As a research and capacity-building organisation, we combine and capitalise on the collective knowledge and experience from regional and international researchers and practitioners in the social and natural sciences to seek new solutions, new mindsets and new directions custom-made for the interlinked economic, environmental and social conditions of sub-Saharan Africa. New models of socio-economic development are sought and tested, based on the over-arching goals of restoration and rehabilitation of degraded and outmoded systems, and the restoration of healthy – i.e. economically, culturally and ecologically sound-trajectories for development and growth. ASSET Research strives for excellence and originality in its work, and adopts an unwavering ethic of stewardship as evident through an emphasis on justice, care and prudent management.

ASSET Research is concerned not only with economic growth, and cold and dry socioeconomic statistics, but also pays attention to the quality of growth and development, and honours the dignity of all human beings. We seek justice in the face of corruption, rampant markets, irresponsibility and disrespect for human life and the environment. We are inspired by the resilience of the people living on the African continent and Madagascar. Through our research programmes, we seek to unleash these formidable forces in a way that will improve the well-being of the largest possible number of hungry, poor and deprived people.

 

The following are examples of ASSET Research's projects:

  • An investigation into the effect of an electricity generation tax on the economy of South Africa (National Treasury, Development Network Africa)
  • In-Field Rainwater Harvesting and Water Conservation Techniques: Assessing the Impact of Ten Years of WRC-funded Research in Thaba Nchu (Water Research Commission)
  • Investigation of the positive and negative consequences associated with the introduction of low-P detergents (Institute of Natural Resources)
  • Develop a generic model to assess the cost associated with eutrophication in South Africa and apply it to the Vaal River (Institute of Natural Resources)
  • The impact of re-establishing indigenous plants and restoring the natural landscape on sustainable rural employment and land productivity through payment for environmental services (Water Research Commission)

For a full description of the projects, download this pdf.