1.0
Our Work
Our core work is to carry out policy-oriented research and analysis focusing on eradication of poverty and more
specifically chronic poverty. DRT has since 1997, worked with governments, multilateral organizations and NGOs to
undertake specific policy oriented researches and analyses aimed at informing and influencing a wide range of
issues including poverty reduction in Uganda and the East African Countries.
Our programmes of work are focused on poverty elimination and we have over the years built particular institutional
expertise in research, analysis, interpretation and information dissemination about poverty and more specifically
chronic poverty.
DRT has also played a leading role in policy and programme influencing especially in the area of social protection.
1.1
Our works targets
Policy makers and implementers at different levels of governance, development partners and the Non-state actors:
NGOs, Faith-based Organisations, Private sector and the Citizens.
1.2
Where we work?
DRT has consistently carried out research on long-term and extreme poverty and vulnerability in Uganda and in other
parts in the East African region. We have been variously recognised as fore-runners in providing high quality
poverty research and analysis and our work is undertaken at specified locations at national and local levels, while
our policy engagement efforts are focusing at sub-national, national and Eastern Africa regional levels.
The usefulness of DRT’s work in informing development processes can be traced in specific processes outlined in the
next section.
1.3
Our strategies of work
They include
1. Action research and Policy analysis,
2. Policy engagement,
3. Skills training and institutional support,
4. Publication and information sharing.
Availability of credible evidence rooted in poverty,
risk and vulnerability analysis can empower
citizens and development practitioners in CSOs to
meaningfully inform policy processes and demand
for reforms design and implementation of
development interventions.
1.3.1 Action research
DRT has developed extensive capacity and experience in both conventional and current participatory research
approaches. DRT identifies issues where data and information is required to inform specific decision-making processes
and carries out research in communities that are directly affected. Coupled with the research experiences, we
undertake rigorous analysis of policies and programme to derive meaningful conclusions and recommendations.
1.3.2 Policy analysis for policy change
DRT undertakes and provides policy analysis targeted for policy making and other purposes (such as advocacy,
academic research and capacity building) of other CSOs and Government institutions.
1.3.3 Skills training and institutional support,
DRT is involved in building technical and institutional capacity within DRT and amongst partner organisations to
develop skills and technical capacity in identifying and analysing social economic and policy issues that affect the
well being of majority of people in Uganda and the East African region. Our areas of expertise is in enhancing
knowledge and skills in poverty and vulnerability analysis, poverty monitoring, participatory planning, understanding
of social protection measures as one of the interventions for addressing extreme vulnerabilities and risks.
DRT will continue its work by:
i)
Building skills and knowledge participatory poverty and vulnerability assessments;
ii)
Raising public awareness on increased civic participation in planning, resource tracking and poverty
monitoring.
iii)
Building knowledge and analytical skills on AID flow systems and processes, national and local government
budget making and implementation processes, and how these impact on livelihood opportunities of poorest
persons.
iv)
v)
Providing support on institutional development issues such as strategic planning, mid-term and end of term
project and programme evaluations.
Skills training for DRT staff and partners in understanding and analyzing economic policy issues and processes
at national, regional and international levels; AID flow systems and processes, national and local government
budget making and implementation processes among others.
1.3.4 Engagement
DRT does and will to a limited extent and under specified circumstances be actively involved in full blown policy
engagement.
1.3.5 Publications and information sharing
DRT is committed to producing credible evidence-based policy analysis. These outputs are meant to inform the public
and policy makers. Through this iniaitive at national, regional and global learning and sharing, we have developed
our internal technical capacity in producing high quality publications that have been reliably used in policy
discussions, further research and capacity building work by both state and non-state institutions. DRT will continue with
this approach by:
i)
Publishing and disseminating research reports, policy briefs, annual reports, information, education and
communications materials. .
ii)
Regularly uploading new information on our website.
iii)
Creating spaces at local levels for sharing vital information with communities.
iv)
Strengthen working relationships with the media for increased public awareness and development journalism
1.4
Work strategy 2012- 2016
Under this strategic plan, DRT will endeavour to address its concerns including but not limited to;
i)
Government policy shift focus from poverty eradication to a development approach which promotes
economic growth and poverty eradication with the private sector seen as the engine of growth and
development. This is in spite of evidence showing widening income inequality in across the country and within
different geographical regions. In such a situation, there is limited participation of poor people in social,
economic and political development processes. The chronically poor persons and communities have nothing
much to show for the benefits generated by a free market and private-led economy. Un-employment and
under-employment of youths is another area of concern for DRT.
ii)
iii)
iv)
v)
Existing anti-poverty strategies/interventions remain exclusionary for the poorest segments of the Ugandan
population. On the one hand, there are policy weakness in the design and implementation of development
policies and programmes; and llimited evidence of improved wellbeing in most vulnerable regions where
huge resource flows have been directed, on the other.
Absence of a comprehensive social protection policy framework is to deal with increasing risks and
vulnerabilities.
CSOs limited capacity to analyse & engage on external, national and local government resource planning
and allocation processes for pro-poor prioritisation;
Governance failures - which have resulted in poor service delivery; poor accountability of leaders; rising
levels of corruption and above all ccitizen apathy
It is within this context that DRT developed this strategic plan. The plan states DRT’s continued commitment to
“contribute to poverty reduction through research, policy analysis, evidence based policy engagement, capacity
building and institutional learning”. Chronic poverty will still remain a principal component of DRT’s work around which
the four (4) thematic areas develop and implement programmatic intervention.
1.5
Thematic Areas in the 2012 – 2016 period
For the period 2012- 2016, DRT will undertake a more focused research approach along its new broad Thematic
Research Areas namely:
1. Governance and transparency theme
2. Social policy and human rights theme
3. Economic policy and livelihoods theme
4. Institutional development and capacity building
As a critical subject throughout DRT’s work, we will under our new strategic plan, endeavour to further understand,
analyse and report on chronic poverty. Based on this, DRT’s strategic undertaking will be to influence the formulation
and implementation of evidence based pro-poor development interventions that contribute to reduction of people
living in chronic poverty evidenced along our interlinked and strategic thematic areas.
Social policy and
human rights
Economic Policy
and Livelihoods
Governance and
Transparency
Capacity Building and
Institutional Development
Chronic poverty
1.6
2.
3.
4.
Strategic outcomes
Putting the Poorest and most vulnerable people in Uganda and East African region at the centre of
development strategies.
Active and meaningful participation of the poorest and vulnerable in governance processes
Increased transparency and accountability in economic processes and resource flows for inclusive growth.
Enhance technical and institutional capacity of organisations for responsive development interventions.
5.
A significant reduction in the percentage of chronically poor people in Uganda and in the East African
1.
region
6.
7.
8.
Increased voices of the poorest in the decision-making process
Improved Government(s) political will reflected in policies, legislation, programmes and financial
commitments in responding to risks and vulnerabilities that drive people into extreme and chronic poverty.
Increased utilization of DRT’s generated evidence by various stakeholders (NGOs, private sector, media,
Government, development partners and citizens) at regional, national and local levels.
Thematic Linkages to the Strategic Outcomes
Strategic outcomes
Social Policy and Human
Development
Governance and Transparency
Economic policy and livelihoods
Capacity building and
institutional development
Chronically poor
in an environment
where social and
economic and
governance
policies/processes
are by-passing
them..
1. Increased voices of the
poorest in decisionmaking processes.
2. Change of individual,
structural and
institutional practices in
public resources
management for
poverty reduction.
3. Enhanced capacity of
CSOs to access, analyse
and utilise information
for policy actions that
speak to people’s needs
and priorities.