Mariajose Silva Vargas

(2019 visiting IIES - Stockholm University and GPRL - Northwestern University)

I am interested in empirical development economics.  I use field experiments – behavioural experiments and randomised controlled trials (RCT)– to answer economic and policy questions in developing countries.  So far I am working on two projects: one is related to the complexities of land markets in rural Uganda and the second is related to refugees’ welfare and labour integration in East Africa.  

Before joining UNU-MERIT, I worked in Uganda and Tanzania for 3 years managing impact evaluations for the World Bank & Innovations for Poverty Action.  Previously, I conducted a research study in the Ivory Coast on an IFAD's program related to ex-combatants' reintegration through agriculture.

I hold a master's degree in Agricultural Economics/Rural Development from Ghent University & Humboldt University of Berlin and a bachelor from Roma Tre University.  I also studied digital photography which I combine with my research experiences. 

Supervisors

Dr. Ir. Eleonora Nillesen (UNU-MERIT & Maastricht University)

Dr. Jonathan de Quidt (IIES - Stockholm University)

Work in progress

Do Increasing Returns to Scale Restrict Land Trade? with Dr. Gharad Bryan (London School of Economics), Dr. Jonathan de Quidt (IIES - Stockholm University) and Dr. Tom Wilkening (Melbourne University)

Improving Refugees’ Livelihoods: Evidence from an Experiment in Uganda with Francesco Loiacono (IIES - Stockholm University)

Grants

Peace and Recovery Programme (Exploratory Grant) - Innovations for Povery Action

Small Projects - International Growth Centre (IGC)

Full CV