A major critique of development research in Africa is the poor translation of science-based research and evidence into policymaking and societal outcomes. To address this disconnection between science, policy and society, research uptake should be included as an integral part of the research process. This approach, emphasising inclusivity – and with an awareness that the process is important, not just the findings – has the potential to push the boundaries of innovative policy reform.
But what is research uptake? How is it being foregrounded in the ACRC research process? And what are some of our cities’ experiences with it on the ground? ICLEI Africa – our organisational uptake lead in Freetown and Lilongwe, and uptake support in Accra and Harare – has launched an explainer video series aimed at demystifying research uptake.
Drawing on interviews with experts and researchers on the ground, the series examines what research uptake means in an urban African context; experiences of how it can be, and has been, integrated into the research process; and its potential to underpin successful action and implementation.
Watch the explainer videos below.
Header photo credit: ICLEI Africa. A stakeholder engagement meeting held by the uptake team in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
Note: This article presents the views of the author featured and does not necessarily represent the views of the African Cities Research Consortium as a whole.
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