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REPORT OF THE CONFERENCE ON
‘RECONFIGURING AFRICAN STUDIES IN THE NORTH-SOUTH, SOUTH-SOUTH PARTNERSHIP: WHAT PROSPECTS?'

Translated from French with DeepL.com (free version) (05.12.2024) by qm

Introduction

From 20 to 22 November 2024, the University of Parakou hosted an international colloquium on the theme of ‘Reconfiguring African studies in North-South and South-South partnerships: what prospects? The conference is part of a partnership between the ‘Africa Multiple’ centre of excellence at the University of Bayreuth, the University of Parakou, the ACC centre of excellence at the Joseph Ki-Zerbo University, and the Laboratoire de Recherches et d'Etudes sur les Dynamiques Sociales et le développement Local (LASDEL).

This conference aims to improve academic cooperation by exploring new forms of North-South and South-South partnerships. Specifically, it aims to:

• Bringing together scientists from different backgrounds to exchange and share the results of their research.
• Envisage another way of making university research doubly profitable
• Strengthen cooperation between the scientific and academic worlds, research development agencies and local development players
• Encourage North-South and South-South research
• Encouraging the use of research data

This conference, which follows on from the 2023 event organised by the ACC Ouagadougou at the University of Joseph Ki-Zerbo, had the merit of opening up to include other players from outside the circle of French-speaking researchers within the ‘Africa Multiple Cluster’. The 2024 event brought together researchers, academics, students and development players from various countries (Germany, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Morocco and Mauritania). After the official opening ceremony, the scientific meeting included two round tables, panel presentations and a sightseeing tour.

1. The opening ceremony 

It was marked by a series of speeches. First of all, Professor Ramanou ABOUDOU, coordinator of the conference activities. In his introductory remarks, he recalled that this event had brought together key players in the field of research to reflect on the challenges of scientific cooperation. He went on to say that the colloquium was intended to be a forum for discussing issues relating to development through research. Prof. ABOUDOU emphasised that this event represents a collective commitment to the continent's development and highlights the need to clarify the current state of research, which is often perceived as an issue specific to researchers from the South. Next, it was the turn of the Deputy Director of LASDEL in Parakou, Dr (MC) Emmanuel Sambiéni N'Koué, to take the floor to thank the participants and address the less visible realities of research partnerships. He stressed the importance of an in-depth discussion of the conference themes, recognising that while partnerships can provide solutions, they also present challenges that need to be critically examined. The representative of the ACC Ouagadougou Cluster, Dr. Soré Ousséni, then introduced the background to the organisation of this conference, which he said had been initiated to reflect on African issues with Africans and for Africans. He expressed the hope that the symposium would strengthen the links between researchers so that they could better meet the common challenges facing the continent, while emphasising the relevance of this framework for genuine cooperation rooted in African realities. The representative of Bayreuth University, Prof. Dr. Erdmute Alber, spoke of the importance of including diverse perspectives in the production of knowledge. She stressed the need to broaden discussions beyond university laboratories to include civil society players and women, who are often excluded from academic debates, in order to make research more inclusive and relevant. The Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Human Sciences at the University of Parakou (FLASH/UP), Dr Clarisse Tama-Imorou (MC), stressed the importance of the social sciences in community development. She called for a rethink of the research partnership to make it more relevant and inspiring for decision-makers, so that it meets the needs of local populations and helps solve their problems.

She encouraged participants to be creative and daring, so that this conference would be a moment of intellectual transformation.Finally, the Vice-Rector in charge of Research, Professor Mohamed Nasser BACO, recalled that we are living at a time when Africa, in full emergence, is seeking to reaffirm its place in the world while reconnecting with its roots.The question of reconfiguring African studies cannot be dissociated from the political, social and economic issues shaping the continent.In a multipolar world, where the balance of power is constantly being redefined, relations between North and South, and between the countries of the South, are of strategic importance for the future of our societies.

