Research Tom De Herdt

Abstract

Today, in the Eastern and Central African regions, only less than 10% of the working-age population earn their living in the formal economy, a very low percentage that is not likely to change substantially for the current generation. Therefore, the informal economy plays an essential role in the economic fabric of this region of Africa, providing most of the jobs and livelihoods for its citizens. With this in mind, a consortium of academic and political actors in Belgium and three African countries (Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Rwanda, and Uganda) have joined forces in a platform called SPRING (Social Protection and Inclusive Growth) to reflect on the challenges of transformative social protection in such a context. It aims to support the Belgian cooperation policy in these countries and beyond, by deepening the knowledge on the dynamics of the informal economy, focusing on the promotion of labour intensive and decent work, seeking ways to increase social protection coverage and its financing, to work towards universal health coverage and promote social dialogue.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Herdt Tom

Research team(s)

• Development processes, actors and policies

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project aims to untangle return decision-making strategies of South Sudanese transnational families, in the aftermath of the South Sudanese civil war (2013-2018). Through a multi-sited ethnography with members of South Sudanese families, we will create insights into the precise dynamics within transnational family networks and more specifically, into their decision-making processes during the period in between the conflict and post-conflict stage. We will do so through a combination of multiple qualitative research methods, including auto-ethnography, in-depth interviews, observations and life history interviews. Combining the insights generated at our three research sites, namely in the northern Ugandan refugee settlements, Kampala and Juba, we will pave the way for a better understanding of the nature and working of refugees' transnational family networks; and how their configurations evolve and adapt to changing conditions. In doing so, the study will add critical contributions to the literature on return migration, migration decision-making and transnational families.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Herdt Tom
• Co-promoter: Belloni Milena
• Fellow: Vancluysen Sarah

Research team(s)

• Development processes, actors and policies

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This postdoc merges the expertise in European social and economic history of the Centre for Urban History (CSG) with the expertise on development in Central Africa within the Institute of Development Policy (IOB). It is part of a broader research ambition of the two research groups, joint together in the AIPRIL-research platform, which will eventually culminate in a new TT-ZAP BOF 'Social and Economic History of Central Africa'. Profiting from the post-2000 boom in African economic history and answering the urgent call in Belgian society for more engagement with the history of Central Africa, this post-doc project meets the challenge of building interdisciplinary capacity between IOB and CSG. In line with the research expertise of both research groups, the unique selling proposition of this proposal is the study of diverging social and economic trajectories in Central Africa. We look for a researcher who shall investigate and help to explain long-term regional divergences, for instance in urban development, wellbeing, inequality-levels, political arrangements, health, demography, financial inclusion, etc. over the past centuries. By looking at regional divergences within and between the present-day countries of DR Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi, long-term path-dependencies as well as historical contingencies can be revealed, some of which were shaped by the experience of colonialism, others might date back to the pre-colonial period, or only originated over the past decades. Mapping and interpreting these regional differences helps to move away from homogenizing explanatory schemes such as capitalism and colonialism, and offers essential insights in the causes of prosperity or decline. Finally, embedded in such regional approach a lot of innovative research at the level of individual actors becomes possible, for instance studying the strategies and trajectories of households and individuals, as well as their capability to deal with adversities or to seize opportunities in life.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Soens Tim
• Co-promoter: De Herdt Tom
• Co-promoter: Gelderblom Oscar

Research team(s)

• Centre for Urban History

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This consortium proposal addresses the diverging fortunes of the rich, the poor and those in between. Our aim is to advance our understanding of how socioeconomic inequalities are changing, what is driving such trends and what, if anything, can be done. An undertaking of such ambition and complexity warrants an approach that combines state-of-the-art research from several disciplines. To that end, the current Methusalem grantee, the Centre for Social Policy Herman Deleeck, is joining forces with the Centre for Urban History and the Institute for Development Studies in the Antwerp Interdisciplinary Platform for Research into Inequality (AIPRIL) to continue and expand its work on the topic of socioeconomic inequality, enlarging the temporal and geographical scope this topic requires. We propose a seven year research program that seeks to make methodological, theoretical, and empirical advances in this rapidly evolving research field, building on insights from economics, sociology, economic history and development studies. The research program contains four strategically selected research streams: 1) New data and tools for the measurement of inequality; 2) Curbing inequality; 3) Urbanisation and Inequality; and 4) Shocks and Inequality.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Marx Ive
• Co-promoter: Blondé Bruno
• Co-promoter: Decancq Koen
• Co-promoter: De Herdt Tom
• Co-promoter: De Weerdt Joachim
• Co-promoter: Soens Tim

