Citing Africa

Contributor(s): | By Ioana Puricel and Nick Muller This episode builds on the previous theme by zooming in on the World Bank’s Country Policy and Institutional Assessment (CPIA) score. The scoring is based on what the Bank considers to be ideal policies and institutional qualities that contribute to growth, poverty reduction and thus aid effectiveness. We discuss criticisms and reforms for the CPIA with two prominent development scholars: Erik Thorbecke and Yusi Ouyang. Notes and references: IEG (2009). The World Bank's Country Policy and Institutional Assessment: An IEG Evaluation OECD (2020). External financing to Least Developed Countries (LDCs): where we stand Thorbecke, Erik. and Ouyang, Yusi (2016). Is Sub-Saharan Africa Finally Catching up?

Contributor(s): | Notes and references: Bienefeld, Manfred. “Structural Adjustment: Debt Collection Device or Development Policy?” Review (Fernand Braudel Center), vol. 23, no. 4, 2000, pp. 533–82, http://www.jstor.org/stable/40241499. Accessed 9 May 2022. Chwieroth, Jeffrey M. Capital Ideas the IMF and the Rise of Financial Liberalization. Princeton University Press, 2010. Copelovitch, Mark S. The International Monetary Fund in the Global Economy: Banks, Bonds, and Bailouts. Cambridge University Press, 2010. Dreher, Axel, and Nathan M. Jensen. “Independent Actor or Agent? an Empirical Analysis of the Impact of U.S. Interests on International Monetary Fund Conditions.” The Journal of Law and Economics, vol. 50, no. 1, 2007, pp. 105–124., https://doi.org/10.1086/508311. Gehring, Kai, and Valentin Lang. “Stigma or Cushion? IMF Programs and Sovereign Creditworthiness.” SSRN Electronic Journal, 2018, https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3169341. Haque, Nadeem Ul, et al. “Rating the Raters of Country Creditworthiness.” Finance & Development, March 1997, International Monetary Fund, 1997. Mkandawire, Thandika. “Disempowering New Democracies and the Persistence of Poverty.” Globalisation, Poverty and Conflict, 2004, pp. 117–153., https://doi.org/10.1007/1-4020-2858-x_8. Mkandawire, Thandika. “Lessons from the Social Policy and Development of South Korea: An Interrogation.” Learning from the South Korean Developmental Success, 2014, pp. 11–30., https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137339485_2. Mkandawire, Thandika. “The Spread of Economic Doctrines and Policymaking in Postcolonial Africa.” African Studies Review, vol. 57, no. 1, 2014, pp. 171–198., https://doi.org/10.1017/asr.2014.12. Mkandawire, Thandika. “Thinking about Developmental States in Africa.” Cambridge Journal of Economics, vol. 25, no. 3, 2001, pp. 289–313, http://www.jstor.org/stable/23600389. Accessed 9 May 2022. Nelson, Stephen C. “Playing Favorites: How Shared Beliefs Shape the IMF's Lending Decisions.” International Organization, vol. 68, no. 2, 2014, pp. 297–328., https://doi.org/10.1017/s0020818313000477. Stone, Randall W. Controlling Institutions International Organizations and the Global Economy. Cambridge University Press, 2011. Stone, Randall W. “The Political Economy of IMF Lending in Africa.” American Political Science Review, vol. 98, no. 4, 2004, pp. 577–591., https://doi.org/10.1017/s000305540404136x. Stone, Randall W. “The Scope of IMF Conditionality.” International Organization, vol. 62, no. 4, 2008, pp. 589–620., https://doi.org/10.1017/s0020818308080211. Vygotsky, Lev S. Mind in Society: The Development of Higher Psychological Processes. Harvard University Press, 1978. “What Is the 'Gentleman's Agreement'?” Bretton Woods Project, 28 Oct. 2021, https://www.brettonwoodsproject.org/2019/07/what-is-the-gentlemans-agreement/. Woods, Ngaire. The Globalizers: The IMF, the World Bank, and Their Borrowers. Cornell University Press, 2014.

Contributor(s): | This podcast asked the question, what is considered legitimate knowledge within the development studies field? It explores the role of the 'Journal Impact Factor' in solidifying existing north-south hierarchies and how funding affects the kind of research produced. It discusses the role of CODESRIA and considers how language hierarchies and barriers shape who can speak about African countries within international academia. Hoffmann, Nimi. “The Knowledge Commons, Pan-Africanism, and Epistemic Inequality: A Study of CODESRIA.” Rhodes University; Faculty of Humanities, Institute of Social and Economic Research, 2018. https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:27764?site_name=Rhodes%20University. Okere, Theophilus. “Is There One Science, Western Science?” Africa Development30, no. 3 (December 15, 2005). doi:10.4314/ad.v30i3.22227.

