Services
Crest Research and Development Institute
Evaluations, Assessments and Analysis
To determine what works in policy and practice, rigorous and independent evaluation is required. Our research teams bring together subject matter and methodological experts to work directly with clients to plan and execute evaluations to uncover effects, results, and impacts, drawing on a variety of views and considerable field experience. Our teams have successfully managed evaluations for government, foundation, and commercial clients within Africa, including randomized controlled trials of specific programs and interventions, multisite quasi-experimental evaluations, and evaluations of national initiatives and marketing campaigns. We are adept at collecting and managing primary data—including surveys, interviews, and focus groups—acquiring and processing secondary data, applying state-of-the-art qualitative and quantitative analytic techniques, and sharing results in a way that maximizes learning and progress. We deploy highly specialized skills in navigating fragile and active conflict zones, we have evaluated development interventions, policies, and frameworks at the national, regional, and state levels in the fields of peacebuilding, stabilization, countering violent extremism, and migration.
Conducting research in fragile and active conflict zones
We leverage on our network of skilled grassroot researchers, data collectors to conduct quantitative and qualitative research projects in difficult terrains.
High-level advisory services
In the fields of peacebuilding, stabilization, CVE, and migration, we have developed and applied innovative concepts and tools to provide data-driven and strategic high-level advisory services.
Third-party monitoring
We conduct independent third-party monitoring of development interventions. CRADI creates an independent and verifiable monitoring mechanism for programs in Africa that will increase partners’ and donors' understanding of the outputs, outcomes, processes, progress, quality, challenges, achievements, and lessons learned from their projects. The information and findings will be critical in ensuring program learning, program accountability, and beneficiary accountability, which will contribute to real time programmatic adjustments and future program design. We also understand that some interventions are implemented in hard-to-reach regions where security or other forms of logistics could be a great concern. Our third-party monitoring is all-inclusive even in conflict zones and difficult-to-reach areas.
Data Collection and Coordinating Centers
We support all modes of data collection for surveys — onsite (face-to-face) and virtual (phone, web, and mail). We employ computer-assisted methodologies and evolving mobile technologies to adapt to different situations, enhance participation rates and control costs. This includes utilizing mixed-mode designs when appropriate. Because clients often trust us to explore complex social issues, we have developed the knowledge, skills, processes and systems to collect and handle data on sensitive topics effectively and efficiently. We create comprehensive data collection procedures and staff our projects with highly-trained and certified interviewers, drawing on our geographically distributed national network of field data collection specialists. We have a very robust database of trained, skilled, and experienced data collectors across the six geopolitical regions of Nigeria (Northeast, North West, North Central, South-South, South East, and South West). and across Africa. Our highly experienced team has demonstrated success in the implementation and management of data collection, coordination, storage, and reporting for our partners and clients. We have served a large array of clients, supporting more than 25 data collections for baseline, midline and end-line evaluation, media and communication channel mappings, Needs assessment, monitoring missions, and academic research.