Faculty Lead: Clapperton Mavhunga
Project Descriptions: Professor Mavhunga’s research has shown that rural policy in Africa is made in the city, imposed on the countryside, with grassroots conceived of as beneficiaries of government or NGO solutions, not co-creators. Therefore, policies which create mechanisms for democratic, bottom-up input have the potential to tap into everyday forms of innovation in Africa’s informal sector, which contributes to over 70% of employment. The IPL is assisting in translating this research into policy recommendations and outreach to development organizations.
IPL Support: Providing contacts, logistical support, editing policy documents, travel, and communications training.