SVNP Scholar Events
Herder-Farmer Conflicts and Food Security in Southeast Nigeria: Plugging the Gaps in the Peacebuilding Policy Framework
On August 17, 2022 the Wilson Center Africa Program hosted a Southern Voices Network for Peacebuilding (SVNP) event, “Herder-Farmer Conflicts and Food Security in Southeast Nigeria: Plugging the Gaps in the Peacebuilding Policy Framework.”
Food Security Systems as Drivers for Sustainable Peacebuilding in Africa: The Case of Kenya
On August 2, 2022 the Wilson Center Africa Program hosted a Southern Voices Network for Peacebuilding (SVNP) event, “Food Security Systems as Drivers for Sustainable Peacebuilding in Africa: The Case of Kenya."
Refugee Women’s Inclusion in Peace Agreements and Peacebuilding in Africa: Challenges and Opportunities
On April 14, 2022, the Wilson Center Africa Program hosted a Southern Voices Network for Peacebuilding (SVNP) event, “Refugee Women’s Inclusion in Peace Agreements and Peacebuilding in Africa: Challenges and Opportunities.”
An Underappreciated Tool? The Role of Traditional Justice Institutions in Peacebuilding in Africa
On March 31, 2022, the Wilson Center Africa Program hosted a Southern Voices Network for Peacebuilding (SVNP) event, “An Underappreciated Tool? The Role of Traditional Justice Institutions in Peacebuilding in Africa.”
Challenges, Lessons Learned, and Opportunities for Peacebuilding in Transboundary River Basins, including the Eastern Nile Basin
On March 30, 2022, the Wilson Center Africa Program hosted a Southern Voices Network for Peacebuilding (SVNP) event, “Challenges, Lessons Learned, and Opportunities for Peacebuilding in Transboundary River Basins including the Eastern Nile River Basin.”
WEBCAST | Countering Transnational Organized Crime as a Strategy for Peacebuilding in East Africa
On June 8, 2020, the Wilson Center Africa Program hosted a webcast event on “Countering Transnational Organized Crime as a Strategy for Peacebuilding in East Africa.” The event assessed the relationship between transnational organized crime (TOC), conflict, and peacebuilding in East Africa and identified policy options for African and international policymakers and practitioners to more effectively combat TOC and counteract its negative impact on peacebuilding efforts in the region.
WEBCAST | Peacebuilding in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: Revisiting the Tool Kit
On June 3, 2020, the Wilson Center Africa Program hosted the event “Peacebuilding in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: Revisiting the Tool Kit.” This event analyzed the efficacy of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), established in 1999 under the name MONUC, and discussed policy options for improving policy tool kits to build peace in the DRC.
WEBCAST | Violent Extremism in West Africa: Are Current Responses Enough?
On June 2, 2020, the Wilson Center Africa Program hosted the event “Violent Extremism in West Africa: Are Current Responses Enough?” The event assessed the efficacy of current regional mechanisms in addressing the threat of violent extremism, their articulation and complementarity with international efforts, and proposed options to improve the regional response to violent extremism in West Africa.
WEBCAST | Beyond Remittances: Engaging the Diaspora to Meet Africa’s Development Financing Needs
On May 27, 2020, the Wilson Center Africa Program hosted the event “Beyond Remittances: Engaging the Diaspora to Meet Africa’s Development Financing Needs.” This event examined the role of the African Diaspora in contributing to peacebuilding and development in Africa, and how governments can better engage with them.
Africa-China Relations: Causes of Tension and Possible Peace Pathways—A Case Study of Zambia
Dr. Emmanuel Matambo, Dr. Yoon Jung Park, and Dr. Patrick W. Quirk explore Africa-China relations at the state and non-state levels, with a focus on sub-national relations in Zambia.
Building Peace in the Central African Republic: The Role of Agricultural Extension Services
Fr. Paterne Auxence Mombe, Dr. Jessica Anderson, and Mr. Michel Mbei assess the causes of insecurity in the Central African Republic (CAR) and its impact on agriculture and food security, while giving particular attention to the potential of agricultural extension services to improve agricultural productivity and livelihoods while also contributing to peacebuilding.
Hate Speech and the Challenges of Post-Election Peacebuilding in Nigeria
Dr. Olusola Isola and Mr. Vasu Mohan outline the issue of hate speech and its challenges for post-election peacebuilding in Nigeria, specifically focusing on its role in election-related violence.
Glimmers of Light: Opportunities for Preventing Violence in South Africa
On April 10, 2018, the Wilson Center Africa Program hosted an event entitled, “Glimmers of Light: Opportunities for Preventing Violence in South Africa,” and extensive dialogue centered on lessons learned and best practices when addressing violence against women and children from both the South African and U.S. perspectives.
