BWPI research in West Africa
The impact of macroeconomic policies and exogenous shocks on employment and poverty in Africa
In this three-year project (2009-2012), BWPI, in collaboration with the British Academy and the Université de Thiès, aimed to develop an academic network between the UK and four West African countries – Senegal, Benin, Burkina Faso and Cote d'Ivoire.
A diverse multinational team of researchers investigated the impact of various government policies and external shocks on employment and poverty in Senegal, Benin, Burkina Faso and Cote d'Ivoire. Problems such as health, sanitation and education in Africa head the international policy-making agenda, but their long-term resolution depends on creating productive employment and alleviating destitution in these countries.
The capacity-building aspect of this project was central. It created a lasting network of African and UK researchers. It also provided a useful training experience - both for young African researchers, who experienced research in British universities, and for UK researchers, who spent time in Francophone Africa and learnt about the problems experienced by these countries.
Events
Workshop on social welfare in Africa:
education, employment and public programmes
In a workshop in September 2009, principal investigators Ralitza Dimova and Latif Dramani presented the first paper emanating from the project to European experts on African development. Download the workshop programme (PDF 8KB).
A second workshop took place in Parakou, Benin, in September 2011. The investigators presented the project results to an audience of African economists. They provided a forum to discuss the work of young African researchers.
Final project workshop
Project results were presented at a final workshop on 24 February 2012, at the Université de Thiès, Senegal. Download the worshop programme (PDF 40KB).
People
Key people working on this theme include:
- Dr Ralitza Dimova (principal investigator).
- Dr Latif Dramani (principal investigator), Université de Thiès, Senegal. Email Dr Dramani.
- Professor Barthélémy Biao, University of Parakou, Benin. Email Professor Biao.
- Dr Pam Zahonogo, University of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Email Dr Zahonogo.
- Dr Patrick Monnet Gbakou, University of Cocody-Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire. Email Dr Gbakou.