Inclusive Economies

Our work explores what characterises inclusive economies and how these can be achieved, particularly in a world where new technologies, rural to urban migration, and growing youth populations are disrupting and putting new pressures on people’s lives and livelihoods.

Our research looks at the impacts of business and markets on development and inequality and explores the potential for novel market-based solutions to work for the poorest and most marginalised based on gender, ethnicity and disability.  It explores alternatives that enable workers, consumers and communities to have a real voice.

It continues to revitalise debates on agriculture as a key pathway out of poverty and towards inclusion, particularly for young people. Our work is focused on identifying what opportunities exist in a period of agricultural commercialisation and rural transformation and how far different groups are able to access them.  It also understands how new technologies such as drones or blockchains pose risks, but can also be harnessed to improve the lives of the poorest and most marginalised people.  In a rapidly urbanising world where cities have become focal points for economic growth, jobs and innovation but also for poverty, inequality, vulnerability and conflict, our work explores what this means for both urban and rural people, and the opportunities and challenges they face in living safe and fulfilling lives.

People

Jodie Thorpe

Research Fellow

Philip Mader

Research Fellow

Richard Jolly

Research Associate

Ana Pueyo

Research Fellow

Carlos Fortin

Research Associate

Rachel Sabates-Wheeler

Research Fellow

Keetie Roelen

IDS Honorary Associate

Giel Ton

Research Fellow

Programmes and centres

Projects

Recent work

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Showing 661–672 of 14837 results

Opinion

The future of evidence-informed decision-making practice: redefining perspectives for improved impact

As a growing multi-disciplinary field, evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM) needs to draw out its unique qualities, irrespective of the perspectives from which they may have originated. As a result, I consider it very intelligent for the request of this Think Piece to present an...

3 May 2023

Opinion

Ethical considerations on recall methods in violent conflict research

Conflicts significantly impact countries, populations and individuals. Investigating and understanding new forms of power relations and social orders emerging in these contexts is necessary to break the cycle of silence surrounding them and contribute to peacebuilding and conflict prevention....

Veronica Corbellini, IDS Alumni MA GAD 2021-2022

3 May 2023

Brief

Milk Markets in Agropastoral Areas of Africa

IDS Policy Briefing 211

This briefing suggests how markets in artisanal milk products may contribute to agropastoralist livelihoods in semi-arid Africa. In some of these areas, milk plays important nutritional and cultural roles, but production is declining due to environmental changes.

3 May 2023

Opinion

The maize value web in Zimbabwe: new business opportunities

Last week, the ‘hidden middle’ around maize production and sale was introduced. From across our sites in Chikombedzi, Triangle, Matobo, Wondedzo, Chatsworth and Mvurwi, in this blog we offer a few case studies of the diversity of players in these business networks. The scale of operations...

2 May 2023

Brief

Immersive Research for Safer Sanitation in Bihar and Maharashtra, India

SLH Learning Paper;14

In 2022, FINISH Mondial and the Sanitation Learning Hub conducted a participatory and immersive research study to understand ground realities and lived experiences of sanitation and hygiene access in Nandurbar district, Maharashtra and Darbhanga district, Bihar in India. The main objectives for...

2 May 2023

Working Paper

Technology and Tax: Adoption and Impacts of E-services in Rwanda

ICTD Working Paper; 153

Many low-income countries are increasingly digitising various tax services, usually motivated by efforts to increase efficiency and transparency and reduce the burden of compliance for taxpayers. However, where awareness and adoption are suboptimal, tax e services may produce only partial...

1 May 2023

Opinion

Pastoral schools and uncertainty in southern Europe

A forthcoming EUI working paper by Alessandro Dessi explains the findings from a study on pastoral schools in southern Europe, asking how they are responding to the issue of uncertainty. Schools to train new pastoralists are booming in southern Europe. The aim of these initiatives is often...

28 April 2023

Past Event

Development Studies Week

Did you know that between IDS and our partner the University of Sussex, we provide 29 postgraduate degrees under the theme of international development? This is one of the broadest and most comprehensive programmes of international development Masters courses on offer. Development Studies Week...

28 April 2023

Why learn with us.

In an extraordinary time of challenge and change, we use more than 50 years of expertise to transform development approaches that create more equitable and sustainable futures. The work you do with us will help make progressive change towards universal development; to build and connect solidarities for collective action, locally and globally. The University of Sussex has been ranked 1st in the world for Development Studies for the past five years (QS World University Rankings by Subject).