An Inquiry into Research Methods Practices: Case Study of Center for Agricultural Research and Development in Malawi

The main objective of the project was to analyze the research methods practices and the research working environment at Center for Agricultural Research and Development (CARD) through inquiry based case studies so as to ascertain ways of improving research management and the quality of research outputs The specific objectives were; to determine research methods issues in working with the research community at CARD; to evaluate the data management and analysis practices at CARD; to improve the capacity in economic data analysis through a training course at CARD; and to determine the processes for the reviewing of research reports, protocols and proposals developed at CARD. The project was accomplished through documentation of evidence of interactive experience on six tasks that were accomplished during the attachment period at the center. The project tasks were; participation in research (consultancy skills), contributions to team planning and review meetings, contribution to data management, analyzing research data, offering a training course and writing a review on research documents.