Writing effective reports.

At the end of this lesson, you will be able to:  identify two types of policy briefs (advocacy and objective);  describe the characteristics of a policy brief;  describe the structure and contents of a policy brief; and  conceptualize a policy brief about a food security issue. Introduction In this lesson we will take a close look at policy briefs and learn how to produce them. A policy brief is a concise summary of a particular issue, the policy options to deal with it, and some recommendations on the best option. It is aimed at government policymakers and others who are interested in formulating or influencing policy. Policy briefs can take different formats. A typical format is a single A4 sheet (210 x 297 mm), containing perhaps 700 words. It has an attractive design, and may have one or more photograph. Longer briefs (up to 8 pages, or 3,000 words) and other formats are also possible. There are two basic types of policy briefs:  an advocacy brief argues in favour of a particular course of action.  an objective brief gives balanced information for the policymaker to make up his or her mind. Advocacy brief Argues in favour of a particular course of action Objective brief Gives balanced information for policy maker to make up his or her mind Farmer field schools on land and water management: An extension approach that works (INMASP and FAO 2006) This policy brief urges Uganda's government to adopt a particular approach to farmers' education Rising food prices: Cause for concern (Overseas Development Institute, 2008) This policy brief presents some problems caused by rising food prices, and suggests ways policymakers might respond Food Security Communications Toolkit 144 What should a policy brief do? A policy brief should:  Provide enough background for the reader to understand the problem.  Convince the reader that the problem must be addressed urgently.