Empowering Francophone African Youths around the Practice of Evidence-Informed Decision-Making (EIDM)

2024-07-18 advocates blog informs learns news
Empowering Francophone African Youths around the Practice of Evidence-Informed Decision-Making (EIDM)

 

The dominance of the English language in the scientific field has greatly limited the participation of French-speaking stakeholders and their access to and use of research evidence to inform policies, programmes, and practices in this part of the world. It is estimated that 59% of the world’s French-speaking population lives on the African continent (International Organisation of La Francophonie 2018). Eight out of ten regions in Cameroon are French-speaking (Tirosh 2024). Sub-Saharan Africa is one of the world’s regions still facing huge setbacks in the sectors of health (WHO 2023), education (UNICEF 2021), youth employment (Hino and Ranis 2014), poverty, and famine (Von Grebmer, et al. 2023) Thus, there is a great need to enhance the implementation of evidence-informed interventions to tackle these challenges. Evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM) practice in Africa is still very low, and in most parts of sub-Saharan Africa, there is still no awareness of EIDM and its value in policies and programmes. Well-designed research is one step towards ensuring the availability of reliable evidence to make evidence-informed choices. Evidence-informed choices have great value for sustainable development in Africa in favour of all including youths (AEN 2024). Initiating a culture of EIDM in young university students in Francophone Africa will be impactful for sustainable development through the production of EIDM resources for effective and cost-efficient intervention in Francophone Africa. University students will also be exposed to inspiring EIDM's innovative career paths and will be able to engage in good academic research practices.

As a member of the Africa Evidence Youth League (AEYL), I took a significant step towards addressing this challenge. Through the AEYL's exciting and extensive programme, I organised an inspiring workshop for over 20 university students from various disciplines with the objective of enhancing the participation of Francophone African academic researchers in the evidence ecosystem. The workshop intended to introduce participants to the fundamentals of EIDM, equip them with rigorous research skills, key institutions in the evidence ecosystem, and platforms offering resources and skills needed to break into the research and development job market, plus demonstrate how to become active contributors within the evidence ecosystem. This includes not only comprehending research but also actively participating in its production, translation, and application in real-world decision-making processes. This workshop was unique, focusing on the participants' needs and promoting active engagement.

Here's a closer look at the workshop's key activities:

Introduction to EIDM Fundamentals: Participants gained a solid understanding of core EIDM principles. They were empowered to see the value of EIDM within the African context, to think through the current academic practice and to see how best EIDM can be used by university students to increase the production, translation and use of research for decision-making.

Building Research Capacity: The workshop provided practical training on the fundamentals of rigorous research, conducting primary research and evidence synthesis. The production of more studies from francophone Africa will help increase the access of Francophone African decision-makers to context-related EIDM resources to inform decisions.

Knowledge into Action: Participants explored how to integrate EIDM into their academic work and future careers. They also learned about collaboration opportunities with research organisations.

Building Capacity in French: The Responsive Evidence Systems For African Policy Needs (REAP) platform was introduced as a valuable platform specifically designed to enhance EIDM capacity for both French and English-speaking Africans. This is particularly important because a significant amount of research is only available in English, creating a significant obstacle for French-speaking researchers.

Sharing Knowledge and Inspiring Change: Beyond the Workshop

The impact of the workshop extended far beyond those walls. A student participant was invited to share their experience and the importance of institutionalising EIDM practices within academia on Cameroon national television. She was featured on CRTV to discuss the vital role of EIDM in Cameroon’s development and engage university students, the future generation of policymakers and researchers. During the show, my colleagues and I discussed the power of EIDM, exploring current practices, and showcasing the exciting career opportunities available to Cameroonian graduates in EIDM. This conversation highlighted the value of EIDM for:

Improved Academic Performance: Equipping students with EIDM skills can lead to stronger research and better academic outcomes.

Innovative Job Opportunities: Understanding EIDM opens doors to exciting careers in research and development.

Youth Engagement in the Evidence Ecosystem: By empowering young people to use and contribute to research, we can cultivate a culture of evidence-based decision-making for a brighter future.

Results that Speak Volumes

The workshop's success is evident in the student responses to the needs assessment survey: 66.67% had never heard of EIDM before, showcasing the critical need for such initiatives. 22 out of 24 participants expressed interest in EIDM topics, reflecting a significant shift in awareness. There was a strong interest in applying EIDM in academic work (23 students) and pursuing EIDM careers (22 students). Students equally identified their research needs in data analysis needs (58.33), monitoring and evaluation (58.33), research methodology (54.17), data collection (54.17), using research tools (54.17), evidence synthesis (41.57), research dissemination (37.5), communication (37.5) and reporting (33.33). Some institutional challenges to support the production of rigorous research were; the fact that institutions do not fund research (62.5), institutions are not aware of EIDM (45.83), university websites do not provide research resources (29.17), limited methodology lecturers (16.67) and students do not have enough capacity to conduct rigorous research (20.83).

