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 685–696 of 14837 results

Opinion

The Dana+20 Manifesto on Mobile Peoples’ Rights

Historically our ways of life and our human rights were too often depreciated and denied. Some of us experienced violence, forced displacement and sedentarisation. Laws were framed to deny us the same rights that were accorded to settled farmers. Our rights to our lands, territories, and the...

Ariell Ahearn & 2 others

21 April 2023

Brief

Are Digital and Traditional Financial Services Taxed the Same? A Comprehensive Assessment of Tax Policies in Nine African Countries

ICTD Research in Brief;84

This background report looks at tax implications for those providing and using digital financial services (DFS), and gives general observations as to whether DFS in Africa are taxed the same as traditional financial services (TFS). There is no categorical answer to this question. It varies...

Hannelore Niesten

21 April 2023

News

New research casts doubt on GM crops as solution for global food crisis

Researchers are calling for countries to re-think their investment in genetically modified (GM) crop technology, as a new study suggests that the benefits of GM crops have been widely over-stated, while the benefits of alternative crop technologies are being ignored. The study on soya...

20 April 2023

Past Event

Evaluating Research for Development: innovation to navigate complexity

In this Centre for Development Impact (CDI) seminar we will launch the Special Issue in the European Journal of Development Research on Evaluating Research for Development: Innovation to Navigate Complexity. Watch now https://youtu.be/IPr37pUpDO0?t=83 Large publicly funded programmes of...

20 April 2023

News

As conflict escalates in Sudan, three urgent health issues need addressing

The recent outbreak of conflict in Sudan is an escalating and urgent crisis resulting in a breakdown of infrastructures, presenting significant risks to civilians. This article, written by a fellow of the Social Science in Humanitarian Action Platform (SSHAP), which is an IDS partnership,...

19 April 2023

Opinion

Can pastoralists benefit from wildlife conservation in Kenya? A case study from Amboseli

In a previous post, I summarised a recent article that I wrote with colleagues on the changing system of access and benefits within Maasai land in southern Kenya. This post only hinted at ongoing changes in land tenure, and the closely related, extremely complex issue of wildlife conservation...

Ryan Unks, PASTRES post-doctoral researcher

14 April 2023

News

Countdown to landmark conference to transform global food production

In four weeks (11-12 May) experts will join forces in London and online to respond to the growing global climate and food crises, to urgently find more sustainable means of food production that work for people, animals and the planet. The global food system is the main driver of biodiversity...

13 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).