¶ … education in the promotion of national economies. Investing in higher education is a critical investment that any country should undertake in anticipation of greater national return. A body of research suggests that education is an important tool in the promotion of both local national regional as well as international economies; it is a tool for eradication of poverty and related issues. Therefore, challenges need to be taken into consideration and these include inequality in admission into institutions of higher learning as well as inequality in higher education based on social and demographic groups. The themes selected here in touch on the significance of education and more so higher education and focusing on developed and less developed countries. Some studies have revealed that graduates actually contribute to economy and society in developing countries, but much more research is needed on this topic. There is a need to open up this area of research to ascertain the extent to which education impacts national development for sustained growth. I. Education and Economic Growth

A. There is increased concern on the educational development in most developing countries of the world by the develop countries.

1. For instance in 2009 the president of the United States doubled its funding towards education initiatives in African countries (Office of the Press Secretary, 2002).

a. The motivation behind increased funding lies in the belief that educating the future generation is the key to eradication of poverty.

1) According to Michaelowa (2000), research suggest a positive effect of mothers education on her children's health in developing nations.

2) Healthy children are more productive resulting to better academic performance likewise; educated parents are more likely to make an informed choice family planning resulting to smaller family sizes (Michaelowa, 2000).

B. Measuring Education

1. Measurement instruments for cross-national comparison

a. International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED)

1) This was developed by UNESCO in the seventies

a) To harmonize international statistics on educational levels of various countries (UNESCO, 1997).

b) Covers organization...

Return-on-Investment in Education as a Component of Conservation Interventions
A. Education can empower communities that are economically vulnerable.

1. Research has revealed a statistically significant relationship between education and agricultural productivity.

a. Niaz and Sanzidur, (2009) analysis indicate that house hold education not only increases rice productivity and enhances potential output, but also significantly reduces inefficiencies related with production.

b. In addition, Godoy et al., (2000) in their research reveal that education makes it possible for inhabitants to adopt new farm technologies that are aimed at reducing deforestation in Honduras's rain forest.

2. According to the United Nations, the decade from 2005 to 2014 is dedicated to Education for Sustainable Development.

a. The main objective is to use education as a channel through which the principles of sustainable development can be integrated with human values resulting to a viable society (UNESCO, 2005).

b. The program intends to train all workforce sectors, to empower them for sustainable development (UNESCO, 2005).

3. Researchers have taken the initiative to assess the effect of non-formal education on rural agricultural population (Grootaert & Narayan, 2004)

a. Results reveal that provision of skills training compared to the traditional education is critical in poverty alleviation.

1) Most households improved their income (Grootaert & Narayan, 2004).

B. Funding higher education turns vulnerable economies into hotbeds for new sustainable industries.

1. Diasa et al., (2004) provide important information regarding renewable energy and energy efficiency by asserting the education provides options for the transformation of human behavior towards rational use of energy.

a. Educational process is pivotal in introduction of change of behavior for the rational use of energy (Diasa et al., 2004).

b. Education developed knowledge is an important ingredient in establishing methods that adhere to social and cognitive limits of the involved population (Diasa et al., 2004).

2. Zarnikau (2003 ), demonstrate that there is a statistically significant relationship between education and willingness-to-pay for utility investments in energy efficiency.

a. Willingness to pay for utility is influenced by age, education and salary (Zarnikau, 2003 ).

b. Awareness in regard to energy…