David Ubilava
David Ubilava
Applied economist
Appointment Associate Professor
University of Sydney
Editorial role Co-Editor-in-Chief
Food Policy
Research fields Agricultural markets
Climate and conflict
My research examines how agricultural markets and environmental forces interact with livelihoods, social conflict, and political violence. I use granular spatial and temporal data to study these relationships, with a particular focus on developing countries.
My work sits at the intersection of agricultural economics, development, and political economy. It has appeared in journals including the American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Journal of Peace Research, World Development, and Global Environmental Change. My research program is supported by the Australian Research Council.
I co-organise the Social Conflict and Political Economy (SCoPE) workshop series, which brings together researchers working across economics and political science.
Selected research
Climate, Crops, and Postharvest Conflict
American Journal of Agricultural Economics 108(1), 2026.
Working paper · Data and replication · Slides
Agricultural Roots of Social Conflict in Southeast Asia
With Justin V. Hastings. Journal of Peace Research 62(6), 2025.
Working paper · Data and replication · Slides
Prices and Protests: Evidence from Maize Markets across Africa
With Aaron Humphreys. Working paper.
SSRN · Slides