GCEEconomicsEconomic Development2020

Which of the following correctly explains the concept of 'brain drain' as an obstacle to economic development in West Africa?

AThe emigration of unskilled workers to developed countries, reducing the labour force available for agriculture
BThe migration of highly trained and educated professionals from developing to developed countries, depriving the home country of scarce human capitalCORRECT
CThe transfer of financial capital from developing countries to foreign banks, reducing domestic investment funds
DThe inability of developing countries to train sufficient professionals due to inadequate educational infrastructure
AI
Toaster Teacher
Why the answer is B, and why the others tempt you.
Brain drain refers specifically to the emigration of highly skilled, educated, and trained professionals—such as doctors, engineers, and academics—from developing countries to wealthier nations in search of better opportunities and conditions. This deprives developing countries of the scarce human capital needed to drive economic development. Option A describes unskilled migration, Option C describes capital flight, and Option D describes an educational supply problem, none of which constitute brain drain.
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