Figure 1: AHI's Analytical Thrusts

AHI has four primary "analytical thrusts" that structure research and lessons capture at site and regional levels. These are operationalized through theme-based strategies, donor-funded projects and the technical strengths of regional research team (RRT) members (see Figure 1).

Research and Learning on Integrated Natural Resource Management for Watersheds and Collective Action in NRM are carried out through in-depth work in pilot watersheds, where new approaches are tested and evaluated together with national partners. This work is funded largely through core funds (SDC and the Netherlands government) and supported by restricted grants targeted specific aspects of the process (IDRC for knowledge management, ECAPAPA for by-law reforms, the European Commission for competitive grants, and so on). Technical support is provided by the regional systems agronomist and socio-ecologist.

Research on Partnerships and Institutional Arrangements for INRM, in turn, is operationalized through multi-institutional partnerships among research and development actors at district or woreda level. This work is funded through the AGILE project (Italian government) and donors supporting the watershed work, with technical support provided in large part by the AGILE Coordinator.

The final analytical thrust, Scaling Up and Institutionalization, is operationalized through scaling up research in AHI's benchmark sites and self-led institutional change processes within partner NARIs. The former is funded by donors supporting work in pilot watersheds, while the latter has been funded by the Rockefeller Foundation and the European Commission. While diverse RRT members support research on scaling out, AHI's regional research fellow supports the institutional change work through PhD research and co-facilitation of institutional change events.