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Alfred G. nhema
<B>Is there a need for further research in Africa?</B>
Totally. Research carried out in Northern countries does not take into account everyday life in Africa, its specificities and their impact.
We give the African perspective, which is specifically relevant to the continent. And we make it our business to see to it that the research is practical and that the solutions are down to earth.
<B>Are you therefore rejecting the research and findings of Northern countries and scholars?</B>
Not at all. In fact, we complement each other. We co-publish; we co-operate; we work as partners. The findings in the North are relevant to where the research has been undertaken and we are not disputing this. What we are saying is that it is not necessary relevant to the African continent.
<B>How important is the work done by the Organisation for Social Science Research in Eastern & Southern Africa (OSSREA)?</B>
Extremely important. Let me give you some figures. 20,000 African professionals leave the continent every year in search of greener pastures. Because they are so frustrated by the severe lack of resources that does not allow them to do their jobs, or to carry out their research.
This creates a gap in terms of expertise on the continent. A gap that costs Africa four billion (American dollars) a year in terms of employment and hiring foreign expertise.
At OSSREA, we finance research, we give grants and this is extremely important in trying to retain those African professionals. Let?s say we are trying to limit the damage.
<B>In its 24 years of existence, how much weight has OSSREA had with policy makers?</B>
Look, our role is to give the African pespective. Our findings are published and distributed freely to NGOs and government institutions.
We believe that we have influenced in some way or another policy makers in their decision making. Let?s say that, though it has never been acknowledged, we know that we have helped to shape some of the decisions taken.
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