A Future Built on Evidence-Based Solutions for University Students in Francophone Africa

The AEYL extensive programme in Cameroon serves as a powerful example of how we can engage with university researchers to bridge the language gap and empower young Francophone Africans to actively participate in the evidence ecosystem. By fostering a culture of EIDM in Francophone Africa, we can ensure that decisions affecting the future of French-speaking Africa are based on solid evidence, leading to a more prosperous and sustainable future for all.

About the author: Penka Bogne (a Rachel Des Rosiers fellow- Canada) is a young Cameroonian female researcher, lead evidence broker (storyteller) at eBASE Africa and a PhD student in health sciences. She is equally the vice chair of the GIN African regional Community. Engaged in promoting EIDM in Africa with an emphasis on francophone Africa. She has carried out capacity building, knowledge translation and research evidence dissemination activities to policymakers, practitioners and community members (specifically non-digital, Indigenous and underserved community members). Penka is an Award-winning traditional storyteller. She has led the development of the storytelling systematic approach used within eBASE Africa for research evidence dissemination, which has been the focus of training, Webinars and the subject of multiple fundings. Penka has a track record of translating research synthesis from English to French with GIN Public, Cochrane and McMaster COVID-19 RecMap to increase the access and use of research evidence by Francophones.

Acknowledgements: The author(s) is solely responsible for the content of this article, including all errors or omissions; acknowledgements do not imply endorsement of the content. The author is grateful to Charity Chisoro for her guidance in preparing and finalising this article, as well as her editorial support.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in published blog posts, as well as any errors or omissions, are the sole responsibility of the author/s and do not represent the views of the Africa Evidence Network, its secretariat, advisory or reference groups, or its funders; nor does it imply endorsement by the afore-mentioned parties.

Suggested citation: Bogne, P.M. (2024) Empowering Francophone African Youths around the Practice of Evidence-Informed Decision Making (EIDM). Blog posting on 18 July 2024. Available at: https://www.africaevidencenetwork.org/en/learning-space/article/329/


Related Content

Below is all the content from the Learning Space that have the same tags as this event.

