Ongoing Projects

The main objective of the study is to quantify and examine the characteristics, drivers (both sector-specific and general), and circumstances of informality, in addition to identifying the (dis)incentives that have a bearing on the formalisation process of informal economic units in the transport sector and workers therein. More specifically, it will quantify extent, nature, and composition of informality within transportation sector; identify main drivers and incentives of formalisation; identify main actors involved in formalisation process in the sector; and identify and assess current policy approaches on formalisation and their impacts on transition to formality for informal economic units and workers (specifically women) in the transport sector.

The main objective of this study is to identify the characteristics, causes, and circumstances of informality in the agriculture, forestry, fishing, and aquaculture sectors, facilitating the design and implementation of sector-specific and crosscutting approaches for transitioning the economic units and workers involved to the formal economy. More specifically, the study will: quantify the extent, nature, and composition of informality within the agriculture, forestry, fishing, and aquaculture sectors based on available data that is complemented by a short survey; identify main drivers and incentives for formalisation, highlighting sector-specific and transversal drivers; identify main actors involved in formalisation process in the sector and coordination mechanisms, if any; identify and assess current policy approach, specific programmes and measures and where possible their impact on facilitating the transition to formality for informal economic units and workers (especially women) in agriculture, forestry, fishing, and aquaculture sectors.

This project explores the role of heritage in risk preparedness, disaster response and recovery, and long-term disaster risk management planning. It also focuses on how heritage can be used to better strengthen communities’ resilience, an integral part of sustainable development. Experiences across various jurisdictions in the Kathmandu Valley present contemporary understandings of stress, adaptation, wellness, and resource dynamics, which are sparsely documented or disseminated, especially due to Covid 19 pandemic. It aims to bring together existing partnerships into a wider stakeholder network to enable the flow of ideas, resources, and capacities around community-led ‘resilient’ practices for post-disaster rebuilding.

The objectives of the study are: a) to gauge the perceptions of local elites vis-a-vis public service delivery and planning and decision-making processes at the provincial and local levels in addition to identifying factors that drive their perceptions that aid or hinder their influence and/or participation in agenda-setting and decision-making; b) to explore the role of local elites’ perceptions in enhancing or obstructing public service delivery and also ensuring inclusive and participatory planning and decision-making processes at the provincial and local levels; c) to explore the perceptions of local elites towards the functioning of provincial and federal governments, along with factors that drive the perceptions of local elites regarding the same; and d) to explore the interlinkages between local elites’ perceptions and practices vis-a-vis both public service delivery and planning and decision-making processes, and understand how each affects the other.

Under the overall guidance of MRG, Social Science Baha will coordinate with South Asia Collective (SAC) members with regard to the joint publications and advocacy/outreach activities, including conducting primary and secondary research as needed to support SAC publications, including carrying out original research to be included in the annual ‘state of minorities’ report and quarterly bulletins within each publication’s deadlines. you can read the 2022 State of the Minorities report on the weakening of human rights and its impacts on minorities here.

The proposed network intends to contribute with more in-depth knowledge of policies that may contribute to a more rapid transition towards inclusive growth with competence building and increasing incomes for the unskilled poor. CMI is combining insights from the partners’ countries and neighboring countries using different methodologies, including RCTs, analysis of survey data, and qualitative methods. The network will build on previous and ongoing research programs that involve the core partners in the network.

Project Description: This four-year project promotes diversity and inclusiveness through a better understanding of solidarities forming and disintegrating amongst communities invested in lived and living heritage. The project brings together a team of critical and passionate South Asianists, specialising in anthropology, geography, art history, museum and heritage studies, literary studies and conservation architecture. Eight research sites – three cities in India and five in Nepal – were selected lying within 350km from each other, related through cosmologies and transnational histories. Ethnography with qualitative interviews, oral histories and participant observation will provide the key methodological framework within a relational and comparative case study approach. Archival material, bureaucratic frameworks and documentation, media analysis and object studies will enhance the data repertoire.

Website: https://www.sajag-nepal.org/

Project Description: The general objective of the study is to conduct an assessment of the impact on maternal and neonatal health (MNH) in rural communities in selected One Heart Worldwide (OHW)-supported districts. More specifically, the research will assess if and how OHW has made a difference in people’s access to MNH care across the field sites, observe the sustainability of the programme in districts where it is still engaged, and to use the findings to construct strategies and recommendations to further develop the OHW’s interventions. The critical and objective evaluation of OHW’s interventions impact on the communities and the health sector in general will describe maternal and new-birth practices and systems and provide an in-depth understanding of existing conditions and impact of the OHW model. The findings from this evaluation will provide recommendations to further develop OHW interventions to enhance health improvement in Nepali communities. The study will be conducted in seven communities in four districts, namely, two each in Baglung, Dhading and Sankhuwasabha, and one in Jajarkot.