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Introduction
On August 7, 2024, the Africa Network of Policy Research Institutes (ANAPRI) hosted a session titled “Strengthening the Capacity of African Policy Research Institutes” at the 32nd International Conference of Agricultural Economists (ICAE) in New Delhi, India. Chaired by ANAPRI Executive Director, Dr. Antony Chapoto, the event featured keynote presentations from Dr. Milu Muyanga and Prof. Saweda Liverpool-Tasie from Michigan State University, and Dr. Suresh Babu (International Food Policy Research Institute).
The keynote speaker opened with a reflection on remarks made by renowned scholar Professor Thom Jayne, who stated at the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit that, “Africa remains the only region in the world where the design and implementation of many continental and national agricultural development initiatives are largely outsourced to international organizations.” This observation underscored the urgent need to address the capacity challenges faced by African-led agricultural policy research organizations, which play a crucial role in promoting evidence-based policymaking and sustainable agricultural development in Africa.
Key Insights from the Session
The ANAPRI session sought to unpack the persistent challenges that local African policy research institutes face in comparison to their international counterparts, with a focus on disparities in human and financial resources.
Survey Findings: Preliminary results from ANAPRI’s survey assessing the capacity of African policy research think tanks revealed that these institutions possess the necessary human talent to fulfil their mandates. However, they struggle with chronic financial shortages, which gradually diminish their capabilities over time. This lack of funding is aggravated by changes in donor priorities and the emergence of non-traditional players, such as international consulting firms, that now dominate the space
Shift in Donor Priorities: There has been a noticeable shift in donor and development partner priorities from funding long-term, public good research (like household surveys and crop estimates) to supporting research that evaluates and tracks the impact of implemented policies. The demand for short-term, high-impact studies favours international firms, which can meet tight timelines that local institutions often struggle to meet due to limited financial and human resources.
Competition with International Firms: African think tanks face stiff competition from well-funded international management consulting firms that are better equipped to handle the quick turnaround requirements of donors. This competition has intensified the disparities in financial and human resources, creating a harmful cycle of eroding capacity among local institutions.
Changing Business Models: The shift towards consultancy-based models is challenging African think tanks to redefine their roles. There is concern that this moves away from traditional research and deep thought leadership, towards more boutique consulting work, may fundamentally alter the identity of these institutions. They must adapt to survive while still maintaining their core mission of generating valuable, locally relevant insights.
Towards a New Model for Institutional Capacity Building
The session proposed a series of interventions to bridge the gap between local and international research institutions:
- Intentional Capacity Building: Donors and development partners should be more deliberate in their support of local institutions by creating long-term funding opportunities focused on building institutional capacity. This approach should provide financial incentives that can match or exceed those of international organizations, ensuring the retention of skilled African researchers.
- Equitable Partnerships: Partnerships between local and international institutions should be restructured to ensure a fair distribution of resources. Projects should prioritize local ownership and the vital role of African institutions in driving on-the-ground implementation, where the impact is most profound.
- Local Institutions’ Role: African policy research think tanks need to step up and demonstrate their ability to deliver high-quality research on par with international standards. While resources are scarce, local institutions must leverage partnerships and optimize internal processes to showcase their value and justify further investment in their capacity.
The session concluded with a call for a renewed focus on strengthening local research institutions, emphasizing that Africa is not short of talent but suffers from an uneven playing field. With concerted efforts from donors, development partners, and the institutions themselves, African policy research institutes can play a more prominent role in shaping the continent’s future through evidence-based policy solutions.