​These studies shed light on how research-based evidence is used in policy debates in selected African countries. Through a set of four case studies examining in detail controversial policy debates in Sierra Leone, Zambia, Ghana and Uganda, the author characterises the policy debates sheds light on the types of evidence used, 

The four case studies cover:

• The HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Bill in Uganda
  
• Reform of chieftancy in Sierra Leone
  
• Decongestion in Accra, Ghana
  
• The debate on genetically-modified organisms in Zambia
  

The synthesis report frames the studies in the broader debate on research-based evidence and policy and the implications for research uptake models, including the need for greater understanding and responsiveness to the politically charged nature of policy debates.

Emma Broadbent