This project focuses on understanding the ecosystem of Early Childhood Development (ECD) researchers and their needs in Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda (with desk-based research for Mozambique).

We know that, despite high quality research from the Global South, the availability of African-led research is limited for Early Childhood Development (ECD). While African researchers have expertise in local systems and challenges, they often remain an untapped resource within knowledge ecosystems.

With funding from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, Education Sub Saharan Africa (ESSA) is collaborating with the Research for Equitable Access and Learning (REAL) Centre to implement this project. They will map the landscape of ECD research to include the first 1,000 days of a child’s development (0-3 years) with a focus on education and its intersection with areas such as play activities, health and nutrition. 

Goals:

• Improve the visibility and accessibility of ECD research undertaken by sub-Saharan Africa-based researchers;

• Establish a community of practice (network) and strengthen the capacity of sub-Saharan Africa-based ECD researchers (particularly early career researchers and female ECD researchers); and,

• Advocate, communicate, and disseminate evidence on ECD from sub-Saharan Africa.  

Evidence from the study will be used to bridge the gap between African researchers and various decision-makers such as funders, policymakers and practitioners. Beyond the continent, evidence from this project will foster South-South collaborations and facilitate connections with researchers in other geographic regions in and/or outside Africa. 

Publications

• Joint Press Release: Education Sub Saharan Africa Welcomes Partnership With Conrad N. Hilton Foundation Towards Improving African Research Evidence