What we do
Arcus Policy Research engages with critical development challenges through methodologically grounded inquiry and sector-specific expertise. Our work is situated at the intersection of empirical research, institutional analysis, and strategic design, enabling us to navigate complex policy terrains with analytical precision. By aligning data systems, contextual understanding, and stakeholder objectives, we generate solutions that are both actionable and durable. Whether informing programme strategy or shaping macroeconomic interventions, our approach remains anchored in rigour, responsiveness, and a commitment to equity-driven outcomes.
Sectoral expertise

- Agriculture
- Bioenergy
- Rural Livelihoods
- Climate & sustainability
- Gender outcomes
- Market research and consumer insights
Engagement in the agricultural domain is anchored in a deep understanding of policy ecosystems, market dynamics, and production systems. The focus lies in advancing sustainable farming models through comprehensive analysis of policy instruments, enhancement of productivity frameworks, and facilitation of effective market integration. Efforts are directed toward identifying structural inefficiencies and designing interventions that reinforce food system resilience and profitability for cultivators. Through data-intensive research, the sectoral landscape is examined to inform national and sub-national strategies addressing food security, resource optimization, and rural livelihoods. The aim is to contribute toward building an enabling environment that empowers farming communities, balances ecological imperatives, and ensures economic viability within the sector.
This focus area engages with the evolving energy landscape by exploring the potential of bio-based alternatives in accelerating the shift toward cleaner fuel economies. The analytical expertise spans ethanol blending targets, biomass deployment strategies, and the regulatory architecture shaping India’s renewable energy ambitions. Research initiatives include feasibility assessments, lifecycle evaluations, and supply chain diagnostics to determine the viability and scalability of bioenergy solutions across regions. The work informs both policy and industry by identifying leverage points that can enhance adoption while ensuring economic and environmental efficiency. Emphasis is placed on enabling a just transition through evidence-based insights that reduce reliance on fossil fuels and foster sustainable energy futures.
This stream of work focuses on strengthening economic resilience in rural geographies through a comprehensive analysis of livelihood systems, income patterns, and access to enabling infrastructure. Research delves into employment dynamics, microfinance mechanisms, and diversification strategies that contribute to stable and sustainable rural economies. Particular attention is paid to financial inclusion, capacity enhancement, and the creation of scalable livelihood opportunities tailored to local contexts. The aim is to inform interventions that not only address immediate economic vulnerabilities but also lay the groundwork for long-term community empowerment and socio-economic mobility. By identifying structural enablers and constraints, this work supports the design of inclusive development models that uplift marginalized rural populations.
Research in this sector is dedicated to aligning development strategies with ecological integrity and long-term resilience. Focus areas include evaluating climate adaptation pathways, optimizing water governance frameworks, and supporting transitions toward low-emission economies. Analytical work addresses the intersection of environmental stressors and socio-economic systems, emphasizing the need for anticipatory planning and integrated resource management. By assessing policy coherence and institutional readiness, the research facilitates the design of adaptive interventions that mitigate vulnerability and enhance sustainability outcomes. The objective is to equip stakeholders with evidence-driven strategies that balance growth imperatives with environmental stewardship, enabling systemic responses to the accelerating climate crisis.
This area of work is rooted in integrating gender-responsive frameworks into policy research and institutional analysis. By interrogating disparities in financial inclusion, labor force participation, and control over productive assets, the approach identifies structural barriers that hinder equitable participation in economic systems. Methodologies emphasize intersectionality, ensuring that both women and other historically marginalized groups are visible within developmental agendas. The research supports the formulation of inclusive strategies that not only recognize differential impacts but also promote redistributive justice in policy design. The goal is to inform governance and programming that advance gender-equitable growth, foster agency, and catalyze social mobility through targeted, evidence-informed pathways.
Work in this domain is centered on decoding consumption patterns and market structures through robust empirical inquiry. By employing advanced tools for demand forecasting, behavioral segmentation, and trend analysis, the research enables stakeholders to navigate shifting consumer preferences with greater precision. The objective is to generate actionable intelligence that guides strategic planning, product positioning, and policy development. Insight generation spans across demographic and geographic spectra, allowing for a nuanced understanding of market gaps, emerging opportunities, and sectoral constraints. These findings are crucial for institutions aiming to enhance operational agility, calibrate interventions, and align offerings with real-time consumer needs and macroeconomic developments.
Capabilities

Our deliverables reflect a synthesis of empirical rigour and implementation foresight. We design outputs that are not only analytically robust but also calibrated for real-world applicability. The emphasis is on generating value—through insights, tools, and frameworks—that informs strategy and strengthens execution.
Monitoring, Learning, and Evaluation (MLE)
The development of MLE systems focuses on embedding accountability, adaptability, and evidence-based learning into program and policy cycles. By constructing metrics-driven frameworks, the work ensures that interventions are not only trackable but also capable of evolving in response to real-time insights. Emphasis is placed on continuous feedback loops, enabling refinement of strategies for improved effectiveness. Rigorous data collection, performance audits, and outcome mapping contribute to a culture of learning that strengthens institutional responsiveness and maximizes developmental impact.
Living Income Benchmark Studies
Living income studies provide actionable benchmarks tailored to specific geographies and populations, offering a reliable tool for policymakers, development organizations, and industry actors. These benchmarks are derived through rigorous analysis of household expenditure patterns, local economic conditions, and cost-of-living indices. The deliverables include detailed income thresholds that can guide sustainable wage policies, responsible sourcing strategies, and inclusive program design. By anchoring compensation frameworks in empirical data, these studies help advance economic stability and social protection for vulnerable communities.
Feasibility Studies & Policy Evaluation
This offering entails comprehensive assessments that examine the viability, scalability, and anticipated impact of proposed policies and interventions. Through data-driven methodologies and stakeholder consultations, the studies help identify implementation barriers, resource requirements, and potential outcomes. Deliverables include diagnostic reports, policy briefs, and scenario-based analyses that inform strategic planning and course correction. These evaluations support evidence-based decision-making by equipping governments, donors, and institutions with actionable insights to design context-appropriate and sustainable solutions.
Primary Surveys
Primary data collection is executed through meticulously designed surveys tailored to diverse thematic areas—ranging from household economics and agricultural practices to access to services and social indicators. Leveraging robust sampling techniques and trained field teams, these surveys generate high-quality, granular datasets that underpin credible research and policy formulation. Deliverables include structured data sets, analytical reports, and insight-driven briefs that enable stakeholders to ground decisions in lived realities and evolving on-ground conditions.
Consulting & Advisory
Strategic advisory support is offered across policy domains, anchored in rigorous analysis, sectoral expertise, and real-time data insights. Services include issue diagnostics, policy design, regulatory mapping, and implementation planning tailored to client needs. Outputs range from policy roadmaps and strategy documents to stakeholder engagement frameworks that aid decision-makers in navigating complex governance and market environments. These engagements empower clients—including governments, development agencies, and private sector actors—to pursue informed, forward-looking interventions grounded in evidence and contextual relevance.