Strategic Analysis and Knowledge Support Systems for Agriculture and Rural Development in Africa:: Translating Evidence into Action (Food Security Practice Technical Guide)

This manual provides policy analysts and researchers, as well as others concerned with development issues, with practical guidelines for creating and using a Strategic Analysis and Knowledge Support System (SAKSS) in their countries. Developed by the International Food Policy Research Institute to address the difficulties many Sub-Saharan African nations face when translating development research into action, SAKSS is a collaborative network for generating relevant evidence to shape agricultural and rural development strategies. SAKSS combines two techniques. The first, strategic analysis, is a method of identifying investments and other policy options for achieving high-end development goals. The second, the knowledge support system, is a network of individuals and institutions that provides the information, tools, and expertise needed for effective strategic analysis. Together, they enhance the formulation and implementation of agricultural research and development strategies. This manual offers a background definition of SAKSS’ objectives and underlying principles and explains how to set up a SAKSS within a particular country. It also includes an appendix of tools and resources.