HISTORICAL REVIEW OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF RESEARCH IN AFRICA

Abstract

Historically, the African continent seems to be in a state of flux because of the increasingly social and political disorder which manifests in various conflicts spread across Africa (Akinola, 2021; Uka, 2020). It is becoming quite glaring that the problems of Africa stem from underdevelopment of the continent (Mkandawire, 2018). Most of Africa is in abject poverty, widespread unemployment, corruption and bribery are fast becoming a survival strategy; value systems are misplaced; unrest and war are widespread phenomenon in many areas (Collier, 2019; Ayeni, 2022). The causes of African problems are multi-dimensional and the solutions may be sought and found in the many dedicated development researches in the social and political spheres (Adepoju, 2020). Development research in Africa, among other things, should help Africans to understand and control their position in global affairs, and find the basis for strengthened value systems, as well as the means to reach those ends that will provide for progress of the economies; so as to guarantee future development for Africa (Okafor, 2021). History has shown that democracy and development are intertwined, because while democracy carries a legacy of ideas and techniques as a basic form of government where political power is ultimately in the hands of the whole adult population; development, on the other hand, is much more than economic growth because it is the creation, sustenance and the maximization of opportunities for the attainment of full and satisfying life for every citizen (Gyimah-Boadi, 2017). History is concerned with the analysis and explanation of events as they occurred in society. History is used as a weapon of social criticism and reconstruction, in the light of fresh development and new ideas (Adediran, 2003; Ndlovu-Gatsheni, 2018). The work of the historian, though influenced by the general educational and social standards of the society, has relevance for the development of the society. Democratic ideas lead to the formation of the right opinion and forge the freedom of association and movement. Development is the progressive unfolding of the inner potentialities of a given reality. Hence, Africa will progress if attempts are made in the socio-cultural, historical, moral, religious, intellectual, spiritual, political, economic, scientific and technological spheres to enhance development initiatives (Akinola, 2021; Mkandawire, 2018). This paper provides a historical perspective of Africa's underdevelopment and analyses the effect of this on the stagnant nature of development in the continent. The paper establishes a relationship between history and the development process of the continent, and proposes a multi-dimensional approach to development research. The paper views this process as particularly important for Africa in view of the transition from dictatorship to democratic governance in the continent (Gyimah-Boadi, 2017).