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 implementing EIDM across the continent. This is an interactive timeline showcasing key milestones in EIDM development.
In this conversation, the Africa Evidence Network talks to Dr. Justina Adwoa Onumah, a Senior Research Scientist at the CSIR-Science and Technology Policy Research Institute (STEPRI) in Ghana. In 2023, she received the Africa Evidence Leadership Award (AELA) in the Evidence Producer category. Justina is a mentor for the Africa Evidence Youth League (AEYL).
The journey into Evidence-Informed Decision-Making (EIDM) can be likened to a profound journey of love, where each step is infused with passion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to truth and improvement. Just as love manifests uniquely in every individual, so does the EIDM journey, taking on different forms and driven by various influences. The concept of love and evidence was introduced to me during a session at EVIDENCE 2023, where storytelling of evidence was taken through that trajectory. After a year of attending EVIDENCE 2023, I believe the storyteller was right when she attributed one’s involvement in the EIDM space to a story of love. The EIDM journey begins and grows differently from individual to individual. For some, it might be a result of an institutional mandate; for others, it may be a result of a field of study; and for others, it might be pure passion and interest. There is also a combination of these factors for some. While these may be spontaneous for some, it may be a carefully thought-out process for others. My journey in the EIDM ecosystem has been a combination of everything I speak about in this article.
The EIDM journey fuelled by institutional mandate
For some, the EIDM journey begins with a profound institutional mandate. Like a love that starts with an introduction by a trusted friend, these individuals are gently nudged into the realm of EIDM by their organisational roles or professional environments. Here, the initial connection might be formal, driven by external expectations. Yet, a genuine appreciation blossoms as they delve deeper into the process. This has been the foundation of my love story with EIDM. As the CSIR-Science and Technology Policy Research Institute, we must conduct policy-relevant studies to inform policy decisions in science and technology. My direct involvement in a project at the Institute that sought to bridge the evidence-policy gap in Ghana began my love journey for evidence. After witnessing the transformative power of evidence as an early career scientist, much like discovering the deeper layers of a partner, my commitment to evidence began to grow beyond duty and a true passion for the field.
The EIDM journey fuelled by the field of study
Others embark on their EIDM journey through their field of study. Like falling in love with a subject in school, these individuals' academic pursuits lay a solid foundation for EIDM engagement. Rigorous training in research methodologies and critical analysis provides them with the tools to appreciate the beauty and precision of evidence. Their journey continues their academic love affair, where the principles of EIDM resonate with their intellectual curiosity and professional identity. My field of study was not specifically in EIDM, but it was a field that equipped me with enough skills to generate evidence. As an applied economist, I apply the necessary analytical tools to generate evidence to inform decision-making at all levels. Taking a keen interest in programme impact evaluations was one of the decisions I made to deliberately use my field of study to engage in the EIDM space. You feel the passion and connection when you are in the same space with individuals with similar capacities and interests in the same room, generating conversations about new ways of generating evidence. You begin to feel the “this is my space; this is where I belong” feeling. This was when I intentionally aligned myself with networks and platforms where we all spoke the same evidence-generation language.
The EIDM journey fuelled by a passion for evidence
Then there are those whose EIDM journey is driven by pure passion and interest, akin to love at first sight. These individuals are motivated by a deep-seated belief in the power of evidence to bring about positive change. Their journey is driven by an intrinsic desire to champion EIDM in their work, much like a lover driven by the desire to uplift and support their partner. For them, EIDM is not just a professional choice but a personal mission, a calling to improve the world through informed decisions. My EIDM journey did not begin as a love story but has been curated by the earlier factors explained and enhanced by the various opportunities, I have been privileged to have access to. The opportunities I created in science diplomacy through The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), the EU Joint Research Center Evidence and Policy events, and the Africa Evidence Network have grounded me in the EIDM space. I must also mention friends and colleagues I have met on this journey who have grounded me with their love to see me grow in this ecosystem.
The spontaneity and deliberate journey of EIDM
For some, the journey into EIDM is spontaneous, an encounter that leads to a lifelong commitment. These individuals might stumble upon EIDM through opportunities and circumstances, much like love that unexpectedly blossoms. They may not have initially set out to become champions of EIDM, but as they recognise its importance, they become fervent advocates, embracing the journey with open hearts. For others, the journey is more deliberate and carefully planned. These individuals strategically seek roles, education, and experiences to build their EIDM capacity, akin to someone meticulously planning a future with a loved one. They might map out a career path that allows them to develop expertise in evidence-based practices, actively seeking mentorship, training, and opportunities that align with their goals.
My journey in EIDM has been one of deliberate intention, sparked significantly by my involvement with the Africa Evidence Network in 2019 and, more notably, by winning the Evidence Producer category of the 2023 Africa Evidence Leadership Award. This recognition marked a pivotal shift for me, transforming my approach to EIDM from passive involvement to active, purposeful engagement. Being immersed in the EVIDENCE space has provided invaluable opportunities to connect with organisations and individuals with similar goals. These interactions have inspired me to push the boundaries of my work and elevate the quality of the evidence I produce. My experiences with EVIDENCE and AELA have shaped my career, pushing me to be more intentional about my contributions to the EIDM landscape.
