NELGA Strengthens Research-to-Policy Impact in Kumasi Workshop

NELGA’s recent Research Communication Workshop in Kumasi, Ghana, held from 25–27 February 2025, brought together senior researchers from various institutions to strengthen the link between academic work and land governance policies. Organized in collaboration with the GIZ project Participation, Accountability, and Integrity for a Resilient Democracy (PAIReD) in Ghana, the workshop guided participants—who had completed the Atingi e-learning course on Maximizing Research Impact—in refining their policy briefs on key land governance topics, including land tenure, urban planning, and resource management.

As part of the training, participants explored AI-powered tools such as ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Scispace, alongside visual design platforms like Canva. These tools were not only used for writing but also for structuring policy briefs, simplifying data, and even producing research-related podcasts. One participant reflected, “I’ve learned how to work smarter using AI tools… If the audience doesn’t understand, you haven’t achieved what you set out to do.” This realization underscored the workshop’s emphasis on audience comprehension—ensuring that research communication is effective and accessible to policymakers.

Through interactive activities, stakeholder mapping, and practical exercises, participants received hands-on experience in refining their research communication strategies. Peer review sessions and live demonstrations further enhanced their ability to present research findings in a clear and impactful manner. By the end of the workshop, each attendee had developed a near-final draft of their policy brief, ready for real-world application.

By equipping researchers with digital tools and practical insights, the workshop reinforced NELGA’s commitment to bridging the gap between academic research and policy action. With refined policy briefs in hand, participants are now better prepared to influence land governance discussions across Africa.