FARA Dissemination Notes

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://aaspace.org//handle/20.500.14659/63

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Results of the Literature Review and Survey on Policy-Research Interactions
(FARA, 2026-05) FARA, UoH, AFAAS, FANRPAN, RUFORUM, ECDPM, KIPPRA
This report presents findings from a systematic literature review, stakeholder interviews, and surveys examining policy-research interactions within sustainable food systems in Africa. Conducted under Work Package 1 (WP1) of the StEPPFoS project, the study investigates how researchers, policymakers, and research brokers engage with one another and how scientific evidence is incorporated into policymaking processes. The report analyses the barriers and facilitators influencing evidence uptake, policy engagement, and collaboration across research and policy communities. It highlights persistent challenges including weak communication channels, limited institutional coordination, insufficient trust between actors, differing incentives, and inadequate mechanisms for translating scientific evidence into actionable policy recommendations. Using bibliometric analysis, literature screening, interviews, and surveys, the study maps trends in science-policy interface research from 2000–2024, with strong emphasis on African food systems, sustainable agriculture, environmental sustainability, and development policy. The review incorporates peer-reviewed literature, grey literature, case studies, and policy reports sourced primarily from Scopus and Google Scholar databases. The findings reveal the importance of knowledge brokers, multi-stakeholder engagement platforms, participatory research, and institutional collaboration in improving policy-research interaction. The report also identifies promising strategies such as co-creation of knowledge, improved evidence communication, strengthened partnerships, and digital knowledge-sharing systems to bridge the divide between research and policymaking. The report concludes that strengthening evidence-informed policymaking in Africa’s food systems requires sustained investment in institutional capacity, communication mechanisms, collaborative platforms, and inclusive approaches that connect science, policy, and practice.
Survey Report Identifying Capacity Gaps and Relevant Data Sources for Target Groups/Institutions
(FARA, 2026-05) FARA
This report presents the outcomes of a comprehensive survey conducted under the StEPPFoS project to identify institutional capacity gaps and relevant data sources for target groups and institutions engaged in evidence-based policymaking for sustainable food systems in Africa. Developed as Deliverable D1.1 under Work Package 1 (WP1), the report synthesizes evidence intended to support consortium activities and strengthen institutional capacities across PANAP member countries. The study reveals that while many institutions demonstrate strong commitment to staff development and policy engagement, significant gaps remain in formal capacity assessment systems, analytical skills, economic modelling expertise, and data accessibility. The report further reviews major national and international datasets, modelling tools, and analytical methodologies relevant to food and nutrition policy impact analysis in African contexts. Recommendations include strengthening formal capacity assessment mechanisms, expanding training in economic modelling and analytical tools, and integrating continuous capacity building into institutional programmes and projects.