The TARU Research Program – An Introduction
Background
As a result of an evaluation and strategic review in Sept 2003, the TARU group has committed itself to the development and implementation of a long-term program in research on select development themes and sectoral areas that will make significant difference to policy and on-ground processes over the next decade. The TARU Research Program will develop over two years into an independent and autonomous knowledge and practice entity. At present, the Program moderates the site www.panchayats.org, as a follow-up to a research study on panchayati raj and decentralised natural resources management.
The Research Program
The TARU Research Program aims to produce pioneering research, knowledge and outputs that significantly contribute to transformations in policy and practice in select professional domains and impact economic processes, social relations, environmental conditions, and governance. Institutional development, decentralisation, gender issues and promotion of indigenous knowledge will be important cross cutting themes of the research program.
Apart from conventional and participatory primary and secondary research methods, the program will use a shelf of methodologies including systems modelling (See a recent initiative on Goa 2100), implementation of pilot projects, action research and programme impact assessment. TARU will develop/strengthen networks and alliances with researchers, practitioners and policy-makers to create, consolidate and upscale methodologies and lessons. The focus of the Program will initially be on South Asia.
Findings and outputs of research and action research will be disseminated to communities and users with a view to influence policies and practice. Training and capacity building of communities and users in these selected professional domains and areas, will be also be an important element of the research program.
In view of the emerging development trends and challenges, and competence and experience that TARU has developed over time, the following areas have been identified for the TARU Research Program:
Natural resources management
Water and environmental sanitation
Chronic poverty
Urban development
Energy and environment
Disaster preparedness, mitigation and risk reduction
Information and communication technologies for development
Infrastructure, education and health.
Concept notes for proposals in select areas outlined above, are currently under preparation and discussion. We are looking forward to building partnerships to help resource, develop, and implement the TARU Research Program. If you would like to partner with us, as a researcher, funding or technical partner, please get in touch with us at research@taru.org or mail/courier to:
Mr. Rajesh R.
TARU RESEARCH PROGRAM,
A 1/276,
Safdarjung Enclave,
New Delhi – 110 029
India