ABSTRACT
The underutilization of social science research in policy is a frequently noted problem, and one that has also been recognized in anthropology. The increasing involvement of anthropologists in various aspects of the policy process underlines the importance of looking at this issue in a systematic manner. Understanding the means by which knowledge is converted into action is critical not only for the development of applied anthropology as a discipline, but also for improving the potential for practising effective social science (Chambers, 1977). One way of addressing this issue is to identify what characterizes those successful cases where anthropological knowledge is used and has an impact on policy.
