Our Approach
Transformative process
We embrace an integrated approach that bridges action, research and social engagement, fostering transformative change and innovation. Through our living labs and participatory methods, we engage deeply with local communities, drawing on qualitative and quantitative methods to develop contextually relevant solutions. Our commitment to holistic, territorial approaches ensures that interventions are culturally appropriate and locally supported, driving sustainable development in the Sahel region.
Transformative Action and Research
CREATES adopts an integrated model where action and research are coalesced, leveraging iterative learning cycles to catalyze transformative change and foster innovation. This method emphasizes the equal importance of practical actions and theoretical research, ensuring that insights gained from one inform and enhance the other, facilitating impactful and sustainable solutions.
Living Labs
Our living labs serve as dynamic spaces for real-world experimentation, embracing a trial-and-error approach to encourage collaborative problem-solving. These labs facilitate the development of sustainable solutions that are relevant to the local context, drawing on our physical presence to gain deep, hands-on experience. We aim to co-create innovations at a territorial scale.
Learn more →Participatory and Transdisciplinary
We bridge the divide between social and natural sciences, embracing a broad spectrum of epistemologies and knowledge forms beyond traditional academic boundaries. Our approach includes novel participatory methods that leverage the arts, creative communication, and participatory video to generate comprehensive insights and enhance the engagement of diverse stakeholder groups.
Learn more →Territorial Approaches
Recognizing that sustainable solutions must be deeply rooted in the specific cultural, environmental, and socioeconomic contexts of the Sahel, our territorial approaches focus on holistic planning and integration across sectors. This strategy aims to minimize frictions and optimize the effectiveness of solutions by aligning them with the unique characteristics and needs of each territory.
Mixed Methods
By employing a balanced mix of qualitative and quantitative research methods, we ensure a robust framework for data collection, analysis, and interpretation. This approach enables us to draw on a wide range of evidence to inform decision-making, policy development, and the design of interventions.
Arts and Creative Communication
The centre harnesses the power of artistic and creative mediums: photography, video, music, theatre, slam, and poetry. These tools enrich the research process and communicate findings in engaging, accessible ways, facilitating deeper connections with our audiences and inspiring engagement and action.
Change Making
Solution-oriented Knowledge
Co-designing strategies with stakeholders to identify and address knowledge gaps, integrating local and scientific perspectives for contextually relevant solutions.
Evidence-based Engagement
Collaboration with food system and development actors to implement innovative solutions, guided by evidence and inclusive engagement of all stakeholders.
Living Lab Incubation
Co-designed experimental solutions tested in our living labs with rigorous monitoring and creative communication to document and disseminate learnings.