Knowledge utilization and the process of policy formation: toward a framework for Africa.

The HHRAA Project and its SARA component are charged with presenting Africa-relevant research findings and information to policy makers in a format and manner that will assist them in making "optimal strategy policy or program choices." Accordingly we felt it was essential to analyze what is known about how information is used and how policy is formulated. This paper prepared for SARA by Robert Porter brought this knowledge together to refine our thinking on the relationship between the information generated by research and changes in policy and policy implementation. The papers key conclusions: Changes in policy and policy implementation rarely result from a linear process of generating research laying out policy options choosing between alternatives and evaluating the implementation of the selected option. Rather changes come about through a process of iterative interactions among three "streams" of activity: defining the problem suggesting solutions and obtaining political consensus. Changes occur when these streams converge presenting a "window of opportunity" that can be grasped by the vigilant proponent of reform. Advocacy plays an important role in these three streams. Indeed policy champions are often necessary to put a problem on the agenda bring a solution to the attention of decision makers and galvanize political consensus. Advocacy implies a more dynamic approach to the presentation of information. In order to make a difference not only does information need to be disseminated but champions — using this information — must make the case for change with those who can actually influence policies and their implementation. Information is often more acceptable and thus more useful for advocacy when it is produced internally and not imported from the outside. (excerpt)