Institute for Development Research

Research Focus

As a scientific unit based on a multi-disciplinary network, the CDR is committed to science that makes a difference for people. Together with our research and development partners we search for strategies to increase well-being and improve rural life. Some of our pilot projects are small. But all are driven by real demand. Through interaction we help formulate development scenarios with leverage. Using trans-disciplinary methods, we identify natural resource management and livelihood strategies that work for people. We integrate local and scientific insights into rural development processes, and we seek mechanisms to reach scales. With time small pilots grow big. This allows theories to bear fruits in practice. And we are one step closer to achieving development goals.