advocates blog informs learns news
Bridging Evidence and Action: Key Insights from the EPA Forum 2024
2024-11-19 advocates blog informs learns news
Bridging Evidence and Action: Key Insights from the EPA Forum 2024
  In a world increasingly defined by complex challenges, the role of evidence in shaping impactful decisions has never been more critical. The Evidence-Policy-Action (EPA) Forum 2024, held in ...
Continue Reading
EIDM Processes: Seeking Transformation for Enhanced Impacts
2024-11-08 advocates blog events informs learns news
EIDM Processes: Seeking Transformation for Enhanced Impacts
  If you are interested in this topic, review the webinar presentation, or watch the recorded webinar. This blog post is based on the webinar hosted by the Africa Eviden...
Continue Reading
My Global Evidence Summit Experience (GES 2024)
2024-10-31 advocates blog informs learns news
My Global Evidence Summit Experience (GES 2024)
  Attending the Global Evidence Summit in Prague, Czech Republic, was a remarkable opportunity for me to connect with distinguished delegates from around the globe within the evidence-informed...
Continue Reading
Finding My Place in EIDM: Reflections on AfEW24 throwback campaign and the Power of Diverse Roles
2024-10-17 advocates blog informs learns news
Finding My Place in EIDM: Reflections on AfEW24 throwback campaign and the Power of Diverse Roles
  Photo credit: Getty Images When I first encountered the world of evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM), I felt like an outsider. I assumed the space was reserved for researchers a...
Continue Reading
From the United Nations Summit of the Future to Africa: The Need for Evidence-Informed Decision-Making
2024-10-17 advocates blog informs learns news
From the United Nations Summit of the Future to Africa: The Need for Evidence-Informed Decision-Making
  My journey to the United States for the Summit of the Future was an incredible experience filled with powerful moments, inspiring meetings, and opportunities to connect with global leaders c...
Continue Reading
Reflections from SAMEA’s 9th Biennial Conference
2024-10-17 advocates blog informs learns news
Reflections from SAMEA’s 9th Biennial Conference
  The South African Monitoring and Evaluation Association (SAMEA), alongside the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME), co-hosted their highly anticipated 9th Biennial Confe...
Continue Reading
A Journey of Global Collaboration, Mentorship, and Youth Empowerment
2024-09-20 advocates blog informs learns news
A Journey of Global Collaboration, Mentorship, and Youth Empowerment
  In the summer of 2023, I received an invitation that would change the trajectory of my work. The World Youth Development Forum (WYDF) invited me to participate in the China-Africa Youth Foru...
Continue Reading
Reflecting on the Global Evidence Summit 2024: A Week of Engaging and Learning
2024-09-20 advocates blog informs learns news
Reflecting on the Global Evidence Summit 2024: A Week of Engaging and Learning
  Attending conferences is always a thrilling and overstimulating experience, but the Global Evidence Summit surpassed my expectations. Over four days, I was immersed in thought-provoking disc...
Continue Reading
Don't Wait for 'Big Funding': Harness Local Evidence to Tackle Climate Change
2024-09-09 advocates afew2024 africa evidence week 2024 blog informs learns news
Don't Wait for 'Big Funding': Harness Local Evidence to Tackle Climate Change
  Climate change is a critical issue that affects the entire world, with Africa feeling its impact profoundly. During the recent Climate Change and Health Strategy workshop organised by PACKS ...
Continue Reading
Highlights from Africa Evidence Week: Day 5
2024-08-23 advocates africa evidence week blog informs learns news
Highlights from Africa Evidence Week: Day 5
  On this last day of Africa Evidence Week 2024, I reflect on the event and the twelve-year celebration of the Africa Evidence Network (AEN). This year’s objective was to showcase and pr...
Continue Reading
Highlights from Africa Evidence Week: Day 4
2024-08-22 advocates africa evidence week blog informs learns news
Highlights from Africa Evidence Week: Day 4
  We hope that you are enjoying Africa Evidence Week 2024 as much as we are! Day four of the 2024 Africa Evidence Week was filled with lots of excitement, imparting of knowledge, and learning....
Continue Reading
Highlights from Africa Evidence Week: Day 3
2024-08-21 advocates africa evidence week blog informs learns news
Highlights from Africa Evidence Week: Day 3
  Wow, Day 3 has come and gone; how time flies when we are having great conversations and meaningful connections! Just in the past three days, we shared fourteen blog posts, sixteen video...
Continue Reading
Highlights from Africa Evidence Week: Day 1
2024-08-20 advocates afew2024 africa evidence week 2024 blog informs learns news
Highlights from Africa Evidence Week: Day 1
  I am in awe of the members’ commitment to and enthusiasm for evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM) as I reflect on day one of the third edition of Africa Evidence Week and the twelv...
Continue Reading
Highlights from Africa Evidence Week: Day 2
2024-08-20 advocates afew2024 africa evidence week 2024 blog informs learns news
Highlights from Africa Evidence Week: Day 2
  I cannot believe that day two has come and gone. The programme showcased various activities that were aligned with the event’s objective, which is to showcase and promote the stat...
Continue Reading
