Does religion matter in development?

The role of religion in educational outcomes in post-colonial Africa

Improved educational opportunities and systems are critical to advancing inclusion, democracy, and economic success. Yet, previous research in post-colonial Africa has noted significant education gaps between Traditional, Christian, and Muslim communities. In a recent paper, researchers looked at educational improvement from one generation to the next among different religious communities. They found that Traditional and Muslim communities had lower education improvement between generations than Christian communities, which is partially explained by them being less willing to move to areas with better education opportunities. The researchers note the importance of understanding religious cultural values, social norms, and the role of faith-based schooling in pursuit of inclusive development.

Negotiating secularist aid and religious community in Rohingya refugee camps

Many international aid organizations base their value systems in secularist humanitarianism, which may be at odds with the values and needs of the communities they are working with. To better understand this dynamic, research explored the experiences of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar in refugee camps in Bangladesh. The researcher found that refugees would avoid the centralized kitchens created by aid organizations for religious and cultural reasons, and that they relied more on religious community governance to resolve disputes than on community representatives who were selected to liaison with aid organizations and the host government. This research indicates the importance of religious and cultural sensitivities, and notes that religious structure is often essential to community and cultural survival.

Do you have a study we should share for a future Facty Friday? Send an email to drg.el@usaid.gov!