Since my engagement with EVIDENCE, I have purposefully sought conferences and events that align with the evidence and policy space, focusing my efforts on areas where I can make a meaningful impact. This deliberate focus has also extended to my role within my organisation, where I am now more committed to strengthening our institutional capacity to fulfil our EIDM mandate effectively. Moreover, I have embraced the role of continuous learner and mentor within the EIDM community, driven by a desire to create a lasting impact. This commitment was a key motivator in joining the Africa Evidence Youth League (AEYL) mentorship journey, where I can share my experiences and help cultivate the next generation of evidence leaders as a mentor. I have developed a deep passion for evidence generation and its application in shaping policies that positively impact society. My involvement in this space has become more than just a duty; it is a career path I am excited to pursue, intending to generate evidence that influences decisions that drive meaningful change in our fragile societies.
Conclusion
A combination of factors has influenced my EIDM journey but has rested in the bosom of love, a love story grounded in purpose and intention. My journey might have started there as an institutional requirement, but my passion was ignited as the impact of my work in the EIDM space evolved. Like a relationship that begins with a spark and grows deeper with shared experiences, my journey has evolved into a blend of duty, intellectual pursuit, and heartfelt commitment to a better society. For anyone in the EIDM space, whether resulting from spontaneity or careful planning, the journey is marked by growth, learning, and an evolving understanding of how we can use evidence to inform decision-making in every aspect of our lives. Ultimately, the EIDM journey, like a journey of love, reflects the diverse ways we each engage with and contribute to the evidence-informed decision-making process. We all bring our unique perspectives, motivations, and experiences, enriching the field with our personal journeys, as I have done in the past couple of years. This journey of love is one of continuous discovery, where the commitment to truth, advancement, and informed decisions drives us to make meaningful and impactful contributions. May we all come to the point where we see our involvement in the EIDM space beyond a sense of duty but a commitment and love to see the world a better place by guiding decisions at all levels with the proper evidence.
About the author: Dr. Justina Adwoa Onumah is a Senior Research Scientist at the CSIR-Science and Technology Policy Research Institute (STEPRI) in Ghana. She holds a PhD in Development Studies from the University of Ghana with research interests in impact assessment, innovation systems, research-policy-industry linkages, science policy, rural development, food security, poverty/welfare issues, technology transfer, and the general field of economics of innovation and growth. She has authored publications in these fields and gained over ten years of rich research experience. Justina is an award-winning scholar with several awards and fellowships to her credit. In 2021, one of her PhD papers was adjudged the Best PhD Student Paper presented at the GLOBELICS conference held in Costa Rica. She is also a recipient of the 2021/2022 University of Ghana Vice Chancellor’s Prize for the Overall Best Graduating PhD student in Development Studies. Justina holds other certifications in Evidence and Policy from the European Commission Joint Research Centre and Science Diplomacy from The World Academy of Sciences. She has contributed to policy engagement and policy-making processes by generating synthesised evidence for policy uptake, a key mandate of her Institute.
Her work in the evidence space received recognition in 2016 when she led a team to win the Market Place of Ideas competition during the EU-AU Evidence and Policy event held at the European Union Joint Research Center in Italy. Justina is passionate about creating awareness of STEM and advocating for evidence use in policy-making through dialogues and other speaking engagements. Justina speaks on several issues, including Bridging Science and Policy, Science diplomacy, Research Commercialization, Strategies for institutionalising evidence use, and Women in STI policy and practice. She has also served as a Research-Industry Liaison Officer for the CSIR-Technology Development and Transfer Center, facilitating the development and transfer of technologies from the research institutes to industry. She was also a Research-to-Policy Engagement Officer under the Development Research Uptake in Sub Saharan Africa programme, promoting evidence-based policy making in Ghana. As the 2019/2022 Next Einstein Forum Ambassador for Ghana, she actively engaged stakeholders in the science and people space, contributing towards bridging the gap between science and society.
Justina is also a mentor and serves on initiatives aimed at putting a spotlight on science and policy. Under the Gender Responsive Agriculture Systems Policy Fellowships, she provides mentorship to a fellow in advancing her contribution to the agriculture policy space with her work. She is also a Member of the Board of Directors for PACKS Africa, whose mission is to influence the use of research and other forms of knowledge in developing policies in Africa. Currently, Justina continues to build her capacity in research-to-policy processes as a Visiting Research Fellow at Cornell University under the STAAARS+ programme. She is also a 2022 Alumna of the prestigious Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders by the United States Department of State. Justina has been a member of the Africa Evidence Network since 2020, when she shared her evidence impact story from Ghana.
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: Onumah, J.A. (2024) The Journey of Love for Evidence after EVIDENCE. Blog posting on 13 August 2024. Available at: https://www.africaevidencenetwork.org/en/learning-space/article/341/
