R4D ICTs

Communicating research: contributing to sustainable development. Science reporting capacity-building workshop, Nairobi, Kenya – October 2011

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 03:54 GMT

Document Type: Meeting Report
Creator: WRENmedia

Production Year: 2011

Citation: WRENmedia. Communicating research: contributing to sustainable development. Science reporting capacity-building workshop, Nairobi, Kenya – October 2011. WRENmedia, Fressingfield, UK (2011) 9 pp.

Summary: As part of WRENmedia’s ongoing capacity building for African scientists and science reporters, twelve East African journalists (print and radio) undertook a five-day training workshop in Nairobi. The workshop was organised in partnership with the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) and research staff from this institute received media awareness training, as part of the workshop. The journalists attended two field trips in order to gather stories on a plant genebank, push-pull pest control in maize and Newcastle Disease vaccination. Training sessions on better science reporting techniques were conducted by one trainer from WRENmedia and two local co-trainers.

Investing in the future: lessons learnt from communicating the results of HSV/ HIV intervention trials in South Africa

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 08:09 GMT

Document Type: Miscellaneous
Creator: Delany-Moretlwe, S; Stadler, J.; Mayaud, P.; Rees, H.

Production Year: 2011

Citation: Health Research Policy and Systems (2011) 9 (Suppl 1):S8 [doi:10.1186/1478-4505-9-S1-S8]

Summary: Background
Communicating the results of randomised controlled trials may present challenges for researchers who have to work with communities and policy-makers to anticipate positive outcomes, while being aware that results may show no effect or harm.
Methods
We present a case study from the perspective of researchers in South Africa about the lessons learnt from communicating the results of four trials evaluating treatment for herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) as a new strategy for HIV prevention.
Results
We show that contextual factors such as misunderstandings and mistrust played an important role in defining the communications response. Use of different approaches in combination was found to be most effective in building understanding, credibility and trust in the research process. During the communication process, researchers acted beyond their traditional role of neutral observers and became agents of social change. This change in role is in keeping with a global trend towards increased communication of research results and presents both opportunities and challenges for the conduct of future research.
Conclusions
Despite disappointing trial results which showed no benefit of HSV-2 treatment for HIV prevention, important lessons were learnt about the value of the communication process in building trust between researchers, community members and policy-makers, and creating an enabling environment for future research partnerships.

Engaging media in communicating research on sexual and reproductive health and rights in sub-Saharan Africa: experiences and lessons learned

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 07:47 GMT

Document Type: Miscellaneous
Creator: Oronje, R. N.; Undi, C. C.; Zulu, E. M.; Crichton, J.

Production Year: 2011

Citation: Health Research Policy and Systems (2011) 9 (Suppl 1):S7 [doi:10.1186/1478-4505-9-S1-S7]

Summary: Background
The mass media have excellent potential to promote good sexual and reproductive health outcomes, but around the world, media often fail to prioritize sexual and reproductive health and rights issues or report them in an accurate manner. In sub-Saharan Africa media coverage of reproductive health issues is poor due to the weak capacity and motivation for reporting these issues by media practitioners. This paper describes the experiences of the African Population and Health Research Center and its partners in cultivating the interest and building the capacity of the media in evidence-based reporting of reproductive health issues in sub-Saharan Africa.
Methods
The paper utilizes a case study approach based primarily on the personal experiences and reflections of the authors (who played a central role in developing and implementing the Center’s communication and policy engagement strategies), a survey that the Center carried out with science journalists in Kenya, and literature review.
Results
The African Population and Health Research Center’s media strategy evolved over the years, moving beyond conventional ways of communicating research through the media via news releases and newspaper stories, to varying approaches that sought to inspire and build the capacity of journalists to do evidence-based reporting of reproductive health issues. Specifically, the approach included

enhancing journalists’ interest in and motivation for reporting on reproductive health issues through training and competitive grants for outstanding reporting ;
building the capacity of journalists to report reproductive health research and the capacity of reproductive health researchers to communicate their research to media through training for both parties and providing technical assistance to journalists in obtaining and interpreting evidence;
establishing and maintaining trust and mutual relationships between journalists and researchers through regular informal meetings between journalists and researchers, organizing field visits for journalists, and building formal partnerships with professional media associations and individual journalists.

Conclusion
Our experiences and reflections, and the experiences of others reviewed in this paper, indicate that a sustained mix of strategies that motivate, strengthen capacity of, and build relationships between journalists and researchers can be effective in enhancing quality and quantity of media coverage of research.

