Call for Research Proposals: West and Central Africa Hub of the FutureWORKS Collective

The FutureWORKS Collective (FWC), an initiative funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), is a five-year interdisciplinary Southern-led research initiative devoted to the future of work in the Global South. It adopts a regional lens, with five different institutions serving as hubs for projects that will investigate the ongoing transformations in the world of work at multiple scales in their regions. The institutions which form part of this collective are based in the following regions – Latin America, South & East Africa, West & Central Africa, Middle East & North Africa, and Asia. The west and Central African program is themed The FutureWORKS Research Initiative. The program is poised to advance regionally specific evidence on the future of work, an essential goal, especially for supporting context-relevant policy recommendations.

In this call, the hub invites research centres from West and Central Africa to submit proposals for Small/Pilot Research Projects, Medium Research Projects, and Large/Greenfield research projects.

Research Questions and Priorities

• This research hub will focus on (1) providing information about the skills, laws, and institutions of the labour market that are necessary to support dependable and high-quality work, in addition to investment in skills on the continent to facilitate a balance transition (2) how digital technologies, A.I., automation can be used to improve working conditions in agriculture and other sectors of the economy and (3) how social protection in countries across West and Central Africa can contribute to the adaptation and enhancement of the socio-economic status of marginalized and vulnerable groups.
• The study’s six primary research questions are as follows:
  • How does the adoption of advanced digital technologies, such as generative AI, impact employment dynamics and resilience in Agri-based economies of West and Central Africa, particularly in the face of climate change challenges?
    • This inquiry aims to investigate how technological advancements, specifically digital transformation involving AI and automation, influence job creation, displacement, and overall labor market dynamics in the Agri-based economies. Moreover, it will explore the potential of these technologies to enhance the resilience of the workforce and agriculture sector against the impacts of climate change.
  • In the Agri-based economies of West and Central Africa, how can the digital transformation be harnessed to create quality jobs and employment opportunities for women, the youth, and other marginalized groups, while simultaneously addressing the effects of climate change on agriculture?
    • This question highlights the potential of digital transformation to act as a catalyst for job creation, particularly for vulnerable groups, within the agricultural context. It focuses on utilizing digital technologies as a means to counterbalance the challenges posed by climate change on the agricultural sector and generate inclusive employment prospects.
  • What skills and policy strategies are essential to leverage digital transformation in fostering sustainable and resilient employment in Agri-based economies of West and Central Africa?
    • This inquiry delves into the skill sets required to effectively participate in a digitally transformed workforce in all sectors of the economy. It also examines the policy frameworks necessary to ensure that digitalization aligns with sustainable employment goals and addresses the climate change adaptation needs unique to the region.
  • Amidst the digital transformation and climate change adaptation efforts in Agri-based economies of West and Central Africa, what shifts are observed in employment patterns, and how are these changes influenced by technological innovations and ecological dynamics?
    • This question explores the intricate interplay between digital transformation, climate change adaptation, and employment patterns. It seeks to identify the extent to which digital technologies influence the evolving labor landscape within the agricultural context, considering the ecological shifts caused by climate change adaptations.
  • Within the context of Agri-based economies in West and Central Africa, how can social protection mechanisms be synergized with the digital transformation to ensure equitable employment outcomes, particularly for marginalized groups, while addressing climate change-related vulnerabilities?
    • This inquiry delves into the potential of integrating social protection strategies with digital transformation to enhance employment opportunities and support marginalized groups, all while safeguarding against the impacts of climate change. It examines the role of social safety nets in the evolving digital and environmental context.
  • How can countries in the West and Central Africa (WCA) sub-region take advantage of the opportunities offered by the green economy to create quality green jobs and employment opportunities for women, the youth, and other marginalized groups, while simultaneously addressing the effects of climate change on agriculture?
    • This research question explores the ways in which the green economy in the WCA sub-region could offer employment opportunities and support marginalized groups, while addressing climate change-related vulnerabilities.

Funding Information

• Small/Pilot research Project
  • Amount: CAD 40,000
  • Duration:   6 months
• Medium research Project
  • Amount: CAD 60,000
  • Duration: 6-12 months
• Large/Greenfield research project           
  • Amount: CAD 100,000
  • Duration: 24 months

Expectations

• Applicants must comply with the following considerations in the research’s design and governance.
  • Fostering high quality research for impact through a network approach
    • Scientific rigour: extent to which the proposal demonstrates accepted standards of technical merit for its domain and discipline.
    • Research legitimacy: extent to which the proposal accounts for the concerns and insights of relevant stakeholders and addresses potential environmental consequences.
    • Research importance is the value of the research questions for intended users and uses.
    • Positioning for use: extent to which the project design has a knowledge sharing plan that will enhance the probability of use and impact.
  • Gender equality and inclusion considerations
    • Proposals should demonstrate how gender equality and inclusion will be promoted and adopted using an intersectional approach, both with respect to the following:
      • team composition and organizations comprising the research team
      • the design and implementation of the proposed research.
      • Open Access and data management plan
    • Applicants funded through this program will be expected to comply with IDRC’ Open Access Policy and IDRC Open Data Statement of Principles.
  • Required network collaboration/ Peer Learning/Knowledge exchange
    • Funded institutions will be expected to participate in several activities as part of the global Future of Work initiative at IDRC. This may include events and/or conferences that are not currently detailed.
    • Research teams will be expected to collaborate in peer learning activities, collective intelligence, and dissemination activities. These activities include participating in interviews and virtual workshops for the discussion of ideas and recommendations, preparing dissemination materials such as blog articles and policy briefs, and sharing research findings through webinars and a digital platform aimed at interaction with the community interested in future work topics.
    • Institutions should budget for some additional travel for members of the team/consortium, to cover international travel.
  • Ethical considerations
    • Proposals will be selected based on adherence to high ethical standards in line with IDRC’s Principles of Institutional Research Ethics. The IDRC standard grant agreement further outlines applicable ethics standards.

Eligibility Criteria

• The IDRC- Future of Work (IDRC-FoW) Research Initiative is open to academic researchers and policy makers from countries in the Western and Central Africa region. Collaborations between scholars based in/from West and Central Africa and other researchers across the globe are eligible to apply for this sub-grant; however, projects must be led by a scholar based in/from West or Central Africa.
• Only full proposals that meet the eligibility criteria will be considered. The following eligibility criteria apply:
  • Applicants must have independent legal status and have authority to direct proposed project activities. Applicants must be able to demonstrate legal status with relevant documentation.
  • This call invites proposals from individual organizations or consortiums based in West or Central Africa. If taking a consortium approach, it must be composed of organizations working in the WCA region.
  • This call for proposals is also open to non-profit research organizations and higher education institutions. Individuals are not eligible for funding.
  • A demonstrated track record leading and supporting high quality research in the FOW field, through a strong publication record.
  • Proven high capacity to support networks or partners, including demonstrated experience fostering knowledge exchange and learning opportunities, both virtually and in person.
  • Demonstrated experience through a record of publication in conducting gender analysis and ensuring the integration of gender, equity, and inclusion considerations in all project activities.

For more information, visit ISSER.