Poverty Research
What we do
In recent years CR has begun to shift from a demand-led to an evidence-based/data-driven organization.
In 2017, CR started with a survey examining the health and living conditions of people living in slums (the precursor to the larger Multidimensional Poverty Survey). This was quickly followed by a longitudinal cohort study looking at the impact of a nutritional intervention programme on growth patterns of stunted children living in a large slum in northern Kolkata (the malnutrition project – upcoming). CR’s first full Multidimensional Poverty Survey was conducted in 2019, covering 23 slum areas. We also conducted some preliminary work looking at the mental health of slum residents. In early 2021, CR started data collection for a longitudinal study examining the impact of Covid-19 on multiple life domains of people living in slums (COVID-study – upcoming).
These concurrent initiatives led to the establishment of the Calcutta Rescue Research Collaborative in early 2020. The Calcutta Rescue Research Collaborative comprises a group of international research volunteers from a wide variety of disciplines. They meet online to generate relevant, well-researched, accountable research protocols buttressed by rigorous methodology and ethical guidance.
Purpose
The purpose of research at Calcutta Rescue is to provide our management with data allowing:
- Evidence-based decision making (e.g. prioritisation)
- Service improvement
- Fundraising and communication
For more information about the research please contact Dr Esther Sulkers esther.sulkers [at] gmail.com
Research Collaborative
Former volunteers and supporters from different fields have come together to form the Research Collaborative.
Multidimensional Poverty
We are pleased to present the results of CR’s first large-scale study of the poverty experienced by Calcutta Rescue’s service users. It is the largest and most detailed research of its kind conducted in Kolkata in the last two decades.
COVID-19 Study
In March 2021 the research team launched a Covid-19 study investigating the medical, economical, and psychological impacts of the pandemic on the slum residents. This study is planned with a baseline and 4 follow-ups within one year.
Malnutrition
Calcutta Rescue developed a comprehensive nutritional intervention programme with the aim of sustainably reducing stunting.
Mental Health
This part of Calcutta Rescue’s research investigates life satisfaction among its slum residents.
Three Tips for Other NGOs Considering Doing Research...
Re-invent and adapt
Don’t try to build a research project out of nothing. Find examples of methods that suit your aims and use them as your start point – retaining some elements and adapting others.
Ask for advice
Guidance from poverty measurement experts Suman Seth and Indranil Dutta was vital when designing our multidimensional poverty survey and in ensuring rigorous analysis afterward.
Pilot
Do a pilot study and don’t be afraid to stop and rethink if things don’t feel right. If there’s a question that respondents aren’t understanding properly in the pilot, think about how it might be better asked, or consider removing it if it’s obviously producing poor data.