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Can employment build peace? A pseudo-meta-analysis of employment programmes in Africa

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  • Ferguson, Neil T.N.
  • Nillesen, Eleonora
  • Brück, Tilman

Abstract

We examine an implicit theory of change in multiple strands of development programming — that a desired outcome can be brought about by programming typologies that aim to spur development in another area. In what we call a “pseudo-meta-analysis” across five African countries, we link the location of employment programmes to stability-related outcomes. While we show some positive impacts, specifically on fear of crime, these outcomes are far from universal. We conclude that there are some grounds for optimism but more case-studies are required at the programmatic level.

Suggested Citation

  • Ferguson, Neil T.N. & Nillesen, Eleonora & Brück, Tilman, 2019. "Can employment build peace? A pseudo-meta-analysis of employment programmes in Africa," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 180(C), pages 99-101.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolet:v:180:y:2019:i:c:p:99-101
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econlet.2019.03.033
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Employment; Peacebuilding; Externalities; Employment for peace; Africa; Meta-analysis;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O1 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development
    • I25 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Economic Development
    • O12 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Microeconomic Analyses of Economic Development

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