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ODI has been working with the Rural Poverty and Environment (RPE) initiative within The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) to develop a research agenda that supports poor, rural households to engage more successfully with global economic processes. A Scoping Study was published at the end of last year that summarises the results of this research project - more about this on the Scoping Study project page.

On behalf of IDRC, the ODI is managing the implementation of a particularly promising research theme arising from this earlier work. The research theme aims to integrate poverty and environmental concerns into value chain analysis.

Call for Concept Notes

The first call for study under this theme is already closed. This aimed to develop conceptual and methodological approaches to support further action research studies. We are now calling for Concept Notes from researchers, civil society and entrepreneurs for four action research projects under the theme of ‘Value chains and the rural poor in disadvantaged regions’. These studies will start in September 2007.

Full details on the call are available in the Call for Concept Notes application form. It is highly recommended that you read all the information before submitting the application. The form includes information on:

• Defined objectives for this research call
• Information on the key target group for this research: small producers
• Meta-themes for research
• Elegibility criteria
• Selection criteria
• Instructions for submitting of Concept Notes

Typed Concept Note Forms shall be presented to ODI either electronically or by post by 16:00hrs (UK time) on Friday 29th June 2007. Late and faxed submissions will be not be considered and there will be no flexibility to accept late submissions even if caused by failures of courier, postal, computer services or other logistical services.

Questions and Answers

Q. I am working in a Southern office of a Northern organization. Am I eligible to apply?
A: Northern institutions with an office in the South are not eligible to submit Concept Notes for this call. Southern institutions may wish to collaborate with Northern institutions for specific strategic interventions. In this instance, the Southern institutions will need to demonstrate their leadership of the action research process in the Concept Note.

If you require any further information on areas not covered by the Call, please send this to us through our online feedback form.

Related projects
Productive Strategies and Empowerment of Poor Rural Families to Participate Successfully in Global Markets - scoping study
This project seeks to provide a map for cutting edge problems and research agendas in rural economies in developing countries.
Jon Mitchell		2006