The Institute of Public Opinion and Research (IPOR) partnered with Democracy International (DI) through the Parliamentary Support Program to offer a 4-day research training to representatives from Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the Media. The programme is being implemented with financial support from USAID, which among other things, aims at improving the research capacity of these organizations in engaging with legislative processes.

In his remarks, IPOR’s Director of Research and Operations, Dr. Boniface Dulani indicated that the programme emphasizes practical learning through interactive trainings and workshops, case studies, and hands-on exercises. Participants engaged in mock research activities, allowing them to apply the skills they learn in real-world scenarios.

Dr. Dulani added: “We believe that research is the backbone of informed advocacy and reporting. Accurate data and well-analyzed information empower CSOs to advocate more effectively for policy changes and enable the media to provide nuanced and factual reporting. Recognizing this, our training programme is designed to bridge gaps in research skills, thereby enriching the contributions of these groups to parliamentary processes.

This initiative is a testament to our commitment to fostering a more transparent and accountable democratic process. We believe that well-informed CSOs and media are pivotal to this goal, and our training programme is a significant step towards achieving it.”

The training sessions were structured into several modules, each focusing on a specific aspect of research. The following were the modules covered: Introduction to Research, Sampling, Research Ethics, Conducting Interviews, Qualitative and Quantitative Data Analysis, and Research Dissemination.

At the end of the training, participants were equipped with the skills needed to contribute more effectively to the legislative process. CSOs will be better positioned to advocate for public interests with well-researched evidence, and media professionals will enhance their reporting with factual and insightful analysis.