Strengthening mathematics, science and economic policy capacity in Afghanistan and Central Asia
Afghanistan and Central Asia face serious climate and economic challenges. This project, led by the Aga Khan Foundation of Canada (AKFC) and the University of Central Asia, will help the region to respond to these challenges by strengthening individual and organizational skills in mathematics, environmental science, and economic policy-making in Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. It will train teachers in Afghanistan in effective mathematics and gender-responsive teaching methods; enhance scientific teaching and climate change research in Afghan and Tajik universities with a special focus on advancing women scientists; and build the capacity of officials and civil society organizations in all three countries to use research in the analysis of economic policy issues.
Altogether some 300 people (200 women) will receive in-depth training, with a further 1,300 being involved in workshops. The new pedagogies are expected to contribute to improved educational outcomes for over 50,000 Afghan students (40% are girls). The project builds on a previous initiative co-funded by IDRC and AKFC in which the University of Central Asia trained local government and federal civil servants in the same countries in evidence-based policymaking, and supported research by graduate students on climate change and natural resource management through that university’s Mountain Societies Research Institute.
This project will be co-funded by AKFC and IDRC. IDRC is funding the Afghan component, which will involve a number of collaborating institutions from the region, Canada, and Europe.
Project ID
108456
Project Status
Completed
End Date
Duration
36 months
IDRC Officer
Ann Weston
Total Funding
CA$ 1,500,000.00
Location
Afghanistan
Programs
Institution Country
Canada
Project Leader
Steve Mason
Institution
Aga Khan Foundation Canada/Fondation Aga Khan Canada
Institution Website
Outputs
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Pathways to innovation : strengthening mathematics, science and economic policy capacity in Afghanistan and Central Asia : a program by the University of Central Asia : March 2017-August 2020 Evaluation
The report is a final evaluation of the three-year “Pathways to Innovation” (P2I) program, of the University of Central Asia (UCA). The aim is to strengthen Mathematics, Science and Economic Policy Capacity in Afghanistan and Central Asia. The paper provides a detailed account of the programme background, methodology, outputs, outcomes, and dissemination of research produced by the programme. The multi-pronged program worked to enhance the knowledge and analytical skills of individuals (especially women), institutions and organizations, in mathematics, science, and economic policy. The UCA exceptional leadership and staff base worked hard to deliver their Pathways commitments. Author(s): Pellegrini, Matteo Language: English |
Pathways to innovation : strengthening mathematics, science, and economic policy capacity in Afghanistan and Central Asia Report
The University of Central Asia (UCA) three-year program, Pathways to Innovation (P2I) focused on innovative and hands-on research and training to strengthen individual and organizational skills in mathematics, environmental science and economic policy capacities in Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. This technical report highlights the interventions undertaken by UCA throughout the implementation of the project between 2017 and 2020, including public lectures and conferences, curriculum development, published papers, gender mainstreaming, teacher training, graduate studies, and research projects. Author(s): Krawchenko, Bohdan Language: English |
Afghanistan economic outlook Paper
The journal reports on economic conditions in Afghanistan. This issue takes into consideration the impact of COVID-19 on the economy with predictive trends in the fiscal sector. The Institute of Public Policy and Administration is part of the Graduate School of Development, University of Central Asia (UCA), founded in 2000 as a secular and private university. This issue pre-dates the 2021 Taliban offensive and takeover of the country. Author(s): Biruni Institute Language: English |
Текущее состояние и модели развития технологий в Кыргызстане и Таджикистане Paper
Author(s): Jenish, Nazgul Language: Russian |
Role of women in the economic development of Afghanistan Paper
Overall, the paper is focused on Afghan women, their employability and entrepreneurship opportunities for engagement in economic development. The paper argues that in the context of Afghanistan, women’s economic empowerment requires better policymaking, which can in turn improve the level of policy implementation in different parts of the country. In many Central Asian countries, especially in rural areas, women cannot fully participate in the economic development of their countries due to being marginalized in society. In 2016, the Afghan government approved the Afghanistan National Peace and Development Framework with the purpose of directing the country towards inclusive economic development. Author(s): Junussova, Madina, Iamshchikova, Mariia, Hashim, Naveen, Ajmal Khan, Muhammad, Kakar, Pakiza, Wardak, Freshta, Rajabi, Shukria Language: English |
Labour market and technological development in Central Asia Paper
This paper discusses the current situation in labour markets of economies of Central Asia and considers the options available for labour market policies to support technological development. It analyses labour market issues including labour migration, informality, inequality, and financing of pensions through the taxation of labour. The paper provides recommendations for the modification of labour market policies to promote the economic diversification and productivity growth in Central Asia. The Institute of Public Policy and Administration is part of the Graduate School of Development, University of Central Asia. Geographically, the paper covers Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan as well as Afghanistan. Author(s): Mogilevskii, Roman Language: English |
