Research publications, methodological tools, and policy resources from our work across South Asia. Open access materials to support the development research community.
Peer-reviewed research and working papers from our team's work across development sectors in South Asia.
Using original survey data from 2,400 women across rural West Bengal, we examine how participation in government-supported self-help groups affects financial inclusion outcomes. Mixed-methods analysis reveals that collective decision-making processes mediate individual empowerment effects.
This study employs photovoice methodology with climate migrants in Chittagong's informal settlements to understand barriers to urban service access. Community-led research reveals informal governance networks that both enable and constrain access.
Drawing on fieldwork in Manipur, we analyze how community-based participatory research can address ethical challenges of conducting research with conflict-affected populations. The chapter provides a framework for trauma-informed and culturally responsive evaluation approaches.
Randomized controlled trial with 3,000 garment workers evaluating mobile money training programs. Results show significant increases in savings behavior and remittance efficiency, with particularly strong effects for women workers with primary education or higher.
Comparative analysis of Aadhaar implementation in social protection programs across five Indian states. Using administrative data and qualitative interviews, we examine how digital identity systems affect inclusion and exclusion in welfare programs.
This methodological paper presents innovations in survey design for populations with limited literacy, drawing on field experiences across India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. We evaluate audio-based questioning, visual response scales, and mobile data collection adaptations.
Open-source tools, templates, and guides developed through our field experience to support community-centered research practices.
Complete framework for designing monitoring, evaluation, and learning systems with community participation. Includes visual tracking tools, reflection guides, and adaptation protocols tested across 15+ projects.
Download Toolkit →Culturally-adapted consent processes for research with adolescents, conflict-affected populations, and marginalized communities. Available in Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Sinhala, and Urdu.
Access Templates →Step-by-step guide for implementing mobile data collection in low-resource settings, including offline capabilities, multimedia integration, and quality assurance protocols.
View Guide →Methodology for participatory community mapping covering resource mapping, service access analysis, and vulnerability assessments. Includes facilitator training materials.
Download Protocols →Analytical framework for integrating qualitative and quantitative data in development research, with examples from health, education, and livelihoods studies.
Access Framework →Template for designing rigorous impact evaluations in development contexts, including power calculations, randomization protocols, and attrition management strategies.
Get Template →Training curriculum for building local research capacity, covering research ethics, data collection methods, and analysis techniques adapted for community researchers.
View Curriculum →Tools and templates for creating accessible data visualizations that communicate research findings to diverse audiences, including low-literacy populations.
Download Tools →Concise, evidence-based recommendations for policymakers based on our research findings across South Asia.
Analysis of implementation challenges and community-driven solutions for improving the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act in Bihar state.
Evidence-based recommendations for expanding digital financial services to rural women based on multi-state research in India.
Framework for integrating climate resilience measures into existing social protection programs across South Asian countries.
Policy recommendations for delivering maternal health services in conflict-affected regions, based on research in Sri Lanka and Northeast India.
Policy framework for ensuring climate migrants in urban areas can access essential services, with case studies from Dhaka and Mumbai.
Analysis of successful participatory budgeting models and recommendations for scaling community-driven resource allocation.