African Researchers and Decision-makers. Building Synergy for Development

Chifaou.Amzat

Description

For the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and its partners, the link between research and policy is of paramount importance in their goal to improve social, economic and environmental conditions in developing countries. The nature of the collaboration between researchers and decision-makers, however, is complex, multifaceted and often difficult to implement. Moreover, research is very often designed and carried out without regard for its potential users or beneficiaries. How should research agendas be developed? What is the role of the private sector in developing research? Which actors are involved in knowledge production and utilization? How can the dialogue between researchers and decision-makers be improved? This short and accessible book records the reflections, opinions and recommendations which emerged from six national workshops organised between 2004 and 2007 in West and Central Africa on the synergy between researchers and decision-makers. Abdoulaye Ndiaye is a Senegalese expert and international consultant in development. He edited this book as a member and on behalf of the IDRC Council of Regional Advisors for West and Central Africa which organized the series of workshops throughout the sub-region.

Sujets

• African Studies

Informations

• Publié par: CODESRIA
• Date de parution: 01 novembre 2009
• Nombre de lectures: 0
• EAN13: 9782869783850
• Langue: English
• Poids de l'ouvrage: 1 Mo

Extrait

African Researchers and Decision-makers Building Synergy for Development

Edited by Abdoulaye Ndiaye

Council for the Development of Social Sciences Research in Africa International Development Research Centre

© International Development Research Centre 2009

T his book is a joint publication of the Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) and Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC).

Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa Avenue Cheikh Anta Diop, Angle Canal IV BP 3304, Dakar, 18524, Senegal www.codesria.org [e-mail] ISBN 978-2-86978-260-0

International Development Research Centre PO Box 8500, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1G 3H9 www.idrc.ca [e-mail] eISBN 978-1-55250-464-2

Typesetting: Daouda Thiam

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers. Mention of a proprietary name does not constitute endorsement of the product and is given only for information.

TheCouncil for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) is an independent organisation whose principal objectives are to facilitate research, promote research-based publishing and create multiple forums geared towards the exchange of views and information among African researchers. All these are aimed at reducing the fragmentation of research in the continent through the creation of thematic research networks that cut across linguistic and regional boundaries.

Canada’sInternational Development Research Centreis one of the (IDRC) world’s leading institutions in the generation and application of new knowledge to meet the challenges of international development. For nearly 40 years, IDRC has worked in close collaboration with researchers from the developing world to build healthier, more equitable, and more prosperous societies.

Contents

List of Boxes ...................................................................................... v Abbreviations and Acronyms ...................................................... vii Foreword ........................................................................................... xi Contributors .................................................................................... xv

Introduction Why Reflect on Synergy between Researchers and  Decision-makers in West and Central Africa? ................... 1 Research that Contributes to Development and Influences Public Policy........................................................................ 2 Pragmatic Reflection in the West and Central African Context .................................................................... 12

Chapter I A Complex and Multifaceted Collaboration,  Often Difficult to Implement .............................................. 15 1. Marked Compartmentalization ........................................................ 15 2. Communication and Information: Often Inappropriate Due to a Climate of Mistrust ............................................................ 24 3. Inconsistency in Public Policies on Research and Insufficient Collaboration between Researchers and Decision-makers ......... 32

Chapter II Experiences and Initiatives that Promote Collaboration  between Researchers and Decision-makers ..................... 41 1. Democratization Processes and Attempts to Harmonize Research Policies at the Institutional Level ..................................... 41

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African Researchers and Decision-makers

2. Diversification among Actors Engaged in Knowledge Management and Sharing .................................................................. 47 3. Information, Communication and Promotion of Research Outputs ................................................................................ 56

Chapter III Recommendations to Improve Dialogue between Researchers  and Decision-makers ............................................................ 65 1. Creating and Strengthening Strategic Alliances between Researchers, Decision-makers and Civil Society ........................... 65 2. Enhancing Accessibility and Use of Research Outputs ................ 68 3. Adopting Legislative and Budgetary Measures to Adapt Operational Procedures of Universities and Research Centres to the Demands of Decision-makers and Researchers ................. 70 4. Defining a Concerted Action Platform for Researchers, Decision-makers and Civil Society to Formulate Research Priorities and Actions ....................................................................... 73

Notes .................................................................................................. 75

References ....................................................................................... 77