Evidence-informed policymaking
Despite the acknowledged importance of using evidence for decision-making, timely and responsive mechanisms for evidence-informed policymaking (EIP) require empowered support to improve evidence production, use and uptake.
Engaging policymakers effectively can result in influence and impact on policymaking, both for individual organizations and for national ecosystems of policy-supporting organizations.
Research in the practice of EIP builds the evidence base that contributes to improved policymaking and program implementation.
Aims of the partnership approach
Driven by the values of co-creation, equity and commitment, LEEPS teams work to fulfill their mission of collaborating for better evidence, better decisions, better lives.
The partnership Learning together to advance Evidence and Equity in Policymaking to achieve the SDGs (LEEPS) aims to accelerate the use of evidence to advance equitable and gender-transformative policies and solutions for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The solutions will be oriented toward diverse topics, including reproductive health and the transition to low-carbon economies in low- and middle- income countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
LEEPS partners will develop a focused living and growing evidence base for priority SDG questions, increase the pool of knowledge brokers and practitioners in the sub-Saharan African region and build next-generation leaders in the field to ensure sustainability. The LEEPS partnership will provide a platform for learning and sharing lessons and resources within and across the community of practice in the region and globally.
About the partnership
IDRC, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH are joining hands in this new CAD9.2-million partnership.
This partnership is building on the accomplishments of the Partnership for Evidence and Equity in Responsive Social Systems (PEERSS), which supported research teams in 13 countries to help policymakers access and use high-quality evidence in their decision-making. LEEPS will strengthen knowledge translation ecosystems in Africa and promote the institutionalization of EIP, especially in sub-Saharan Africa.
Two African regional hubs have been selected to play a key role in strengthening the knowledge ecosystem and evidence uptake. The West Africa Regional Hub is led by the African Centre for Equitable Development (ACED), and the East Africa Regional Hub is co-led by the Centre for Rapid Evidence Synthesis (ACRES) and the African Institute for Policy Development (AFIDEP).
The regional hubs will act as centres of excellence to stimulate knowledge translation and the systematic use of evidence in the formulation, implementation, evaluation and scaling up of development policies, plans, programs and projects.
LEEPS regional hubs will provide policymakers with information on their decision-making timeline, drawing on systematic reviews and rapid syntheses of evidence, as well as practical knowledge from key stakeholders gathered through dialogues and citizens’ panels.
This knowledge use infrastructure will provide an Africa-based platform for learning and exchange, as well as sustained networks contributing to a community of practice and sharing of good examples of South-South synergy and collaboration.
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Resources
- About the Africa LEEPS Partnership (2-page flyer)
- LEEPS External Progress Report (May 2024)
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Partners
