The Malawi Knowledge Network for Research and Development (MAKNET) was hosted by Malawi Polytechnic, which has a long experience in generation and dissemination of socio-economic information, training and networking with private and public institutions.MAKNET mobilized policy makers, policy analysts, professional associations, the private sector, and civil society organizations to institutionalize the practice of consultations of experts in supporting policy processes such as budget formulation, parliamentary debates and proceedings of the National Economic and Social Council. MAKNET promoted the sharing of best practices across professional associations.
The goal of the project was to cultivate a culture of wide consultation through broadening access to and utilization of information in the formulation and implementation of development policies and programmes through a knowledge network. The more specific objectives were:
- to mobilize policy experts, academics, professional associations/institutions, public and private sector, civil societies, policy activists and advocates to share and debate developmental issues;
- to provide a knowledge base for development policies through the establishment of a website and database of experts in Malawi, region and the world;
- to provide a platform for debate in the formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development policies and programmes; and,
- to promote utilization of knowledge for development through knowledge dissemination and advocacy.
