bengelsm@ucsd.edu

I am a Ph.D. candidate in political science at the University of California, San Diego studying African politics. In my dissertation, I analyze the political role of rural producer organizations (e.g., agricultural cooperatives, farmers’ organizations or unions) in contemporary African politics. I argue these organizations allow farmers to more effectively demand state benefits by bargaining with politicians. In exchange for benefits, they can offer politicians their membership as blocs of political supporters. I have conducted fieldwork in Côte d’Ivoire and Zambia, and am currently on the job market. I am a proud graduate of Gettysburg College. Before starting my Ph.D. I was a Peace Corps volunteer serving in Benin.

Kenya, Zambia, Harmful Traditional Practices, China, Aid, Gender