Newsletter by Prof. Jane Mariara sharing insights on how southern voices are shaping sustainable development solutions.
Southern Lens on Development
Where Research Meets Reality: How We Are Bridging Evidence and Policy in 2026
By Prof. Jane Mariara
In this issue, Prof. Jane Mariara traces how four PEP-supported teams across South Africa, Ethiopia, Senegal, and Colombia are closing the gap between evidence and policy — and why getting the right people in the room from the start makes all the difference
Cultivating Equality: Making agricultural innovation work for women in Africa
By Prof. Jane Mariara
In this issue, Prof. Jane Mariara examines how agricultural innovation can either close or deepen gender inequalities in Africa, making the case that only inclusive design and delivery can ensure women fully benefit from emerging technologies
PEP Update: Programme Delivery in 2025 and Engagement Priorities for 2026
By Prof. Jane Mariara
In this issue, Prof. Jane Mariara offers a snapshot of how efforts to deepen policy engagement, align research and capacity development, strengthen organisational systems, and improve evidence communication shaped programme delivery and engagement milestones.
Leading with Local Evidence: How Southern Voices Shaped Development Thinking in 2025
By Prof. Jane Mariara
In this issue, Prof. Jane Mariara brings together the lessons she has shared throughout 2025 to put forward the case for why sustainable development cannot be imported and that local challenges require locally-led solutions.
Beyond a Seat at the Table: What Fair Collaboration Really Looks Like
By Prof. Jane Mariara
In this issue, Prof. Jane Mariara argues that balanced North–South collaboration is central to addressing the mismatch between development research agendas and the realities and priorities of the people the evidence is meant to serve. She then asks: what does fair collaboration really look like?
Is the EU’s Carbon Border Fair to the Global South?
By Prof. Jane Mariara
The European Union introduced the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to promote clean energy transitions and incentivize green technology adoption. Drawing from a new paper co-authored by PEP, Prof. Jane Mariara explores the macroeconomic impacts of the CBAM on countries throughout the Global South.
Levelling the playing field for North-South research collaborations
By Prof. Jane Mariara
Since 2002, PEP has been supporting locally-led development in the Global South. More recently, PEP Research Fellows sought to identify ways to enhance the participation of Southern researchers in development debates. In this issue, Prof. Mariara focuses on how North-South research collaborations can be more equitable.
The Future of Work in Africa: From Evidence to Action
By Prof. Jane Mariara
Millions of young people in Africa continue to face barriers to accessing dignified and fulfilling work. Now, as global labour markets see rapid changes due to technological change, climate pressures, and demographic transitions, Prof. Mariara asks: how do we prepare Africa’s youth for the future of work?
Powering Change from the Ground Up: Rural Enterprises Leading a Low-Carbon Future
By Prof. Jane Mariara
When local enterprises are empowered with information, financing, and supportive policies, renewable energy can drive both productivity and inclusion. Prof. Mariara shares emerging insights on how the transition to low-carbon agriculture can be inclusive and equitable.
What does it take to create dignified and fulfilling work for youth? Lessons from Youth Employment Policy Reviews across Africa
By Prof. Jane Mariara
Africa’s greatest potential lies in its young people, yet millions remain without decent work opportunities. What will it take to turn promise into prosperity? Prof. Mariara shares lessons from Youth Employment Policy reviews from across Africa.
