Our capabilities are focused in five main areas of expertise, which we call portfolios.  Much of the work we do is inter-disciplinary. Clients often engage us to undertake assignments or projects that draw on knowledge and experiences, and the skills of our staff consultants, from more than one portfolio.

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

This portfolio encompasses natural resource governance, forestry, biodiversity conservation and protected area management.  We also work on the development of strategies to tackle climate change, particularly payments for ecosystem services and innovative forest financing mechanisms. 

RURAL GROWTH AND LIVELIHOOD SECURITY

We provide policy advice on strategies to enable robust rural economic growth, and livelihood security for the rural poor. Particular areas of expertise are strategic planning of agricultural research, and the design of food security programmes.

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT  

Our social development services include poverty reduction, social inclusion, vulnerability, gender and social impact analysis.  We have particular experience in strengthening civil society organisations to engage more effectively in dialogue with governments.

GOVERNANCE, INSTITUTIONAL REFORM AND POLITICAL ECONOMY

theIDLgroup works with governments and aid agencies to review and develop opportunities for improved governance, transparency and democracy.  We take an institutional economics perspective to institutional development and assist public sector organisations to develop new mechanisms for strengthened accountability and reform.

FRAGILE AND POST-CONFLICT STATES

We use social analysis tools to analyse the underlying causes of conflict, and determine how to apply community-driven development approaches to local initiatives, in complex situations.