The Institute of Economic and Social Research (INESOR) was established in 1938, an interdisciplinary Social Science research Centre of the University of Zambia (UNZA) conducting both basic and applied research in Agricultural, Urban and Rural Development, Economic Development and Business, Governance and Socio-Culture and Population and Health Systems. It has over the years built a reputation for capacity building of Policy and Programme Managers for both Government and non-Governmental Organisations.
Vision
To be a leader in Social Science research and scholarly programmes that are relevant to the development of society
Mission
To undertake interdisciplinary Social Science research that responds to/and informs pertinent policy questions through research, teaching and consultancy.
Background
The Institute is a research wing of the University of Zambia, incorporated into the University in 1965. There is a Board of Research Programmes ( BRP ) which is the highest decision making board within the Institute. It works in consultation with the Research Advisory Committee (RAC ).
The Institute carries out both basic ( theoretical ) and applied research.Research can either be self – initiated or Commissioned by Government, International Organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations, Business Organizations and Individuals.Collaborative research between the Institute and other interested parties is also encouraged.In addition, the Institute caries out consultancy services in relevant research areas including facilitating the organization of workshops, seminars, and conferences.
The University runs a research Affiliation Scheme through which researchers, both within and outside the country can be affiliated to the Institute of Economic and Social Research for the purpose of carrying out research in Zambia.
Message from the Director's Office
The Institute of Economic and Social Research (INESOR) has continued to distinguish itself as a centre of research and knowledge generation in the country and beyond. INESOR brings together and consolidates a community of scholars and scholarship on key policy-relevant thematic areas. Currently the Institute implements its research agenda through six interdisciplinary research programmes namely ...
Historical Overview
INESOR was founded in 1938, with a strong bias towards the social sciences. Since its inception, it has undergone four phases of its name changes.
- Rhodes – Livingstone Institute,1938 -1965
- Institute for social research / Centre for African Studies, 1965 – 1971
- Institute for African Studies, 1971 – 1996
- Institute of Economic and Social Research ( INESOR ),1996 to date
Aims
The aims of INESOR are:
- To make research programmes truly inter- disciplinary with social sciences broadly interpreted
- To make the work of INESOR clearly relevant to the needs of Zambia
- To disseminate research findings to all stakeholders.
Research Programmes
Priority Areas
- Agricultural Commodity Value Chains and Smallholder Market Access
- Poverty and Agricultural Policy
- The role of private/public partnerships in enhancing agricultural productivity
- Rural finance and rural livelihoods
- Drought power and agricultural productivity
- Agricultural diversification
- Capacity building of individuals and institutions in the sector
To learn more about the works that we do,follow us on facebook @instituteofeconomicandsocialresearch.