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The K20M Ziphuphu Njee CSR tournament praisedPosted on Jan 30, 2024 at 15:35 Stakeholders involved in the K20 Million Ziphuphu Njee 2023 football and netball tournament for Zomba secondary schools, have praised the Institute of Public Opinion and Research (IPOR) for financing the Corporate Social Responsibility (CRS) anti-graft initiative. In the tournament, IPOR collaborated with the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), the Ministry of Education through the Malawi Secondary Schools Sports Association (MASSSA) and other like-minded partners. ACB Director General, Ms. Martha Chizuma, who was guest of honour at the final games held at the Zomba Police Mess Ground, praised IPOR for bankrolling the initiative which engaged learners in an outside classroom atmosphere. She described the tournament as a unique tool in the fight against corruption, that enhanced the dissemination of anti-corruption messages amongst the youth. Ms. Chizuma called for the private sector to emulate IPOR in the replication of the activities in other districts. Director of Strategy and Management at IPOR, Professor Blessings Chinsinga, said as an organisation they are proud to have succeeded in the implementation of the tournament in line with the Institute’s CSR objectives. He said: “Our collaboration with the Anti-Corruption Bureau for the tournament is a testament to our commitment to address the root causes of corruption and invest in our future. Sports, with its excitement and passion, provide a unique platform to engage our youth in this noble cause”. The South East Education Division Manager, Mr. Mac Auden Msakatiza, commended IPOR for considering to support the anti-corruption knowledge dissemination drive in secondary schools, citing sports as a unifying tool, hence pleaded for the tournament to be held annually. During the final games, Chirunga Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) won by18 baskets against 9 scored by Balamanja CDSS in netball. In football, Songani CDSS won by 3 goals to 2 against Cobbe CDSS. On third place netball, Malindi Secondary School won by 21 baskets against 20 scored by Luntha CDSS and in football, Malindi Secondary School beat Namitembo CDSS by 3 goals to nil. First place winners for both football and netball went away with laboratory equipment worth K1.5 million, second place winners received equipment worth K1 Million while third place winners received K500, 000 worth of equipment. There were also individual prizes in various categories. The key objective was to ensure that the lessons from the anti-corruption messages, will mold the learners into responsible and ethical citizens, thereby contributing positively to the growth and prosperity of Malawi. The tournament commenced on 4 November 2023 and ended on 20 January 2024. It had 60 participating secondary schools. Field research for beginners short course enters second phasePosted on Dec 01, 2023 at 16:14 We are holding a two-day (1 - 2 December, 2023) Field Research for Beginners short course in Zomba. The training has drawn together participants from various academic fields. During the opening of the training session, IPOR's Director of Research and Operations, Dr. Boniface Dulani, facilitated on the basics of field research, to lay a solid background for the short course.Taking his turn, Director of Training and Programs at IPOR, Dr. Michael Chasukwa, facilitated on how to conduct data collection in qualitative and quantitative research, in relation to practical field work. IPOR, UNIMA Students Sign ECT ContractsPosted on Nov 08, 2023 at 16:47 The Institute of Public Opinion and Research (IPOR), and the University of Malawi's 23 beneficiaries of the Edward Chiwayula Trust (ECT) have signed contracts to officially cement the support. In the agreement, IPOR through the University of Malawi (UNIMA) is providing K60, 000 monthly up-keep for the needy students to improve their on campus welfare. Director of Strategy and Management at IPOR, Professor Blessings Chinsinga encouraged the students to work hard in class and to maintain good character to continue benefiting from the support. On his part, Director of Students Affairs at UNIMA, Dr. Jonas Mwatseteza commended IPOR for coming to the rescue of the needy students, hence he encouraged them to take the support as a privilege because there are many needy students in need of upkeep. Speaking on behalf of fellow students, Mr. Thoko Justin, who is pursuing Bachelor of Education in Physics, promised to be ambassadors of the ECT by scoring better grades as a show of gratitude for the support. The fund was established to honour Edward Chiwayula, who untimely passed away on April 17th, 2016 while working as an enumerator on the Governance and Local Development Project, a collaborative venture between IPOR, the Program on Governance and Local Development at the University of Gothenburg, and the Chr. Michelsen Institute. IPOR launches K20 Million Ziphuphu Njee! Secondary Schools Sports TournamentPosted on Nov 06, 2023 at 16:53 The Institute of Public Opinion and Research (IPOR), in partnership with the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), has launched the K20 Million Ziphuphu Njee! 2023 Football and Netball Tournament for Zomba Urban and Rural secondary schools. The aim of the tournament, which is IPOR’s 2023 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activity, is to enhance awareness in the fight against corruption, among the youth from secondary schools in Zomba using netball and football. Director of Research and Operations, Dr. Boniface Dulani, said at the end of the tournament, the winning secondary schools will receive science laboratory equipment. Dr. Dulani said: “This is a tangible investment in the educational infrastructure of the institutions, which will further empower our youth to explore their potential, contribute to our nation, and stand as living symbols of a corruption-free future. “Our collective mission is