Ivan Zhakata

Herald Correspondent

Government has been implored to strengthen the integration of evidence produced by young researchers into national policy processes as youths-led findings are increasingly critical to addressing emerging social and health challenges.

The call was made on Monday during the National Students Conference in Harare, which brought together young researchers, academics and student leaders from across the country.

Speaking at the conference, SAYWHAT’s executive director, Mr Jimmy Wilford, said policymakers must take seriously the data being generated by young people, particularly on issues directly affecting them.

“Passion without evidence is persuasion without power,” he said.

“Student research is now informing policy briefs, institutional reports and national engagements.

“This demonstrates the importance of grounding youth advocacy in verifiable evidence and ensuring that Government gives this work the attention it deserves.”

Mr Wilford said the conference had grown from a small mobilisation initiative among students in agricultural and teacher-training colleges into a national platform attracting participants from across Zimbabwe and the region.

He said findings produced under SAYWHAT’s Young Researchers Initiative — including research on drug and substance abuse, gender-based violence, mental health, disability inclusion and climate – related health risks – were increasingly shaping engagements with law enforcement agencies and development partners.

“These are not abstract matters; they are lived realities shaping the present and future of young people.”

Accountability Lab East and Southern Africa Regional Director, Dr McDonald Lewanika, said rigorous research by young people was essential for effective policymaking and urged student researchers to remain open to scrutiny.

“Research findings are not facts; they are conclusions based on limited data,” he said.

“Different researchers may arrive at different outcomes, but what strengthens the work is its ability to withstand review and interrogation.”

He said youth-led knowledge production ensured policy positions accurately reflected the experiences of the young population.

“If you do not produce the knowledge, others will produce it for you. It may be rigorous, but it will miss the nuances only you understand,” Dr Lewanika said.

The conference featured presentations on drug-use trends among students, the impact of climate shocks on health and the influence of social media on youth behaviour.

The findings will be used in upcoming engagements with Government ministries, Parliament and regional partners as part of efforts to strengthen youth participation in national policy formulation.