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In Ghana, policymakers continue to grapple with complex developmental challenges, such as poverty and food insecurity. Despite the potential for research to inform policy decisions, a notable gap persists, stemming from limited interactions between agricultural research entities and policy-makers.

In a collaborative effort to strengthen Ghana's agricultural development system, ÈȲ©ÌåÓý, ISSER and IFPRI have jointly issued a policy brief focusing on the crucial link between research and policy. Highlighting the disconnect between research findings and policymaking, the brief emphasizes the need for a more integrated approach.

The study used a research method involving focus groups, interviews, and social network analyses. Findings revealed that the most influential actors within Ghana's agricultural research and development system include donors, research centres and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. However, despite the presence of these influential actors, the study revealed a significant gap in information exchange between research entities and policymakers.

To bridge this gap, the policy brief recommends strengthen a multi-stakeholder platform to coordinate development activities in the agricultural sector. This platform would facilitate increased involvement from both national and international research actors and civil society, fostering dialogue and collaboration to jointly shape a research agenda aligned with policymakers' needs.

It therefore suggests the revitalization of the Agricultural Sector Working Group as an inclusive platform for all stakeholders. Within this collaborative space, stakeholders can collectively develop research priorities, ensuring that findings are relevant and accessible to policymakers.

The policy brief has been presented on the 13th of June to the group of international development partners (donors and international research organisations) supporting the agricultural sector in Ghana. In the coming month, this group will approach the ministry of food and agriculture in order to request the reopening of the Agricultural Sector Working Group, which will include national research and civil society actors. Cirad, ISSER and IFPRI will contribute to this process.