to nurture a generation, that grows with a corruption-free mindset and becomes the torchbearers of a prosperous and equitable Malawi. Our collaboration with the Anti-Corruption Bureau for this tournament, is a demonstration of our commitment to addressing the root causes of corruption and investing in our future” He said IPOR believes that through the tournament, the youth, who are the backbone of the country’s future, will learn the values of fair play, teamwork, and determination, all of which are vital in combating corruption. ACB Chief Legal and Prosecutions Officer, Mr. Anafi Likwanya, while commending the partnership with IPOR, said they are currently concentrating on educating the citizens against corruption to achieve mindset change. He said if the ACB can educate everyone, more especially the youth to understand the evils of corruption, the nation will have citizens with high integrity, resulting in the reduction of corruption cases in the country. Zomba Rural District Chief Education Officer, Mr. Medson Mbilizi, who was guest of honour at the launch, said the Malawi 2063 may be a farfetched dream if corruption is not tamed. He said secondary school students are the future of Malawi hence empowering them against corruption is key for Malawi 2063 attainment. Over the years, IPOR has engaged in different CSR activities, which include purchasing and donating a skip-bin loader truck and eight skip bins to Zomba City Council; a donation of computers and printing equipment and supplies to Zomba Police Station and Eastern Region Police Headquarters; a donation of tree seedlings to selected communities within Zomba and Machinga districts. In addition, IPOR also runs the Edward Chiwayula Trust which provides supplemental upkeep support to disadvantaged students at the University of Malawi (UNIMA). The Trust, is one of IPOR’s permanent Cooperate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities and has been operational since the 2017 academic year. STEPs in Malawi workshops heldPosted on Oct 05, 2023 at 12:06 The Institute of Public Opinion and Research (IPOR), in conjunction with the University of Notre Dame’s Pulte Institute for Global Development, conducted the Strengthening Teacher Education Practices (STEPs) in Malawi workshops.The workshops, two in total, focused on the current state of primary teacher attrition, within the first five years after joining the teaching profession. The workshops involved current and former (recent) Standard/Grade 1-4 Literacy (English and Chichewa) teachers, while the other one involved Ministry of Education officials, from Education Division Offices, District Education Offices and Zones. The purpose of the workshops was to inform programming being implemented by Florida State University (FSU), on behalf of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). SSRLP project takes offPosted on Oct 05, 2023 at 11:17 Data collection by our enumerators, for the baseline survey for the Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods Project (SSRLP), is progressing well in Nkhatabay and Dedza districts.The study is a collaborative project between Center for Evaluation and Development (C4ED) and Institute of Public Opinion and Research (IPOR), on behalf of the World Bank.The survey will interview 3, 300 beneficiaries from Savings and Loan Groups (SLGs); cash transfer program and climate smart enhanced public works programs. Prior to the resumption of field work, enumerators had a five-day training which included getting familiarised with the questionnaire for the SSRLP.Additionally, enumerators traveled to Traditional Authority Masumbankhunda in Lilongwe district, to conduct a pilot, with the aim to test the tool as well as to identify problems before implementing the survey. Data collection is expected to last for 19 days. Macadamia Midline Impact Evaluation Survey Rolls OutPosted on Aug 08, 2023 at 11:47 We have commenced a 5-day enumerator training for a Macadamia Midline Impact Evaluation quantitative component survey. The survey will involve interviews with 1, 234 smallholder macadamia farmers who were interviewed at Baseline in Thyolo and Mzimba districts.The study is financed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and is being implemented jointly by Center for Evaluation and Development (C4ED) and @IPORMalawi. Four teams of data enumerators will collect data in #Thyolo and #Mzimba districts. IPOR's board meeting heldPosted on Aug 07, 2023 at 13:24 In the quest to advance the good corporate governance, Institute of Public Opinion and Research (IPOR), held its board meeting on 5th August, 2023 at Sigelege Beach Resort in Salima. The main agenda was to report to the board about various research and administrative activities that happened in the quarter. IPOR rolls out Cyclone Freddy telephone surveyPosted on Aug 04, 2023 at 08:43 We are holding a 3 day interviewer training for enumerators, who will be conducting telephone interviews, on a project that seeks to estimate the mortality impact of Cyclone Freddy on Malawian households, using mobile phone surveys. The survey will interview approximately 5, 000 respondents based in Southern Malawi, which was most affected by Cyclone Freddy. Another 5, 000 respondents from Central Malawi will be interviewed as a control group.In the survey, IPOR has partnered with the Population Studies Group at the London School of Hygiene Tropical Medicine, the New York University - Abu Dhabi and the Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit. IPOR HOLDS PROJECT PROPOSAL DEVELOPMENT COURSEPosted on Jun 20, 2023 at 10:31 The Institute of Public Opinion and Research (IPOR) conducted a four-day project Proposal Development In-house short course, with the aim to equip members of staff to produce winning proposals, to bolster organizational viability and long-term sustainability. IPOR Director of Strategy and Management, Professor Blessings Chinsinga, said the training was worthwhile for IPOR, as a research firm that specializes in surveys