By: Sheila Agyemang Oppong, Clarice Panyin Nyan, David Sarfo Ameyaw
In an era where policymakers, practitioners, and researchers increasingly rely on evidence to inform their decisions, Evidence Gap Maps (EGMs) have emerged as essential tools for synthesizing this evidence. At the International Centre for Evaluation and Development (ICED), we recognize the critical role that EGMs play in shaping development interventions and optimizing resource allocation. This blog explores the contributions of EGMs to evaluation and decision-making processes, particularly in the context of Africa.
What Are Evidence Gap Maps?
Evidence and Gap Maps are visual tools that systematically display the available evidence on a specific topic, emphasizing areas with existing research and identifying gaps. These maps offer a comprehensive overview of the evidence landscape, enabling decision-makers to discern quickly what is known and where additional research is necessary. In contrast to traditional systematic reviews, EGMs are interactive, allowing users to explore evidence by theme, intervention type, or outcome.
Why EGMs Matter for Evaluation
- Foundational Resource for Evaluators: EGMs serve as a critical tool for evaluators in designing effective assessments of development interventions. By synthesizing existing research, they assist in various ways.
- Identifying Knowledge Gaps: EGMs highlight areas where research is insufficient, guiding researchers to focus on high-priority topics that require further investigation.
- Avoiding Duplication: By mapping existing studies, EGMs help prevent redundant research efforts, enabling evaluators to build upon previous work instead of duplicating it.
- Enhancing Policy Relevance: EGMs align research findings with policy priorities, ensuring that evaluations address the most pressing issues for governments, donors, and communities.
- Strengthening Evidence-Based Decision-Making: By offering a structured overview of available evidence, EGMs empower policymakers and practitioners to make informed decisions based on research rather than assumptions.
ICED’s Use of EGMs
At ICED, we have actively integrated Evidence Gap Maps (EGMs) into our work to enhance evidence-based decision-making across various sectors. Our recent EGMs include:
- EGM on Infrastructure Impact on Nutritious Diets, Women’s Economic Empowerment, and Gender Equality: This EGM evaluates how infrastructure development influences key social and economic outcomes, particularly for women and marginalized groups. By mapping available research, this tool assists policymakers and development practitioners in understanding which infrastructure interventions yield the greatest benefits for nutrition and gender equality. (read paper: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/cl2.1353)
- EGM on Inclusive Governance: This EGM examines interventions that foster inclusive governance, including participatory decision-making, decentralization, and social accountability mechanisms. It identifies knowledge gaps and offers insights into effective strategies for promoting transparent and responsive governance structures. (see https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/cl2.70025)
- Our EGMs on women’s economic empowerment have informed donor strategies regarding gender-focused interventions by pinpointing the most effective approaches to enhancing women’s financial independence and access to resources. (read paper here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/cl2.70035)
- We are also collaborating with Juno CABI to develop a global EGM for agricultural research, ensuring that policymakers and researchers can access a comprehensive body of knowledge on agricultural development interventions.
Bridging the Gap between Research and Practice
A key strength of Evidence Gap Maps (EGMs) is their ability to present complex research findings in accessible formats for policymakers and practitioners. Traditional research reports can be dense and challenging to navigate, whereas EGMs offer a structured and interactive way to engage with evidence. By visually representing research findings, EGMs promote adaptive learning and enable decision-makers to identify effective interventions with greater confidence.
For example, our EGM on the impact of infrastructure on nutritious diets and gender equality has already been used by partners to inform investment decisions in rural infrastructure. By highlighting gaps in the evidence base, we guide future research and ensure that development funds are directed toward interventions with proven benefits.
Similarly, our inclusive governance EGM has provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of various governance interventions. By mapping evidence across different governance models, this EGM assists policymakers in designing inclusive and participatory governance structures that strengthen democratic processes and accountability mechanisms.
Looking Ahead
ICED is dedicated to promoting the use of Evidence Gap Maps (EGMs) in evaluation and development. As we expand our efforts in evidence synthesis, we look forward to collaborating with global partners to ensure that research effectively informs policy and practice. The demand for evidence-based decision-making is increasing, and EGMs serve as a crucial tool to connect research with real-world impact.
By continuing our engagement with organizations like Campbell Collaboration, we aim to enhance the reach and influence of EGMs, making them a vital component of development planning and evaluation processes. Our objective is to make high-quality evidence more accessible and actionable, ultimately improving the effectiveness of development interventions and policies.
We appreciate Campbell Collaboration’s support in fostering discussions around evidence synthesis. Stay tuned for more insights from our ongoing EGM initiatives!