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News, ideas, and analysis from J-PAL staff and affiliated professors. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive monthly email updates.

A headshot of Nneka Osadolor.

African Scholar Spotlight: Nneka Osadolor

In this spotlight, we speak with Nneka Esther Osadolor, a PhD candidate in economics at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Nneka’s primary research interests are broadly in development economics and applied microeconomics, including labor markets, financial inclusion, poverty, inequality, and gender...
Gustavo Bobonis in front of fence and trees

Affiliate Spotlight: Gustavo J. Bobonis on advancing evidence generation and use in Puerto Rico

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In this Evidence Champion series, J-PAL North America is recognizing individuals in our network who have made extraordinary contributions to the field of evidence-based policymakin g. This piece features the work of Gustavo J. Bobonis , our inaugural researcher recipient. Gustavo is a professor of...
Workers at a factory in Birigui, São Paulo, Brazil

Tackling Brazil's labor market challenges with evidence: JOI Brazil's research agenda

Brazil's labor market faces multiple challenges, including gender and racial disparities, an aging population where many lack access to savings or a pension, and adaptation to new labor regulations and digital transformation. The Covid-19 crisis exacerbated challenges as unemployment rates in the...
Two girls doing schoolwork at desk

Affiliate Spotlight: Selim Gulesci on entrepreneurship, gender, and the policymaking process

This affiliate spotlight features reflections from Selim Gulesci on his research surrounding gender, labor, and economics, and touches on his new role of Scientific Advisor for J-PAL Africa’s Girls’ Education and Empowerment portfolio.
Woman looking at produce at market

What the research says on improving women's economic agency and employment outcomes

In this blog, we summarize ongoing research and lessons from randomized evaluations funded by the Gender and Economic Agency (GEA) Initiative and the Jobs and Opportunity Initiative (JOI), which address open questions related to women’s work and economic empowerment.
Farmer in Kenya at work in field

Agricultural productivity and labor: Evidence and open questions for researchers

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This blog offers insights and proposes questions on how farmers in Kenya can best utilize household and hired labor, in addition to agricultural technologies.
Africa African Scholar Spotlight with Japheth Awiti Osotsi Stanley (left) & Carlos Guzman (right)

African Scholar Spotlight: Dr. Japheth Awiti Osotsi Stanley

In this post, Carlos Guzman, finance and operations manager at J-PAL Global, spoke with Dr. Japheth Awiti Osotsi Stanley, a lecturer in the School of Economics at the University of Nairobi. Japheth’s primary research interests relate to human capital, labor markets, health, and poverty alleviation.
Entrepreneurs exhibiting soft skills in a group meeting.

Soft skills training can improve employment outcomes and bolster entrepreneurship

How can entrepreneurs gain the skills to run a successful business? An emerging body of rigorous research demonstrates the importance of not only training in hard skills, but also soft skills, like communication and self-awareness.