and social science research, advisory and consulting services. At the end of the training Professor Chinsinga said: "Following the completion of the four-day Proposal Development In-house course, we are confident that it will be a worthwhile value for money investment for IPOR, both in the short and long-term". During the training, participants were taken through all the processes in the project proposal development that includes; Introduction; problem statement; background and literature review; Goals and objectives; Project design and Monitoring and Evaluation; Project implementation and management; Management plan; Institutional capacity and experience; Budgeting and budgetary requirements, among others. IPOR Director of Training and Programs, Dr. Michael Chasukwa, said the training was timely as it built capacity for members of staff, emphasizing that sometimes there is proposal writing fatigue, which can be broken by going over and above board, amid the current competing business environment. At the end of the course, members of staff received certificates of attendance. IPOR LAUNCHES IN-HOUSE SEMINAR SERIESPosted on May 10, 2023 at 15:58 We have embarked on the IPOR in-house Seminar Series where staff members will be presenting papers on different topics of interest. The aim is to build knowledge on how to conceptualise ideas, prepare presentations and effectively present to the audience. In kick-starting the journey, IPOR's Director of Research and Operations, Dr. Boniface Dulani, today presented a paper titled: From Athens to Zimbabwe: The evolution of presidential term limits in historical perspective.Among others, Dr Dulani argued that respect of presidential term limits remains part and parcel of a consolidated democracy. He said while there is precedence on presidential term limits, precedence a lone is not sufficient because over time, people will still debate on the merits and demerits of presidential term limits.He explained that in Malawi, for instance, the citizens chose presidential term limits in 1994 and there is a consensus amongst Malawians, through scientific studies, that the majority would not want to abolish presidential term limits.Dr. Dulani said Malawians believe, that alternating presidential terms is good, since it gives room for the people to elect new presidents, to test new leadership ideas. Additionally, he explained that from 1994, Malawians have shown the powerful effect of presidential alternation, as for instance seen in 2020, when citizens changed the ruling government, meaning that there is a consensus to remove a leader, who does not perform in line with expectations of the majority.On the political science perspective, Dr. Dulani believes that, it would be ideal to have presidential term limits, not extended to the Office of the Vice President, explaining that it may deter presidential running mates, who may harbour presidential ambitions in future. He acknowledges that the current laws in Malawi, bars vice presidents to vie for presidential seat, after serving for two consecutive terms of office. FIELD RESEARCH FOR BEGINNERS SHORT COURSE - LILONGWEPosted on May 10, 2023 at 09:27 IPOR will hold a two-day Field Research for Beginners short course in Lilongwe at MK10, 000 registration and MK40,000 training cost. Seasoned IPOR researchers with vast experience: Dr. Michael Chasukwa and Dr. Boniface Dulani will facilitate the training.Dates: 2nd - 3rd June, 2023 Applications:Interested applicants should send their applications by email to admin@ipormw.org copied to mchasukwa@ipormw.org and cmagawa@ipormw.org. The applications and registration fee should reach IPOR not later than 29th May, 2023. IPOR’s Field Research Course impresses in ZombaPosted on Apr 19, 2023 at 13:19 The Institute of Public Opinion and Research - IPOR on 17 – 18 April 2023 successfully conducted its first series of Field Research for Beginners short course in Zomba.The Zomba training that was held at the Malawi College of Health Sciences, drew together participants from various academic fields.IPOR's Director of Research and Operations, Dr. Boniface Dulani who facilitated the training on the first day, introduced the participants to field research with definitions of the types.Drawing from his vast experience, Dr. Dulani explained with practical examples from IPOR research projects; for instance, the importance of embracing team work in the field, to surmount emerging challenges that may hamper data collection.On another note, IPOR's Research Associate Funny Muthema emphasized on the critical role of obtaining the Informed Consent from survey respondents before commencing the survey. She also imparted knowledge on Survey Interviewing techniques.During the second day of the training, IPOR's Director of Training and Programmes Dr. Michael Chasukwa commended the participants for taking keen interest to learn about research, which is amongst key catalysts for national development.Dr. Chasukwa emphasized the need to obtain authorization from duty bearers at community level before field work, to avoid misconceptions.Dr. Chasukwa highlighted the importance of collecting high quality data, hence explained to the participants that poor data brings an organization into disrepute and becomes costly at the same time.One of IPOR's experienced Research Assistant, Saudi Maoni while engaging with the participants said field work requires commitment and dedication to surmount emerging challenges. Maoni impressed upon the participants that such approach is important to meet deadlines.After successfully completing the short course in Zomba, IPOR Board Member Ms. Gloria Nkangadzula issued Certificates of Attendance to 52 participants.Next; IPOR will take the course to Blantyre this week Thursday (20 - 21 April, 2023) at Malawi College of Accountancy (MCA). Edward Chiwayula Trust beneficiaries challenged to aim highPosted on Apr 11, 2023 at 19:04 The Institute of Public Opinion and Research (IPOR) has challenged the 24 beneficiaries of the Institute's