Service
Research framing & evidence synthesis
Scope a broad challenge around the decision a programme, proposal or early concept needs to support.
Typical outputs
- Question framework
- Evidence brief
- Gap map
Capability statement
Research · Design · Field learning
Turn a live question into useful work.
ulimi.labs supports NGOs, research teams and farmer-facing programmes working on climate-smart agriculture in Malawi.
Positioning
Close to the field. Clear about the decision.
We connect local context, research evidence and practical digital thinking. The aim is not complexity for its own sake, but a clearer question, a testable next step and learning that teams can use.
Six services
Support across inquiry, design and delivery.
Services can stand alone or combine around one programme question.
Service
Human-centred field research
Plan interviews, observation and collaborative inquiry around farmer, extension and programme realities.
Typical outputs
- Research plan
- Discussion guides
- Insight synthesis
Service
Climate information & data design
Translate forecasts, local observations and research findings into clear decision-support formats.
Typical outputs
- Seasonal brief
- Data story
- Decision aid
Service
Digital service concepts & prototypes
Shape and test offline-aware tools and service journeys before investing in full technical delivery.
Typical outputs
- Service blueprint
- Prototype
- Usability findings
Service
Pilot design & field learning
Build small tests with baselines, indicators and feedback loops that support adaptation.
Typical outputs
- Pilot protocol
- Field tools
- Learning review
Service
Programme & partnership workshops
Align teams around roles, trade-offs, evidence needs and practical next steps.
Typical outputs
- Workshop design
- Decision record
- Action plan
Engagement formats
Three clear ways to begin.
Fees are quoted after a short conversation because travel, research depth, language and partner involvement vary. Every format begins with a clear scope and agreed outputs.
2–3 weeks
Field Question Sprint
For an unclear decision or early idea.
Outcomes
- A focused decision and working question
- A rapid evidence and context scan
- A recommended next-step brief
How it runs
- Clarify the decision, context and success criteria
- Scan the most relevant evidence and practical constraints
- Review findings together and agree the next-step brief
4–6 weeks
Evidence-to-Prototype
For teams translating evidence into a usable service or tool.
Outcomes
- A targeted evidence synthesis
- Selected stakeholder conversations
- A lightweight prototype and practical test plan
How it runs
- Frame the user need and the decision the service must support
- Combine targeted evidence with selected stakeholder conversations
- Build a lightweight prototype and agree a practical test
3–6 months
Field Learning Partnership
For active pilots and programmes.
Outcomes
- Baseline and learning questions
- Field and digital observation tools
- Regular learning reviews
- An evidence-informed adapt, continue, pause or scale decision brief, with assumptions and limits
How it runs
- Agree baseline signals, learning questions and responsibilities
- Run field observations and regular learning reviews
- Synthesize evidence into an adapt, continue, pause or scale decision brief
Working method
A practical standard for each collaboration.
Bring a live question, not a fixed brief. We agree the decision, evidence needs and limits before selecting a method.
- 01
Ground the decision
Start with the choice someone needs to make and clarify what useful evidence would look like.
- 02
Work across perspectives
Bring field realities, local knowledge, research evidence and digital practice into the same conversation.
- 03
Test, learn and adapt
Keep first versions small enough to learn from, make limits visible and agree the next decision together.