Facilitating use of Research Evidence by Parliamentarians and Journalists: Experiences and Lessons...
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Transcript of Facilitating use of Research Evidence by Parliamentarians and Journalists: Experiences and Lessons...
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Promoting the wellbeing of Africans through policy-relevant research on population and health
Facilitating use of Research Evidence by Parliamentarians
and Journalists: Experiences and Lessons from APHRC
Rose N. Oronje,Communications Officer,
African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC)
December 4, 2008
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APHRC in Brief
Pan-African organization that conducts research on population, health & education to inform policy & practice
3 core priorities: • Generate research evidence• Inform policy & practice• Strengthen research capacity
Research focus:• Urbanization & wellbeing; Population & RH; Health
challenges & systems; and Education
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Introduction
Research done to solve problems MPs’ role – oversight, legislation &
representation Journalists expand the reach of
development information, thus promote its uptake
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Engaging MPs with Research
Actively involving MPs in research dissemination meetings
Forming & working thru partnerships around issues
Identifying & working with champions Working closely with clerk assistants to
parliamentary committees Demonstrating the benefits to MPs
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Engaging MPs with Research cont’d
Demonstrating the extent of the problems that their constituents face
Explaining what the problem means for the development of their constituents
Stating clearly the role MPs can play in addressing the challenges
Understanding & responding to the challenges that MPs face in accessing & using research evidence
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A Kenyan MP addresses participants at an MPs meeting organized by APHRC & other partners
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Engaging Journalists with Research
Working through journalist networks & associations
Working with individual journalists Awards of excellence Media briefings & releases Trainings & sensitization sessions Journalist field visits Writing media pieces – features/letters to
the editor/piggy-backing
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Engaging Journalists with Research
Developing media engagement skills of APHRC researchers
Ensuring that APHRC researchers are easily reachable for interviews/comments
Understanding & responding to the challenges that journalists face in reporting research
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Journalists at a Media Briefing organized by APHRC in Nairobi
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Achievements
Establishment of the Kenya Parliamentary Network on Population and Development
Introduction of a budget line for FP services in Kenya’s national budget
Increased media coverage Increased interest among journalists to
cover research
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Challenges
Frequent changes in MPs after every election
MPs priorities Media deadlines Media priorities Limited funding
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Conclusions
Sustained engagement is critical Frame research in clear & accessible
ways - the way research is packaged & communicated influences its uptake by MPs & journalists
Frame research messages to align with bigger political or development issues
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Conclusions cont’d
Work in partnerships with a range of actors – build coalitions – to get MPs to focus on what research is revealing
Foster demand for research among MPs & journalists
Continuously sensitize MPs & journalists on research processes & the role of research in development
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Thank you