Edward Chiwayula Trust monthly upkeep to dream to succeed by exercising utmost discipline both in their studies and personal behaviour. The 24 needy students, as identified by the University of Malawi and recommended to IPOR for support, will be getting K60, 000 monthly upkeep to ensure their welfare is not affected to disturb their learning status. Speaking during an audience with the beneficiaries today, IPOR's director of Strategy and Management Professor Blessings Chinsinga urged the students to dream big to change their fortunes, emphasizing that while IPOR is rendering such support, their future is in their hands.Before his sudden and untimely passing on April 17th, 2016, the late Edward Chiwayula was working as an enumerator on the Governance and Local Development Project, a collaborative venture between IPOR, the Program on Governance and Local Development at the University of Gothenburg and the Chr. Michelsen Institute. As one way of keeping Edward's memory alive, the collaborative partners in the GLD project agreed to set up a trust in Edward's memory to be called the Edward Chiwayula Trust. Currently, as an integral part of its corporate social responsibility, IPOR supports the Trust by allocating the funds it generates from its projects.#Ipor #Wewin Transforming Higher Education Systems (THES) workshopsPosted on Mar 29, 2023 at 15:31 IPOR is holding the northern region phase of Transforming Higher Education Systems (THES) workshops which analyses the current state of higher education and employment at the intersection of agriculture and technology in Malawi. The workshops involve university students, faculty staff members and the private sector participants. Rapid Mortality Mobile Phone Surveys Training- RaMMPSPosted on Mar 29, 2023 at 15:15 IPOR conducted a 3-day refresher interviewer training for the Rapid Mortality Mobile Phone Surveys - RaMMPS. The project focuses on collecting data on the impact of Covid-19 in Malawi. RAMMPS gathers data in settings where mortality surveillance systems are weak or interrupted.The RaMMPS aims to collect excess mortality during Covid-19 in Malawi. The study collects data on Covid-19 vaccinations, household death, parental death, adult death and child death. The study is being implemented in partnership with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), New York University- Abu Dhabi and Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit (MEIRU).Apart from those collaborators, IPOR is also working with data analysts and psychosocial counsellor from the University of Malawi. The study started in 2022 and is expected to end in June 2023.RaMMPS is a mobile phone survey and data is being collected by calling random selected mobile subscribers across Malawi. Individuals aged 18 to 64 are asked to participate in the study. The study would like to interview 20, 000 mobile subscribers. Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs) StudyPosted on Mar 29, 2023 at 15:04 We have finished data collection from different artistic industries via telephone surveys. The study seeks to find out the contribution of the cultural and creative industries (CCIs) to Malawi's development agenda. IPOR is conducting this study on behalf of the Malawi National Commission for UNESCO. Village Savings Loan (VSL) groups participating in the Metaketa V study have praised Ipor for capacity building trainingsPosted on Mar 29, 2023 at 14:18 Some Village Savings Loan (VSL) groups participating in the Metaketa V study in the areas of TA's Chikowi and Nkagula have praised Ipor for capacity building trainings on how they can demand desired development projects using existing structures at the local authority level. The training intervention is designed to increase the demand women have for political knowledge and skills, as well as the supply of the relevant skill sets to participate effectively. The study will test whether women's participation in Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA) increases their political participation and whether participating in trainings, meant to foster collective efficacy, offers an additional benefit. Field Research Training for Beginners -Short CoursePosted on Mar 29, 2023 at 14:08 IPOR will hold a two-day Field Research for Beginners short course in Zomba and Blantyre at MK50,000 cost. Seasoned IPOR researchers with vast experience: Dr. Michael Chasukwa and Dr. Boniface Dulani will facilitate the training.Dates:Zomba: 17th - 18th April.Blantyre: 20th & 21st April 2023.Applications:Interested applicants should send their applications by email to admin@ipormw.org copied to mchasukwa@ipormw.org and cmagawa@ipormw.org. The applications should reach IPOR not later than 10th April 2023. Applicants should indicate whether they will participate either in the Zomba or Blantyre short course. Gender, Deliberation, and Natural Resource Governance results disseminationPosted on Feb 20, 2023 at 13:46 We disseminated the Gender, Deliberation, and Natural Resource Governance: Experimental Evidence from Malawi study results to communities from Traditional Authority Nkula in Machinga District.As part of the study design, study respondents were offered a cash sum of K2,000 and were invited to willingly make a donation towards a community tree seedling fund, from the amount if they so wished. IPOR promised to match all contributions donated from this exercise. The study results show that from a total number of 3,872 study respondents, 76% donated to the seedlings fund with an average contribution of K175 per person. A total of K658 820 was donated from the communities, demonstrating people’s commitment to contribute towards finding a solution to the problem of deforestation. Therefore, as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility, the Institute of Public Opinion and Research (IPOR), decided to contribute a further K6,000,000 towards the tree seedling fund. In consultation with the Zomba and Machinga District Forestry offices, the funds have been used to purchase a