIONAL GEOGRAPHER is a prominent journal in the fields of geography and earth-surface processes, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd. With a rich history dating back to 1949 and continuing through 2024, it serves as a vital platform for researchers, professionals, and students to explore and disseminate groundbreaking research and insights within the geographical sciences. The journal holds a respectable impact factor, placing it in the Q2 quartile for both Earth-Surface Processes and Geography, Planning and Development as of 2023, highlighting its importance in these critical academic areas. The journal ranks #273 out of 821 in Geography and Planning and #70 out of 179 in Earth and Planetary Sciences on Scopus, reflecting its robust contribution to advancing knowledge in social sciences. Although it does not currently offer open access options, it still provides invaluable content that influences pedagogy and research in geography. Its comprehensive scope invites a wide range of geospatial topics, encouraging interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration across the global academic community.

African Geographical Review

Connecting Scholars to Africa's Diverse Geographical Narratives
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1937-6812Frequency: 3 issues/year

African Geographical Review is a pivotal academic journal published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, whose mission is to advance knowledge and understanding of geographical dynamics across the African continent. With an ISSN of 1937-6812 and an E-ISSN of 2163-2642, this journal consistently delivers high-quality research, showcasing innovative perspectives and interdisciplinary approaches within the fields of Earth-Surface Processes and Geography, Planning and Development. Recognized in 2023 with a Q2 ranking in these categories, it ranks #231 out of 821 in Social Sciences and #63 out of 179 in Earth and Planetary Sciences according to Scopus metrics, reflecting its substantial impact and relevance. Featuring research that spans various geographic themes, the journal not only champions academic inquiry but also fosters a deeper understanding of spatial and environmental challenges unique to Africa. Engaging with a diverse audience of researchers, professionals, and students, the African Geographical Review serves as an indispensable resource for those committed to enhancing geographic scholarship and informing sustainable development practices across the continent.

Global Social Policy

Exploring the intersections of governance and societal well-being.
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTDISSN: 1468-0181Frequency: 3 issues/year

Global Social Policy, published by SAGE Publications Ltd, is an esteemed journal that has been at the forefront of social policy discourse since its inception in 2001. With an ISSN of 1468-0181 and an E-ISSN of 1741-2803, this journal provides a platform for the exchange of ideas surrounding the dynamic intersections of global social policies, governance, and societal welfare. Situated in the United Kingdom, Global Social Policy holds a notable impact in its field, reflected in its 2023 quartile rankings: Q2 in Geography, Planning and Development; Q3 in Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law; and Q2 in Sociology and Political Science. The journal ranks impressively in the Scopus database, being placed within the 75th percentile for Sociology and Political Science, demonstrating its relevance and influence amongst peers. It aims to inspire and inform scholars, practitioners, and policymakers by publishing rigorous research that addresses critical global challenges. By fostering interdisciplinary dialogue, Global Social Policy continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of social policy research and practice.

Cepal Review

Illuminating Pathways to Economic Growth
Publisher: COMISION ECONOMICA PARA AMERICA LATINA Y EL CARIBEISSN: 0251-2920Frequency: 3 issues/year

Cepal Review is a prominent academic journal published by the Comisión Económica para América Latina y el Caribe (CEPAL), focusing on critical issues within the fields of development and economics. Established in 1977, the journal has served as a vital platform for disseminating research relevant to policymakers, researchers, and practitioners interested in economic and social development in Latin America and the Caribbean. The journal holds a Q4 category ranking in both Development and Economics, Econometrics, and Finance (miscellaneous) as of 2023, highlighting its commitment to fostering dialogue on pressing economic challenges despite its current ranked positioning. While Cephal Review is not open access, its compilation of diverse articles from 1981 to 2024 reflects a wide-ranging discourse on socioeconomic trends, policies, and theoretical frameworks. For anyone engaged in these fields, this journal is an invaluable resource for understanding the dynamics of economic development and the region's unique context.

Asian Economic Papers

Fostering scholarly discourse on Asia's economic evolution.
Publisher: MIT PRESSISSN: 1535-3516Frequency: 3 issues/year

Asian Economic Papers, published by MIT Press, is a premier academic journal that delivers cutting-edge research in the dynamic fields of economics and political science with a specific focus on Asian economies. Since its inception in 2008, the journal has carved out a significant niche, reflected in its impressive 2023 Scopus Rankings; including a Q1 categorization in Political Science and International Relations, and Q2 rankings in both Economics and Finance. With a rigorous peer-review process, it aims to foster scholarly discourse on economic policies, practices, and research relevant to Asian contexts. Although not an open-access journal, it presents a valuable contribution to the academic landscape, making it indispensable for researchers, professionals, and students seeking insightful analysis and data-driven studies. Based in Cambridge, MA, Asian Economic Papers holds a notable reputation for its high-impact output and continues to be pivotal in shaping economic thought and policy in Asia and beyond.

International Journal of Economic Policy Studies

Fostering Insightful Research in Economics and Beyond.
Publisher: SPRINGERNATUREISSN: 2524-4892Frequency: 2 issues/year

The International Journal of Economic Policy Studies is a premier academic journal published by SPRINGERNATURE, dedicated to advancing research in the fields of economics, political science, and sociology. With an ISSN of 2524-4892 and an E-ISSN of 1881-4387, this journal is recognized for its commitment to open access, fostering global dissemination of knowledge while promoting rigorous peer-reviewed scholarship. Based in Japan and operating from CAMPUS, 4 CRINAN ST, LONDON N1 9XW, ENGLAND, it has successfully established itself as a valuable resource for researchers and professionals alike. The journal's impact is reflected in its respectable Q3 status across major categories, including Economics and Econometrics and Political Science, complemented by its Scopus rankings that showcase its significance in the academic community. Spanning the years from 2019 to 2024, the International Journal of Economic Policy Studies serves as an essential platform for critical discussions and innovative policy analysis, making it a must-read for scholars looking to explore contemporary issues and foster informed decision-making.