Communities of practice as a tool to enhance evidence capacities and collaboration in Africa
2024-08-19 advocates africa evidence week blog informs learns news
Communities of practice as a tool to enhance evidence capacities and collaboration in Africa
  The Africa Evidence Network (AEN) established communities of practice (CoPs) to advance its work in 2023. We aim to develop several CoPs that can serve as tools to enhance evidence capa...
Continue Reading
From Environmental Health to Evidence-Based Policy: My Journey in Research and Development
2024-08-16 advocates afew2024 africa evidence week blog informs learns news
From Environmental Health to Evidence-Based Policy: My Journey in Research and Development
  Elise Hirwa Musabimana is a runner-up of the Africa Evidence Leadership Award 2024 in the Emerging Leader Under 35 category offered by the Africa Evidence Network. W...
Continue Reading
Promoting data and evidence use practice in local government: what we are learning from the E4D project in Ghana
2024-08-16 advocates afew2024 africa evidence week blog informs learns news
Promoting data and evidence use practice in local government: what we are learning from the E4D project in Ghana
  Mohammed S. Awal is a runner-up of the Africa Evidence Leadership Award 2024 in the Evidence Producer category offered by the Africa Evidence Network. We asked ...
Continue Reading
An incredible, enriching and insightful journey to Ghana to engage with Africa Evidence network members and the EIDM community
2024-08-15 advocates blog informs learns news
An incredible, enriching and insightful journey to Ghana to engage with Africa Evidence network members and the EIDM community
  The reflections of attending the 7th annual Evidence to Action Conference co-hosted with the International Centre for Evaluation and Development (ICED) and collaboratively organised with Fee...
Continue Reading
Develop the Evidence-Informed Decision-Making Capabilities for All
2024-08-15 advocates aela2024 africa evidence leadership award blog informs learns news
Develop the Evidence-Informed Decision-Making Capabilities for All
  Edwin Byusa is a runner-up of the Africa Evidence Leadership Award 2024 in the Evidence User category offered by the Africa Evidence Network. We asked Edwin to ...
Continue Reading
The Importance of Evidence-Based Monitoring and Evaluation in Malawi
2024-08-15 advocates aela2024 africa evidence leadership award blog informs learns news
The Importance of Evidence-Based Monitoring and Evaluation in Malawi
  Esmie Nhlane is a runner-up of the Africa Evidence Leadership Award 2024 in the Evidence Mediator category offered by the Africa Evidence Network. We asked Esmi...
Continue Reading
Africa's bright future is in evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM)
2024-08-14 advocates afew2024 africa evidence week 2024 blog eidm youth spotlight informs learns news
Africa's bright future is in evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM)
  Welcome to the Youth spotlight series, where we offer first-hand insights into young leaders in the evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM) sector. You can discover their stories,...
Continue Reading
Building a Brighter Future Through Evidence: eBASE Africa's Work in Cameroon
2024-08-14 advocates africa evidence week blog informs learns news
Building a Brighter Future Through Evidence: eBASE Africa's Work in Cameroon
  Cameroon, like many African nations, faces complex social challenges that require innovative solutions. Policymakers need access to reliable data and effective tools to navigate these issues...
Continue Reading
Building small grants programs connected to policies and the needs of practitioners: the experience of the African Center for Equitable Development
2024-08-14 advocates africa evidence week blog informs learns news
Building small grants programs connected to policies and the needs of practitioners: the experience of the African Center for Equitable Development
  The African Center for Equity Development (ACED) launched the Programme de Petites Subventions de Recherche (PPSR), a pivotal initiative aimed at addressing food security and nutrition (FSN)...
Continue Reading
Capacity Development Program on Integrating Gender and Youth Data in Food Security and Nutrition Interventions in Africa: Use of EIDM approach
2024-08-14 advocates africa evidence week blog informs learns news
Capacity Development Program on Integrating Gender and Youth Data in Food Security and Nutrition Interventions in Africa: Use of EIDM approach
  Women and youth: essential pillars of African food systems In Africa, women and youth are essential players in Food Security and Nutrition (FSN), contributing to the availability, acces...
Continue Reading
Going Far Together: 4 Highlights about The Africa LEEPS Partnership
2024-08-14 advocates africa evidence week blog informs learns news
Going Far Together: 4 Highlights about The Africa LEEPS Partnership
Photo: Africa LEEPS partner organizations mapping out a vision for partnership at a launch workshop in Kigali, Rwanda, August 2023 The Africa Learning Together to Advance Evidence and Equity i...
Continue Reading
Les mutuelles de santé et la digitalisation des services de santé dans les pays en développement : Expérience du projet ISPV-Africa au Togo
2024-08-14 advocates africa evidence week blog informs learns news
Les mutuelles de santé et la digitalisation des services de santé dans les pays en développement : Expérience du projet ISPV-Africa au Togo
  La couverture sanitaire universelle demeure une préoccupation mondiale notamment dans les pays en développement où les systèmes sanitaires présentent bea...
