CESD Research

Department of Community Development and Social Work

Overview

CESD takes a holistic approach to creating communities where people come before profit; understanding that social, cultural, political, environmental and economic development are all integrally linked and activities in one impact the other. In CESD, it is recognized that the process of development is as important as the content. Theories and practice go hand in hand, and nothing should be left behind.

Community-Based Research
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In community-based research, community members are at the centre of the process, i.e., they take greater ownership and control over the decisions and activities related to the entire research process. Community-based research encourages community engagement and civic participation, i.e., the mobilizing of people at the grass-roots level in developing policy that suits their needs. 

Community Economic Development (CED)
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CED is action by people locally to create economic opportunities and better social conditions, particularly for those who are most disadvantaged. CED is an approach that recognizes that economic, environmental and social challenges are interdependent, complex and ever-changing.

An example of CED research is the CESD program's work with Penokean Hills Farms. Penokean Hills Farms started in June 2005 with five local farmers, as a means to collectively sell their quality beef to local consumers. CESD students assisted them in collecting market research to assess consumer demands. Other projects can be viewed at NORDIK Institute .






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CESD Research Partnership with ASOPRICOR (Association for the Holistic Development of Rural Communities)

ASOPRICOR, a not-for-profit organization, was founded in 1978 in the city of Tocaima and the outlying areas in Columbia. From its beginnings, this association has developed strategies to help poor marginalized farmers to improve their situation; especially this has been accomplished by adopting a strategy for self-sufficiency and economic diversification.

In the fall of 2006, the CESD program began a collaboration with ASOPRICOR on a participatory action research project. The five-year research plan included exchange visits from ASOPRICOR members to Canada, and for CESD researchers to visit Colombia. In 2008, CESD researches had the opportunity to visit seven municipalities in rural Colombia.

Report: Holistic Approaches to Development: Learning from a North-South Collaboration
Slideshow: Visit to ASOPRICOR 2008

 

NORDIK Institute

NORDIK Institute The NORDIK (Northern Ontario Research, Development, Ideas and Knowledge) research institute evolved from the Community Economic and Social Development (CESD) program and research. The recently incorporated NORDIK Institute is a joint project of CESD and Algoma U, and has established strong links with other research institutes, universities, and colleges.

NORDIK is committed to further developing its own research capacity by working closely with its community partners and providing mentoring to new researchers.

Northern Communities Transitioning to Resilience
NORDIK Institute is currently engaged in forming a community-university research partnership in Northern Ontario. The partnership is composed of three universities and affiliated research institutes and networks, one First Nations research institute, and a host of community partners.

To find out more, visit the NORDIK Institute website: www.nordikinstitute.com