Research Activities

Our Theory of Change ((ToC) exemplifies our broader research activities. It begins with identifying policy research areas of interest together with key stakeholders. Involving a range of interested parties from the beginning of the policy research process is a critical aspect of the work that is involved in policy influence. From here, we design and conduct high-quality research that explores policy related questions targeted to specific policy actors. During this time, our independence, impartiality, and rigorous standards are key to ensuring we present findings that are as unbiased as humanly possible. During this stage the policy actors and the questions they seek answers to are important, as they ensure relevance of the produced knowledge, and better positions the likelihood of the use of the outputs we develop.

REPOA’s strategic interventions then branch into three distinct areas, which align with the proposed structure and staffing for the organisation:

1. Strategic research and collaboration with policy stakeholders
   In the pursuit of expanding reach in terms of depth and breadth of our policy research influence, REPOA will realign its strategic research and forge collaborations with research and policy actors at national, regional and global levels in line with our mission.
2. Capacity development of researchers and research users/policy actors
   Capacity development considers both supply[1]driven training informed by REPOA’s research experience, and those that are demand-driven by policy makers and other stakeholders. These are important for sustaining policy research and for enhancing research uptake by policy actors.
3. Dissemination of generated knowledge
   Research outputs such as reports, policy briefs, books, journal articles and others will reach our targeted stakeholders through dissemination; whether by direct delivery, through our resource center, at workshops and seminar presentations, policy dialogues, on-demand engagement, targeted roundtables, and via specific trainings on evidence-informed policy making.

For detailed information on ongoing research projects and programmes, click here. For the capacity building of researchers, REPOA designs specific training courses for beginners and intermediate researchers depending on the identification of needs in relation to the research to be undertaken. Lastly, REPOA organizes knowledge sharing and dissemination events and participates in events organized by other stakeholders with a view to promoting dialogue on key development issues and wider access and utilization of the knowledge generated.

*For further REPOA’s research outputs scroll down on our “Publications” menu at the home page.