Research Overview

This infographic aims to inform policy makers and project implementers who are interested in understanding the dynamics around community resilience against violent extremism in the border areas of northern Côte d’Ivoire. The following key messages present a synthesis of eight research studies conducted by the USAID-funded “Resilience for Peace” project between July 2021 and July 2022.

LOCALIZATION APPROACH

USAID’s localization initiative has served as the beating pulse of R4P’s research component. From the selection of research partners, the composition of field missions, and the ownership of findings, the empowerment and professionalization of local research capacities remains a constant focus of this component, regardless of the research topic. The Political Economy Analysis series was led by national research center CAPEG, and data gathering from the artisanal gold study was driven by an Ivoirian analyst in collaboration with an international gold expert. R4P’s national research partner Indigo Côte d’Ivoire is a highly respected national action research team that has two dedicated research-facilitators embedded in the R4P team for continued context analysis. R4P staff ensures permanent presence in border areas with a local network of context analysts enabling an iterative evolution of the context’s analysis. While the focus may be on R4P’s research products and their application to the ongoing national effort to counter the spread of violent extremism, an equally important goal is the empowerment and professionalization of national and local research capacities.
Under a new strategic agreement announced today, Equal Access International (EAI) is joining Blumont, Inc. Blumont’s acquisition of EAI unites two organizations with complementary experience and a shared commitment to the communities they serve around the world.“I am thrilled to welcome EAI to Blumont,” said Jonathan Nash, Blumont’s President & CEO. “EAI joining our team is an opportunity to build on our collective strengths as the sector transforms.”Blumont and EAI bring together decades of experience across international development and humanitarian assistance, working with communities navigating protracted crises and shifting social, political, and economic conditions. Recent programming reflects that, while their missions are aligned, the organizations implement activities across diverse geographies and contexts.“This agreement was borne out of a shared approach and vision for the future,” said Graham Couturier, President & CEO of EAI. “Working together creates spaces and opportunities for new thinking and greater resilience. On behalf of everyone at EAI, I am delighted to be joining forces with Blumont.”EAI will continue implementing ongoing work under its established name, and Couturier will remain as EAI’s President & CEO.The acquisition proceeded with the full endorsement of both organizations’ boards of directors. With the agreement, Blumont becomes the sole member of EAI’s Board of Directors, with Blumont’s Board of Directors providing guidance and oversight. Three members of EAI’s current Board have been nominated to serve on Blumont’s Board; Couturier will join Blumont’s Executive Management Team.“Our goal is to evolve with purpose, while staying grounded in what matters most,” said Nash. “We’re committed to the people we work with—communities, donors, and partners—and we’ll continue challenging ourselves to deliver with even greater efficiency and impact.”In line with the agreement, integration is expected to take several months, with a focus on maximizing operational efficiencies and establishing a foundation for organizational resilience. Media Advisory: Blumont and Equal Access International Unite to Expand Global Impact (September 8, 2025) %%sitename%%

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