Research

about our research activities

The activities under our research component consist of yearly in-depth explorations of one of the topics identified under the Learning Hub agenda.

These so-called deep dives aim to fill knowledge gaps in the response and provide robust data for learning. Deep dive topics are selected in consultation with stakeholders including NGOs, government and donors and preliminary results are validated by beneficiary communities. The findings from the deep dive assessment are presented to discussed with stakeholders in the response, thus facilitating the uptake of the findings and triggering discussion for future programme improvement. Under this work stream, U-Learn also carries out other research pieces such as good practice studies, and ad-hoc assessments under the scope of the themes identified with the Learning Agenda and consultations with key stakeholders of the Ugandan humanitarian landscape.

Assessments by U-Learn

Financial Services in the Uganda Refugee Response: An Assessment of User Perspectives

U-Learn is currently conducting its second deep-dive assessment on the topic of user experiences and preferences regarding financial services and humanitarian assistance in the form of money. 

 

This deep dive was designed in close collaboration with the national Cash Working Group (CWG), the Assessment Technical Working Group (ATWG) and bilateral consultation with other actors. The assessment aims to strengthen the evidence base around user experiences and preferences and also maps digital and financial literacy, access to mobile phones, mobile network and the internet.

 

The research findings from this assessment are scheduled to be published on this platform in January 2022.

Completed Assessments

ResilienceSelf-Reliance

Final Evaluation of BRIDGE intervention, implemented by Mercy Corps in the West Nile. Between May and July U-Learn supported Mercy Corps, an FCDO BRAER partner, in conducting the final evaluation of their BRIDGE intervention. The intervention focused on the implementation of the Market System Development approach and on the Innovation Centers launch in the West-Nile. The evaluation used different criteria to assess the impact, effectiveness and sustainability of the intervention. Although the full results are confidential, lessons learned and recommendations for similar interventions were disseminated at the Livelihoods and Resilience Working Group in August 2021.

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Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP)Refugee Participation

The Refugee Engagement Forum (REF) has proven to be a successful model for sustained refugee participation in national decision-making. Whilst it is not yet very well known, its unique structure and demonstrated value have the potential to inspire other countries to adopt a similar approach. As a result, the REF Good Practice Study was instigated to identify key lessons and successes from the REF, and to document the Ugandan experience for the benefit of those in and outside of Uganda.

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Covid-19Refugee ParticipationRisk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE)

In the framework of the support to the COVID-19 response in Uganda, U-Learn conducted its first deep-dive assessment on the topic of COVID-19 Risk Communication and Community Engagement. The deep-dive was designed consultation with the Risk Communication Social Mobilization and Community Engagement (RCSM-CE) Pillar, the Communication with Communities (CWC) group, the Assessment Technical Working Group (ATWG) and bilateral consultation with other actors. The assessment aimed to strengthen the evidence base surrounding risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) approaches in Uganda, exploring information accessibility, communication modalities, risk perceptions and behavior changes in particular in refugee communities, to inform the successful delivery of RCCE.

Read or Download the Full Study