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)

Contributor(s): Nanjira Sambuli, Moses Namara, Ellen Smeele, Nicole Johnson | This episode explores how data is collected and used in African countries by discussing the power dynamics underpinning data practices. Joined by Kenyan researcher and policy analyst Nanjira Sambuli, working on digital equality, and Ugandan Phd scholar on online privacy Moses Namara, the episode discusses the critical role of the state in building regulations for data as a resource to promote development. It also examines the central role local expertise should play to enable socio-economic transformation that benefits African citizens.

Contributor(s): Dr Laura Mann, Tin El-Kadi, Syerammia Ohene | How does knowledge and technology shape economic and social development? We introduce season two which brings together investigative projects exploring the ways ideas and biases become hegemonic within international organisations working in African countries. The episode reflects on what progress has been made since season one towards reforming scholarly publishing, and how this might impact season two’s focus on ICTs in agriculture, health and development, and public investment in higher education.

Contributor(s): Professor Thandika Mkandawire and Dr Laura Mann | Thandika Mkandawire talks to Laura Mann about the impact of structural adjustment on African knowledge and economics, the role of CODESRiA in strengthening the autonomy of Africa-based research, and the ideas that have shaped and guided his prestigious career.

Contributor(s): Ryan Briggs, Christine Feak, Henrike Florusbosch, Felix Mukwiza Ndahinda, Andy Nobes, Naomi Pendle | The final episode explores current efforts to increase the representation of Africa-based authors in international journals and what more can be done. We address the importance of publishing in these journals for career opportunities, and what declining rates of acceptance for Africa-based academics means for scholarship from the continent.

Contributor(s): Divine Fuh, Cyril Obi, James Smith | In this episode we assess the strengths and weaknesses of the current funding environment for social science research in Africa and for Africa-based scholars. Speaking to leading funders about their experiences, we ask where investment to higher education institutions comes from, where opportunities exist, and how knowledge infrastructure can be built.

Contributor(s): Laura Mann, Nwando Achebe, Tinashe Nyamunda, Leonard Wantchekon, Tin Hinane El Kadi | Criticism and rejection are part of the scholarly experience. Episode 7 gives practical advice on how to deal with feedback from editors and reviewers, as well as tips on how to improve your work. Senior scholars share stories of their own setbacks, inspiring younger researchers who work on Africa to engage with the taboo conversations around 'Revise and Resubmit' and 'Rejection'.

Contributor(s): Mjiba Frehiwot, Laura Mann, Tom Odhiambo, Tin Hinane El Kadi, Gabriel Botchwey, Kwasi Obiri-Danso, Caroline Kihato, Lindsay Whitfield, Nwando Achebe | In this episode we provide practical advice for young academics embarking on the process of getting their first work published. We will share tips from leading journal editors and scholars on how to identify the most appropriate journal for your work, and examine the underlying incentives that shape academics’ choices about how they publish and present their work.

Contributor(s): Professor Akosua Adomako Ampofo, Dr Alden Young, Professor Akosua Keseboa Darkwah, Dr Richard Itaman | In this episode we explore the North-South divide in African Studies, and the balancing act Africa-based scholars make to remain relevant internationally and on the continent. We will also discuss the work of some organisations in boosting knowledge exchange and collaborations not only internationally but cross-continent.

Contributor(s): Professor Laura Mann, Dr María del Pilar López-Uribe | What can African Studies learn from Latin American Studies? This episode looks at the history of decolonisation within Latin American studies and examines efforts by organisations and scholars to improve North-South knowledge exchange and collaboration.

Contributor(s): Professor Leonard Wantchekon, Professor Thandika Mkandawire, Professor Akosua Adomako-Ampofo | In this episode, we travel back centuries to uncover the history of higher education on the Africa continent. We also examine some of the challenges that have faced tertiary education on the continent in the post-colonial period. Our contributors are Professor Leonard Wantchekon, Professor Thandika Mkandawire and Professor Akosua Adomako-Ampofo.

Contributor(s): Abidah Ferej, Marie-Noelle Nwokolo, Dr Simukai Chigudu, Dr Eyob Gebremariam | This episode examines who gets cited as the leading authorities on reading lists in Development and African Studies in four African countries and the UK. We explore whether different ‘silos’ of knowledge are being created as well as examine the barriers to having more diverse and representative reading lists on Development Studies and African Studies courses across countries. Abidah Ferej, Marie-Noelle Nwokolo, Dr Simukai Chigudu and Dr Eyob Gebremariam contributed to this episode.

Contributor(s): Dr Ryan Briggs, Dr Sarah Cummings, Elizabeth Walker | In this episode we discuss the lack of representation by Africa-based scholars in international journals by speaking to scholars Dr Ryan Briggs and Dr Sarah Cummings who have conducted quantitative studies to investigate this issue. We are also joined by Elizabeth Walker, Publisher at Routledge Taylor and Francis, one of the world's leading publishers of scholarly books and journals.