Richard's research interests include participatory development, rural and urban livelihoods, environmental management, migration and development, development economics and institutions and development. Specifically, Richard’s research focuses on the intersectionality between sub-district structures and participatory development, sustainable rural and urban livelihoods, migration and poverty reduction, technology and financial inclusion and the interactions between people and nature in cities. Richard has a strong interest on how spatial characteristics shape participatory development, migration outcomes/aspirations and the technology-financial inclusion nexus.