variety of indigenous and fruit trees that are being donated to the study communities, including today's donation to 16 villages under TA Nkula. Continuation of tree seedlings donation exercisePosted on Feb 14, 2023 at 11:07 We continued with the tree seedlings donation programme at a function that was held at Traditional Authority (T/A) Mlumbe headquarters and at Sub TA Nkapita in Zomba District respectively. The donation follows a study that IPOR, together with Ohio State University, Vanderbilt University and the International Food Research Institute (IFPRI) conducted in the communities around the Zomba and Malosa forest reserves in July and August 2022 to study the effects of women groups on deliberations around environmental governance. The project was entitled: Gender, Deliberation, and Natural Resource Governance: Experimental Evidence from Malawi. The tree seedling donation is a long tradition by IPOR as a Corporate Citizen of Zomba to donate to worthwhile causes. IPOR has donated K6, 630, 000 for tree seedlings to communities around Zomba and Malosa Forest ReservesPosted on Feb 14, 2023 at 11:05 The Institute of Public Opinion and Research (IPOR) has today donated tree seedlings to communities around Zomba and Malosa Forest Reserves to the tune of K6, 630, 000 (Six Million, Six Hundred and Thirty Thousand Kwacha). The tree seedlings will benefit villages in Traditional Authorities' Malemia, Mlumbe, Nkula and Sub Traditional Authority Nkapita in Zomba and Machinga Districts.This donation follows a study that IPOR, together with Ohio State University, Vanderbilt University and the International Food Research Institute (IFPRI) conducted in the communities around the Zomba and Malosa forest reserves in July and August 2022 to study the effects of women groups on deliberations around environmental governance. The project was entitled Gender, Deliberation, and Natural Resource Governance: Experimental Evidence from Malawi. The tree seedling donation continues a long tradition by IPOR as a Corporate Citizen of Zomba to donate to worthwhile causes. Braving the rains for Metaketa field workPosted on Feb 14, 2023 at 11:00 The Metaketa V study fieldwork is currently in progress. The enumerators were sent to the field two weeks ago to start the data collection process.In the pictures, the Zomba team, supported by communities leave no stone unturned as they push one of the vehicles out of the mud to proceed with their fieldwork. #braving the rains #trailblazing. STEP ProjectPosted on Feb 14, 2023 at 10:53 We are pleased to report that baseline data collection for the Evaluation of the Strengthening Teacher Practice and Education (STEP) activity began on 2nd February 2023 and is expected to take two weeks. This exercise involves the administration of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice surveys to Literacy Lecturers and Students from seven private Teacher Training Colleges (Dowa-DAPP, St Josephy, Chilangoma-DAPP, DAPP-Amalika, Loudon, Theodora Van Rossum and Alma). It also includes interviews with Central-level and District-level Ministry of Education officials involved in the implementation of the Ministry’s Continuing Professional Development Framework. The Evaluation of the STEP activity is part of the Malawi Higher Education Portfolio Assessment, a collaboration of IPOR and the University of Notre Dame’s Pulte Institute for Global Development, with funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). OSISA grant to strengthen IPOR' operationsPosted on Feb 14, 2023 at 10:50 IPOR, is proud to have been offered a $50, 000 (about K51.3 million) grant to implement the Strengthening Governance Systems and Operations for Delivery Quality Services project, from the Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA). The grant which runs from January to December 2023 will focus on strengthening governance systems and operations of IPOR by engaging in several activities. The activities will include holding team building sessions and board meetings, developing strategic plans, acquiring ICT equipment for the administration of surveys, website management and staff compensation.The rationale of the project is to strengthen governance systems and enhance office operations for IPOR. This is because strong governance systems and effective office operations will lead to delivering outputs to the satisfaction of stakeholders. Stakeholder satisfaction is one of IPOR’s sustainability strategies. The OSISA’s support is important at this time when IPOR is actively participating in various governance fora and activities. For instance, IPOR regularly interacts with the Anti-Corruption Bureau having developed the National Anti-Corruption Strategy for Malawi to provide technical backstopping expertise. IPOR further conducts polling surveys that inform electoral stakeholders including Malawi Electoral Commission as far as identifying conflict hotpots is concerned for conflict prevention and management. Therefore, as Malawi is geared up for the next elections, there is an urgent need for IPOR to start conducting polling surveys to inform electoral processes' decisions. The Metaketa V study field workPosted on Feb 14, 2023 at 02:02 We are pleased to report that baseline data collection for the Evaluation of the Strengthening Teacher Practice and Education (STEP) activity began on 2nd February 2023 and is expected to take two weeks. This exercise involves the administration of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice surveys to Literacy Lecturers and Students from seven private Teacher Training Colleges (Dowa-DAPP, St Josephy, Chilangoma-DAPP, DAPP-Amalika, Loudon, Theodora Van Rossum and Alma). It also includes interviews with Central-level and District-level Ministry of Education officials involved in the implementation of the Ministry’s Continuing Professional Development Framework. The Evaluation of the STEP activity is part of the Malawi Higher Education Portfolio Assessment, a collaboration of IPOR and the University of Notre