Strengthening research capacity through training in scientific methodology

The training covered the following topics: (1) identifying and formulating the research problem, research questions and hypothesis, (2) developing tools to collect qualitative and quantitative data, (3) encoding data for processing and analysis, (4) explaining observed facts, (5) understanding phenomena and the behaviors observed, (6) establishing rationalities in fact, attitudes and observed phenomena (7) reporting research findings. The training was facilitated by professor Alphonse Maindo (Programme Director of TBI DR Congo) and Gaston Kimbwani (professor at university of Kisangani, TBI DR Congo consultant).

The theory provided has been put into practice: participants developed and implemented a study on artisanal logging. The research focused on the actors involved in this practice: artisanal loggers, millers, transporters, dealers and woodworkers, interviewing them about their activities, impacts as well as their prospective.

A total of thirty-two people participated including researchers from TBI, NGOs, public administration, university of Kisangani and higher schools.