Research
Research Division of CIRDAP
Focus:
CIRDAP research studies focus on the dynamics of the socio-economic changes in the rural societies, with a concern for the rural poor. The major aims of the research programmes are to identify and analyse the causal factors affecting the rural disadvantaged groups; provide guidelines to policy makers; formulate follow-up activities leading to further research, action research/pilot projects and training.
Areas covered:
Since the inception of CIRDAP in 1979, the Research Division has completed 79 projects. In view of the new challenges arising out of the recent trends in global integration, action is being taken to redirect research priorities and cater to the needs of CIRDAP Member countries. Recently completed, ongoing or proposed research projects are as follows:
- Comparative Assessment of Decentralisation in Selected Countries
- Mechanism for Monitoring MDGs and RD Policies
- Developing Alternative Partnerships between CBOs, Public and
- Private Sectors
- Enhancing Agricultural Productivity of Small Land Holding Groups.
Methods of Conducting Research:
One of the innovative features of the research programme is to combine theory with practice by integrating research with action research to refine research findings through field testing and suggest pragmatic models of intervention. With cross-country focus, the research programme generates both country-specific and regional findings and recommendations with potential application over a wide range of physical and socio-cultural variations across the region.
Selection of Research Topics:
The topics of research studies and other activities are selected in the following ways:
The CMCs suggest the topics either directly to CIRDAP or through submission to CIRDAP Technical Committee (TC)
- CIRDAP selects topics/areas of research based on its past studies or seminar/workshop findings and also the centre’s own perceptions on issues of contemporary interest.
- Donors suggest topics based on their interests and priorities.
Once the topics of studies are selected, the Research Division prepares project digests and submits them to the Technical Committee (TC) for preliminary scrutiny. Subject to Executive Committee’s (EC) recommendation, the project list is submitted to the Governing Council (GC). After GC’s approval the projects are included in the CIRDAP Programme of Work and Budget (PWB). Funds are mobilised for those approved projects and they are taken up in consultation with concerned donors.
Implementation of Research:
The Centre has designated CIRDAP Link Institutions (CLIs) in CIRDAP Member Counties (CMCs) as the research focal point of CIRDAP in Member Countries. Once a project is funded, CLIs are requested to nominate researchers. A detailed project design is prepared by CIRDAP and sent to the country researchers. In some areas CIRDAP takes the help of consultants to design a research study. Consultants are preferably selected through CLIs. In some occasions CIRDAP itself selects researchers/consultants making use of its database on Roster of Experts.