Investing in the future: lessons learnt from communicating the results of HSV/ HIV intervention trials in South Africa

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 03:57 GMT

Document Type: Miscellaneous
Creator: Delany-Moretlwe, S.; Stadler, J.; Mayaud, P.; Rees, H.

Production Year: 2011

Citation: Health Research Policy and Systems (2011) 9 (Suppl 1): S8 [doi:10.1186/1478-4505-9-S1-S8]

Summary: Background: Communicating the results of randomised controlled trials may present challenges for researchers who have to work with communities and policy-makers to anticipate positive outcomes, while being aware that results may show no effect or harm.

Methods: We present a case study from the perspective of researchers in South Africa about the lessons learnt from communicating the results of four trials evaluating treatment for herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) as a new strategy for HIV prevention.

Results: We show that contextual factors such as misunderstandings and mistrust played an important role in defining the communications response. Use of different approaches in combination was found to be most effective in building understanding, credibility and trust in the research process. During the communication process, researchers acted beyond their traditional role of neutral observers and became agents of social change. This change in role is in keeping with a global trend towards increased communication of research results and presents both opportunities and challenges for the conduct of future research.

Conclusions: Despite disappointing trial results which showed no benefit of HSV-2 treatment for HIV prevention, important lessons were learnt about the value of the communication process in building trust between researchers, community members and policy-makers, and creating an enabling environment for future research partnerships.

Engaging media in communicating research on sexual and reproductive health and rights in sub-Saharan Africa: experiences and lessons learned

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 03:30 GMT

Document Type: Miscellaneous
Creator: R. N. Oronje, Chi-Chi Undie, E. Msiyaphazi Zulu, J. Crichton

Production Year: 2011

Citation: Health Research Policy and Systems (2011) 9 (Suppl 1): S7 [doi:10.1186/1478-4505-9-S1-S7]

Summary: Background: The mass media have excellent potential to promote good sexual and reproductive health outcomes, but around the world, media often fail to prioritize sexual and reproductive health and rights issues or report them in an accurate manner. In sub-Saharan Africa media coverage of reproductive health issues is poor due to the weak capacity and motivation for reporting these issues by media practitioners. This paper describes the experiences of the African Population and Health Research Center and its partners in cultivating the interest and building the capacity of the media in evidence-based reporting of reproductive health issues in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods: The paper utilizes a case study approach based primarily on the personal experiences and reflections of the authors (who played a central role in developing and implementing the Center’s communication and policy engagement strategies), a survey that the Center carried out with science journalists in Kenya, and literature review.

Results: The African Population and Health Research Center’s media strategy evolved over the years, moving beyond conventional ways of communicating research through the media via news releases and newspaper stories, to varying approaches that sought to inspire and build the capacity of journalists to do evidence-based reporting of reproductive health issues. Specifically, the approach included (1) enhancing journalists’ interest in and motivation for reporting on reproductive health issues through training and competitive grants for outstanding reporting ; (2) building the capacity of journalists to report reproductive health research and the capacity of reproductive health researchers to communicate their research to media through training for both parties and providing technical assistance to journalists in obtaining and interpreting evidence; and (3) establishing and maintaining trust and mutual relationships between journalists and researchers through regular informal meetings between journalists and researchers, organizing field visits for journalists, and building formal partnerships with professional media associations and individual journalists.

Conclusion: Our experiences and reflections, and the experiences of others reviewed in this paper, indicate that a sustained mix of strategies that motivate, strengthen capacity of, and build relationships between journalists and researchers can be effective in enhancing quality and quantity of media coverage of research.

