Across the Middle East and North Africa, local economies are under strain, often relying too heavily on the oil industry. Many countries deplete their natural resources at rates well above sustainable levels. Increased desert areas and food security are major concerns while serious water problems remain unresolved.
Research focus
Like the rest of the developing world, the area is in search of answers — and we’re making advances. For more than 40 years, IDRC has helped researchers and innovators find ways to improve health, reduce poverty, and promote democracy in the area.
Our programming is designed to bring together the right partners for the most impact, in areas such as social and economic policy, the environment, politics and governance, information and communication technologies, and knowledge creation. We are empowering the region to build strong local leadership — both for today and tomorrow.
Regional office
Our regional office coordinates our work in 10 countries and territories in the region.
Where we work
By country
Research in action
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Research in Action
KIX regional hubs
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Research in Action
A nutrition boost during COVID-19
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Research in Action
Strengthening the link between youth skills and jobs
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Research in Action
Research principles and practice to transform unequal gender relations
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Research in Action
Soft skills and work-based learning to help youth find jobs
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Research in Action
Improving the global refugee system
Perspectives
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Achieving the health related SDGs — why we need major shifts in thinking
Real momentum is building around the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as national governments integrate the 2030 Agenda with their own policy processes.
Author(s): Peter Taylor
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Nobel winners shine light on experiment-based policymaking
The 2019 Nobel Prize winners in Economic Sciences showed how evidence-based experiments can help improve the impact of international assistance.
Author(s): Arjan de Haan, Gillian Dowie
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Finding solutions for cities on the frontline of climate change
The world’s cities must become part of the solution for climate change.
Author(s): Dominique Charron, Santiago Alba-Corral
Publications and resources
Through books, articles, research publications, and studies, we aim to widen the impact of our investment and advance development research.
Video: HarassMap
In Egypt, researchers are breaking the silence about sexual harassment with HarassMap. With this free online tool, the general public can report incidents of harassment and pinpoint where they occurred.
Regional office
Amman, Jordan
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