Introduction: Methodologies for researching Africa

Abstract

This article ties the main issues raised in research notes that have been published by African Affairs. Research notes are dedicated to discussions of issues that arise in producing knowledge on Africa. These notes, drawn from rich experiences, tackle the above and other questions from various angles. The arguments and proposals presented are crucial for understanding the mutability of approaches and also raise important questions about how to sustain observed improvements and consolidate accrued gains towards a more fruitful, ethical, and fairer endeavour of studying Africa. These notes will inform and challenge academics in their thinking about issues ranging from methods and research design to negotiating their stakes in policy research partnerships. Africanists researchers will have to reflect deeply and selectively on what methodological approaches would best answer Africa's peculiar problems. Africanists can engage in meaningful research when critique is deployed in selecting the methodology and possibly in getting the right research question. The insights from the notes might play a useful role on syllabi to help train and socialize the next generation of Africanists in the values of practical ethics and sustainable research engagements. Heterodox research methodologies will dominate the field of African studies for many years to come. And Africanists researchers should not allow their disciplinary or epistemic rules hold them back from using innovative methodologies to contribute to the intellectual output of the continent.