History of IRESCO

The Institute for Research, Socio-economic Development & Communication, formerly known as the Institute for Research and Behavioural Studies was founded in 1993 by a handful of multi-disciplinary researchers in Douala, Littoral Province. These graduate social scientists could have taken the option of working for central government but they were drawn towards research. The formation of IRESCO was more than just a professional ambition; it was a dream to change their country and to help their community. IRESCO waged a bet on society, one that had to be dared. The first doors to be opened were for research related to sexual health, mainly the fight against HIV/AIDS. The struggle had begun; an ambition was to be fulfilled.

The Ambition

“The mission of IRESCO is to contribute to the improvement of the living conditions for the African population by the promotion of behavioural science as a basis for any long term development initiative”

This Mission Statement is short and clear about the overall aim of the organisation. In order to achieve this lifelong goal, the organisation uses a variety of methods to tackle problems related to health, population and education. At present, Intervention Programmes cover a wide range of topics such as practical knowledge, religious beliefs and attitude. These subjects contribute to a third of IRESCO’s workload. National and local press report on the activities of IRESCO that relate to follow-up studies and the evaluation of projects and programmes, the investigations of behavioural monitoring, opinion polls, basic and socio-anthropological studies, behavioural communication change, including the development, the production and the distribution of the educational material, the organisation of the workshops, sharing of information and training, publications and the dissemination of research results.

IRESCO and Social Sciences in Cameroon

In the 1970’s social sciences was first recognised in Cameroon. The government ran the social science programme via a number of academic and research institutions and fell under the umbrella of the appropriate Ministry at that time. Due to problems affecting management the government suspended its involvement with Social sciences and was it left to the initiative of the private sector and humanitarian organisations to continue activities in this field. At this period in time there were large disruptions to the public sector, such as the political transition to ‘Multi-partism’, changes in the economy (the liberalisation and the disengagement of the State via structural adjustment), the grave threat of AIDS, the emergence of urban violence, resurgence of the rural instability and on the planetary scale, globalisation.

IRESCO appeared at a time where research and development activities were predominately performed by international development organisations, both governmental and non governmental. This aid work was beneficial but could have been more effective with greater participation from Cameroonian NGO’. Also, the work conducted by both national and NGO’s varied considerably. IRESCO learned several lessons. National NGO’s have to be the driver in developing initiatives for their populace. IRESCO takes pride in maintaining a frank and open relationship with all stakeholders, as co-operation plays an essential role in making change. The proof is our network of diversified partners and also by the numerous studies led by IRESCO throughout the African continent and other developing countries.

IRESCO has evolved with changing times to deal with the social problems of our time. There are many social problems the world today, whether it be Malaria or HIV/AIDS, IRESCO has devised effective projects and programmes to resolve these problems. IRESCO has learnt along time ago that you have to learn why people behave in a certain manner that is prejudicial to one’s health and others before you can plan to change that negative behaviour.

We were 4x4 m²; now we’re 200m²

It wasn’t long ago when IRESCO was to be found in a studio apartment. This hive of activity was certainly always active but somewhat compact! Over the years we had to move around a lot, to find space that was somewhat more amenable. As the organisation’s reputation grew, so did our human resources and equipment. So, in 2001 we decided to move to Mendong and this has been our home ever since. We now have around 20 personnel, with IT equipment, a library and a youth centre. Our foundations have been firmly set!