Dr Jennifer Leavy is an economist whose research focuses on the intersection of economic, social and cultural life in the context of rural livelihoods, mainly in sub-Saharan Africa. She has 20 years' experience in research, consultancy and advisory work in environment, agriculture and development.

Her research encompasses: work and labour; youth aspirations; poverty, inequality and vulnerability; social networks; markets and institutions; social protection. She has an MSc in Agricultural Economics, and a PhD in Economics examining social networks and economic life in rural Zambia, drawing on anthropological and sociological approaches to markets.

Jennifer's expertise includes: social network analysis; combining quantitative, qualitative and participatory methods in research and analysis; econometrics; fieldwork and survey design; household survey data analysis; applied microeconomics and quantitative development economics; research, policy advice and evaluation work in livelihoods, institutions and poverty; workshop facilitation; teaching. Jennifer is a Research Officer in the Vulnerability and Poverty Reduction Team, and co-convenes the Future Agricultures Consortium Young People and Agri-Food Theme.