About Us

Who We Are

The Participatory Action Research and Policy Advocacy Center Africa (PARPACA) is a Ugandan-registered Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Think Tank operating across Africa. We specialize in participatory research, policy analysis, and advocacy to inform decision-making, strengthen governance, and empower communities.

PARPACA serves as a strategic hub connecting African and European researchers, fostering cross-regional collaboration, and building  partnerships that drive impactful and inclusive grassroots community development. By integrating research,  innovation, and community realities, we translate research evidence into actionable solutions that improve lives and promote equity.

Our work is closely aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and guided by the principle of Leave No One Behind (LNOB). This ensures that every initiative prioritizes human rights, inclusive growth, and social justice, particularly for marginalized populations.

VISION STATEMENT

To be Africa’s leading NGO Think Tank, driving transformative, evidence-based policy solutions while empowering African communities to actively shape the policies that affect their lives and advance sustainable development outcomes.

MISSION STATEMENT

PARPACA advances participatory research and inclusive policy dialogue to empower marginalized communities across Africa. Through collaboration and evidence-based solutions, we tackle inequality, promote accountable governance, and drive sustainable development and social justice that leaves no one behind.

No Poverty (SDG 1)

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Eradicating poverty leads to more stable societies, reduces conflict, and enables people to contribute fully to the economy and community

  • Empowerment through education and skills training

  • Microfinance and small business support

  • Agricultural and community development

  • Health and sanitation programs

​ Zero Hunger (SDG 2)

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Zero Hunger is the second goal of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 2), aiming to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture by 2030.

Zero hunger

we are committed to a hunger-free world. Our integrated approach targets through:

  • Emergency food distribution


  • Sustainable agriculture training


  • School feeding programs

Gender equality (SDG 5)

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Gender equality is not just a women's issue—it’s a human rights issue. It means giving everyone, regardless of gender, the same opportunities to thrive, lead, and live with dignity

Gender equality

Our gender equality programs focus on:

  • Girls’ education and mentorship

  • Women’s economic empowerment

  • Ending gender-based violence

  • Men as allies

  • Leadership and representation

Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6)

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Water is life—but for 2.2 billion people around the world, access to safe drinking water remains out of reach. Over 4.2 billion people lack safely managed sanitation services.

 

We focus on:

  • Water access and infrastructure

  • Sanitation and hygiene (WASH) education

  • Toilets for dignity

  • Community empowerment

  • Climate resilience

Why It Matters

 
 
 

Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG7and Clean Energy

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Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7) aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.

 

We are committed to:

  • Solar energy access

  • Clean cookstove initiatives

  • Energy education & innovation

  • Microgrids and community power

  • Policy advocacy

Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10)

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Sustainable Development Goal 10 (SDG 10) calls for the reduction of inequality within and among countries, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10)

Our work is rooted in equity, inclusion, and empowerment.

We focus on:

  • Economic empowerment

  • Inclusive education and digital access

  • Disability inclusion

  • Youth and minority engagement

  • Policy and systems advocacy

Climate Action (SDG 13)

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 The 13th United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 13), calls for urgent steps to combat climate change and its impacts. It means reducing greenhouse gas emissions, building resilience, and empowering communities to protect the environment and prepare for climate-related risks.

Why Climate Action Matters Now

  • Global temperatures are rising—triggering floods, droughts, and heatwaves.

  • Millions face water and food insecurity due to changing weather patterns.

  • Vulnerable communities suffer the most, despite contributing the least to emissions.

Life Below Water (SDG 14)

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Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources. Oceans cover over 70% of the Earth's surface and are vital to life as we know it.

Why Oceans Matter

  •  Oceans provide food security for over 3 billion people.

  •  They absorb 30% of carbon dioxide emissions and regulate global temperatures.

  •  Marine ecosystems support livelihoods in fishing, tourism, and trade.

  •  They are a source of medicine, biodiversity, and scientific discovery.

Life on Land (SDG 15)

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we believe that healthy ecosystems are the foundation of thriving communities. Through reforestation projects, sustainable land use initiatives, and community-led conservation programs, we work to preserve biodiversity, combat desertification, and restore degraded lands.

Key Initiatives:

  • Community-based tree planting and forest restoration

  • Training in sustainable farming and land use

  • Advocacy for environmental justice and land rights

Impact: Restoring life on land while strengthening livelihoods

Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16)

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By strengthening community structures, supporting conflict resolution, and promoting legal awareness, we help create resilient societies where justice prevails and institutions serve the people.