Continue Reading
Multi-Participatory Adapted Mosaic Framework: A Methodological Approach to Listening to the Voices of Children with Disabilities in Nigeria
2024-08-14 advocates africa evidence week blog informs learns news
Multi-Participatory Adapted Mosaic Framework: A Methodological Approach to Listening to the Voices of Children with Disabilities in Nigeria
  Globally, there has been an increasing trend in the call for incorporating children’s voices and participation in research. This trend can be attributed to the adoption of various inte...
Continue Reading
Mutual health insurance and the digitization of healthcare services in developing countries: Experience of the ISPV- Africa project in Togo
2024-08-14 advocates africa evidence week blog informs learns news
Mutual health insurance and the digitization of healthcare services in developing countries: Experience of the ISPV- Africa project in Togo
  Universal health coverage remains a global concern, particularly in developing countries where health systems have many weaknesses. In 2023, a WHO report 1on universal health coverage indi...
Continue Reading
Prioritising early learning research in sub-Saharan Africa for equitable learning outcomes
2024-08-14 advocates africa evidence week blog informs learns news
Prioritising early learning research in sub-Saharan Africa for equitable learning outcomes
  The African Education Research Database (AERD) has been updated with the latest 1,403 publications published between 2021 and 2022. This is as part of the commitment of the Research for Equi...
Continue Reading
Strategising for Success: Mental Health in African Education Systems
2024-08-14 advocates africa evidence week blog informs learns news
Strategising for Success: Mental Health in African Education Systems
  The World Health Organization projects that “the prevalence of mental health disorders in so-called sub-Saharan African countries is likely to increase by “130% due to epidemiolo...
Continue Reading
The EPA Center of Excellence: A Catalytic and Innovative Intervention for Evidence-Informed Policymaking (EIP) in Francophone Africa
2024-08-14 advocates africa evidence week blog informs learns news
The EPA Center of Excellence: A Catalytic and Innovative Intervention for Evidence-Informed Policymaking (EIP) in Francophone Africa
  EIP need more and more attention for achieving Sustainable development Africa stands at a decisive crossroads, facing complex and multidimensional challenges that demand informed solutio...
Continue Reading
The Journey of Love for Evidence after EVIDENCE
2024-08-13 advocates afew2024 africa evidence week 2024 blog eidm throwback campaign informs learns news
The Journey of Love for Evidence after EVIDENCE
  Welcome to the EIDM through the years timeline, where we celebrate Africa’s evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM) by reflecting on the incredible progress achieved in implement...
Continue Reading
Equity, Equality and Social Justice: The pinnacles of EIDM in Africa
2024-08-12 advocates afew2024 africa evidence week 2024 blog eidm youth spotlight informs learns news
Equity, Equality and Social Justice: The pinnacles of EIDM in Africa
  Welcome to the Youth spotlight series, where we offer first-hand insights into young leaders in the evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM) sector. You can discover their stories,...
Continue Reading
Evolving Evidence: Integrating EIDM in Parliaments – A Spotlight on Malawi's Transformation
2024-08-07 advocates afew2024 africa evidence week 2024 blog eidm throwback campaign informs learns news
Evolving Evidence: Integrating EIDM in Parliaments – A Spotlight on Malawi's Transformation
  Welcome to the EIDM through the years timeline, where we celebrate Africa’s evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM) by reflecting on the incredible progress achieved in implement...
Continue Reading
Championing Evidence: My Experience with Evidence-Informed Decision-Making in Africa
2024-08-06 advocates afew2024 africa evidence week 2024 blog eidm youth spotlight informs learns news
Championing Evidence: My Experience with Evidence-Informed Decision-Making in Africa
  Welcome to the Youth spotlight series, where we offer first-hand insights into young leaders in the evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM) sector. You can discover their stories,...
Continue Reading
The transformative power of evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM): perspectives of a young and emerging evaluator
2024-08-05 advocates afew2024 africa evidence week 2024 blog eidm youth spotlight informs learns news
The transformative power of evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM): perspectives of a young and emerging evaluator
  Welcome to the Youth spotlight series, where we offer first-hand insights into young leaders in the evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM) sector. You can discover their stories, achieveme...
Continue Reading
Evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM) Catalyst for Sustainable Progress
2024-07-31 advocates afew2024 africa evidence week 2024 blog eidm youth spotlight informs learns news
Evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM) Catalyst for Sustainable Progress
  Welcome to the Youth spotlight series, where we offer first-hand insights into young leaders in the evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM) sector. You can discover their stories, achi...