ICTs and growth of peri-urban informal sector enterprises

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 18:00 GMT

Project Status: Completed
Project Background: Studies have shown that access to information is a major constraint to SME growth in many developing countries. Market signals on business opportunities, customer trends, and methods of organisation are not communicating themselves effectively to SMEs, which perform better in information-rich environments. Evidence also exists to suggest that SMEs are willing to pay significant sums for relevant information where available. Advances in communications technology have made internet, fax and telephone facilities available in a growing number of towns in developing countries. These modern forms of communication are rarely used by small enterprises as business tools, yet they have the potential to significantly improve poor people's access to business information. Investment in ICTs is critical for narrowing the gap between developing and industrialised countries, but investments in infrastructure and hardware alone will not guarantee appropriate information for sustainable livelihoods. New mechanisms using local intermediaries who can deliver appropriate information to SMEs using ICTs in conjunction with traditional downstream channels on a cost recoverable basis, will help ensure that the full potential of this technology in benefitting the poor can be realised. Alongside rapid advances in ICT has emerged the potential for new range of tools that can be used to fight poverty in developing countries. However, the information flows and communication needs of poor people, particularly women, and the convergence of these with new ICTs are not fully understood. CDASED has commissioned various studies on the use of ICTs in developing countries and cities that donors are needed to support experiments in the provision of market oriented, internet-based information targetted towards small enterprise. The DFID Kenya country paper also identifies support for private-sector business development services as a key step to improving productive capacity of the poor. Small scale enterprises are amongst the most marginal business operations in all developing countries. They often operate at the limits of profitability whilst looking for ways in which to expand their business and increase profits. Despite this, SMEs have been recognised as having the potential to create employment opportunities on a large scale, and so can play a major part in alleviating unemployment and poverty. Improved access to business information should lead to enhanced enterprises producing better quality, innovative, more cost effective products and services. These improvements will have a direct impact on employees and local consumers, many of whom will be amongst the poorer members of the community.

Project Objectives: To assess the potential of, and provide replicable models for using ICTs, in conjunction with traditional downstream media, in order to provide crucial business information to informal sector enterprises on a cost recoverable and sustainable basis.

Intended Outputs: Technical, socio-economic, gender and market aspects of business information provision to SMEs using ICTs in conjunction with traditional downstream media channels understood and reported with attention to:
* SME needs
* Evaluation of existing technologies and channels
* Constraints to further adoption
* Potential impact and replicability.

A number of commercially viable and sustainable Business Development Service (BDS) products based on business information provision developed and piloted with SMEs to meet their needs, and ability to pay within the scope of available technologies, information sources and delivery mechanisms.

Dissemination pathways for new, information based BDS products identified and strengthened.

Sustainable information communication technology case histories (ICTs)

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 18:00 GMT

Project Status: Completed
Project Background: NGOs and CSOs (civil society organisations) in developing countries are often among the first adopters of internet/email services, where affordable access exists. However, the cost of connection, especially in remote and disadvantaged regions, is a significant barrier (connection charges, for both telco and ISP, can be up to 100 times greater, relative to per capita income, than in the West). These relatively high charges also deter connected CSOs and NGOs from maximising the benefits of access - for both themselves and their immediate communities and clients, for whom they act as intermediaries. The proposed research addresses two barriers: firstly, the financial barrier facing NGOs/CSOs, by highlighting success stories and case histories of best practice to show how some of the first wave of connected NGOs/CSOs (community groups, development organisations, national and international NGOs, schools and colleges, libraries and community radio stations), are using internet access and related ICTs to generate income for themselves from their immediate communities (eg: from pay-per use) so working towards financial sustainability. Secondly, the research addresses the barriers to internet access facing the poor, by showing how NGOs and CSOs are actively diffusing internet access to non-connected poor communities and individuals. Research targets NGOs/CSOs as key intermediaries between the internet and poor non-connected communities and individuals. Literature surveys and case histories will include best practice examples of how the poor have been enabled to access and share information, gain knowledge-based skills, use internet for local and national networking. NGOs/CSOs, especially those in remote rural areas, are some of the few local organisations with infrastructure to allow direct internet access (ie: secure building, electricity, telephone, PC) - combined with strong local networks/constituencies who can benefit remotely.

Project Objectives: To compile and disseminate selected case histories and income-generating models to show how a range of NGOs and CSOs are successfully and sustainably mediating ICTs to their wide, non-connected communities.

Intended Outputs: Overview of current ICT activities with a poverty focus.

12 case studies presented.

Presentation of practical models linked to poverty and livelihoods.

Active dissemination.

Improving the transparency, quality and effectiveness of pro poor public services using ICTs

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 18:00 GMT

Project Status: Completed
Project Background: Despite considerable investment, public services in most developing countries are widely perceived to be unsatisfactory and deteriorating. The poor and disadvantaged in developing countries suffer in relation to delivery of public services. Firstly, they lack access to those services due to physical, financial, information, political and other barriers. Secondly, they lack effective mechanisms for feeding back their complaints, views and requests in relation to those services. As a result, public services to the poor lack transparency, accountability and quality. The poor and the disadvantaged are particularly vulnerable as they rely completely on the state for accessing critical services like drinking water, health and education. There is no `exit' option available to these users to seek an alternative provider in case of dissatisfaction with the service provided. The proposed project focusses largely on access to information and the inadequate state of grievance redress and feedback mechanisms on services to poor men and women and the opportunities for ICT to strengthen those mechanisms.

