The Research Into Use (RIU) programme aims to improve access to knowledge and technology for poor people whose livelihoods depend on natural resources.

There is already a wealth of knowledge available, much of it generated by previous DFID-funded research, but the challenge is now to stimulate innovation systems – the processes by which that knowledge is put to practical use by large numbers of people. This will involve strengthening the capacity of poor users to articulate demand, and developing the information markets that serve them, as well as exploring innovative ways in which to supply information.

The RIU therefore has the twin aims of maximizing the impact of previous research on natural resources and, in doing so, to increase our understanding of how knowledge – informal as well as formal – contributes to innovation.
This website describes the mechanisms that are set up to address these aims and the routes for practical partnerships. It also gives access to resources, discussion groups and much else.

RIU has identified four key regions which have the greatest potential for
a large scale improvement in livelihoods for the poor through upscaling of existing research outputs, and we will focus our efforts in these areas.
To find out more about our work in a particular area follow the links above.