Lessons for research funders from locally led action research on women’s empowerment among pastoralists

Key findings and recommendations

• Research funders should fund action research as it helps to address the need for immediate tangible benefits.
• Flexibility with progress milestones and disbursement schedules helps researchers cope with volatilit and unpredictability.
• Research proposals need to articulate how access and trust of both women and men will be gained if the aim to shift gender norms is to be achieved.
• Research funders should set expectations appropriate for the type of implementing organisation carryingout the research, to support better outcomes.