The PRCI-Africa Technical Training Program: Accomplishments, Impacts & Next Steps
DOWNLOADSeptember 26, 2024 - Veronique Theriault, Nicole M. Mason, and Yeyoung Lee
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EmailThe PRCI-Africa Technical Training Program report provides a comprehensive overview of its achievements, impacts, and forward-looking plans. Led by Michigan State University (MSU) under the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Food Security Policy Research, Capacity, and Influence (PRCI), this initiative delivered 43 training sessions from June 2020 to February 2024. These sessions targeted participants from Africa’s Centers for Policy Leadership (CPLs) and other partner organizations. The training focused on enhancing skills in policy research, effective outreach, and mentoring, with training materials available to the public through online platforms.
A notable achievement of the program was the introduction of the co-trainer model, first implemented in July 2022. In this model, CPL affiliates took on leadership roles in delivering the training sessions, working alongside experts from MSU and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). This collaborative approach not only increased participants' knowledge of the content but also developed their ability to lead trainings. A total of 14 CPL affiliates participated as co-trainers or lead trainers, significantly contributing to strengthening local research capacity.
The program resulted in substantial improvements across several key areas. According to a 2024 evaluation survey, over 70% of respondents reported enhanced abilities in integrating gender considerations, translating research into policy, writing journal articles, ensuring research transparency, and avoiding plagiarism. However, areas such as grant proposal writing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), specifically using QGIS software, were noted as needing further attention. The evaluation, which included surveys and reflective conversations, confirmed significant improvements in the CPLs' capacities to conduct rigorous policy research, influence policy, and mentor junior researchers.
Looking forward, the report recommends focusing on more integrated, hands-on training that aligns with the research priorities of the CPLs. Future trainings are suggested to be structured as a series, progressing from basic to advanced levels, with practical applications emphasized. Topics identified for future training include qualitative research methods, advanced gender integration, spatial analysis using QGIS, and Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model-based micro-simulation.
In summary, the PRCI-Africa Technical Training Program has made significant strides in enhancing the research and policy influence capabilities of African centers, with recommendations for continued improvement in training depth and delivery methods to ensure sustained long-term benefits
