WORLD DEVELOPMENT

Scope & Guideline

Empowering research to shape development policies.

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

Malaysian Journal of Economic Studies

Illuminating Economic Trends and Policy Implications
Publisher: PERSATUAN EKONOMI MALAYSIAISSN: 1511-4554Frequency: 2 issues/year

Malaysian Journal of Economic Studies is a prominent peer-reviewed academic journal dedicated to advancing the field of economics, econometrics, and finance. Published by PERSATUAN EKONOMI MALAYSIA, this journal has been a vital platform for scholarly research since its inception, with a publication history spanning from 2007 to 2024. With an impressive Q3 quartile rank in the Economics, Econometrics, and Finance category and a Scopus ranking that places it in the 44th percentile among its peers, the journal serves as a critical conduit for disseminating innovative economic research and findings that can inform policy-making and academic discourse. Although it currently does not offer Open Access, it remains committed to enhancing the visibility of economic research in Malaysia and beyond. Scholars, practitioners, and students alike will find this journal a valuable resource that not only reflects the evolving economic landscape but also contributes to a deeper understanding of economic phenomena on a global scale.

GROWTH AND CHANGE

Championing rigorous research on growth and change.
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 0017-4815Frequency: 4 issues/year

GROWTH AND CHANGE is a prestigious academic journal published by Wiley, focusing on the interdisciplinary study of global and planetary change. Since its inception in 1970, this journal has served as a critical platform for researchers and scholars who seek to explore the complexities of social, economic, and environmental transformations occurring worldwide. With an impressive impact factor and renowned for its rigor, it currently holds a Q2 ranking in the Global and Planetary Change category as per the latest metrics. GROWTH AND CHANGE can be accessed through traditional subscriptions, catering to a broad audience including professionals and academic institutions. Its objectives revolve around advancing knowledge and fostering critical discussions that illuminate the challenges posed by rapid change and growth in our environments. Positioned at the forefront of debates in sustainability and development, this journal is indispensable for anyone vested in understanding and addressing the interconnected issues of our changing world.

DEVELOPMENT AND CHANGE

Illuminating pathways to understanding and progress.
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 0012-155XFrequency: 6 issues/year

DEVELOPMENT AND CHANGE is a premier journal published by Wiley, earning its place in the top rank of Development studies with a remarkable Scopus rank of #33 out of 306 and a Q1 categorization for 2023. Since its inception in 1970, this esteemed journal has provided a comprehensive platform for critical research and discourse on social, economic, and political developments shape global change. With an impressive impact factor reflecting its influence within the field, DEVELOPMENT AND CHANGE is dedicated to advancing the understanding of development in both historical and contemporary contexts, addressing crucial challenges faced as societies evolve. Although it does not offer open access, the journal remains accessible to a wide audience, including researchers, policy-makers, and practitioners, fostering a vibrant academic environment that encourages rigorous analysis and innovative thinking. By continually contributing to the discourse on pressing developmental issues, DEVELOPMENT AND CHANGE stands at the forefront of shaping scholarly dialogue and influencing policy across the globe.

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.

World Development Perspectives

Navigating the complexities of global change through research.
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.

Journal of Rural Studies

Unveiling Insights into Rural Challenges
Publisher: PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTDISSN: 0743-0167Frequency: 4 issues/year

Welcome to the Journal of Rural Studies, a premier peer-reviewed publication dedicated to advancing the field of rural research. Published by PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD, this esteemed journal has been a cornerstone of scholarly discourse since its inception in 1985 and continues to evolve through 2024. With an impressive impact factor and categorization in the Q1 tier across various fields, including Development, Forestry, Geography, Planning and Development, and Sociology and Political Science, the journal is among the elite voices in rural studies. Researchers, professionals, and students alike will find invaluable insights within its pages, supported by rigorous empirical research and theoretical explorations that address the complexities of rural life and its myriad challenges. While it currently does not offer open access, the subscription model ensures a broad dissemination of knowledge, fostering collaboration and innovation within the academic community. With a robust Scopus ranking that places it in the top percentiles across multiple social sciences, the Journal of Rural Studies remains an essential resource for those dedicated to understanding and improving rural environments worldwide.

African Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics-AFJARE

Empowering research, transforming resources.
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.

Global Social Policy

Innovating the conversation on global welfare challenges.
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.

Perspectives on Global Development and Technology

Bridging Disciplines to Address Global Challenges
Publisher: BRILLISSN: 1569-1500Frequency: 6 issues/year

Perspectives on Global Development and Technology, published by BRILL in the Netherlands, is a pivotal journal that serves as a platform for interdisciplinary research focusing on the intersections of global development and technological advancements. With a diverse scope covering areas like Development, Education, Geography, Health, and Political Science, this journal has established a significant presence in the academic community since its inception in 2002. Although currently not an Open Access journal, it is indexed in prestigious databases such as Scopus, which ranks it within the top percentiles for various social science categories, underscoring its relevance and authority in its field. The journal's commitment to fostering knowledge exchange is evident in its rigorous peer-review process, which ensures the publication of high-quality research that resonates with scholars, practitioners, and policymakers alike. By contributing valuable insights into pressing global issues, Perspectives on Global Development and Technology plays a crucial role in shaping discussions around sustainable development and technological impact on society.

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.