Research case studies

An evidence-based response to the global food crisis

18 March 2011

As the food price crisis became global news during 2007-8, the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) was able to respond quickly and effectively by producing 30 publications based on its extensive research findings.

Creating genetic markers to breed downy mildew and drought resistant pearl millet

18 March 2011

Two million people enjoy improved food security thanks to a collaborative research programme which used molecular genetic tools to develop an improved pearl millet hybrid more resistant to the disease downy mildew.

Liquid assets: community-based fisheries management in Bangladesh

18 March 2011

Improved access to fisheries resources for community-based organisations (CBOs) has resulted in over 60 per cent of fishers in experiencing significant increases in their fishing incomes.

Growing for a clear conscience: mint in Afghanistan

18 March 2011

By adding value to mint and creating a strong market demand, ICARDA has transformed a kitchen-garden herb into a major source of income for hundreds of Afghan families.

Scuba rice: breeding flood-tolerance into Asia's local mega rice varieties

17 March 2011

New rice varieties tested in India and Bangladesh can survive up to two weeks of complete submergence in water, providing farmers with protection against short-term flooding

Taking plants to the doctor: plant health clinics from Bolivia to Bangladesh

17 March 2011

Plant health clinics in nine countries are giving farmers unprecedented access to expert advice on pests and disease.

Protecting farms from costly whiteflies

17 March 2011

An ambitious global R&D programme to combat tropical whitefly and the diseases it carries has prevented widespread losses in many essential crops

Protecting African cattle from East Coast fever

17 March 2011

The production and delivery of a vaccine against East Coast fever for use across 11 countries of eastern, central and southern Africa could save the lives of over 1 million cattle and at least US$260 million each year

Planting without ploughing: zero-till wheat takes root

17 March 2011

Innovative partnerships have enabled the adoption of zero-tillage to sow wheat after rice on nearly 2 million hectares in the Indo-Gangetic Plains

Making a GIFT selection: improved tilapia in the Philippines

17 March 2011

A pioneering breeding programme for aquaculture has turned an African fish, previously unknown in Asia, into the favourite source of affordable protein for more than 20 million poor Filipinos and millions more in 13 countries across Asia.

Fodder trees for more milk and income

15 March 2011

Introduction of low cost, easy to grow fodder trees, to a quarter of a million farmers across East Africa, for feeding to livestock, has boosted milk yields and incomes, and reduced the need for expensive dairy feed concentrates.

2nd Edition of WHO guidelines for the treatment of malaria

15 March 2011

A Cochrane Review by the DFID-funded funded Effective Health Care Research Consortium (EHCRPC) helped to define policies in the new edition of the guidelines.

Ridding the world of rinderpest.

15 March 2011

The eradication of the rinderpest virus (cattle plague), through a combination of scientific expertise and international collaboration and co-ordination, can be viewed as an achievement on par with the eradication of smallpox from the human population.

OBSERVE - Monitoring the Application of the Maria da Penha Law

09 March 2011

Brazil’s Maria da Penha Law was put in place to prevent and combat domestic and family violence against women.

Improving food security in sub-Saharan Africa through increased utilization of Indigenous Vegetables: Studies on seed production and agronomy of major African vegetables

08 March 2011

Scientists, extension workers, farmers and consumers have benefited from a project which significantly contributed to the knowledge on African indigenous vegetables.

Malaria Control in a Complex Context: Analysis and dissemination of Policy-Relevant Evidence

04 March 2011

Research examining the use of insecticide treated nets and indoor residual spraying helped to reduce the spread of malaria in conflict torn areas of Afghanistan and Afghan refugee camps in Pakistan.

A farmer-friendly approach to preventing avian flu in Viet Nam

03 March 2011

A pilot quality assurance scheme for poultry products in Viet Nam has successfully demonstrated how hygiene in poultry production can be improved, reducing the spread of avian flu and providing better markets for smallholder farmers.

Shujaaz: market research shows promise of comics for disseminating agricultural information

24 February 2011

ShujaazFM is a multimedia youth communication initiative which combines monthly comic books, daily radio programmes, and social media to look at a range of issues affecting young people across Kenya.

Support to the Tanzanian government with adolescent sexual and reproductive health

04 February 2011

MEMA kwa Vijana, an adolescent sexual and reproductive health programme working in schools, health facilities and communities helped create policies to make reproductive health services more youth-friendly, and encouraging their use.

TB in the Workplace – the Case of Garment Workers in Bangladesh

02 February 2011

The garment industry of Bangladesh provides employment to about three million workers. The COMDIS RPC took the opportunity to promote and undertake TB control in garment factories and in neighbouring communities.