Michael Jennings is a former Head of the Department of Development Studies at SOAS University of London, and Reader in International Development His research looks at the history and politics of development in Africa, with a particular focus on aid and development; the role of non-state local and international actors in development (including the role of religion and development); and on issues around health and development in Africa. Although his main focus is on eastern Africa, Michael has also worked on research projects exploring these themes in other sub-Saharan African regions, and in Asia. Michael sits on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Eastern African Studies, is a Trustee of the British Council in Eastern Africa, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. He is also an enthusiastic blogger on issues related to African politics and the politics of development at 'Africa Development and Politics'.