Forum for Action-Research on Inclusive Development – FAIDA

About

Inclusive development requires the consorting of knowledge and efforts to develop appropriate strategies to undo the ills of ruthless economic growth. FAIDA aims to be an evidence-based platform for research and science outreach to foster meaningful inclusive Development, focused on Africa. FAIDA functions as a Community of Practice where multi-stakeholders share knowledge and experiences: specifically, scientists, development actors, local people, and policymakers interact regularly to share (new) know-how, experiences, and local wisdom. They will thus co-produce action-oriented knowledge and co-develop appropriate interventions toward inclusive sustainable development.

FAIDA operates in the form of conferences (which is its main and core activity); but also, seminars, symposia, webinars, and other ways of sharing knowledge, skills, and opportunities for development of the human society. FAIDA conferences are hosted yearly between November and December unless otherwise communicated. They are attended by actors from various stakeholder groups: academia, Civil Society Organizations (CSO), policymakers, and local communities.

The proceedings from FAIDA conferences contain reference points for action by development actors as well as local people and gaps for scientists to conduct new research and produce new know-how. From one conference to the subsequent one, progress is shared by development actors as well as local people, and new know-how is disseminated by scientists. Then, new gaps are taken up for research:

In other words, FAIDA conferences are an opportunity for:

  • Scientists sharing findings in a stimulating setting – here, they equally co-produce more knowledge with actors across other various stakeholder groups.
  • Actors across other various stakeholder groups – including and yet not limited to local communities, development experts, policymakers, CSOs, and CBOs – interact with scientists so that there is both explanation and understanding of matters at hand.
  • Networks across disciplines and fields of science and technology promote the development, deployment, adaptation, and scaling of new solutions from interactions.
  • Identifying and promoting opportunities to collaborate between diverse stakeholders – academics, CSOs, development actors, and policymakers for inclusive development.

Depending on the quality of the manuscripts presented, some will be produced in the form of Conference Proceedings and others in the partnering journals for communication to the scientific

communities. Two important documents will be compiled regularly, for guidance in the practical arena: Policy Briefs to guide policymakers and development actors on the concrete actions that could foster inclusive development in various communities; but also, a book volume on Sustainable Livelihoods and Inclusive Development. Several take-home messages will be availed at the conference closing events and follow-up seminars.

Organization, focus, and scope

FAIDA brings together various stakeholders, including academia, CSOs as well as development actors and the private sector, and policymakers under the coordination of Thrive Development Facility (TDF). While taking the role of a coordinating institution, TDF is open to other entities (including individuals and corporates) who would be interested to be part of the consortium. In this case, each entity within the consortium is given a chance to nominate a person on the board of FAIDA as well as a specific theme. The Board is charged with the task of recruiting the secretariate which becomes responsible for running the activities of FAIDA. In the same vein, other interested entities are welcome to propose and lead an event under the auspices of FAIDA.

Vision: Contribute to advocacy for and action on evidence-based inclusive development agenda.

Mission: Adapt and develop strategies required for an inclusive development agenda through evidenced-based research and community engagement.

Geographical focus: The primary geographical scope of FAIDA is Africa. Contributions from other parts of the world will be welcome insofar as they have an implication on or a lesson for (a setting in) Africa.

For details on specific FAIDA conferences and other activities, please check on the events page.