AFAERE

A Review of Recent Advances in Applied Econometrics
2020-10-08 14:00 - 15:30 UTC | Zoom
In this webinar, I will present a review of recent advances in applied econometrics, which is useful for researchers working on empirical questions related to program/policy impact evaluation. I will consider three major topics offering recommendations for applied work in each of them. I will start with the discussion of causal inferences with observation data; natural experiment design-based identification strategies including difference-in-difference estimator, synthetic control methods, instrumental variables method, and regression discontinuity design. These will be followed by a brief look into external validity, and the causal interpretation of regression methods. Secondly, I will present different supplementary analyses of these estimators with a focus on placebo and robustness tests to establish credibility of the identification strategies. Finally and more importantly, I will introduce recent advances in causal machine learning (ML) with a focus on (1) l^1-Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) for estimating treatment effects and model selection and (2) Causal Forest for identifying and estimating heterogenous treatment effects.
PRESENTER: Dr Dambala Gelo Kutela, Senior Lecturer, School of Economics and Finance, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa; Member of AFAERE; Senior Research Associate, Environment for Development (EfD)
ZOOM MEETING LINK: https://gu-se.zoom.us/j/69977090559
TIME: 8 October 2020, 14h00 GMT

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Introduction to Discrete Choice Analysis & Stated Choice Surveys
2020-09-24 14:00 - 15:30 | Zoom
Almost without exception, everything we undertake involves a choice. In recent years there has been a growing interest in the development and application of quantitative statistical methods to study choices made by individuals or groups with the purpose of gaining a better understanding both of how choices are made and of forecasting future choices. Discrete Choice Analysis (DCEs) and stated choice methods are widely used across diverse fields to study the behavioural responses of individuals, households and other organizations. This is an introduction to the theoretical basis for, and development and application of, the DCEs. The aim of the talk is to provide the audience particularly students with an understanding of the basic principles of conducting discrete choice experiments (also known as conjoint choice analysis). Thorough and step by step guide to all stages in the design of DCE surveys, including attribute and level selection, experimental design, survey design and implementation.
PRESENTER: Prof Johane Dikgang, Senior Research Fellow & Director: Public and Environmental Economics Research Centre (PEERC), University of Johannesburg, South Africa & AFAERE Council Member
ZOOM MEETING LINK: https://gu-se.zoom.us/j/61352551955
MEETING ID: 641 303 072 84
TIME: 24 September 2020, 14h00 GMT

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How to Calculate & Plug-in Biodiversity Values in Public Policy in Africa
2020-09-10 14:00 - 15:30 | Zoom
PANELISTS 1: Dr. Byela Tibesigwa, Senior Research Fellow at Environment for Development-Tanzania (EfD-T) at the University of Dar es Salaam. She is a council member of AFAERE and member of Ecosystem Service Accounting for Development (ESAfD) and AGRODEP
PANELISTS 2: Prof. Richard Mulwa, Centre Director and Senior Research Fellow at Environment for Development-Kenya (EfD-K) at the University of Nairobi. He is a member of AFAERE and Secretary General of ASEE. He is a member of Ecosystem Service Accounting for Development (ESAfD)
PANELISTS 3: Dr. Dawit Woubishet, Research Fellow at Environment and Climate Research Center (ECRC) i.e. EfD-Ethiopia. Member of Ecosystem Service Accounting for Development (ESAfD) and Climate Resilient Green Economy (CRGE) initiative
ZOOM MEETING LINK: https://gu-se.zoom.us/j/64130307284 MEETING ID: 641 303 072 84 TIME: 10 September 2020, 14h00 GMT

Innovative Methods for the Upcoming Call for Energy Research
2020-08-27 14:00 - 15:30
Access to electricity leads to enhanced agriculture, business, education, health, water and sanitation, and overall economic growth and the improvement in the quality of life; yet more than 600 million people lack electricity. Africa needs to accelerate electrification while mitigating against, and adapting to, climate change. The considerable untapped renewable energy potential and their rapid cost reductions hold promise for a massive roll out of sustainable electricity on the continent. However, knowledge on effective policies, interventions, and investment models remains limited while data that would aid planning and investment is inaccessible and scattered. Accelerating sustainable electricity in Africa therefore also requires generation of new knowledge. We anticipate a call for proposals on energy and climate change in the last quarter of the year. This presentation suggests a framework for country case studies on addressing the challenges of sustainable electrification in Africa. It highlights the methodologies that are likely to impress funders while helping to guide climate-smart sustainable electrification in Africa

PRESENTER: Prof Edwin Muchapondwa, School of Economics at the University of Cape Town (UCT), Senior Research Fellow of the Environment for Development (EfD), and Secretary General of the African Association of Environmental and Resources Economists (AFAERE)
ZOOM MEETING LINK: https://gu-se.zoom.us/j/65517614084MEETING ID: 655 1761 4084
TIME: 27 August 2020 14h00 GMT

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Get the slides
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nBHkBCGGCS678q5UHuaEeuZQyyntlwmQ/view?usp=sharing

Fundable Research Proposals
2020-08-13 14:00 - 15:30
Tips for Writing a Good and Fundable Research Proposal in Economics

Good research begins with a good research idea that has clear and significant value addition. Developing such an idea in a concise and coherent manner in a research proposal worthy of attracting support requires some expertise. This webinar aims at highlighting critical but often overlooked ingredients that distinguish a strong research proposal from a weak one. The webinar will cover items such as how to choose a research topic, what goes into writing a good introduction, stating a research problem and research objectives, identifying the relevant literature, choosing appropriate methodology, data issues, as well as an overview of the criteria used by funders in evaluating proposals

PRESENTER: Prof. Wisdom Akpalu, Dean of the School of Research and Graduate Studies at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), and President of the African Association of Environmental and Resources Economists (AFAERE)

ZOOM MEETING LINK: https://gu-se.zoom.us/j/67412358126MEETING ID: 674 1235 8126

TIME: 13 August 2020 14h00 GMT

Couldn’t take part in the event? You can watch the video

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Get the slides
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BkiOw1KnJsOfSEK-4wkUKVJUZsyHLumS/view?usp=sharing
