EDePo collaborates with international organisations, governments, NGOs and other partners to design and evaluate pro-poor interventions in developing countries and to disseminate research findings. To the right is Sally Grantham-McGregor, Orazio Attanasio (Director, EDePo) and Hernando Sánchez (National Coordinator, Familias en Acción) in the premises of Acción Social. Here are three examples of successful collaborations we have undertaken:

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

EDePo is conducting research on central issues in microfinance in close collaboration with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). Starting with the survey and questionnaire design up to the analysis of collected data, researchers at EDePo and staff of EBRD benefit from the partnership and from detailed discussions.

Two studies are undertaken: in Bosnia, the team focuses on the extension of a microfinance institution's client base to a much poorer and riskier part of the population than currently served. In Mongolia, the issue investigated is whether individual liability or joint liability loans perform better.

Malawi

EDePo is working with the Mai Mwana Project and researchers at the UCL Institute of Child Health to conduct an evaluation of maternal and infant health interventions in Malawi. We worked closely with Mai Mwana to collect 2 waves of detailed socio-economic data using novel equipment - Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs). We trained Mai Mwana staff on the use of PDAs for large scale household surveys. The success of this experience has spurred Mai Mwana to use PDAs for its own data collection. EDePo has benefited greatly from Mai Mwana's excellent knowledge of the field conditions and links with the local communities.

Colombia

In 2001, EDePo - in consortium with two Colombian entities: Econometria and Sistemas Especializados de Información (SEI) - won a large bid to evaluate three social protection programmes (Familias en Acción, Empleo en Acción y Jóvenes en Acción) run by Acción Social, the Colombian Presidential office for social affairs. The close relationship built with Acción Social from this evaluation has led to a collaboration to implement a pilot to promote the cognitive development of young children in Colombia in a cost effective and scalable manner. The pilot heavily relies on Madre Lideres, who are volunteer women that act as a bridge between the community and Familias en Acción, to deliver the intervention.