Knowledge management and Communications

MFF’s results are captured and disseminated strategically through a strong knowledge management and communications component.

Knowledge management is the process of identifying, creating and sharing lessons and experiences. In the context of MFF, this means: designing a system that will organize, analyze and distribute the outcomes of MFF processes and practices; synthesizing information gathered through MFF project cycle management; collating scientific knowledge and traditional wisdom; and developing technical guidelines and best practices. Communications supports the sharing of this knowledge by making it accessible and delivering it in a form relevant to MFF’s audiences and stakeholders.

While at times independent, both Knowledge Management and Communications activities are integral to each other and must be dovetailed to support and fulfill the requirements of the MFF objectives. Knowledge is defined as data and information that is organized, evaluated, and useful for a specific purpose. Knowledge can take various forms: it can be explicit, as found in documents, publications, and other tangible information sources; or it can be implicit, and less tangible, as for example knowledge stored in peoples’ minds, their cultures, and experiences.

In the MFF context, knowledge is generated from projects, project-related activities, or people and organizations involved in project management. Knowledge in MFF may take the form of well-developed ideas, established processes and practice, new technology, or useful insights such as lessons learned and recommendations that are captured during the project cycle.

Knowledge Management can support capacity development and technical assistance needs at regional and local levels by making useful knowledge available. Communications supports the sharing of this knowledge by making it accessible and delivering it in a form relevant to our audiences and stakeholders.

Accessing information

The MFF Secretariat, also screens information for quality and consistency, and packages it for sharing across the programme and to other regional and global audiences .MFF has a diverse range of internal and external audiences at global, regional, national and local levels.

Different communication tools are used to effectively reach each specific audience group. A Regional MFF Knowledge Mmanagement and Communications Strategy has therefore been designed to support efficient programme delivery, maintain good working relations with stakeholders, and serve as knowledge base to forage new partnerships. The communication strategy is revised on a yearly basis to accommodate each year's specific events and activities, and to respond to unforeseen events, as well as lessons learned and feedback from stakeholders.

MFF has a network of National Communications focal points to coordinate and facilitate communication flows from the secretariat to their respective National Coordinating Bodies (NCBs). This network ensures frequent liaison with project managers and NCB Members and Regional Communications to track and monitor the MFF knowledge portfolio. The focal points will also provide support for effectively integrate communications into the MFF monitoring, learning and evaluation Framework.

MFF has entered its implementation phase with more than 80 small and large projects in the focal countries. It is therefore important to focus on learning and how this is captured, disseminated and to feed national level learning and experiences up to the regional level for sharing across the region.