RESEARCH DIVISION
The main focus of the research activities of the division is policy and action-based research activities. Research fellows in the division develop fundable research proposals on topics, which are perceived as, capable of bring the most effective positive impact on the socioeconomic welfare of the people of a particular area or region. Technical staff in the section prepares draft proposals or initial concept papers. Finally a working session of technical staff fellow is held to discuss the proposal in greater detail and thereafter arrive at the consensus on all the points. The proposal will then be prepared in the final format and submitted to an appropriate governmental or non-governmental agency for funding. The implementation of any funded research project is undertaken by technical staff in the research division of the centre in collaboration with designated fellows/consultants. Program Officers work closely with core associates (fellows) who will ensure that projects are well conceived and implemented. Specifically, program officers and core associates conduct the selection and training of the research workers for such projects and supervise them in the execution of the relevant tasks. In addition, they ensure proper analysis and interpretation of the data and prepare summary and detailed reports of the findings for dissemination. The research Division is also involved in the monitoring and internal evaluation of intervention studies/projects carried out by the Centre. A core staff designated as programme/research officer, heads the Research Division.
TRAINING DIVISION
The training division of the Centre is responsible for the co-ordination of all the training programs of the Centre. The focus of the training activities of the division depends on the prevailing development activities of the various stakeholders. Generally the training programs are designated to enhance the effectiveness of governmental or non-governmental development activities. For example CPED organizes training programs to train staff in key ares of reproductive health. Such training can therefore focus on groups who can use their skills to reduce reproductive morbidity in women. The Training Division also conducts occasional research methodology workshops for junior and medium level researcher on participatory research methodology, population, and environment. A core staff to be designated as Program/Training Officer heads the Training Division.
INTERVENTION PROGRAMME DIVISION
The Intervention Programme Division is designated to execute a cardinal focus of CPED, that is, the initiation, implementation and the monitoring of intervention projects in different target communities. The staff of the Division visit various communities where participatory research activitites have identified projects which community members and CPED agreed to execute. The Division, apart from executing its own intervention projects, also provides a facilitating role between the communities and other authorities interested in supporting community-based projects. A core staff designated as Program/Intervention Officer heads the Project Division.
ADVOCACY DIVISION
The Advocacy Division utilizes the results generated from the research division as well as intervention activities to press for policy and social changes that will improve the socioeconomic conditions of the inhabitants of specific areas of interest. Apart from data generated from the Centre’s research activities, data from other researchers conducted elsewhere are also being assembled. For this, the Centre is playing its role as a data bank and think-tank for the poverty alleviation problems. Translation of key issues into local languages is carried out when necessary. The key staff of the Division is trained in communicating strategies to improve its performance. Finally, the Advocacy Division is involved in CPED’s seminars and workshops targeting as having a strategic influence on poverty reduction activities. A core staff designated as Program/Advocacy Officer heads the Advocacy Division.
