Decolonising Epistemic Academic Disciplines in Africa
Brief about:
Journal Article (2022)
Written by:
This research examined the current epistemic dichotomy of producers of knowledge in the north, and consumers of knowledge in the south, and the importance of employing African epistemologies to bridge this dichotomy and achieve epistemic justice.
Whilst the social sciences are taught in the majority of African universities, most of the materials come from the north, with little contribution from African scholars. Even some African scholars define knowledge only in relation to Europe or America. I wanted to find out about this problem and what could be done about it.
Some regions are considered to be consumers of knowledge, whilst others are seen as producers of knowledge. When research discriminates certain regions, then knowledge is not objective, and epistemic injustice can be considered a form of colonialism . In Africa, most scholars continue to rely on European research methodologies. I want African scholars to do their own social sciences, using their own research tools. We should be proud of our own epistemologies and languages, and create space for them. Knowledge is universal, and should not be concentrated in certain regions.
Key findings
- Most social sciences in Africa are still informed by knowledge and databases from Europe, and scholars from Africa or Asia are seen to have little to offer.Evidence
This was a qualitative research and involves library research.
What it meansThis calls for a re-evaluation of the curricula and research methodologies used in social sciences.
Proposed action
- Create space for other scholars to be able to discuss their own epistemologies
decolonizing epistemology
- Do not rely too much on one region when it comes to defining what knowledge is
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Acknowledgements
Special thanks to Ramya Zwaal for preparation assistance
We would like to extend a special thank you to Ramya Zwaal, for their invaluable contribution in assisting the preparation of this research summary.
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Decolonising Epistemic Academic Disciplines in Africa
Cite this brief: Nafula, Fredrick Wanjala. 'Decolonising Epistemic Academic Disciplines in Africa'. Acume. https://www.acume.org/r/decolonising-epistemic-academic-disciplines-in-africa/
Brief created by: Dr Fredrick Wanjala Nafula | Year brief made: 2025
Original research:
- Nafula, F. W., ‘Decolonising Epistemic Academic Disciplines in Africa’ Asia-Africa Journal of Academic Research and Review 2 https://journals.iapaar.com/index.php/AAJARR/article/view/103. – https://journals.iapaar.com/index.php/AAJARR/article/view/103
Research brief:
This research examined the current epistemic dichotomy of producers of knowledge in the north, and consumers of knowledge in the south, and the importance of employing African epistemologies to bridge this dichotomy and achieve epistemic justice.
Whilst the social sciences are taught in the majority of African universities, most of the materials come from the north, with little contribution from African scholars. Even some African scholars define knowledge only in relation to Europe or America. I wanted to find out about this problem and what could be done about it.
Some regions are considered to be consumers of knowledge, whilst others are seen as producers of knowledge. When research discriminates certain regions, then knowledge is not objective, and epistemic injustice can be considered a form of colonialism . In Africa, most scholars continue to rely on European research methodologies. I want African scholars to do their own social sciences, using their own research tools. We should be proud of our own epistemologies and languages, and create space for them. Knowledge is universal, and should not be concentrated in certain regions.
Findings:
Most social sciences in Africa are still informed by knowledge and databases from Europe, and scholars from Africa or Asia are seen to have little to offer.
This was a qualitative research and involves library research.
This calls for a re-evaluation of the curricula and research methodologies used in social sciences.
Advice:
Create space for other scholars to be able to discuss their own epistemologies
Do not rely too much on one region when it comes to defining what knowledge is