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 949–960 of 14839 results

Book

A Development Economist in the United Nations: Reasons for Hope

This book explores the joys and occasional frustrations of a development economist working for the United Nations. From 1982 to 2000 Richard Jolly worked in senior positions in UNICEF and UNDP on assignments that were innovative, for the UN, the countries concerned and for development. The book...

22 November 2022

Working Paper

The Enigma of the Central–Local Government Relationship and its Impact on Property Tax Administration in Developing Countries: The Ghanaian Perspective

ICTD Working Paper;151

Property tax administration is the bedrock for effective revenue mobilisation, development, and good local governance for local governments. Yet administering property taxation continues to be a major problem, especially for many developing countries. Scholarly explanations for this poor state...

Frank L.K. Ohemeng
Fariya Mohiuddin

22 November 2022

Opinion

Religion and agriculture: reflections from Zimbabwe

A recurrent theme in our research across Zimbabwe is the role of organised Christian religion in agriculture and rural livelihoods. The connection is not usually made. However, religious beliefs, practices and institutions have important influences, and these have changed over time. In the last...

21 November 2022

Opinion

Climate and Livestock: COP27 round-up

At COP27 world leaders have failed to address the climate and livestock debate thus failing to diffuse the misleading and dangerous narratives villainising livestock for climate change. Instead, livestock and livestock keepers are key to ensuring food, income and social security in the Global...

21 November 2022

News

IDS academic recognised in global list of highly cited researchers

For the third consecutive year, Ian Scoones, Professorial Fellow at the Institute of Development Studies, has been included in the annual Highly Cited Researchers List that recognises the global influence of academics within their field. Ian Scoones is principal investigator of the ERC Advanced...

21 November 2022

Opinion

Listening to children: 2022’s inquiry into exploitative child labour

In this blog Stephen Collins, Consortium for Street Children’s Senior Legal and Advocacy Officer describes the contribution of the IDS-led ‘Child Labour: Action Innovation Research in South and Southern Asia’ programme (CLARISSA) to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Street Children, and...

21 November 2022

Opinion

Sportswashing and the Gulf: investments into British football

On October 7, 2021, thousands of Newcastle United football fans gathered at the entrance of St. James’ Park. Across a sea of black and white Newcastle shirts, several supporters waved green flags bearing the Islamic testimony of faith: “there is no God but God. Muhammad is his prophet.” A...

Ali Reda

18 November 2022

Opinion

Climate and Livestock: COP27 round-up

At COP27 world leaders have failed to address the climate and livestock debate thus failing to diffuse the misleading and dangerous narratives villainising livestock for climate change. Instead, livestock and livestock keepers are key to ensuring food, income and social security in the Global...

17 November 2022

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).