Continue Reading
Position youth for the transformation of evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM) in Africa
2024-07-31 advocates afew2024 africa evidence week 2024 blog eidm youth spotlight informs learns news
Position youth for the transformation of evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM) in Africa
  Welcome to the Youth spotlight series, where we offer first-hand insights into young leaders in the evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM) sector. You can discover their stories, achieveme...
Continue Reading
Championing Change: Lesedi's Journey with evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM) in Africa
2024-07-30 advocates afew2024 africa evidence week 2024 blog eidm youth spotlight informs learns news
Championing Change: Lesedi's Journey with evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM) in Africa
  Welcome to the Youth spotlight series, where we offer first-hand insights into young leaders in the evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM) sector. You can discover their stories, achieveme...
Continue Reading
Overemphasis of individual level capacities and undervaluation of institutional and systemic level processes undermining EIDM institutionalisation
2024-07-24 advocates afew2024 africa evidence week 2024 blog eidm throwback campaign informs learns news
Overemphasis of individual level capacities and undervaluation of institutional and systemic level processes undermining EIDM institutionalisation
Welcome to the EIDM through the years timeline, where we celebrate Africa’s evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM) journey by reflecting on the incredible progress achieved in implementin...
Continue Reading
Championing evidence-informed decision-making in Zimbabwe, Africa, and beyond
2024-07-19 advocates aela2024 africa evidence leadership award blog informs learns news
Championing evidence-informed decision-making in Zimbabwe, Africa, and beyond
  Enock Musungwini is the recipient of the Africa Evidence Leadership Award 2024 in the Evidence User category offered by the Africa Evidence Network. We asked En...
Continue Reading
A Decade Journey in Public Health and Evidence-Informed Decision-Making
2024-07-18 advocates aela2024 africa evidence leadership award blog informs learns news
A Decade Journey in Public Health and Evidence-Informed Decision-Making
  Firmaye Bogale is the inaugural winner of the Emerging Leader Under 35 category of the Africa Evidence Leadership Award 2024 offered by the Africa Evidence Network. We asked F...
Continue Reading
Bridging Knowledge and Action: Insights from the Africa Evidence Summit 2024
2024-07-18 advocates blog informs learns news
Bridging Knowledge and Action: Insights from the Africa Evidence Summit 2024
  The Africa Evidence Summit, an annual in-person gathering, brings together East and West African scholars (including CEGA fellows), U.S.-based faculty, policymakers, and practitioners to dis...
Continue Reading
Empowering Francophone African Youths around the Practice of Evidence-Informed Decision-Making (EIDM)
2024-07-18 advocates blog informs learns news
Empowering Francophone African Youths around the Practice of Evidence-Informed Decision-Making (EIDM)
  The dominance of the English language in the scientific field has greatly limited the participation of French-speaking stakeholders and their access to and use of research evidence to inform...
Continue Reading
Equity and inclusiveness: An animating principle in expanding evidence for science advice and policy
2024-05-16 advocates blog informs learns news
Equity and inclusiveness: An animating principle in expanding evidence for science advice and policy
  The International Network for Governmental Science Advice (INGSA) 2024 Conference held in Kigali, Rwanda from 1-2 May 2024 was a monumental event. I was privileged to participate as a panell...
Continue Reading
Insider reflections after 2 cohorts of decolonised mentorship: the Corporate Evidence Leaders Mentorship Programme
2024-05-15 advocates blog informs learns news
Insider reflections after 2 cohorts of decolonised mentorship: the Corporate Evidence Leaders Mentorship Programme
  What does a decolonised mentorship programme look like? In this reflective piece, colleagues from PACKS Africa share insights into their programme that empowers young people within the Afric...
Continue Reading
Embedding evidence use in the Ugandan policy-making process
2024-04-24 advocates blog informs learns news
Embedding evidence use in the Ugandan policy-making process
  Welcome to the “Voices of evidence users” interview series, offering first-hand insights from the people who use evidence in decision-making. In this conversation, On Think Ta...
Continue Reading
The power of networks in evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM)
2024-04-17 advocates blog informs learns news
The power of networks in evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM)
  The Africa Evidence Network (AEN) is a broad community of over 5000 diverse people who share a vision to end poverty and inequality in Africa. The Network’s mission is to work with oth...
Continue Reading
Exploring our collective knowledge on citizen evidence
2023-12-13 advocates blog events evidence 2023 informs learns news
Exploring our collective knowledge on citizen evidence
  If you are interested in this topic, kindly review the webinar presentation or watch the recorded webinar. This blog post is based on the fifth webinar of the Evidence...
Continue Reading