2. The inaugural conference

The inaugural lecture, presented by Professor AMOUZOUVI Dodji Hippolyte, introduced the central theme of the conference: the prospects for African studies in the contexts of North-South and South-South cooperation. He stressed the importance of reassessing and reconfiguring these studies to adapt them to contemporary realities and strengthen links between different regions of the world. In his view, the reconfiguration of African studies is necessary to strengthen African research and to respond to the needs and priorities of African countries. African studies must be conducted autonomously and independently, involving African stakeholders in the research process. Funding must be directed towards the priorities defined by African stakeholders, rather than by external donors. Public policies and public-private partnerships can play an important role in promoting African research by providing funding and resources to African research institutions.

International cooperation can also play an important role in reconfiguring African studies by providing funding and resources to African research institutions.However, it is important to ensure that the interests of African countries are not sacrificed to the interests of partner countries or private companies.

3. Communications

The conference was marked by a rich series of presentations covering a variety of themes. Five major themes, corresponding to panels, dominated the conference. These were Mobility, climate change, issues and prospects in cities and rural areas, and Insecurity and Violent Extremism in Africa. These panels highlighted crucial contemporary issues for Africa's development, particularly in terms of adaptation to climate change, natural resource management, security and conflict. The panels: Learning and Research in Education, and Research and Development in Humanities, Languages and Linguistics offered relevant insights into the challenges and opportunities in education systems and language fields in Benin and around the world. The final panel dealt with : Geography at the service of the local economy. This panel explored the links between geography and the local economy, with a particular focus on territorial development issues in various communes in Benin. The presentations covered several aspects of natural resource management, land reforms and the impact of agricultural and urban practices on local economies.

3.1. Learning and Educational Research

The presentations addressed the complex relationship between school and social success, highlighting the structural obstacles facing students, particularly in Benin. An analysis was made of the challenges of educational governance in an ever-changing digital context, highlighting the need for education systems to adapt to the digital age.

North-South cooperation in higher education was a key focus, with particular attention paid to the challenges of integrating new technologies and aligning programmes with local needs. Papers also explored informal learning and socio-professional integration, with case studies from rural areas of Benin, notably Parakou and Tchaourou, where strategies for adapting to socio-economic conditions are being developed to meet the specific needs of these regions. Attrition from public universities was analysed, with a call for reform of inland education systems to improve the effectiveness and relevance of training.

3.2. Mobility, climate change, challenges and prospects in cities and rural areas

This panel explored various aspects of mobility, climate change and their impacts on urban and rural areas. The papers analysed the institutional arrangements put in place to promote agri-environmental practices in Benin, highlighting the importance of sustainable agriculture in the face of environmental challenges. Particular attention was paid to the impact of urban mobility infrastructures in Ouagadougou, highlighting the issues linked to rapid urbanisation and the management of public transport. The theme of gender inequality in agriculture, particularly on the Allada plateau, was also developed, highlighting the challenges facing women in a changing agricultural sector.

The panel discussions provided a deeper understanding of the contemporary challenges of mobility and climate change.Environmental issues, in particular the management of natural resources and infrastructure in urban and rural areas, as well as the impact of climate change, were highlighted as determining factors in the sustainable development of Africa.

3.3. Research and Development in Humanities, Languages and Linguistics 

The papers in this panel focused on themes related to language, culture and linguistics, with particular emphasis on the impact of language on North-South relations. Discussions focused on the influence of African languages in the renegotiation of power relations between Africa and the rest of the world, highlighting the central role of languages in the construction of knowledge and cultural identities. An analysis of disapproval activities in Ivorian French showed how linguistic practices can serve as a mirror for complex social and moral dynamics. Presentations also examined the impact of new-generation sub-Saharan literature and culture, through the study of languages and dialects, and how these languages are used to talk about societal issues such as disease, poverty and war. Researchers have also analysed the role of religious education in African societies, highlighting the roles and discursive strategies involved in negotiating the space of learning in diverse social contexts.

