New Research by Dr. Hangala Siachiwena Explores Policy Reform and Resource Governance in Africa
Dr Hangala Siachiwena has published two new exciting and thought-provoking peer-reviewed articles that advance our critical debates on governance, development and resource politics in Africa using publicly available survey data through Afrobarometer. The first article challenges the ways in which we think about policy reform in Zambia in an era of post-independence, by investigating the presidency of Michael Sata and his efforts to revive state-led development strategies, while situating his argument in a broader debate of neoliberalism. While the second article tackles the socioeconomic implications of mining in Ghana on the mining districts, by investigating public attitudes toward mining and the distribution of wealth, unpacking the relationship between perceptions on government performance and partisanship alignment with resource governance. The links to both pieces can be found on our website under publications.
Policy Reform After Structural Adjustment in Zambia: The Politics of Restoring a Statist Development Agenda, 2011–2014
Abstract
Michael Sata’s presidency in Zambia (2011–14) marked a notable attempt to revive statist development ideas rooted in the country’s postindependence era. While the preceding MMD government had begun reintroducing limited state intervention, its commitment remained constrained. Sata, by contrast, articulated a more assertive vision of state-led development, echoing the UNIP-era model under Kenneth Kaunda. Drawing on policy documents, speeches, and survey data, this article situates Sata’s politics and policies within broader public dissatisfaction with neoliberal reforms and highlights enduring tensions in Africa’s post structural adjustment era between market-oriented policies and demands for greater state involvement.
The benefits of resource extraction in mining districts: Citizens’ perceptions in Ghana
Abstract
This study investigates citizens’ perceptions of the socioeconomic benefits of mining in Ghana, focusing on whether mining districts benefit from revenues generated through resource extraction. Using Afrobarometer survey data, the research addresses two key questions: whether citizens believe the benefits of mining, such as jobs and revenues, outweigh negative impacts like pollution and deforestation, and whether they feel mining districts receive a fair share of these revenues. The results show that fewer than half of citizens believe the benefits outweigh the costs or that mining districts receive a fair share of revenues. Regression analysis finds no statistically significant differences in attitudes between citizens in mining and non-mining districts. However, those who believed the benefits outweighed the costs were more likely to report higher poverty levels and view government economic management positively. Additionally, support for the ruling party was associated with the belief that mining districts receive a fair share of revenues, suggesting patronage politics may influence perceptions. These findings are consistent with the idea of a local resource curse and highlight the need for further research on the capacity of institutions to redistribute mining revenues.