Making the Dividend Count: Bridging the Gap between Demographic Dividend Evidence and Africa’s Policy Process
Ms. Diana Warira, Ms. Alexandra Davis, and Ms. Erin Collinson explore the role evidence-based research plays in promoting good governance and development. strategies and opportunities for stronger and more effective communications between researchers and policymakers.
Cross-Border Intergroup Conflicts in the Horn of Africa: A Case Study of Ethiopia-South Sudan Borderland People
Mr. Tasew Tafese Gashaw, Ms. Varalakshmi Vemur, and Dr. E.J. Hogendoorn explore the relationship between border conflict, resource scarcity, and regional stability, focusing on the Ethiopia-South Sudan border as a case study.
Narrowing the Gap between International and Local Actors in Peacebuilding Efforts in South Sudan
Ms. Emmaculate Asige Liaga, Mr. Mike Jobbins, and Ms. Carrie Gruenloh assess the key factors affecting peacebuilding in South Sudan with a focus on recommendations for improving the effectiveness of peacebuilding efforts through supporting local peacebuilding strategies.
Boosting Agricultural Productivity and Food Security in Africa: A Case Study of Ghana
Mr. Francis Abebrese and Dr. Tewodaj Mogues discuss agricultural productivity and public financing for agriculture in Africa, focusing on Ghana as a case study.
The Media and Election-Related Violence in Africa: Lessons from Kenya
Ms. Sharon Anyango Odhiambo, Mr. John G. Tomaszewski, and Ms. Alison Paul DeSchryver discuss the role of the media during tense elections with a risk of electoral violence.
Countering Female Violent Extremism in Kenya: Government and Media Approaches
Dr. Fredrick Ogenga and Dr. Kathleen Kuehnast discuss the issue of female violent extremism in Kenya and beyond.
Maximizing AGOA in West Africa through Regional Integration
Mr. George Boateng, Ms. Lida Fitts, and Ms. Zenia Lewis discuss the value of AGOA for African countries, its potential to help expand regional economic integration, and the obstacles to that integration.
Political Finance and Corruption in Nigeria
Dr. Benjamin Aluko and Dr. Denise Baer discuss political finance and corruption in Nigeria.
Education, Entrepreneurship, and Youth Employment in Côte d’Ivoire and Beyond
Dr. François Pazisnewende Kaboré, Ms. Jessica Bagdonis, and Mrs. Himdat Bayusuf examine the important roles entrepreneurship and education play in employing the youth of Côte d’Ivoire.
Women, Artisanal Mining, and Peacebuilding in Africa: A Call to Action
Ms. Maame Esi Eshun, Ms. Cristina Villegas, and Ms. Stephenie Foster examine the role of women artisanal miners in peacebuilding and analyze the intricate overlap between women’s economic empowerment and sustainable conflict resolution.
Achieving the Demographic Dividend in Africa: Lessons Learned
On May 16, 2016, the Wilson Center Africa Program and the Environmental Change and Security Program hosted the event “Achieving the Demographic Dividend in Africa: Lessons Learned.” With three expert speakers, the panel analyzed the factors that have driven fertility decline in several Southern African countries, with an eye toward distilling lessons for other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa seeking to harness the demographic dividend—a phenomenon where rapid economic growth can occur after fertility decline, as a “bulge” of young workers moves through their most productive years.
Are Ghanaians Fed-up with Democracy? Institutional Mistrust and Satisfaction with Democracy
Mr. Isaac Debrah and Ms. Kamissa Camara assess Ghanaian perceptions of democracy.
Foreign Electoral Assistance in Post-Conflict Settings: Does it Work?
Mr. Brice Bado and Mr. Rushdi Nackerdien discuss the effectiveness of foreign electoral assistance in post-conflict settings.
The Role of IGAD: A Regional Approach to the Crisis in South Sudan
Dr. Getachew Gebrekidan and Mr. John Prendergast discuss the conflict in South Sudan and the role of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the U.S., and other actors in the mediation process.
Engaging Women for Africa's Future: The Role of Women in Science, Technology, and Innovation
Mr. Bobadoye Ayodotun and Ms. Jennifer Haskell discuss U.S. initiatives to increase women in science, technology, and innovation in Africa.
Beyond Gender Quotas in African Politics: How to Deliver on Women's Issues in Africa
Ms. Rhoda Osei-Afful and Ms. Caroline Hubbard examine issues affecting African women in the political arena, particularly in their efforts to advance women’s interests across the continent.
Land-Grabbing and Villagization in Ethiopia's Lowlands and Beyond
Dr. Fana Gebresenbet discusses the issues of land grabbing and villagization in the Gambella region of Ethiopia.