How do different actors shape pathways for pro-poor policymaking across diverse African contexts?
On 14 November 2024, the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) hosted a dynamic showcase featuring PhD researchers Ahmed El Assal, Guido Masschaupt, Kate O'Donnell and Petronilla Wandeto. In rapid-fire pitches, they shared their cutting-edge research on the political and institutional dynamics of development policy implementation in Kenya, Uganda, Malawi and Zambia. The event was hosted by Professor Wil Hout and moderated by Professor Rosalba Icaza.
The hybrid event offered a unique glimpse into the findings of the Eradicating Poverty: Pathways towards achieving the SDGs (ADAPTED) project, funded by the European Union through Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions.
PhD researchers shared insights from their personal fieldwork experiences across the Global South—and occasionally the Global North. They addressed key topics, including researcher positionality in development studies, the role of various actors in ‘pro-poor’ policymaking and the societal impact of their work.
From social protection to education and agri-industrial policies, researchers explored the challenges and trends that shape mainstream development policymaking in African contexts.
Watch the rapid pitches
Ahmed El Assal
Ahmed explores the challenges of depoliticized accountability initiatives in Uganda's social protection and education sectors. Drawing from five months of fieldwork, his research highlights paradoxes of fear and empowerment, digital inequalities and the impact of political patronage on policy implementation.
Guido Maschhaupt
Guido investigates the interplay between Malawi and Zambia agricultural subsidies and cash transfers. Through six months of fieldwork, his research highlights how competing interests among domestic elites and international donors impact policy effectiveness, sustainability and recipients' well-being.
Kate O'Donnell
Through case studies in Kenya, Kate's research uncovers the institutional, financial and political challenges of implementing these systems and questions their effectiveness in diverse contexts. Watch to discover how this approach impacts social policy and what alternatives could pave the way for universal provision.
Petronilla Wandeto
Petronilla compares Kenya and Uganda's sugar industries, uncovering how government relationships, privatization and farmer coordination impacted their divergent trajectories. Insights reveal the critical need for vertical and horizontal coordination to create decent jobs and ensure sustainable industrial growth.
Watch the recorded broadcast
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We give special thanks to Holland Park Media for providing audiovisual support for this event.
The ADAPTED project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement No. 956909.- Related content
