African Institute For Development Policy Research And Dialogue

Programs: Research:afidep seeks to provide evidence that helps decision-makers identify and scale-up interventions to improve the quality and reach of social services, especially to under-served populations. Afidep uses a number of methodologies to generate and translate research evidence:1) systematic review and synthesis of published and unpublished literature to bring to the table of decision-makers comprehensive evidence on a given issue; 2) further analysis of secondary data to fill defined policy evidence gaps, with particular focus on policy scenario building; 3) policy and program analyses and audits to understand policy priorities and key evidence gaps to be filled; and4) budget analysis to infuse evidence in resource allocation and determining effectiveness in use of allocated resources. Further, afidep collaborates with other research organizations to promote the use and implementation of research findings and improved knowledge management in decision-making. Afidep research is made available to stakeholders working to promote change in policies and programs, including government officials in various ministries, members of parliament, funding organizations, program-implementing agencies/organizations, and regional and international policy-making agencies (such as the african union, regional economic communities, and un agencies). Additionally afidep provides its research to civil society organizations, media, and other evidence intermedimies who enforce accountability in public policy formulation and implementation processes. Lastly, afidep researchers submit original research for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals to target researchers and contribute to the scientific and policy discourse in the areas in which they work. When appropriate, non-partisan analysis and research findings are shared with government officials, agencies or other policy-making bodies to increase the depth of knowledge regarding specific subjects. Such communications do not constitute lobbying. Research constitutes approximately 50% of afidep's time and effort.

technical assistance:afidep provides technical assistance to policy makers to help them apply evidence in formulating development roadmaps, policies, strategies, and plans; designing intervention programs; and monitoring and evaluating the impact of the programs after implementation. For example, afidep supports government officials and other key development stakeholders that develop long-term development plans to model potential long-term outcomes based on various policy scenarios. Afidep also develops analytical reports on various development issues and heips government officials understand how to use the evidence in formulating policies. In many cases, governments approach afidep for technical assistance on a given topic, and multi-lateraldevelopment partners such as the un agencies or the world bank may hire afidep to provide evidence-based technical assistance to governments. If requested in writing, technical assistance may be provided to governmental agencies, offices or committees to enhance capacity building through the interpretation of evidence-based research. Such assistance does not constitute lobbying. Technical assistance constitutes approximately 20% of afidep's time and effort.

capacity building:in order to magnify the impact of its work and create a culture of evidence-informed decision making in public policy formation in africa, afidep carries out activities to strengthen local capacity in evidence translation and uptake. Afidep conducts training activities and other capacity building activities to help policymakers, civil society organizations and other end-users of evidence to understand the value of research evidence, and how to access, evaluate, interpret, communicate, and use it effectively. The institute also strengthens the capacity and skills of researchers and knowledge intermediaries in translating and communicating research evidence in decision-making. During the current year, none of the capacity building efforts included any lobbying activities. Capacity-building constitutes about 20% of afidep's time and effort.

advocacy:afidep proactively promotes application of research evidence in decision-making processes at sub-national, national, and regional levels in africa. At the national level, we work with various partners to disseminate our research findings through one-on-one meetings with high-level policy makers and the media, and through various seminars and conferences. Our evidence informed advocacy extends to the regional level through our involvement in, and partnership with, key regional networks and organizations including the african union commission (auc), and regional economic blocks for eastern, southern, and central africa. We strengthen the african voice in global development discourse by drawing on the analyses and experiences working with decision-makers in africa to inform the international development community's investment policies in africa. Afidep's experts participate in international conferences, high-level development panels, and one-on-one meetings with key development partners to ensure that their priorities for the continent take account of the perspectives of african professionals. During the current year, all advocacy efforts were in support of general evidence-based policies, and did not constitute lobbying. Advocacy constitutes approximately 10% of afidep's time and effort.