Title_How Did East Asian Countries Overcome the Food Problem? The Experiences of Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Indonesia

Author_ Richard GRABOWSKI

Pages 44-75

Abstract_ This paper develops a semi-open dualistic model of the development process. Within this context rapid structural change and development is likely to be stymied by low productivity in staple food production. This will result in labor being relatively expensive, even when it is physically abundant. Thus solving the food problem is essential for successful economic development. However, different countries have resolved this problem in very different ways. The experiences of Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Indonesia are used to illustrate the problem and the different ways each country has evolved to solve it. These experiences have implications for today’s developing countries.

Keywords_ Food problem, Agriculture, Structural change, East Asia, Southeast Asia