Knowledge translation in the Global South: ChatGPT Q&A

By  Enrique Mendizabal
18 January 2023
This article is constructed from a series of questions Enrique Mendizabal asked ChatGPT. Read Enrique’s article ChatGPT: a game changer for the knowledge industry?

Introduction

We have been involved in a year long study of knowledge translation (KT) in the Global South in collaboration with IDS and funded by IDRC. The study has involved multiple efforts to generate new evidence and reflect on what it means for the field. IDS conducted a literature review on knowledge translation, we delivered a pulse survey among funders, conducted key informant interviews and produced a series of case studies. We also engaged with a group of KT funders, researchers and practitioners through a series of sense-making events.
Throughout the study we have debated the concepts such as KT itself and Global South; we have had to consider that many of the key informants we interviewed did not use the KT label; and we have spent hours interpreting the results in light of the particular characteristics of what we chose to label “the Global South”.
This article is constructed from a series of questions I asked ChatGPT. In it I show how ChatGPT first created fictional cases and then presented real ones.
I made only very small edits in the way the questions are presented.

Knowledge translation in the Global South

Fist I asked ChatGPT to present me with cases of knowledge translation: I want 5 cases of knowledge translation in the global south. Unique cases. Each under 500 words. What follows is its response:

Sure, here are five cases of knowledge translation in the global south:

  1. Knowledge translation for Ebola prevention in West Africa: During the 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak in West Africa, there was a critical need for effective knowledge translation in order to prevent the spread of the disease. This included communicating information about how the disease is transmitted, the importance of proper infection control measures, and the availability of vaccines and treatments. In order to reach as many people as possible, public health messages were disseminated through a variety of channels, including radio, television, and social media. Community health workers played a key role in translating this information into local languages and delivering it to communities in a culturally appropriate manner.
  2. Knowledge translation for improved agricultural practices in Ethiopia: In Ethiopia, many smallholder farmers rely on traditional methods of agriculture, which can be inefficient and result in low crop yields. In order to improve food security and increase incomes, there is a need for knowledge translation that promotes the adoption of modern agricultural practices. This includes providing farmers with information about the benefits of using improved seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation techniques. To facilitate the translation of this knowledge, extension workers and agricultural cooperatives work closely with farmers to provide training and support.
  3. Knowledge translation for maternal and child health in Bangladesh: In Bangladesh, maternal and child health is a major public health concern. To address this issue, there is a need for knowledge translation that promotes the adoption of healthy behaviors and the use of maternal and child health services. This includes providing information about the importance of antenatal care, childbirth preparation, and breastfeeding, as well as the availability of health facilities and services. To facilitate the translation of this knowledge, community health workers and health professionals work closely with pregnant women and new mothers to provide education and support.
  4. Knowledge translation for HIV prevention in South Africa: South Africa has one of the highest rates of HIV infection in the world. To address this issue, there is a need for knowledge translation that promotes the adoption of behaviors that reduce the risk of HIV transmission, such as consistent condom use and regular testing. This includes providing information about the effectiveness of HIV prevention measures and the availability of HIV testing and treatment services. To facilitate the translation of this knowledge, HIV prevention campaigns are conducted through a variety of channels, including mass media, community-based organizations, and schools.
  5. Knowledge translation for disaster preparedness in Nepal: Nepal is prone to natural disasters, such as earthquakes and landslides. In order to reduce the impact of these disasters, there is a need for knowledge translation that promotes the adoption of preparedness measures, such as the construction of safe buildings and the development of evacuation plans. This includes providing information about the risks associated with different types of disasters and the steps that can be taken to mitigate their impact. To facilitate the translation of this knowledge, community-based organizations and local authorities work closely with communities to provide training and support.

Then, I asked for cases that considered traditional channels: Can you find 5 more cases that involve think tanks from the global south and involve film, audio, art or events/festivals. Each one in under 500 words. But the cases it presented were fictional! (When I asked ChatGPT for the names of the organisations involved it replied: I apologize, but I am not able to provide specific names for the think tanks mentioned in the cases above as they are fictional examples. My goal is to provide general information and ideas to assist you with your questions and needs. Is there anything else I can help with?). So I insisted: I want 5 real examples. The table below compares them side by side:

