Formative research plays an important role in designing effective development programmes by helping organisations understand the needs, experiences, behaviours and challenges of the communities they serve. The World Food Programme (WFP), in collaboration with Anthrologica, has published a practical guide explaining how formative research can be commissioned, developed and used to improve programme planning and implementation.
The resource provides step-by-step guidance for development professionals, researchers and organisations seeking to create more effective, inclusive and people-centred interventions.
Overview of the Formative Research Guide
The Formative Research: A Practical Guide was published on 29 June 2022 by the World Food Programme (WFP) and Anthrologica.
The publication summarises important considerations for conducting formative research in development settings. It draws on practical experience and lessons from research undertaken by WFP to support transformative school-based programmes in Colombia and Haiti.
The guide explains how research can help organisations understand community needs before designing interventions. It also highlights the importance of gathering evidence directly from the people who will benefit from development programmes.
By using formative research, organisations can make better-informed decisions and develop interventions that respond to real-life challenges.
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What Is Formative Research?
Formative research is an approach used to understand the social, cultural and behavioural factors that influence people’s experiences and decisions.
It helps researchers identify the barriers and opportunities that may affect the success of a particular programme.
Rather than relying on assumptions, formative research encourages organisations to collect information from communities, understand their perspectives and use the findings to improve programme design.
In development work, formative research can support initiatives involving:
- Nutrition and food security.
- School feeding programmes.
- Health and hygiene.
- Social protection.
- Gender equality and inclusion.
- Behaviour change communication.
- Community development.
This approach allows organisations to develop solutions that are more relevant to the people they intend to support.
What Does the WFP Formative Research Guide Cover?
The WFP formative research guide provides practical guidance on the different stages involved in planning and using research.
Its main focus is helping organisations understand how to commission, develop and apply formative research effectively.
Some important areas covered include:
1. Understanding Community Needs
Researchers need to understand the experiences, knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of the communities involved. This helps identify the issues that development programmes should address.
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2. Planning Research Activities
Effective formative research requires clear objectives, appropriate research methods and careful planning. Organisations must determine what information they need and how best to collect it.
3. Collecting Relevant Evidence
Gathering information from communities helps researchers understand local realities. Research findings can reveal challenges that might otherwise be overlooked during programme development.
4. Applying Research Findings
The information collected should contribute directly to programme planning. Organisations can use research evidence to develop strategies that address identified barriers and encourage positive behavioural change.
Lessons from Colombia and Haiti
One of the important features of this publication is its connection to real-world research conducted by WFP in Colombia and Haiti.
In Colombia, formative research supported school-based programming addressing school feeding, nutrition, discrimination and xenophobia. The research helped WFP understand the experiences of children and communities affected by migration from Venezuela.
In Haiti, WFP conducted formative studies focusing on gender, nutrition and hygiene to better understand the perspectives of children, families and communities.
These examples demonstrate how formative research can help organisations develop more inclusive and effective school-based programmes.
Who Should Read This Guide?
The publication may be particularly useful for:
- Development professionals and programme managers.
- Researchers and academics.
- Non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
- Nutrition and food security specialists.
- Education programme coordinators.
- Social and behavioural change practitioners.
- Organisations involved in community development.
It offers practical knowledge for professionals interested in using research evidence to improve development interventions.
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Why Is Formative Research Important?
Successful development programmes require more than good intentions. They need reliable information about the people, communities and circumstances they are designed to address.
Formative research helps organisations identify local challenges, understand community perspectives and avoid designing interventions based on assumptions.
The WFP guide highlights the value of research-driven programme development and provides practical lessons that can be applied in different development contexts.
How to Access the WFP Formative Research Guide
Interested readers can access the publication through the official World Food Programme website.
The resource is available in English and Spanish, making it accessible to a wider international audience.
Publication: Formative Research: A Practical Guide
Authors: World Food Programme (WFP) and Anthrologica
Publication date: 29 June 2022
Format: PDF
Languages: English and Spanish
Official publication and download: Access the WFP Formative Research Guide
Conclusion
The WFP Formative Research Guide is a useful resource for anyone interested in improving development programmes through research and community engagement. By understanding people’s needs, identifying behavioural barriers and applying evidence-based findings, organisations can design more effective and inclusive interventions.
For researchers, NGOs and development professionals, this publication offers valuable practical guidance on making research an essential part of programme planning.
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