Research team(s)

• Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Consultancy project African Cities Research Consortium Consultancy project African Cities Research Consortium Consultancy project African Cities Research Consortium Consultancy project African Cities Research Consortium

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Herdt Tom

Research team(s)

• Development processes, actors and policies

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This feasibility study will explore the conditions to implement GOBLAR, a participatory governance and accountability tool at the commune-level in mega-city Kinshasa. GOBLAR is based on WHO's UrbanHEART approach and was developed and implemented in 2020 in two municipalities of Guatemala City. Our objective is to better understand under what conditions this tool and the underlying approach can be adopted and be made to work in Kinshasa (DRC), another challenging urban environment. We will adopt the realist evaluation approach and the case study design. We will collect qualitative and quantitative data through a wide range of methods. The analysis will be based on principles of realist evaluation and lead to a more detailed programme theory underlying GOBLAR. The project is also intended to lead to (1) a full-fledged FWO research project, through which we aim to strengthen local health priority-setting based on a participatory accountability assessment that involves local authorities, civil society organisations, communities and private health providers and (2) a proposal for a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral network focusing on the use(fulness) of public accountability tools in urban public services.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Titeca Kristof
• Co-promoter: De Herdt Tom

Research team(s)

• Development processes, actors and policies

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The study wants to identify a number of important local, regional and international determinants and drivers of urban development of Bukavu, on the basis of secondary sources. The objective is to start from this scoping study to define a more extensive empirical research phase at a later point in time.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Herdt Tom

Research team(s)

• Development processes, actors and policies

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Despite an emphasis on strengthening the capacity of the public sector as a key policy component of the state-building approach in fragile states, the issue of public sector remunerations has received little attention. This empirical gap extends beyond the policy realm, as the scholarship dealing with African public governance has also remained silent on this issue. Addressing both gaps, this project explores the functioning of the Democratic Republic of Congo's wage bill and payroll system through an analytical framework building on the ethnographic tradition in the study of 'real governance' and 'negotiated statehood', applied to the back office bureaucracy of the central administration. We will focus on analysing the politics behind the allocation and (re)distribution of the wage bill in the DRC, particularly the system of public sector remunerations, both in terms of its composition and its sources. We concentrate on the degrees of differentiation across ministries, departments in five ministries targeted by civil service reform, while also examining the intersection of remunerations with ongoing policy reforms. In so doing, we address the empirical gap within the literature on African governance by providing an in-depth exploration of the system of public sector remunerations and recruitment processes in Congo's central bureaucracy, while also providing insights on the development implications that this system carries for international actors.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Herdt Tom
• Co-promoter: Titeca Kristof

Research team(s)

• Development processes, actors and policies

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

I would like to deepen the topic of "real governance" of my research, in different ways. First of all, I want to scrutinize the real governance theme in terms of the literature on public governance, power and rationality in so-called developed countries. Usually, these countries are seen as the "model" for Southern countries, but this framing can be criticized through a real governance lens. After writing a concept paper on this theme. I want to apply by writing a research project on this theme, by organising a collective research & training initiative on the theme of "black Europe" and by completing a chapter on a critique of inequality of opportunity in my course book on poverty and inequality.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Herdt Tom

Research team(s)

• Development processes, actors and policies

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This two-year research programme (1 January 2017- 31 December 2018) aims to further understand governance, service delivery and economic growth in the Democratic Republic of Congo. More particularly, it aims to understand policy implementation from national to local levels and generating lessons from what works in promoting positive change, and how to measure change. The research program will do this by tackling a range of sector-specific topics that link closely to the programs of DFID – DRC. Topics are thus chosen for their potential to contribute practical operational knowledge. At the same time, it is the ethos of the individual research projects to also address big cross-cutting questions of governance and state-society relations that might help inform DFID's broader discussions on how to engage in fragile states with weak governance.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Titeca Kristof
• Co-promoter: De Herdt Tom

Research team(s)

• Development processes, actors and policies

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

To organise academic events for CRE-AC and to define the themes for these events; to organise the communication and outreach of CRE-AC and to co-edit a yearly publication of CRE-AC. To organise academic events for CRE-AC and to define the themes for these events; to organise the communication and outreach of CRE-AC and to co-edit a yearly publication of CRE-AC.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Herdt Tom

Research team(s)

• Development processes, actors and policies

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand VLIR. UA provides VLIR research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Herdt Tom

Research team(s)

