Researchers’ participation in the policy process: lessons from aflatoxin control in Ghana

Abstract

Researchers’ participation in the policy process is critical as they provide the required scientific input. However, researchers have low understanding of the process and how they can participate. This paper sought to demonstrate how researchers can bring their expertise to bear on the policy process drawing from experiences and lessons from the authors’ participation in the formulation and adoption of Ghana’s policy for aflatoxin control in food and feed. Twelve distinct steps were followed including a situational analysis, agenda-setting, drafting the policy, ministerial consultations and Cabinet approval process. Researchers’ roles in the policy process included seeking funding, generating evidence, explaining complex scientific problems to stakeholders, drafting the policy and ensuring the prioritization of research in the policy. Notwithstanding, researchers cannot claim the intellectual property rights to the policy. Also, the nitty-gritty of the policy process depends on funds availability, the initiator, type of policy and government’s level of interest.

Keywords

• Researchers
• policymaking
• policy process
• evidence
• scientific input
• policy for aflatoxin control