‘It takes a village’: Lessons on capacitating a policy-relevant data ecosystem
2023-09-20 advocates blog informs learns news
‘It takes a village’: Lessons on capacitating a policy-relevant data ecosystem
Growing up, my mother would often regale me with stories about her childhood. A child of newly independent Kenya, she spent her formative years shuttling between the village and the city, for holidays...
Continue Reading
The Veracity of Afro-centric Approaches in Fostering Connections and Collaborations in Enhancing EIDM in Africa
2023-09-20 advocates blog events evidence 2023 informs learns news
The Veracity of Afro-centric Approaches in Fostering Connections and Collaborations in Enhancing EIDM in Africa
  Photo Credit: Africa Evidence Network If you are interested in this topic, read more in the blog post on Utafiti Sera, or review the case studies of eBASE Af...
Continue Reading
Capacity development for EIDM in Africa: implications of targeting structural and value issues for ecosystem actors
2023-09-07 advocates blog events evidence 2023 informs learns news
Capacity development for EIDM in Africa: implications of targeting structural and value issues for ecosystem actors
  If you are interested in this topic, review the webinar presentation or watch the recorded webinar. This blog post is based on the fourth webinar of the Evidence 2023 ...
Continue Reading
Session 4: The Use of Evidence Based Policy as an Alternative Model for Institutionalising the Sustainable Development Goals in KwaZulu Natal
2023-08-22 advocates aela2022 aela2023 blog e2023 prereading event evidence2023 informs learns news
Session 4: The Use of Evidence Based Policy as an Alternative Model for Institutionalising the Sustainable Development Goals in KwaZulu Natal
  To explore more on the topic, you can read the presentation. At the level of the international community, the use of monitoring  and evaluation systems, which play a strategic  ...
Continue Reading
Session 5: What does legacy thinking within the African EIDM space look like? Views from a retired Young Executive Director
2023-08-22 advocates blog e2023 prereading events evidence 2023 informs learns news
Session 5: What does legacy thinking within the African EIDM space look like? Views from a retired Young Executive Director
  In March 2023, I gallantly retired at 35 years from the role of Executive Director of the pan-African capacity development think tank that I had founded in 2017, having instituted the necess...
Continue Reading
Evidence-based Practice Research Group, Ghana Physiotherapy Association: One Year on! Get-to-know the Team
2023-08-18 advocates blog informs learns news
Evidence-based Practice Research Group, Ghana Physiotherapy Association: One Year on! Get-to-know the Team
This blog is the first of a three-part series to celebrate the first anniversary of the Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Research group of the Ghana Physiotherapy Association (GPA). The core mandate of t...
Continue Reading
Innovating Capacity Development for EIDM in Africa: Addressing Structural and Value Issues within ecosystems
2023-07-18 advocates blog events evidence 2023 informs learns news
Innovating Capacity Development for EIDM in Africa: Addressing Structural and Value Issues within ecosystems
  If you are interested in this topic, review the webinar presentation or watch the recorded webinar. This blog post is based on the third webinar of the Evidence 2023 c...
Continue Reading
Innovations in EIDM Capacity Development: Implications for various stakeholders in Africa
2023-06-09 advocates blog events evidence 2023 informs learns news
Innovations in EIDM Capacity Development: Implications for various stakeholders in Africa
  If you are interested in this topic, review the webinar presentation or watch the recorded webinar. This blog post is based on the second webinar of the Evidence 2023 ...
Continue Reading
What does legacy thinking within the African EIDM space look like? Views from a retired Young Executive Director
2023-04-20 advocates blog informs learns news
What does legacy thinking within the African EIDM space look like? Views from a retired Young Executive Director
  Masai herder Photo credit: Deloitte   If the elders leave you a legacy of dignified language, you do not abandon it and speak childish language. ~ Ghanaian Proverb Wh...
Continue Reading
NCDs a Priority In South Africa: Will Intention Translate Into Action??
2023-03-31 advocates blog events evidence informs learns news
NCDs a Priority In South Africa: Will Intention Translate Into Action??
  The social, health and economic burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) to the South African economy and social fabric has not gone unnoticed. South Africa has frequently updated its stra...
Continue Reading
“We are excited about the prospects that lie ahead for us” – 2023 CEL-MP Mentees
2023-03-29 advocates africa blog capacity development evidence-informed decision-making informs learns mentorship news
“We are excited about the prospects that lie ahead for us” – 2023 CEL-MP Mentees
  Photo credit: Healthy Daes It was quite riveting to read Talitha Mpando’s reflection of the Corporate Evidence Leader Mentorship Programme (CEL-MP). For the next twelve to twenty fo...
Continue Reading
User and producer of evidence: a unique story of Luvuyo Jalisa who is a policy-maker and also an evidence synthesis specialist
2023-02-14 advocates blog informs learns news
User and producer of evidence: a unique story of Luvuyo Jalisa who is a policy-maker and also an evidence synthesis specialist
