Research & Innovation

At the heart of IIRD’s mission is the belief that sustainable development must be guided by knowledge, evidence, and innovation. We do not act on assumptions; we study, test, and validate solutions before implementing them in communities.

Our research informs our programs in agriculture, environment, climate change, and water & sanitation, ensuring that every intervention is grounded in scientific evidence and practical realities.

Areas of Research

IIRD focuses on applied and community-centered research, with special attention to vulnerable groups and smallholder farmers.

Agriculture & Agri-business; crop productivity, market access, food security.
Environment & Climate Change; soil erosion, land degradation, adaptation strategies, reforestation.
Health, Water & Sanitation; access to safe water, hygiene practices, integration of water into agricultural production.
Socio-economic Inclusiveness; poverty alleviation, cooperative strengthening, participation of marginalized groups.

Studies & Surveys

Over the years, IIRD team and its founder have contributed to baseline surveys and community studies that provide valuable insights into rural livelihoods and vulnerability. Some of the impactful studies include:

Economic and Nutritional Status of Vulnerable People Infected/Affected by HIV/AIDS in Nyagatare District (2015, 2017).
Health and Socio-Economic Situation of Members of Cooperatives of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Rukomo Sector (2014).
Decentralized Health Services and Key Populations in Rwanda – case study across six districts (2017).

Beneficiaries of our Publications

As part of our knowledge-sharing mandate, IIRD publishes reports, policy briefs, and learning papers for development partners and stakeholders. Publications are made available for:

Government agencies designing rural development and climate policies.
Cooperatives and associations seeking tested agricultural techniques.
Donors and NGOs looking for data-driven approaches to inclusion and sustainability.

Innovation Models & Techniques

Beyond research, IIRD develops innovative models and practical techniques that communities can adopt to improve their livelihoods. Examples include:

Climate-smart agricultural methods tested in rural cooperatives.
Farmer-led water and sanitation management models.
Socio-economic inclusion frameworks for vulnerable populations.
Cooperative strengthening strategies for sustainability and market access.