Dame’s Pulte Institute for Global Development, with funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Team building exercise for IPOR staffPosted on Feb 02, 2023 at 08:52 Over the weekend (28 -29 January) IPOR held its annual team-building exercise in Mangochi. The key emphasis was that @Ipor would like to build a winning team. Building a winning team is critical for the success of the organisation, therefore the team-building exercise was essential in creating cohesion. Ultimately, the idea is to make IPOR competitive both locally and internationally. The team building exercise remains part of ensuring that work is enjoyed. The Ipor team believes that work must be enjoyed, not endured, and that work can be enjoyed only if the Ipor team work as a unit.The photos below showcase a highlight of some of the activities that were held during the team-building exercise:#Ipor #wewin IPOR secures Parliamentary Support Program (PSP) partnershipPosted on Feb 02, 2023 at 02:44 The Institute of Public Opinion and Research (IPOR) is pleased to announce to have become one of the two local partners with Youth and Society Organization (YAS) to take part in the Parliamentary Support Program (PSP) which was awarded to Democracy International (DI) by USAID. The program will run for five years from 2022 to 2027 but IPOR has been incorporated to be involved in the project in 2023 and 2024. The other international partners for the program are Global Partners Governance (GPG) and Democracy Works Foundation.DI and its sub-awardee, Global Partners Governance (GPG), conducted a baseline Political Economy Analysis (PEA) between September and December 2022. In this program, IPOR will be training parliamentarians and parliamentary staff on research. IPOR will also do a public survey on the perceptions of parliament and parliamentarians.The upcoming interventions will be under continuous review as part of the ongoing PEA process to ensure the support continues to be relevant, effective, and in tune with the evolving incentives and dynamics within the parliament.The program is aiming at achieving three main purposes which are; to provide technical support to member of parliament, to provide class institutional support and public partnership support. 2021 Civil Society Organizations Sustainability Index (CSOSI) resultsPosted on Jan 06, 2023 at 02:32 Institute of Public Opinion and Research - IPOR results for the 2021 Civil Society Organizations Sustainability Index (CSOSI) for #Malawi shows that local CSOs struggle to compete for funding from international donors, in part because they are unable to afford required audits and produce strategic plans as they are requirements for some calls for funding.The results released weeks ago, point the fact that local CSOs’ proposal drafting skills are low and have problems writing proposals geared toward their long-term organisational goals. International CSOs highlight Malawian CSOs’ lack of capacity and inability to meet donor requirements as reasons to bypass them in the implementation of projects. Local CSOs continued to raise concerns in 2021 that the drive to “Malawianize” international CSOs by registering them as local organisations would prevent indigenous CSOs from developing. The CSOSI shows that most CSOs have not embraced the spirit of diversification in their search for funds such that few organizations have sources of funding other than donor aid.The CSOSI was first established 20 years ago to report on the strength and viability of the civil society sector in countries that the index covers. The #Malawi report is prepared in consultation with a team of CSO leaders using a standard scoring template, with a focus on seven key dimensions namely legal environment, organisational development, organasational capacity, financial viability, advocacy, service provision, sectoral infrastructure and public image. On a scale of 1 to 7, the CSOSI for Malawi was 5.1 which means sustainability was impended Rapid Mortality Mobile Phone Surveys (RAMMPS)Posted on Nov 01, 2022 at 08:03 Rapid Mortality Mobile Phone Surveys (RAMMPS) project is still in progress and now we are in 3rd quota. The project focuses on collecting data on the impact of #COVID19 in Malawi. Each month, 1700 Malawians of ages between 18 to 65 are called for an interview. Endline evaluation of Strengthening Higher Education Access in Malawi Activity (SHEAMA)Posted on Nov 01, 2022 at 07:22 As part of the Malawi Higher Education Portfolio Assessment, the Institute of Public Opinion and Research (IPOR) is conducting surveys for the quantitative component of an Endline evaluation of Strengthening Higher Education Access in Malawi Activity (SHEAMA) from October 2022. SHEAMA is being managed by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission in Malawi and focuses on improving access to higher education, strengthening institutional capacity by enhancing quality of options for delivery of education, and strengthening linkages between higher education institutions and other stakeholders. The SHEAMA Endline evaluation is a collaboration of IPOR and the University of Notre Dame (UND) SHEAMA has been supporting short course, diploma and degree programs in five public universities namely: Mzuzu University (MZUNI), Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), University of Malawi (UNIMA), Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS), and Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST). Gender, Deliberation, and Natural Resource Governance: Experimental Evidence from MalawiPosted on Sep 20, 2022 at 04:47 The Institute of Public Opinion and Research (IPOR) has embarked on a deforestation study, which is being implemented under the name “Gender, Deliberation, and Natural Resource Governance: Experimental Evidence from Malawi. The core purpose of the study is to examine whether women in deliberative bodies around communal forest governance affect forest management practices. The study is commissioned by Vanderbilt