The issue of North-South research cooperation in Benin was addressed from the angle of the challenges and prospects for implementing research programmes, with a focus on the importance of international collaboration to support local research and improve the quality of training. The discussions at the symposium identified key avenues for strengthening the integration of educational and linguistic challenges into development processes in Africa. Issues of governance, educational innovation and North-South cooperation were at the heart of the discussions. The participants stressed the importance of collective reflection to enhance the effectiveness of education policies and promote inclusive and sustainable education for Africa's development.

3.4. Insecurity and violent extremism in Africa

This panel focused on the issues of security and violent extremism in Africa, with particular attention paid to the continent's fragile regions. An initial reflection explored the links between violent extremism and the problems of insecurity in Africa, addressing the philosophical and theoretical implications of the phenomenon through the prism of Kant's thought. An analysis of the dynamics of governance and terrorism in the Benin-Burkina Faso-Niger border triangle highlighted the security challenges in this particularly vulnerable region. The issue of conflicts between herders and farmers in Nigeria was addressed, particularly in Bornu State, where an analysis of the causes of violence and conflict management strategies was presented.

Other presentations examined public policies to combat violent extremism in the Sahel, focusing on the specific characteristics of the region and the challenges of an effective security and political response.The role of women in the fight against violent extremism was also examined, notably through an analysis of family status and the traditional roles of women in rural communities.We also looked at religious engineering and its use as a tool in the fight against violent extremism in Niger, through intra- and inter-religious dialogue initiatives.Finally, the dynamics of collaboration between transitional regimes and the Guinean diaspora were analysed from the angle of migratory flows and the involvement of international players in reconciliation and development processes in Africa.

The panel discussions provided a deeper understanding of the contemporary challenges of violent extremism.The issues of governance, radicalisation and intercommunity conflicts revealed the urgent need for a global approach to tackling security crises and promoting lasting peace on the continent.

3.5. Geography at the service of the local economy

The discussions began with an analysis of the spatial distribution of health infrastructures in Benin, highlighting significant disparities in access to care and underlining the need for a geographical reorganisation of infrastructures to improve health coverage for local populations. The presentations also addressed deforestation and sustainable land management in the forest. The speakers proposed strategies for managing this precious resource in a sustainable way, in order to support local agriculture while preserving the environment. The impact of geopolitical phenomena on local economies was also examined. A highlight was the study of agricultural production and insecurity linked to the jihadist threat. The researchers demonstrated how security instability directly affects agricultural activities and, consequently, the region's economy. This panel demonstrated the importance of geography in resource management and local economic development, while highlighting the contemporary challenges facing Benin's rural and urban communities in their development processes. The presentations highlighted the importance of an integrated approach to sustainable and inclusive development, taking into account the specific geographical, social and economic characteristics of each territory.

4. The round tables

4.1. North-South and South-South cooperation and research partnerships

The second day began with a round table on North-South and South-South research cooperation and partnership, where experts highlighted the various issues and dynamics surrounding research cooperation between countries in the North and South, as well as South-South partnerships. Participants' presentations highlighted a number of key issues, both in terms of inter-country relations and practical and financial constraints. These include the lack of transparency about the interests of Northern partners, the impact on employment in Northern countries, and the dependence of Southern researchers on Northern researchers (this asymmetrical relationship often leads to intellectual subordination and a limitation on the autonomy of Southern researchers, forcing them to align themselves with Northern priorities rather than develop solutions adapted to their own contexts). In addition, the reduction in funding, the need for partnerships, the need to take account of the research priorities of southern countries and the development of scientific diplomacy were highlighted. In summary, this round table provided a critical portrait of North-South and South-South research partnerships, highlighting the challenges of dependency, capitalisation of resources and misaligned priorities.To improve these partnerships, a change in attitude on the part of stakeholders, investment in scientific diplomacy and greater involvement on the part of southern states are needed.

