International Development Research Centre (IDRC)

Funds research in developing countries to promote growth, reduce poverty, and drive large-scale positive change

IDRC support leading thinkers who advance knowledge and solve practical development problems. They provide the resources, advice, and training needed to implement and share solutions with those who need them most.

IDRC works with its development partners, multiplies the impact of our investment and brings innovations to more people in more countries around the world. IDRC offers fellowships and awards to nurture a new generation of development leaders.

The head office is located in Ottawa, Canada, while five regional offices keep us close to their work. They are located in Montevideo, Uruguay; Nairobi, Kenya; Dakar, Senegal; Amman, Jordan; and New Delhi, India.

IDRC is governed by a board of up to 14 governors, whose chairperson reports to Parliament through the Minister of International Development.

IDRC was established by an act of Canada’s parliament in 1970 with a mandate “to initiate, encourage, support, and conduct research into the problems of the developing regions of the world and into the means for applying and adapting scientific, technical, and other knowledge to the economic and social advancement of those regions.”

Latest news and articles

The unseen pillars: How social capital empowers female smallholder farmers in Kenya

The Itanya Africa Group, one of the RAIN Challenge winners, through an intimate baseline study, explores the significant role social capital plays in the lives of female small-holder farmers in Kenya.

Job opportunity: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

We are looking for a Chief Executive Officer to lead the GRP Secretariat. Applications are due by 23:59 GMT on 6 May 2024.

The rise of regenerative farming in Ikunu, Githunguri Sub-county

In this photo story, Benedict Isiaho of CAFAESUP, one of the RAIN Challenge winners, describes how the project is implementing regenerative agriculture to foster sustainable food systems within communities

Meet the RAIN Round 2 Shortlisted Candidates 

23 seed-level initiatives have been selected as part of RAIN Challenge Round 2 and over the next several months will work in collaboration with GRP to receive tailored mentoring and leadership training. 

#Art4Resilience: Knowledge Into Use Awards

This year, we are excited to announce the third round of the awards! The "Knowledge into Use" awards provide a unique opportunity to ignite resilience, celebrate creativity, and embrace innovation in engaging with the latest resilience evidence.