University, the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), and Ohio State University.IPOR’s Field Manager Funny Muthema says, the study has a sample size of 3 780, targeting both women and men ages 18 and above in communities around forest reserves in Traditional Authority Malemia, Mlumbe, Mkapita in Zomba, and Traditional Authority Nkula in Machinga districts. “By the end of the study, IPOR research teams are expected to visit 90 villages and, in each village, randomly select 42 men and women who will participate in both surveys and Focus Group Discussions”, added Muthema. In this study, ordinary Malawians will be given an opportunity to deliberate on problems and solutions of deforestation in their communities. The most exciting part is that, at the end of each session, study participants will have to vote on workable policies to combat deforestation in their communities. DONATION OF COMPUTERS, PRINTERS AND STATIONERY TO ZOMBA POLICE STATIONPosted on Sep 20, 2022 at 04:40 The Institute of Public Opinion and Research (IPOR) has today, August 5, 2022, made a donation of computers, printers and stationery to Zomba Police Station worth about MK6, 000, 000.00. This donation has been made as part of IPOR’s corporate social responsibility activities. In previous years, IPOR has donated to Zomba City Assembly a skip-bin truck worth US$36,000 and an additional eight skip bins worth US$16,000. Speaking during the handover ceremony, Hon. Prof. Blessings Chinsinga, IPOR’s Director of Strategy says, the donation to Zomba Police Station today is a recognition of the reality that Government alone, amid competing public needs, may not have adequate resources to provide all the necessary needs that facilitate effective delivery of public services in this city we are very happy to call home. “Today’s donation of information technology related equipment recognises that our law enforcers need to be part and parcel of contemporary technological advancements, where transactions are going digital. IPOR hopes that the equipment will facilitate quicker and timely service delivery, to ensure that those who seek police services do not complain of slow service delivery,” added Hon. Chinsinga. IPOR further expects that the equipment will be put to good use and maintained to last long. Zomba is among the country’s developing cities, therefore, we will be encouraged to hear success stories about efficient service delivery with an understanding that we are associates, through this support. The donation of computers, printers and stationery to Zomba Police Station affirms IPOR’s commitment to contributing towards making Zomba a safe city. IPOR’s other ongoing corporate social responsibility activities include the Edward Chiwayula Trust which provides upkeep support to students at the University of Malawi. IPOR Bids Farewell to Mr. Witness Alfonso, Senior Research Associate.Posted on Jul 08, 2022 at 04:48 On July 1, 2022, the Institute for Public Opinion Research (IPOR) bid farewell to one of its long serving researchers, Mr. Witness Alfonso. Mr. Alfonso, who joined IPOR in 2016, has joined Centre for Social Research (CSR) of the University of Malawi. At a farewell dinner that was held in Mr. Alfonso’s honour at Wadonda Suites in Zomba, IPOR staff members had an opportunity to send off their Senior Research Associate colleague and wish him well as he takes up his new role with CSR. As part of the event, IPOR team shared memories and lessons they’ve learnt from Witness since he joined the team in 2016.In his speech, Witness expressed his sadness at leaving the IPOR family, but was also happy at the same time that he had joined another research institution that is located a stone throw away from IPOR. He assured his former colleagues that he will continue to regard himself as a member of IPOR’s family and that as he takes up his new job, he will become one of IPOR’s ambassadors in recognition of what IPOR has done in grooming him to become the accomplished researcher that he is today. Speaking on behalf of IPOR, Director of Research, Dr. Boniface Dulani thanked Witness for his many contributions that have helped IPOR to grow to the institution that it is today. Dr. Dulani acknowledged that while staff departures, especially among experienced team members such as Witness, are heartbreaking, he pointed out that he is proud that IPOR has contributed to nurture and develop Witness’ research capacity and that he is happy to see this growth being shared with an established research firm such as CSR. Speaking at the same function, Dr. Micheal Chasukwa, IPOR’s Deputy Director of Research, wished Witness all the best as he takes another step in his professional career and said he is always welcome at IPOR. Studies Show that Citizen Participation Brings Meaningful ChangePosted on Jul 07, 2022 at 05:37 Governance and Local Development (GLD) held its 5th annual conference in Sweden in June 2020, where, amongst other 25 scholars, Dr. Boniface Dulani, IPOR’s Director of Research, attended and discussed the main theme which was Giving and Taking: Studies on Extraction and Participation in Local Development. In addition to the main theme, the following were also some of the themes that were highlighted; Improving Citizen Participation, Building a Social Contract, Holding Leaders Accountable and Engagement with Policymakers and Local Communities. Speaking during the conference, Dr. Dulani said that turning citizen participation into meaningful action is itself a political process that varies across contexts, political systems, and social environments. Dr. Dulani also noted the multiple circles of authority operating within decentralized governance structures. The discussion’s basis comes from local citizen engagement in Tunisia, Pakistan, Zambia, Tanzania, Nigeria and Malawi. Studies carried out in these and other countries found that boosting citizen participation is limited in sparking meaningful change. It does not always deepen institutional trust, nor does it always deliver accountability. Moreover, participation