Key Initiatives:

  • Civic education and legal empowerment programs

  • Policy dialogue platforms for community participation

  • Capacity building for local governance and accountability

Impact: Advancing peace and justice from the grassroots up.

Core Competences

1. Community-Based Research Approach

PARPACA will conduct community-based research involving local communities and marginalized groups to identify the issues that directly affect them, ensuring that the research reflects grassroots realities. This approach empowers communities by strengthening their capacity to understand and address their own challenges, while also fostering a sense of ownership and accountability over the research outcomes.

Methods Applied:

  • Participatory Action Research (PAR): Engages community members as co-researchers in all stages—from problem identification to solutions and action.

  • Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR): Builds equitable partnerships between researchers and communities, emphasizing mutual learning and shared decision-making.

  • Integration of Indigenous Knowledge: Recognizes and incorporates traditional practices, values, and knowledge systems to ensure culturally relevant and context-specific outcomes.

2. Policy Advocacy, Analysis & Development

PARPACA is committed to translating actionable research into evidence-based policy recommendations that drive systemic change. We raise public awareness and engage in advocacy with governments, institutions, international bodies, and other stakeholders to promote policy reforms and legislation that respond to the needs of communities, particularly vulnerable and marginalized groups.

3. Technical Backstopping & Capacity Strengthening

Technical Backstopping and Capacity Strengthening

PARPACA provides strategic technical support and capacity-building to partner organizations, local stakeholders, and communities. We  ensure programs are evidence-based, high-quality, and contextually relevant. We also strengthen partners’ ability to implement projects effectively, fosters local ownership and sustainability. 

We provides systematic technical leadership to subgrantees, ensuring programmatic excellence across the SDGs projects. This includes:

  • Provide expert guidance and oversight to ensure programmatic quality across projects.

  • Support subgrantees in applying best practices in program design, implementation, and evaluation.

4. Financial Oversight & Administrative Strengthening

PARPACA shall provide structured financial management oversight to safeguard donor resources and strengthen partner organisations by:

  • Conducting internal financial capacity assessments and delivering tailored capacity-building sessions for subgrantees.

  • Performing routine internal audits and offering financial coaching aligned with global best practices in grant compliance and fiduciary responsibility.

5.Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) Support

PARPACA  acts as the central technical hub for MEL across consortium countries, providing guidance, oversight, and capacity-building support to ensure effective program implementation and learning. Its key roles include:

  1. Capacity Building:

    • Strengthen partners’ understanding of M&E principles, reporting standards, and adaptive learning.

    • Conduct trainings, refresher courses, and mentorship for subgrantee staff.

  2. Harmonisation of Tools & Systems:

Our Approcah

At PARPACA, we lead and coordinate complex, multi-country development programs, combining strategic funding models with a commitment to inclusive, results-driven outcomes. As a trusted consortium leader, we work with communities, governments, and civil society through:

  • Research & Evidence Generation – Producing actionable insights that inform decisions and guide practice.

  • Policy Analysis & Advocacy – Advancing policies that promote equity, justice, and sustainable development.

  • Technical Backstopping & Capacity Strengthening – Building the skills and knowledge of partners for sustainable impact.

  • Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEAL) – Ensuring accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.

  • Innovation & Adaptive Solutions – Designing flexible approaches to respond to emerging challenges.

  • Consortium Leadership & Networking – Fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders for collective results.

  • Humanitarian & Development Response – Addressing urgent needs while supporting long-term resilience.

  • Resource Mobilization & Strategic Partnerships – Leveraging resources and relationships for greater impact.

  • Funding Disbursement to Civil Society Organizations – Empowering local actors to drive change at the grassroots level.

Through this model, PARPACA not only generates knowledge and policy solutions but also strengthens community capacity to advocate for their own priorities—helping shape a more inclusive, equitable, and resilient Africa.

Key Principles of Participatory M&E

Inclusivity

– Engage all stakeholders (beneficiaries, staff, donors, partners) in the M&E process.

Empowerment

Enable communities to take ownership of data collection and analysis.

Transparency

Share findings openly with all stakeholders

Flexibility

Adapt M&E tools to local contexts and changing needs.

Learning-Oriented

Use findings to improve programs rather than just report to donors.

Join Our Movement Today

Be part of the change. Help us empower marginalized communities and advance social justice across Africa through your support and involvement. Get Involved

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