  Photo Credit: University of South Australia Dr Luvuyo Jalisa is one of many Eastern Cape exports to the world. I am an Environmental Anthropologist by training and an astute policy-maker ...
Continue Reading
A year on: taking stock of my time under PACKS Africa’s Mentorship Programme
2023-01-31 advocates blog informs learns news
A year on: taking stock of my time under PACKS Africa’s Mentorship Programme
  Photo credit: Unsplash images How time flies – soon a year had passed. In October 2021, I was selected to take part in the Corporate Evidence Leadership Mentorship Programme (CEP-MP...
Continue Reading
Transformative Action Learning in Navigating the Evidence to Policy Landscape: Lessons from the Ten Years
2022-09-20 10 years together advocates aenis10 blog evidence2022 informs learns news
Transformative Action Learning in Navigating the Evidence to Policy Landscape: Lessons from the Ten Years
  If you are interested in this topic, review the webinar presentation or watch the recorded webinar.  Photo credit: World Bank / Sarah Farhat Background The growi...
Continue Reading
Using the Evidence EcoSpace to Position Ourselves and Build the Africa We Want
2022-09-20 10 years together advocates aenis10 blog evidence2022 informs learns news
Using the Evidence EcoSpace to Position Ourselves and Build the Africa We Want
  If you are interested in this topic, review the webinar presentation or watch the recorded webinar.  Photo credit: Flickr/boomjack99 Background Over the last ten year...
Continue Reading
3R of Evidence-Informed Decision-Making: Reflection, Repurposing and Repositioning
2022-09-19 10 years together advocates aenis10 blog evidence2022 informs learns news
3R of Evidence-Informed Decision-Making: Reflection, Repurposing and Repositioning
  Photo credit: World Bank Photo Collection/Flickr   If you are interested in this topic, review the webinar presentation or watch the recorded webinar.  Evidence-...
Continue Reading
Back to the Roots: Enhancing Mutual Learning and Innovation in Evidence-Informed Decision-Making Using Storytelling
2022-09-19 10 years together advocates aenis10 blog evidence2022 informs learns news
Back to the Roots: Enhancing Mutual Learning and Innovation in Evidence-Informed Decision-Making Using Storytelling
  If you are interested in this topic, review the webinar presentation or watch the recorded webinar. Photo: Worldbank Photo Collection/Flickr Background  While ev...
Continue Reading
Stepping down as Chair of the AEN and the dawn of a new era
2022-09-19 10 years together advocates aenis10 blog evidence2022 informs learns news
Stepping down as Chair of the AEN and the dawn of a new era
Photo credit: Africa Centre for Evidence & Africa Evidence Network  If I close my eyes, I transport myself back to 2012 and the first meeting of the Africa Evidence Network after dinner in...
Continue Reading
The 2018 Pretoria Conference, a replay experience
2022-09-08 10 years together advocates aenis10 blog evidence2022 informs learns news
The 2018 Pretoria Conference, a replay experience
We still remember those three days in Pretoria for EVIDENCE 2018 as if it were yesterday.  160 people from 28 African countries and 6 Western countries from various sectors, including academic...
Continue Reading
Evidence 2016: Jump-off point for work on decolonising evidence-informed decision-making on climate change
2022-08-19 advocates aenis10 africa evidence leadership award blog evidence evidence 2022 informs learns news
Evidence 2016: Jump-off point for work on decolonising evidence-informed decision-making on climate change
  Photo credit: Eric Ngang I joined the AEN in 2015. I got fully engaged in 2016 when I took part in the conference in Pretoria and presented my work on using local knowledge and practices ...
Continue Reading
Embracing organic, long-term learning through network membership: My 10-year experience with the AEN
2022-07-19 10 years together advocates aenis10 blog evidence 2022 informs learns news
Embracing organic, long-term learning through network membership: My 10-year experience with the AEN
Photo Credit: Brittany Hammonds   “Practice is a shared history of learning. Practice is conversational. Communities of Practice are groups of people who share a concern or a pas...
Continue Reading
Pedagogies for EIDM capacity development in Africa
2022-03-30 advocates africa evidence week 2021 blog events evidence-capacities-webinar-2021 informs learns news
Pedagogies for EIDM capacity development in Africa
Picture: Africa Evidence Network - Carina van Rooyen, Rose Oronje and Rhona Mijumbi  This blog post is based on the fifth webinar of the Evidence Capacities webinar series, hosted by the Afric...
Continue Reading
Exploring relationships and partnerships for enhancing capacities for EIDM in Africa
2022-02-03 advocates africa evidence week 2021 blog events evidence-capacities-webinar-2021 informs learns news
Exploring relationships and partnerships for enhancing capacities for EIDM in Africa
Photo: Africa Evidence Network Evidence Capacities Webinar four participants This blog post is based on the fourth webinar of the Evidence Capacities webinar series, hosted by the Africa Evidence N...
Continue Reading
Evidence & Policy in Africa: Welcome to the AEN!
2014-07-15 advocates blog events evidence informs learns news
Evidence & Policy in Africa: Welcome to the AEN!
  As an African traveling overseas one is bound to encounter some of the many misconceptions the rest of the world seems to have developed about Africa. Africa might be a country, or it might ...
Continue Reading