Decolonizing Development Studies

This podcast is a recording from a panel discussion on Tuesday 27 July hosted by the Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa and the Department of International Development on 'Decolonising development studies: Practical steps in course designing, reading selections and classroom discussions'. The event was chaired by ID's Dr Eyob Balcha Gebremariam and featured panelists Dr Rosalba Icaza, Associate Professor, Institute of Social Studies, Erasmus University; Dr Yirga Gelaw Woldeyes, Curtin University, Centre for Human Rights Education; Dr. Althea-Maria Rivas, Department of Development Studies, SOAS. 

The discussion covered many complex questions around how to decolonise development studies, considering the various layers of this debate which address epistemological questions, methodological issues, diversity of authors, curriculum designing, and classroom discussions with and among students. The event built on the lessons and challenges of teaching African Development using decolonial perspectives in the current academic year at the LSE, International Development Department, and what this may mean for other disciplines.

For related podcasts, you can check out the Citing Africa podcast, hosted by the Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa, which explores the global construction and imbalances of knowledge production, taking a critical look at the wider context affecting the African continent.