Social Research
We have over 25 years of experience and expertise in the design, deployment and completion of Social research studies incl nationwide surveys. We have conducted many projects on a wide range of topics such as migration, infrastructure, food security and livelihoods, nutrition, financial inclusion, health, family planning and the peace process. We have a strong track record of successfully implementing projects for clients such as the World Bank, UNOPS, UNDP, UNICEF, USAID, Save the Children, JICA, KOICA and DFID. In Myanmar, MSR’s Social Research department is the leading social research agency.
Areas of Expertise
MSR has extensive experience conducting research to inform migration policy development and implementation. Our research has touched on issues such as the reliance of local communities on migration as a livelihood coping strategy, as well as the impact migration has on affected communities' vulnerability, resilience, levels of poverty and opportunities for inclusive development.
We have been long-term research partners with the 'Livelihoods and Food Security Programme' aimed at eradicating extreme poverty and hunger in Myanmar. Covering townships, villages and households in the four agro-ecological zones, we study different aspects of livelihood in poor rural communities such as income, vulnerability to shocks, stresses and adverse trends, women and children's nutrition, and changes in pro-poor policies and public expenditure.
Nutrition is another of MSR's areas of expertise. We have designed and implemented multiple baseline and impact evaluation studies of nutrition programs. For example, we have evaluated child and mother's nutrition levels overtime as a way of measuring and evaluating the impact of the LIFT program, mentioned above. We have also researched into nutritional outcomes for children and the incidence of stunting for those under the age of five.
MSR has experience conducting large-scale Opinion Polls and household surveys across Myanmar. By applying scientifically and technically robust methodologies, we provide key political stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organizations, government officials and election commissions with solid, verifiable information to form a basis for policy decisions as well as to promote a greater level of constituent representation and responsiveness.
Climate Change programs aim to understand and reduce seasonal poverty in rural areas by implementing community-driven solutions. Our research has focused on addressing climate change risks on water resources and food security in the Dry Zone of Myanmar. Among other things, we have studied the impact that changes in climate have on access to fresh water for the most vulnerable, on agriculture and livestock production, as well as the benefits of uptaking climate resilient farming and livestock practices.
Researching rural development research is key in helping us understand the sustainability of rural communities. MSR is experienced in measuring the impact community-based policies have on income, living conditions and empowerment, as well as in conducting research to help develop such policies. For example, we have studied villagers' participation in the collective decision-making to help one of our clients strengthen the basis for the Saemaul Undong (SMU) model of rural development in Myanmar.
MSR has extensive experience conducting industrial and socio-economic surveys, both quantitative and qualitative, including financial inclusion studies and Enterprise Surveys. In these studies, we collect information on attitudes toward formal financial products, financial skills, and attitudes related to financial functioning using tools such as household surveys, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions.
