Agriculture & Food Systems
We provide technical expertise to enhance agricultural productivity, improve value chains, and ensure food security in a changing climate.
Explore sector →About DARA
Evidence that connects policy, practice and sustainable development.
DARA combines rigorous research, strategic analysis and development advisory to help institutions make informed decisions and translate evidence into practical action.
Discover DARADevelopmentDesigning, monitoring and evaluating development programmes, planning initiatives and institutional capacity.
AnalysisStatistical modelling, economic forecasting and policy analysis that turn data into practical intelligence.
ResearchRigorous qualitative and quantitative research, market assessments, feasibility studies and evidence synthesis.
Regional experience
Research across diverse contexts
DARA undertakes research, surveys and advisory assignments in Malawi and across the wider region. Our work combines rigorous methods, contextual understanding and stakeholder engagement to generate evidence that supports policy, programmes and investment decisions.
View selected assignmentsCore sectors
Multidisciplinary expertise
DARA works across interconnected sectors where evidence, institutions and sustainable development meet.
Economic Policy & Development
Our economists transform complex market data into clear pathways for inclusive economic growth and poverty reduction.
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Forests & Biodiversity
We provide data-driven solutions to preserve forest ecosystems, halt degradation, and promote sustainable forestry management.
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Environment & Climate Change
We help organizations assess environmental risks, adapt to climate variability, and transition toward low-carbon operations.
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Mineral Resources & Business Management
We guide stakeholders through the sustainable extraction, governance, and business management of mineral assets.
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Public Health & Nutrition
We conduct rigorous public health research to improve healthcare delivery, equity, and disease prevention strategies.
Explore sector →6Core sectors
3Integrated service areas
100%Evidence-led approach
MW & AfricaGeographic focus
What we do
Integrated research and advisory services
From study design and fieldwork to analysis, evaluation and strategic advice, DARA supports the full evidence cycle.
Research & Data Collection
End-to-end quantitative and qualitative research, including surveys, fieldwork, feasibility studies and baselines.
Service details →
Strategic Analysis & Advisory
Policy, market, economic and risk analysis that converts evidence into decision-ready strategic advice.
Service details →Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL)
Impact evaluation, reviews, indicators and MEL systems designed to support accountability and learning.
Service details →Selected assignments
Relevant assignments undertaken by DARA
Selected policy, research and advisory assignments demonstrating DARA’s experience across sectors and geographies.
Review of National Agricultural Policy
Review of Malawi’s National Agricultural Policy (2016–2021) to inform development of a comprehensive successor policy.
View assignment →Development of the new National Agriculture Policy
Development of the successor National Agriculture Policy following the review of the 2016–2021 policy.
View assignment →Support To AFR100 Monitoring Group in Production and Dissemination of 2021 AFR100 Report On The State Of Restoration In Africa
Support to the AFR100 Monitoring Group in producing and disseminating the 2021 report on the state of restoration in Africa.
View assignment →Market situation analysis survey for inclusive red meat value chains for women and youth in East and Southern Africa: Malawi
Market situation analysis for inclusive red meat value chains for women and youth in East and Southern Africa, focusing on Malawi.
View assignment →Insights
Research notes, analysis and updates
Welcome to DARA
Introducing DARA: evidence-based research, analysis and strategic advisory for sustainable development.
Read insight →Why evidence quality matters in development decisions
Good decisions depend on data that is relevant, transparent and interpreted in context.
Read insight →Connecting monitoring, evaluation and learning
MEL systems become more useful when learning is designed into routine decision-making.
Read insight →Need evidence for a critical decision?
Talk to DARA about research, monitoring and evaluation, policy analysis, feasibility studies, market assessments or strategic advisory support.