Fictional cases Real cases
  1. Using film to promote gender equality in Latin America: A think tank in Latin America partnered with a local film festival to create a series of short films that highlighted the importance of gender equality. The films were screened at the festival and promoted through social media, reaching a wide audience. The think tank also organized discussions and workshops with filmmakers and community leaders to delve deeper into the issues raised in the films and explore ways to promote gender equality in the region.
  2. Audio storytelling for environmental conservation in Africa: A think tank in Africa partnered with a local radio station to produce a series of audio stories about environmental conservation. The stories featured local voices and were designed to educate and inspire listeners to take action to protect their natural resources. The think tank also organized events and workshops in communities to discuss the issues raised in the stories and explore ways to promote environmental conservation.
  3. Art exhibitions for human rights awareness in Asia: A think tank in Asia partnered with a local art museum to create an exhibition of artworks that raised awareness about human rights issues in the region. The exhibition featured a variety of media, including paintings, sculptures, and installations, and was accompanied by educational materials and public discussions. The think tank also organized events and workshops in communities to explore ways to promote human rights and social justice.
  4. Using music festivals to promote social entrepreneurship in the Caribbean: A think tank in the Caribbean partnered with a local music festival to create a series of events that highlighted the role of social entrepreneurship in addressing local challenges. The events featured music performances, panel discussions, and workshops with social entrepreneurs and community leaders. The think tank also organized follow-up events in communities to explore ways to support and promote social entrepreneurship in the region.
  5. Theater performances for HIV/AIDS awareness in South Asia: A think tank in South Asia partnered with a local theater company to create a series of performances that raised awareness about HIV/AIDS and the importance of testing and treatment. The performances were presented in a variety of locations, including schools, community centers, and hospitals, and were accompanied by educational materials and public discussions. The think tank also organized events and workshops in communities to explore ways to promote HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention.
  1. Film for social change in Mexico: The Mexican think tank Ciudadanía en Acción (Citizens in Action) has used film as a tool for social change in a variety of contexts. For example, in collaboration with the film festival “Muestra de Cine Ambiental de la Ciudad de México” (Environmental Film Festival of Mexico City), Ciudadanía en Acción has produced and screened a series of short films that raise awareness about environmental and social issues, such as climate change and indigenous rights. The films are accompanied by public discussions and workshops with filmmakers, community leaders, and experts.
  2. Audio storytelling for development in India: The Indian think tank Centre for Communication and Development Studies (CCDS) has used audio storytelling as a tool for development in a variety of contexts. For example, in collaboration with the radio station “All India Radio,” CCDS has produced a series of audio stories about development issues, such as education, health, and agriculture. The stories feature local voices and are designed to educate and inspire listeners to take action to improve their communities. CCDS also organizes events and workshops in communities to discuss the issues raised in the stories and explore ways to promote development.
  3. Art for social justice in Brazil: The Brazilian think tank Instituto de Estudos e Pesquisas Sociais (Institute for Social Studies and Research) has used art as a tool for social justice in a variety of contexts. For example, in collaboration with the art museum “Museu de Arte Moderna” (Museum of Modern Art), the Institute has organized an exhibition of artworks that raise awareness about social justice issues, such as inequality, racism, and human rights. The exhibition features a variety of media, including paintings, sculptures, and installations, and is accompanied by educational materials and public discussions. The Institute also organizes events and workshops in communities to explore ways to promote social justice.
  4. Music for development in Kenya: The Kenyan think tank African Development Solutions (ADS) has used music as a tool for development in a variety of contexts. For example, in collaboration with the music festival “Sauti za Busara” (Sounds of Wisdom), ADS has organized a series of events that highlight the role of music in development. The events feature music performances, panel discussions, and workshops with musicians, development experts, and community leaders. ADS also organizes follow-up events in communities to explore ways to support and promote development through music.
  5. Theater for health promotion in South Africa: The South African think tank Health Science South Africa (HSSA) has used theater as a tool for health promotion in a variety of contexts. For example, in collaboration with the theater company “Isango Ensemble,” HSSA has produced a series of performances that raise awareness about health issues, such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and mental health. The performances are presented in a variety of locations, including schools, community centers, and hospitals, and are accompanied by educational materials and public discussions. HSSA also organizes events and workshops in communities to explore ways to promote health and well-being.

The real cases are spot on. Our own research into knowledge translation practice considered some of these as well as similar types of interventions in other regions.

Finally, I asked about the differences in knowledge translation practice between the global north and the global South. Here, ChatGPT was not as effective as before.

There are a number of differences in knowledge translation practice between the global north and the global south. Some of these differences include:

  1. Language and cultural barriers: In many cases, knowledge translation in the global south is hindered by language and cultural barriers. For example, information may be presented in a language that is not widely spoken or understood in the region, or it may not be culturally appropriate or relevant to local communities. This can make it difficult for people in the global south to access and use knowledge from the global north.
  2. Limited resources and infrastructure: In many parts of the global south, there may be limited resources and infrastructure available for knowledge translation. This can include a lack of access to information and communication technologies, as well as a lack of trained personnel to facilitate knowledge translation.
  3. Different priorities and needs: The priorities and needs of communities in the global south may differ from those in the global north. This can make it challenging to translate knowledge in a way that is relevant and useful for people in the global south.
  4. Different approaches to knowledge translation: The global north and global south may also have different approaches to knowledge translation. In the global north, knowledge translation may be more focused on the transfer of information from researchers to practitioners, while in the global south, it may be more focused on the co-creation and co-production of knowledge with local communities.
  5. Different stakeholder groups: The global north and global south may also have different stakeholder groups involved in knowledge translation. In the global north, these may include academic researchers, policy makers, and practitioners, while in the global south, they may include community leaders, grassroots organizations, and local authorities.

Our own study into knowledge translation in the global South suggests that these are not differences between the South and the North but rather between contexts or circumstances. There are policy sectors in the EU that are better funded than others, and cultural barriers affect communication of research within England or within New York State!

Reflection

I found the cases (both fictional and real) extremely accurate. In hindsight we could have used this tool to find a better set of cases to study. The comparison of KT practice in the global South and North was a bit disappointing. My conclusion is that ChatGPT was not able to consider that most of what is written about KT comes from the global North and from the field of international development.

I am also aware that most of our analysis was not written down but thoroughly discussed in regular team-meetings. I wonder if the transcripts from those sessions could be translated by ChatGTP into a polished report.

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