Informing the policymaking landscapeFrom research to action in the fight against climate change and hunger

Alex De PintoEnvironment and Production Technology Division,International Food Policy Research Institute

The need for better interaction between science and policy

Calls are growing for scientists to provide ‘‘usable’’ information and research funds to be allocated to projects that will inform policy making.

There is also increasing recognition of the importance of close collaboration, among scientists, end-users, and stakeholders particularly on issues related to climate change.

The need for better interaction between science and policy

As policy makers implement their plans and scientists become more engaged in government planning, it is essential that both know what is needed in terms of collaboration, data, and resources.

There are now examples of successful collaboration among scientists, governmental and private institutions though novel research and new forms of collaboration among institutions.

The global-to-local approach From the 2015 Global Landscapes Forum

We have developed some useful tools that connect various scales. There is more work to be done if we are to

• answer the questions most relevant to policymakers, and• identify the next set of problems.

Cool new findings and research tools

are not enough

Linear model of research

Co-production of knowledge

Research indicates that co-production of knowledge generates information that will better support management decisions (O’Mahony and Bechky, 2008, McKinley et al., 2012, Lemos et al., 2012).

Co-production of knowledge also facilitates a greater accord between end-users’ needs and what scientists can offer and opens dialog that foster creative solutions (Gough, 2003 and Guston, 1999).

A successful example of interactive research from Colombia

De Pinto et al. (under review)

Some takeaway lessons Our experience confirms the importance of:

• sustained stakeholder interaction, • transparency and openness in the engagement

process, and • willingness to break disciplinary and institutional

barriers. It is also helpful to have:

• a local institution act as champion and • greater-than-usual flexibility in the use of funds and

assessment of project outcomes. Models provide an objective base for discussion among

stakeholders

What’s next?

New modeling tools and insights from the global-to-local approach will help to identify both climate constraints and climate opportunities

What information do policy makers need to implement plans based on solid science?

What information will facilitate dialogue among those implementing the plans and those who must live with the outcomes?

Thank you

a.depinto@cigar.org