Article type
Abstract
Background:
Evidence in various forms - whether it is primary research, evidence mapping, or evidence synthesis products - needs to be perceived as useful in order to be used by decision makers. It is therefore important to understand how engagement occurs that facilitates research uptake; who the actors are that drive these processes; and, where the strengths and gaps lie.Objectives:
This presentation brings together findings from a series of 25 maps on the evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM) landscape(s) in Africa.Methods:
EIDM-landscape mapping, which, in this instance, was commissioned by the Africa Evidence Network, involves a graphic representation and description of the key stakeholders in the evidence and policy landscape in a particular environment, such as a country or sector. It maps the key role players in the production of research (e.g. universities, research councils and think tanks); role players in the use of research (e.g. government, NGOs, professional bodies); and intermediaries (e.g. knowledge brokers, donor organisations, networks). In addition, landscape maps attempt to represent the relationship and evidence flow between these actors by using arrows and other descriptive graphics.Results:
This landscape-map series is the first of its kind and follows on EIDM maps produced by the UJ-BCURE programme on South Africa and Malawi. The series is unique in its diversity and comprehensiveness and consists of maps from 10 different African countries as well as 2 maps that span more than one country. The maps furthermore cover a wide range of sectors such as health and the environment; as well as evidence use by particular groups (such as Parliamentarians in Uganda, Malawi and Tunisia).The presentation will also highlight which actors across these landscapes have evidence-synthesis capacity, drawing on a recent Africa-wide survey conducted by the Africa Evidence Network.