Final answer:
The importance of primary education in development strategy is multifaceted, providing a comparative advantage, higher returns on investment, and contributing to poverty alleviation, which supports (d) all of the above as the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is indeed critical to place particular stress on the role of primary education in the development strategy for several reasons. Primary education lays the foundation for future learning and skill development, which is especially important in low-income countries (LDCs) where basic skills can provide a comparative advantage. Moreover, the law of diminishing returns implies that early investments in education yield higher returns compared to later educational investments. Additionally, since education contributes significantly to poverty alleviation, it aligns with development strategies focused on reducing inequality and improving socioeconomic conditions.
Global education patterns demonstrate that heavy investments in human capital, particularly starting with primary education, have been effective for national development. Education plays a role in reducing crime, increasing political participation, and improving health outcomes. These benefits are essential for creating stable macroeconomic and political environments, which can attract foreign aid and investment, thereby helping countries to escape poverty traps and achieve economic growth.
Therefore, the answer to the question is (d) all of the above, as all options listed speak to the multifaceted benefits of prioritizing primary education in development strategies.