ICT-driven technological and industrial upgrading in Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan : current realities and opportunities Paper
The paper analyses the recent technological performance of Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan (AKT) and identifies opportunities for technological and industrial upgrading in the context of current global technological trends. It develops a three-pronged technological and industrial upgrading strategy along five core value chains based on the existing mining, energy and agricultural sectors, and discusses government policies in support of technological modernization. Information and communication technologies (ICT) can enable AKT to insert their firms into global value chains and benefit from technology and knowledge transfers within these chains. Author(s): Jenish, Nazgul Language: English |
Macroeconomic policy frameworks and technological development : case studies of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Afghanistan Paper
The paper examines recent macroeconomic performance and macroeconomic management frameworks in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Afghanistan. It also reviews existing literature on macroeconomic policies recommended for technological development of low/lower-middle income countries. Case studies are drawn from the experiences of Japan, South Korea and Baltic countries that have succeeded in their own technological development. The paper then provides some policy recommendations suggested by the case studies and literature on technological development. Author(s): Jenish, Nurbek Language: English |
Public finance and technological development in Central Asia Paper
This paper discusses the current situation in the economies of Central Asia in terms of government revenue, expenditure, and deficits, and considers the options available for using fiscal policy to support technological development. National development strategies and policies emphasize the need to diversify from reliance on extractive industries and low productivity agriculture to more technologically advanced manufacturing, services, and value-added agriculture. Various economic policies are needed to support this shift. The paper provides recommendations for the modification of fiscal policies to promote economic diversification and productivity growth in Central Asia. Author(s): Mogilevskii, Roman Language: English |
Higher education policy in Central Asia and Afghanistan Paper
The paper takes stock of contemporary higher education in Central Asia, with emphasis on Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, and Afghanistan. It offers policy propositions that may support these states in making higher education systems more innovative, with innovation also incorporating science and technology. Policy recommendations cover five areas: regulation, skills, research, scientific culture, and business. Policy planning in these areas will support the development of science, technology and innovation in higher education. The Institute of Public Policy and Administration is part of the Graduate School of Development, University of Central Asia (UCA). Author(s): Sabzalieva, Emma Language: English |
Climate change in Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan : trends and adaptation policies conducive to innovation Paper
This analysis summarises adaptation technologies for agricultural, water, transport and health sectors, as well as disaster risk management technologies, that contribute to the climate resilience of the population and sectors of the economy. The Institute of Public Policy and Administration is part of the Graduate School of Development, University of Central Asia (UCA), founded in 2000 as a secular and private university, ratified by the respective country parliaments, and registered with the United Nations. The Institute of Public Policy and Administration’s Working Papers publishes original contributions as they relate to Central Asia. Author(s): Khakimov, Parviz Language: English |
Supporting applied research for context-relevant natural resource management : results and lessons from UCA’s Pathways to Innovation Program Study
This case study showcases key impacts from the University of Central Asia (UCA)’s Pathways to Innovation (P2I) program, a three-year program to promote knowledge and analytical skills in mathematics, science, and economic policy in Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. The program was funded by the International Development Research Centre and the Aga Khan Foundation Canada. Author(s): Pellegrini, Matteo Language: English |
New paradigm for on-the-job training of Afghan civil servants : results and lessons from UCA’s Pathways to Innovation Program Study
This case study showcases key lessons and impacts from the University of Central Asia (UCA)’s Pathways to Innovation (P2I) program, a three-year program to promote knowledge and analytical skills in mathematics, science, and economic policy in Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. The program was funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AKFC). Author(s): Pellegrini, Matteo Language: English |
Smart tactics for women’s empowerment in Afghanistan : results and lessons from UCA’s pathways to innovation program Study
This case study showcases key lessons and impacts from the University of Central Asia (UCA) Pathways to Innovation (P2I) program, a three-year program to promote knowledge and analytical skills in mathematics, science, and economic policy in Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. It has identified workable tactics that produce changes in gender dynamics and women’s access to education. Despite a limited enabling environment, UCA elevated women to teaching positions. The program provided training of over a thousand teachers, students, and faculty at teacher training centres, universities and rural schools in North-Eastern Afghanistan to promote gender equality in education, and through gender- responsive pedagogy. Author(s): Pellegrini, Matteo Language: English |