Project Objectives: To identify an effective niche for integrating ICTs in the traditional public services domain, and to design and implement an appropriate ICT led model to improve transparency, quality and effectiveness of pro poor services.

Intended Outputs: Pre-project assessment on government services or e-services in the chosen sector.

Information database about government schemes/services in sector.

An appropriate ICT lead feedback mechanism for each country.

8 National Pro-poor Services/E-services improvement packs (4 for services 4 for e-services)

Two global pro-poor service/e-service improvement packs.

Post project survey.

Final report.

Action Research - Linking ICTs to sustainable livelihoods through the Reflect Approach

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 18:00 GMT

Project Status: Current
Project Background: Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have the potential to be powerful tools for marginalised communities and individuals to increase their ability to learn and to communicate. However, the technology is also currently contributing to the imbalance between rich and poor, powerful and marginalised. Furthermore, there is a lack of understanding of how new ICTs can complement the existing information systems of the poor. The challenge is to find a means of providing ICT access in a constructive way, focussing on equal communication as a right, and the capacity of people to make strategic choices about the media of communication most relevant to them, including which technology they need and use. There is a lot of scope for using participatory approaches for understanding the information and communication needs of the poor as the basis for ICT projects. The Reflect approach to adult learning, used by over 350 organisations in 60 countries, offers a potential basis for introducing ICTs in an equitable way, as part of a wider process of self-managed change for the poor and marginalised. Reflect has evolved from an initial focus on literacy to a broader vision of strengthening people's capacity to communicate. The approach starts with people's existing knowledge, enabling them to systematise, represent and analyse it in new ways. However, experience has shown that for people to move out of microanalysis, to contextualise, challenge and extend their knowledge and make connections between the local, national and international, they need improved access to sources of information.

Project Objectives: To build on the Reflect processes and methods, to assess and highlight the learning and organisational process necessary at community level to ensure that the introduction of ICTs reduces, rather than increases, in-country local divides, digital or otherwise.

Intended Outputs: Clear, useable plans and strategies for choice, use, management and monitoring of ICT equipment by end of stage one and details of the process for developing this.

A useable model for incorporating learning from the pilot into new and proposed ICT for development projects.

Detailed reports for the three separate case-studies showing the impact of ICTs where people determine the types and uses available to them.

Website to share learning and processes throughout.

Resource centres up and running in 3 pilot locations.

Resource pages to share techniques and outcomes with Reflect practitioners worldwide.

Would ICTs constrain or empower poor urban women?

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 18:00 GMT

Project Status: Completed
Project Background: Understand how poor urban women's largely oral communication channels can be strengthened and ICT-based information made more accessible to lessen women's disempowerment risks.

Project Conclusions: The Kenyan component was particularly successful and succeeded in winning the Betinho (APC) International Communication Award for Technology and Social Justice. The empowerment of the individual women, which took place in Kenya and to a lesser degree in Zimbabwe, fundamentally builds the community's capacity to develop positively. It is the women's access to important information within their neighbourhoods, their social contacts, family authority and their wealth of relevant knowledge which are crucial to family and community survival. Making modern ICTs accessible as a tool for individual empowerment is vital if the new technology is not to compound the existing injustices. Democracy depends on representation, on being heard. It is vital that poor women speak out on behalf of all poor people and that somehow they overcome the cultural and gender barriers to their use of the technology.

Actual Outputs: In Peru the emphasis was on the product rather than the process. The results were predictable, the information contained was the answers to the questions asked and the participants never appeared to feel any ownership of the project. After the completion of the project, the group in Peru returned to their lives, the project team to theirs.

In Kenya, however, the women said that their lives would never be the same. They have a new direct and more mutually respectful relationship with many powerful decision-makers and with the media.

The objective was to ensure that women's voices are heard at policy level in the poverty debate. It was also to consider the ways in which poor, illiterate urban women could gain access to new communication and information technology. This piece of action research helped them to understand the power of dialogue and information, they came to appreciate 'reliable information' and to recognise their right to this, and also to recognise the power of 'misinformation'.

Completed.