in the picture
alumni
Zerihun Weldegebriel- GLOB 2009-2010- Ethiopia
Works at?
Assistant Professor at Addis Ababa university Works on?
Does research on Climate Variability and Livelihood Diversification in Northern Ethiopia( PhD at Trento University, Italy) The results of the research show that farmers perceive changes in their local climate and are able to identify context-specific indicators that broadly corroborate the results from rainfall and temperature trend analysis. Concerning adaptation strategies, smallholders employ farm-level adaptation to climate variability and change that mostly involve soil and water conservation structures and diversification. However, current patterns of diversification appear to be dominated by natural resource-based activities that may not be sufficient to deal with the impacts of current climate variability. This highlights the need to adopt policy interventions geared towards increasing investments in rural and
agricultural development to support the ability of smallholders to engage in beneficial forms of non-farm diversification strategies. These results imply that policymakers could do more to support non-farm diversification strategies by recognising the importance of rural-urban connections in fostering adaptation. IOB influence on your work?
Through pursuing the particular research interest that I developed during my studies at IoB, I have learned a lot of both hard and soft skills that are transferable and helped me to advance in my career objectives. In particular, I gained practical experience of the hard skills of applying econometric techniques and models to assess the impacts of a programme / intervention, which my previous training lacked. This has been crucial in helping me to be rigorous in my research undertakings and I was able to finish my PhD dissertation in three and half years. My IoB stay also gave me the opportunity to establish networks that I still use for research and conferences.
Ngoc Anh Vu- DEM 2009-2010- Vietnam Works at?
PhD student at University of Leeds, United Kingdom.
Works on?
Civil society activism in the authoritarian context of Vietnam. My research seeks to explore the nature of political change in Vietnam arising from the emergence and rise to prominence of civil society activism. There are increasing signs that the space for civil society action is slowly opening up in Vietnam. Although the literature on this is still in its infancy, it is clear that one of the reasons for this change in civil society action is related to the fact that Vietnam is repositioning itself in the global political economy.
IOB influence on your work?
The valued knowledge and wisdom that IOB gave me set a strong foundation for my ideological perspective as a grown-up human being as well as for the career path to which I am committed now. It transformed me in a way without which I could not feel fulfilled and innovated to decide to embark on the path I have a strong reason to choose, i. e. committed to the development of civil society sector in Vietnam. In retrospect, I myself like other alumni from all corners of the world feel fortunate and privileged to have studied at IOB. Thank you!
Exchange to change June 2016 9