• Development processes, actors and policies

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand Unicef. UA provides Unicef research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Herdt Tom

Research team(s)

• Development processes, actors and policies

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand VLIR. UA provides VLIR research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Titeca Kristof
• Co-promoter: De Herdt Tom

Research team(s)

• Development processes, actors and policies

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal service agreement between UA and on the other hand ODI. UA provides ODI research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Herdt Tom

Research team(s)

• Development processes, actors and policies

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a research contract awarded by the University of Antwerp. The supervisor provides the Antwerp University research mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions stipulated by the university.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Herdt Tom

Research team(s)

• Development processes, actors and policies

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal service agreement between UA and on the other hand VLIR. UA provides VLIR research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Herdt Tom

Research team(s)

• Development processes, actors and policies

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand VLIR. UA provides VLIR research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Herdt Tom

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Cross-border informal trade is either seen as a 'weapon of the strong' , in which political and economic elites use this trade for private profit and/or financing criminal movements; or a 'weapon of the weak', through which marginalized sections of the population try to survive. By studying the 'real' cross-border informal economy (MacGaffey 1991), this postdoctoral project wants to analyse the tension between both approaches; because this discussion has important implications for processes of economic development and state formation far beyond border areas. The West Nile border area in (North Western) Uganda, bordering (North Eastern) Congo and (South West) Sudan is chosen as a case-study.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Herdt Tom
• Fellow: Titeca Kristof

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Ansoms An
• Co-promoter: De Herdt Tom

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Herdt Tom

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

After a period of transition and civil war, the development priority goes to the reconstruction of the state structures. Yet, throughout the years, a system of 'informal' governance has been founded, which is accepted by the population and by the state. This research focuses on these forms of local governance in interaction with the existing and newly created state policy. Sectors of research are primary education and urban agriculture.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Herdt Tom

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Herdt Tom

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Herdt Tom

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Herdt Tom
• Co-promoter: De Feyter Koen
• Co-promoter: Molenaers Nadia
• Co-promoter: Timmerman Christiane
• Co-promoter: Van den Bosch Karel

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Evaluation and consultancy for the South Cooperation Program of the NGO Broederlijk Delen: analysis of its strategy and the operational instruments of community strengthening in the light of the recommendation of the 2002 program evaluation. Two reports are expected: one about the steps taken bij Broederlijk Delen to operationalise its concept of community strengthening within its partner program (relations with partner NGOs and target groups); a second one about the conceptualisation of 'community strengthening' in the context of the the programs for rural development and democratisation

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Bastiaensen Johan
• Co-promoter: De Herdt Tom

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Herdt Tom
• Co-promoter: Timmerman Christiane

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Element central autour duquel le projet est formulé est le manque d'ancrage des activités académiques dans le domaine de l'économie politique et du développement humain a Kinshasa. D'abord, il y a actuellement un manque de renouvellement systematique des connaissances vis-a-vis des evolutions récentes de la science. Ensuite, il faut améliorer l'adapation de l'enseignement aux debouches potentiels des diplômés. Troisièmement -mais peut-etre de prime abord- il faut que l'université sait fournir des clés de lecture pour la situation réelle vécue dans le pays. Un projet d'initiative propre en collaboration avec la FED/FCK peut joiler un rôle important pour relever ce défi. D'abord, quant au renouvellement des connaissances scientifiques, le projet prévoit des stages de recyclage en Belgique , des sessions de formation à Kinshasa et un investissement dans la connection électronique du campus à l'intemet. Ensemble avec des innovations dans le système d ' évaluation de l' enseignement, celles-ci pourront également permettre des étudiants mieux instruits pour se lancer au marché du travail. Finalement, quant a l'ancrage dans la réalité vécue dans le pays, le projet prévoit des stimulants et une base infrastructurelle pour mieux articuler les efforts de recherche, entre autres en y incluant des possibilités de doctorat à bourse mixte. Un autre produit important sera la publication de quelques ouvrages-syllabus appliqués aux réalités aftricaines.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Herdt Tom
• Co-promoter: Marysse Stefaan

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Herdt Tom

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Marysse Stefaan
• Co-promoter: De Herdt Tom

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Bastiaensen Johan
• Co-promoter: De Herdt Tom

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The regio to the south of the Sahara has been developing to the problem regio in the world. The aim of this study is to analyse the growing literature and advices with respect to the development problems in this regio, to subject them to a test, and ev. to modify or refine them, by a global economic analysis of one or some countries (Zaire, Rwanda).

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Marysse Stefaan
• Co-promoter: De Herdt Tom

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project