AN APPRAISAL OF THE HUMAN DEVELOPMENT INDEX AS AN ALTERNATIVE APPROACH TO THE THIRD WORLD COUNTRIES DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The paper aimed to analyze the human development index critically. In doing so, attempt has been made to explore indices beyond the enabling capability approach that emphasizes the three sectorial aspects of the society to a more encompassing and holistic approach that includes political freedom, security, good governance, political stability, gender, environmental condition, and human rights. Drawing from its strength the paper takes a position that if developing countries like Nigeria can take pragmatic steps to address developmental challenges then the human development paradigm certainly will be the model that can accelerate development rapidly.