Scientific evidence for policy making: a missing link in higher learning institutions in Tanzania

Abstract

Higher learning institutions are well known for their capacity to produce scientific evidence that can guide development initiatives in developing countries. Despite this acknowledgment, transferring research findings into policy and practice has remained to be a long-time challenge in Tanzania. An action research was conducted to assess the use of research findings generated from higher learning institutions in decision making. Specifically, the study aimed at establishing the level of awareness on the concept of scientific evidence for decision making among researchers; assessing the capacity of researchers in disseminating research findings to policymakers and examining the coordination of higher learning institutions in contributing to evidence informed decision making (EIDM). A survey was conducted on a total of 29 researchers from 9 higher learning institutions and 7 key informants from selected ministries and regulatory authorities. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were used for data analysis. Findings indicate that higher learning institutions are academic oriented as such the research findings generated are not synthesized, and not repackaged and presented in a user-friendly language for easy uptake by policymakers and implementers. Limited awareness of EIDM among researchers; and weak coordinated efforts for evidence generated from higher learning institutions to influence policy change were also reported. The study suggests capacity building among researchers on research findings synthesis and dissemination for EIDM. This will be coupled with the establishment of a research findings synthesis unit to facilitate the contribution of higher learning institutions in EIDM for the country’s socio-economic transformation.