ODI’s Research and Policy in Development (RAPID) programme aims to improve the use of research and evidence in development policy and practice through research, advice and debate. The programme has four main themes: • The use of evidence in policy identification, development and implementation; • Improving communication and information systems for development agencies; • Better knowledge management to enhance the impact of development agencies; • Promotion and capacity building for evidence-based policy. We would like to acknowledge support for this work from: the UK Department for International Development, the Global Development Network, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, and the Merck Foundation.