Paper short abstract:

We explore a research in Bangladesh on how methodological innovations can generate rapid insights on the impacts of Covid-19 with significant policy influence. We show how local ownership can facilitate innovation, and strong policy engagement even in challenging conditions.

Paper long abstract:

Researchers in international development have a long history of conducting applied research. Much of this research has been based on conventional disciplinary approaches but has ‘gone the extra mile’ by energetically taking findings to policy audiences. One element of this applied analysis has been ‘finding out fast’ when circumstances limit the applicability of standard research methods (Thomas et al 1998). There is explicit recognition here that research for quick policy action requires different cycles were research is subject to tighter timelines, organisational priorities and politics and different information needs. Research methods must remain rigorous, but limited timescales may mean that the data may, in comparison with normal time, be incomplete; this makes it especially important that what is collected must be carefully targeted, relevant and specific to policy needs (Thomas and Mohan 2007).

The Covid-19 crisis has presented researchers with such a situation - where the novelty of challenges and speed of changes has created a crucial need for ‘up-to-date’ data to understand ‘what’ is happening, ‘what’ is being done to mitigate or adapt and ‘what’ the results of these are.

We explore the theoretical and methodological antecedents for rapid appraisal in Development Studies; identify the forms of data most needed in the present crisis; describe a successful rapid response survey in Bangladesh and analyse the key innovations that have contributed to its quality and policy relevance. In doing so we make the case that capacity to undertake rapid surveys and analysis must remain a research priority in crisis.