Request for Proposals

Promoting inclusive development and managing the future of work are more interdependent today than ever. The 21st century is witnessing profound transformations reshaping the nature of human life on the planet—climate change, technological acceleration, and demographic transitions—with major consequences for labour markets and economies. With 85% of the world’s working-age population living in the Global South—a proportion that will only grow in the coming decades, the capacity of governments in these countries to navigate these changes, and equip their populations to engage productively in in labour markets, will play a key role in determining whether the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are realized. 

The future of work has become a central concern in policy discourse and public debate over the past decade, but the current conversation falls short of providing meaningful direction for the Global South. For one, it focuses heavily on technological change, which is only one of several mega-trends that are transforming the world of work. Second, much of the research and debate build from the experiences of the Global North, where labour market conditions, and the institutional context, differ. These misalignments between global research, discourse, and policy prescriptions on the one hand, and the ground realities confronting workers, firms, and governments in the Global South on the other, call for a research agenda intentionally tailored to the specific knowledge gaps and policy problems of Asia, Africa and Latin America. 

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:  

1. 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. 

2. 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. 

3. 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. 

4. 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. 

5. 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. 

6. 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.   

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.   

Only complete applications are eligible.   

The call welcomes research proposals from diverse disciplines and methodological approaches. This includes but is not limited to: 

1. Quantitative or qualitative analysis of the effects of different trends on labour markets,
2. Impact evaluation of programs and interventions, 
3. Conducting surveys, 
4. Ethnographic studies, 
5. Designing evidence-based tools and solutions, 
6. Analyzing specific policies and their potential scalability. 

Research must address the topics at hand from a gender equality, equity, and inclusion perspective. Additionally, proposals should encompass the labour perspectives of disadvantaged groups, such as women and gender diversities, youth, migrants, ethnic minorities, and poor workers. Proposals with a comparative perspective involving more than one country in the region will be prioritized. 

The projects should produce original insights about the challenges facing the region in the future of work. Additionally, they should explore the policy implications of the research findings and their potential scalability to other contexts within the region. Selected institutions will be expected to produce a working paper suitable for peer review and publication in high-impact research journals as their primary output. They will also be required to develop other products as part of the project's learning, dissemination, and community engagement activities.