Khadijat, a prominent economist hailing from Nigeria, recently shared insights into her academic journey, research endeavors, and contributions to addressing economic challenges in Nigeria. In an interview with the International Economic Association (IEA), Khadijat discussed her upbringing, academic pursuits, and the motivation behind her research interests.
Growing up in Nigeria, Khadijat was inspired by her father, a lecturer, to pursue an academic career. Her fascination with economics stemmed from observing the collective efforts of her community towards development and the provision of public goods. With a determination to contribute to her country’s progress, she pursued a career in agricultural economics, focusing on development, food security, and rural digitalization.
In her recent research, Khadijat collaborated with colleagues at Cornell University to study the relationship between food price volatility and household food security in Nigeria. Their findings shed light on the impact of unexpected increases in food prices on household welfare, particularly concerning rice consumption and production dynamics. The research highlighted the need for policymakers to stabilize the macroeconomic environment and implement cautious policies to mitigate food price volatility.
Khadijat’s contributions extend beyond academic research. She also authored a chapter in the book “Socioeconomic Shocks and Africa’s Development Agenda,” which examines the cumulative effects of various economic shocks on Nigerian households’ welfare. The chapter emphasizes the importance of investing in policies that enhance the adaptive capacity of resource-poor households, particularly concerning agricultural and weather-related shocks.
Reflecting on the relevance of her research, Khadijat emphasized the escalating poverty rates and food security issues in Nigeria. She highlighted the necessity for evidence-based policies that support vulnerable populations, reinforce the social safety net, and invest in the agricultural sector to mitigate the adverse effects of economic shocks.
Khadijat also addressed the importance of racial diversity and inclusivity in economic research. She emphasized the benefits of collaborative efforts between researchers from the Global South and the Global North, noting that inclusivity enriches the field and leads to more comprehensive and innovative approaches to economic challenges.
As a leading voice in economic research, Khadijat continues to advocate for evidence-based policies and inclusive research practices to address socioeconomic challenges in Nigeria and beyond.
