In the upcoming weeks we will start sharing some of the research currently being carried out as to develop our research agenda. The objective of these documents is to build on two things: first, on our empirical understanding of the…
Theory of Change has become a buzzword across the development industry. It is a new tool in the toolbox that consultants use for planning, monitoring and evaluation. Not long ago, however, the term was not that well known. Instead, when…
This post was written by Nilakshi De Silva, Senior Research Professional at the Centre for Poverty Analysis (CEPA), Sri Lanka I always feel a little uncomfortable when we refer to research findings as ‘evidence’. The term is very close to the idea…
This post was written by Rebecca Pointer, Information and Communication Officer, Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies (PLAAS), University of the Western Cape. Land reform is one of the most hotly debated political topics in the South African media…
We want to contribute to a better understanding of a number of issues related to the interaction between ideas and politics in developing countries. We are seeking for arguments, reflections and insights that, based on existing knowledge, support us in…
I have participated in the past years in many projects and witnessed lots of discussions on how to monitor and evaluate whether research has (or has not) influenced policy. For sure, pressure to demonstrate to donors that their money was…
Evidence based policy has, as the Topic Guide states in its introduction, become a sort of holy grail for policymakers (in the North and the South). If the concept is difficult to fully accept in developed countries with strong professional…
Our first product is a Topic Guide on Politics and Ideas. We have worked intensely to produce it but we know that we need your help to complete our task. We want this Guide to become an opportunity for collaboration that…
Engaging youth in research is considered a useful source of knowledge on development challenges since they usually provide fresh perspectives and also an effective way of empowering young participation. Involving the young in research processes is fairly new. Recent years…
Finnish schools are among the best in the world, but did not know, and apparently did not want to know it. Ironically, Finns found out that they were actually doing great on education just in 2000 when they participated in…