in authoritarian regimes can be limited and might require different interventions. Local context matters and collective action is essential. RAMMPS To Evaluate Impact of Covid-19, Especially on Mortality.Posted on Mar 31, 2022 at 17:54 The Institute of Public Opinion and Research (IPOR) in conjunction with researchers from the Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit (MEIRU), New York University-Abu Dhabi, and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, is conducting a twelve-months Rapid Mortality Mobile Phone Surveys-RAMMPS between December 2021 and December 2022. According to the Field Manager for RAMMPS Funny Muthema, the study aims at gathering data in settings where mortality surveillance systems are weak or interrupted. Through this study, the researchers will be assessing the impact of COVID-19 on mortality in the five countries under study.Muthema added that each month a team of enumerators from IPOR will call and interview 1700 randomly selected Malawians. Participants will be randomly selected men and women of ages between 18 and 64, whose telephone numbers have been randomly selected using the sampling services of Sample Solutions Blv of the Netherlands. All cellphone numbers in Malawi are eligible to be randomly selected and called through this study. “Selected respondents will be asked to participate in a short interview which will take about 20 minutes. Participation in the study is voluntary and there is no penalty for refusing to take part. However, it is our belief that participating in the study will help us better understand how COVID-19 has affected the lives of Malawians, including experience of illness and deaths within households. We also understand that remembering and discussing illness and deaths amongst relatives may trigger feelings of sadness and emotional distress. If that happens, we will make provision for respondents to talk to a licensed counsellor at no costâ€, added Muthema. IPOR’s ethical guidelines ensures that information that we will collect during the interviews may be shared with other researchers, but only after we delete name and telephone numbers so that nobody can link the information to any respondents. “Information of respondents will be treated with utmost confidentiality. In addition, respondents will benefit indirectly as data helps in policy, programs and project interventions formulations. However, we will appreciate our respondents for their time in participating in the survey with a token of airtimeâ€, says Muthema. In addition to Malawi, this project is also being run in four other countries, namely: Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique. (How) Do Voters Discriminate Against Women Candidates? Experimental and Qualitative Evidence From MalawiPosted on Feb 28, 2021 at 00:54 How do voters evaluate women candidates in places where traditional gender norms are strong? We conduct a survey experiment in Malawi to assess both whether citizens discriminate against women candidates and how other salient candidate characteristics political experience, family status, policy focus, and gendered kinship practices interact with candidate gender to affect citizen support. Contrary to our expectations, we find citizens prefer women candidates ceteris paribus, and women and men with the same traits are evaluated similarly. Yet, we find two unexpected ways women candidates are disadvantaged in the electoral process. First, we find that citizens prefer candidates who are married with young children, a profile much more common among men than women candidates in practice. Second, we find pervasive qualitative reports of negative campaigning that likely affected citizens evaluations of actual women candidates, while not affecting evaluations of hypothetical candidates. We discuss how our results speak to the ways gender biases operate in practice across political contexts.post 6 body Majority of Malawians Fear They Will Go Hungry Due to Covid-19Posted on Feb 28, 2021 at 00:53 The majority of Malawians are not very worried about becoming infected with Covid-19. The percentage varies across districts, with the highest amount of concern in Chipita and Karonga, on the Tanzanian border, but most are not very worried. Malawians over 55 years old are the least likely to be very worried about becoming infected, even though they face the greatest risk from infection. Key findings: - Malawians in the Southern region are the most likely to fear going hungry. - Malawians who identify as outsiders in their community are more likely to fear going hungry. - Malawians with higher education levels are less likely to fear going hungry. - Older Malawians are less likely to fear going hungry. Malawians Most Trust Health Professionals to Address Covid-19 Crisis, Wary It Becomes a Political FootballPosted on Feb 28, 2021 at 00:49 Malawians have a lot of trust in healthcare providers (64% Head of District Hospitals, 53% WHO) and are unlikely to say they do not trust healthcare providers at all (6% Head of District Hospitals, 4% WHO). Even though many Malawians have not heard enough to have an opinion about the WHO (24%) or The Special Cabinet Committee on Covid-19 (22.5%), trust in the WHO is much higher. 2019 MALAWI CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATION SUSTAINABILITY INDEXPosted on Feb 28, 2021 at 00:44 IPOR worked with FHI 360 and the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL) on the 2019 CSO Sustainability Index report for Malawi. Released in September, the report highlights the legal environment, organizational capacity, financial capacity, advocacy, and other factors affecting the work of CSOs in Malawi. The report shows a slight improvement in the following areas of Malawi CSO sustainability from the 2018 report: Advocacy Service provision, and Public image Sustainability was impeded in two areas: Legal environment Financial viability There were no changes in the following areas Organizational capacity Sectoral infrastructure |
