Prof. Mary Boatemaa Setrana, the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) Research Chair on Forced Displacement in Anglophone West Africa, has featured on the University of Ghana’s Research and Innovation Agenda, where she shared insights from ongoing research on forced displacement and the role of evidence in supporting policy responses across the region.
The programme aired on Radio Univers 105.7 FM on Wednesday, 15 July 2026. It provided an opportunity to highlight the work of the IDRC Research Chair and engage a wider public audience on the growing and increasingly complex challenge of forced displacement in West Africa.
Hosted by the Centre for Migration Studies at the University of Ghana and led by Prof. Setrana, the IDRC Research Chair is implementing the project, “Strengthening Knowledge, Evidence Use and Leadership in the Global South on Forced Displacement: Focus on Anglophone West Africa”.
The project is generating locally grounded evidence from Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia and Sierra Leone to strengthen understanding of forced displacement and support evidence-informed policy and practice.
During the discussion, Prof. Setrana spoke about the changing nature of displacement in the region and the multiple factors driving people from their homes, including conflict, insecurity, political instability and climate-related pressures. She noted that responding to displacement requires a deeper understanding of the experiences of affected populations, as well as the social, economic and governance conditions that shape their lives.
The Chair’s research examines these issues through five key thematic areas: the root causes and drivers of displacement; livelihoods and gender; access to services; governance and legal frameworks; and regional cooperation.
Prof. Setrana explained that the research draws on both quantitative and qualitative approaches, including surveys, interviews, focus group discussions, stakeholder consultations and policy engagements.
These research activities bring together the perspectives of refugees, internally displaced persons, returnees, host communities, government institutions, humanitarian actors and development partners.
A central focus of the discussion was the importance of connecting research with policy. Prof. Setrana highlighted the need for evidence generated through research to contribute to conversations and decision-making on protection, access to essential services, livelihoods, governance and regional responses to forced displacement.
The engagement also provided an opportunity to discuss the importance of African-led research and locally generated evidence. As forced displacement continues to feature prominently in regional and global policy discussions, the work of the Chair is contributing evidence and perspectives grounded in the realities of West African countries and communities.
Beyond its research activities, the IDRC Research Chair is supporting capacity development and knowledge exchange. Through training workshops, mentorship, conferences, webinars, stakeholder engagements and other research dissemination activities, the initiative is contributing to the development of emerging scholars and creating platforms for dialogue among researchers, policymakers, practitioners and other stakeholders.
The radio discussion formed part of these broader efforts to ensure that research findings and emerging perspectives on forced displacement reach audiences beyond academic circles.
By bringing the conversation to the public, the programme also created an opportunity to deepen awareness and understanding of the realities of displacement and the importance of evidence in shaping appropriate responses.
The Research and Innovation Agenda is produced through a collaboration between the University of Ghana’s Research and Innovation Directorate, Public Affairs Directorate and Radio Univers 105.7 FM.
The programme provides a platform for members of the University’s research community to share their work and demonstrate how research and innovation are contributing to national, regional and global conversations.
Prof. Setrana’s appearance on the programme further highlighted the role of the IDRC Research Chair in advancing research, strengthening evidence use and promoting dialogue on forced displacement in Anglophone West Africa.
Through research and sustained engagement with key stakeholders, the Chair continues to contribute to efforts aimed at improving understanding of displacement and supporting more informed responses across the region.
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