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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

Emeritus Fellow and Research Associate

Ana Pueyo

Research Fellow

Carlos Fortin

Emeritus Fellow and 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 1201–1212 of 15397 results

Working Paper

The Role of Small and Medium Industries in the Heritage Identity in Iraq: A Case Study of Bashiqa Town

CREID Working Paper 22

This paper aims to identify the most famous Yazidi heritage industries in the town of Bashiqa, in Nineveh governorate. It explores the economic, social and cultural reality of three non-material industries (the manufacture of al-rashi, olive oil and soap) in the town of Bashiqa by comparing how...

12 May 2023

Opinion

Turning the tide on obesity in the city of Brighton

The challenge of childhood obesity is defined as a ‘wicked’ problem, up there with the likes of climate change and biodiversity loss. What makes these issues so wicked? To start with there are many (often contested) ways of defining the issue and how it should be ‘solved’, there is no...

11 May 2023

Brief

Situational Analysis: Marburg Virus Disease in Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania

This brief provides an overview of the Marburg Virus Disease outbreaks in Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania, as well as contextual factors to inform considerations for responses in both countries.

11 May 2023

Opinion

How the UN got thirsty again after 46 years

The UN 2023 Water Conference took place in New York on 22-24 March, 46 years after the last UN water conference in Mar del Plata, Argentina. The 1977 conference led directly to the UN water decade of the 1980s with an avowed aim of achieving 'water for all'. Perhaps overly ambitious, given the...

11 May 2023

Working Paper

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

ICTD Working Paper; 162

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

10 May 2023

Opinion

Are greater diversity, participation, and inclusivity compatible with greater impact?

Words have meaning beyond their definitions The public sphere today is terminally fragmented. Gone are the days when the debate focused on what to do based on the facts of the day. Today we start the debate much earlier – on what the facts themselves are. Our media sources are diverse and...

10 May 2023

Opinion

Conflict and social protection in the Horn of Africa

Conflict and political instability are major drivers of deprivation and displacement across the Horn of Africa. This is exemplified by the unfolding situation in Sudan, where humanitarian need is escalating rapidly as competing factions struggle violently for power. In a region with such high...

10 May 2023

News

IDS researchers join experts at global food and farming conference

IDS Director Professor Melissa Leach and IDS researcher Stephen Devereux will speak alongside experts from around the world tomorrow (11 May) at the landmark Extinction or Regeneration conference, convened to respond to the growing global climate and food crises. Organised by Compassion in...

10 May 2023

Working Paper

Ensuring an Effective Social Protection Response in Conflict-Affected Settings: Findings from the Horn of Africa

Working Paper

The interaction between social protection and conflict is an emerging area of study with particular relevance to the Horn of Africa, where conflict and political instability are habitual risks and where social protection is now a well-established field of intervention, including in response to...

Izzy Birch & 3 others

9 May 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).

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