IDS is a private sector consulting organization. Its research and outreach is devoted to the identification and analyses of economic, social, cultural, political, business, and institutional problems connected most particularly to poverty alleviation.  IDS is a forward looking organization. It provides modern and innovative solutions to all the management, organizational and programmatic problems associated with economic development.

In addition to core staff, IDS utilizes the services of a vast group of professionals from a variety of disciplines; including economics, statistics, finance, taxation, planning, communications, management, demography, anthropology, and other social sciences and engineering. IDS services reflect the spectrum of support in all areas of poverty reduction from social sector to public sector reforms and governance and from agriculture and rural development to industrial development and trade. In all these areas IDS offers support to build Monitoring and Evaluation capacity at all levels. IDS has special expertise in the setting up, implementation and analyses of large- and small- scale household and market surveys and rapid assessments and appraisals. IDS research work is based on quantitative as well as qualitative data. It both collects data and utilizes existing data. IDS staff employ the most modern research tools and techniques.
IDS staff has extensive experience in organizing technical meetings and workshops. IDS staff specialize in providing technical assistance to public sector programs and projects.
IDS capability supports all the goals of the Poverty Reduction Strategy Program (PRSP). IDS staff offers the complete capacity to successfully operationalize this strategy.