Figure 1 Round table on promoting research results

4.2. Making the most of research 

The round table on the exploitation of research results highlighted a number of issues relating to the way in which research results are produced, disseminated and used, particularly in the context of public and university policies. The discussions covered the various stakeholders involved in research: research policies, the producers of research (academics) and the users of research results. The key points developed during the round table were as follows: research policies are not always designed in such a way as to be operational and adapted to the needs of researchers. There is a gap between the design of policies and the realities on the ground, which prevents the results of research from being truly exploited.

Academics often see themselves more as researchers than as teachers, which leads to a lack of collaboration and exchange with other players, particularly policy-makers. It has been stressed that this approach needs to evolve to enable better circulation of knowledge and research results. There is also a lack of framework for dialogue between researchers and political players, which hampers the integration of research findings into public policy. Furthermore, the issues in which researchers are involved require a multidisciplinary approach. Research should address issues from different angles and integrate a variety of perspectives to maximise its impact. The issues of exploitation itself raise questions such as: what exploitation of research results is necessary and for which users? What method of exploitation should be adopted? Commercialisation should not be limited to the simple dissemination of results, but rather to the active mobilisation of research results to meet the real needs of users. However, exploitation has its limits in certain fields, such as art. The valorisation of artistic works is often focused solely on novelty and not on individual creation and the creative process. It was stressed that an epistemological shift is needed to better recognise the importance of dividuation in research, particularly in creative fields.

Recommendations have been put forward to meet the challenge of making the most of research results:

• Adoption by the government of a clear strategy, including a regulatory framework that is emancipating and adapted to the realities of research.
• Development by universities of capacity-building policies, focusing on the production of quality results and the management of research time.
• Budgeting of research projects to promote the use of results, and including considerations of discipline, professional ethics and resource mobilisation.
• Promoting the motivation of researchers and strengthening their organisation in the valorisation process, in order to maximise the impact of their work on society.

The round table highlighted the importance of rethinking the exploitation of research results through a strategic and integrated framework. For research to have a real impact on public policy and society, it is crucial to strengthen collaboration between researchers, policy-makers and other stakeholders. Efforts must aim to promote a broader and more inclusive valorisation, going beyond mere technical results to integrate the creative, human and social dimensions of research.

5. Recommendations for improving North-South and South-South research cooperation and partnerships 

Following the discussions at the two round tables on : North-South and South-South research cooperation and partnership, and Valorisation of research results, a number of issues were highlighted. In order to respond to the challenges identified, here is a set of strategic recommendations that could be implemented to improve the quality, equity and sustainability of North-South and South-South partnerships:

•  Increasing transparency in partnerships
•  Redefine research priorities according to local needs
• Reduce the dependence of researchers in the South on the North
• Ensure equitable sharing of resources and benefits
• Strengthening scientific diplomacy and the commitment of southern states
• Promote equitable and reciprocal partnerships (South-South and North-South)
• Improve the capitalisation of research resources
• Strengthen collaboration between researchers and political decision-makers
• Implement capacity-building strategies in universities
• Promote multidisciplinary and creative use of research results
• Put in place a regulatory and financial framework conducive to the exploitation of research results

Figure 2 Closing ceremony of the conference

Conclusion

The conference highlighted several key issues for African studies and North-South and South-South partnerships. On the one hand, the presentations underlined the need to rethink African studies in a context of globalisation, by integrating local and regional realities more actively. On the other hand, South-South partnerships showed considerable potential for scientific cooperation, especially in the fields of natural resource management, security, governance and climate change.

North-South cooperation, although still relevant today, was called into question by some speakers, who stressed the need to give priority to more egalitarian relations that are better adapted to the specific characteristics of the countries of the South.The researchers present also stressed the crucial role of education and research in building resilient and inclusive African societies.Finally, the symposium provided an opportunity to reflect on how to harness and apply the results of research in concrete projects, thereby promoting sustainable development and socio-economic stability in African countries.