The Comings of the Two Rivers: A Unified Framework for Transforming Scientific Evidence into Evidence Use through Storytelling

Abstract Despite major advances in evidence synthesis, a persistent global challenge remains where evidence is often produced but not meaningfully used. Across sectors, dissemination approaches remain largely linear, text-based, and detached from how individuals and communities interpret, internalize, and act on information. This creates a critical last mile gap between evidence generation and real-world decision-making. Addressing this gap requires rethinking dissemination not as information transfer, but as a process of engagement, interpretation, and activation. This paper introduces The Comings of the Two Rivers , the storytelling framework underpinning Tori Dey (Evidence Tori Dey, ETD), as a structured seven-step approach to evidence dissemination. The model brings together the “River of Science” (research, practice, and lived data) and the “River of Stories” (narrative forms such as oral storytelling, performance, and cultural expression). Through seven steps Identify a Topic; Community Diagnosis; Evidence Synthesis; Evidence Statements; Co-Creation of Stories; Telling Stories; and Evaluation of Change the framework transforms evidence into socially embedded narratives that resonate with audiences and support uptake. The framework advances dissemination theory by integrating insights from behaviour change science, knowledge translation, and evidence-use scholarship. It aligns with social learning theory and behaviour change models, demonstrating how narrative and co-interpretation can bridge the gap between evidence and action. Rather than treating audiences as passive recipients, it positions them as active interpreters and co-creators of meaning. To date, The Comings of Two Rivers approach has been applied across 4 African countries and 1 European country (Cameroon, Germany, Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa), reaching over 500 participants through 8 conferences, workshops, and stakeholder engagement events. The approach has translated evidence from more than 10 systematic reviews from Cochrane, Campbell, JBI and EEF to support knowledge translation.