What is the context of your visit?

I am spending a research period in Bordeaux as a PhD exchange student from Hong Kong Baptist University and under the supervision of David Ambrosetti, Director of LAM research centre.

My project aims to deepen the understanding of how and why local civics, both state and non-state, get involved in developmental planning processes, and again, endeavor to point out the core challenges that might hamper their constitutional mandate in the process. The collaboration allows me to draw on local expertise and diverse case studies, which enrich the comparative dimension of my research and drive home the dynamics and relationship between participation, socio-economic development, and poverty eradication.

Can you tell us a little about your background?

My academic background is rooted in management, health policy, public administration, and public policy, with an emphasis on participatory governance. Before coming to Bordeaux, I worked on projects exploring government tax policy on electronic transactions in my home country, Ghana, and the impact on financial inclusion aimed at widening the government’s tax net to address pressing economic development. These experiences have equipped me with both qualitative and quantitative research skills and have fueled my interest in cross-cultural perspectives on participation in local government and its related issues surrounding poverty eradication.

What topics does your research generally focus on?

Broadly, my research focuses on the intersections between local civic participation, urban development, policymaking, and poverty eradication. I investigate how communities interact with planning authorities, what institutional frameworks support or hinder their involvement, and what outcomes arise from participatory mechanisms in different urban contexts.

More specifically, what main research questions/issues are you working on?

Currently, my research centers on identifying the socioeconomic, political, and administrative factors that influence the degree and quality of local civic involvement in the development planning of projects. I am particularly interested in understanding what practical barriers and facilitators exist, the effectiveness of different participatory models, and how local voices can be more substantively incorporated into planning decisions. Ultimately, I seek to uncover if participation has an impact on development and poverty eradication.

What challenges do you expect to face, or are you facing, and how do you plan to overcome them?

A significant challenge I am currently encountering is the language barrier. Nonetheless, I am confident that this obstacle will not hinder my progress, as the staff have demonstrated a remarkable willingness to assist in various capacities to help me achieve my research objectives. Effectively engaging local stakeholders and navigating linguistic limitations requires intentional and sustained effort. To address these challenges, I am building collaborative relationships with local academic staff, actively participating in institutional meetings, and dedicating myself to acquiring new language skills and cultural competencies. These strategies not only facilitate the research process but also enhance the overall value of my academic experience during my stay.

Where does this interest in your research come from?

The motivation for my research is firmly anchored within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically, Goal 1 (No Poverty) and Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

My motivation arises from a critical reflection on the paradox faced by countries such as Ghana, which, despite an abundance of natural resources, continues to contend with persistent poverty and limited socio-economic progress. My academic interest lies in elucidating the factors undermining the potential of resource-rich nations to translate their endowments into genuine economic advancement.

I seek to investigate how participatory approaches in developmental planning, engaging both state and non-state actors and leveraging their collective social capital, can contribute to more effective socio-economic development. Ultimately, my objective is to highlight the dynamics that either facilitate or impede poverty eradication, with a particular emphasis on the role of inclusive participation in shaping developmental outcomes.

What advice would you give other LAM visitors?

I would encourage future visitors to approach their stay with openness and curiosity, engaging not just with academic peers but also with community members and stakeholders. Bordeaux offers a rich array of research opportunities, and meaningful collaboration often happens outside formal institutional settings. Attend local events, listen actively, and share your experiences; this will deepen your understanding and make your visit both more professionally and personally rewarding.