Citing Africa

Contributor(s): Tao Platt, Jolien Thomas, Sam Cressey, Julie Zollman | Financial inclusion has not become hegemonic because of its innate potential to improve livelihoods, but because it does not require a fundamental transformation of existing social structures. Instead, it drives the interests of major development actors. In this episode, we are joined by Julie Zollman from Tufts University to discuss financial inclusion and why it has gone viral as a solution for international development.   Speakers: Tao Platt, Jolien Thomas, Sam Cressey and Julie Zollman

Contributor(s): Selena Chavez, Kayla Choun, Heloise Bertrand | Quelle est la cause du taux de chômage croissant chez les diplômés au Bénin ? À travers une série d'entretiens menés avec des étudiants universitaires et des enseignants, les faiblesses structurelles du système éducatif béninois sont analysées. En s'appuyant sur le cas du Bénin, l'épisode soutient que, en tant qu'externalité positive, l'éducation devrait être accessible à tous et devrait également faire l'objet de subventions publiques.   Speakers: Selena Chavez, Kayla Choun and Heloise Bertrand

Contributor(s): Dr Ken Shadlen, Yael Velleman, Regina Guzman, Katie Bullman, Polly Lloyd-Healey | Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) affect more than a billion people in developing countries, but they remained largely unnoticed by the international community until the the Sustainable Development Goals were drafted in 2015. Discussing why and how ideas ‘go viral’, we speak to LSE Professor Dr Ken Shadlen and NTD specialist at the SCI Foundation Yael Velleman to explore the power dynamics involved in global agenda-setting.   Speakers: Dr Ken Shadlen, Yael Velleman (Regina Guzman, Katie Bullman and Polly Lloyd-Healey)

Contributor(s): Dr Andrea Matwyshyn, Lou Aubay, Charles Rodwell, Victoria Grabenwoeger | This episode discusses how digital measurement technologies are used in health insurance for risk assessments and the implications for inclusive healthcare systems in Africa. We speak to scholar Dr Andrea Matwyshyn from Penn State University, whose research focuses on the internet of bodies and health technology, as well as to two International Development Master students from LSE. The debate will show that digital health data presents considerable risks for user’s privacy, equal access to health systems and asymmetric power dynamics.   Speakers: Dr Andrea Matwyshyn (Lou Aubay, Charles Rodwell and Victoria Grabenwoeger)

Contributor(s): Dr Simona Sala, Amanuel Kebede, Sara Zebdi, Jorich Loubser | This episode discusses Market Information Systems (MIS) to understand whether they have managed to increase the bargaining power and economic security of rural farmers. We present two cases that argue although MIS platforms have evolved and demonstrated a capacity for adaptation, there is insufficient evidence to claim these platforms have significantly improved the bargaining power and welfare of rural citizens. Speakers: Dr Simona Sala (Amanuel Kebede, Sara Zebdi and Jorich Loubser)