Paper long abstract:

Exploring the inter-relationship between policy and research generally raises a wide range of questions and debates on the relevance and impact of research in the policy environment and particularly in Africa, where knowledge production systems are facing a lot of challenges, including the undue influence and control by global forces. Research involves investigation aimed at the collection of facts and information, which are organized logically and coherently for application as and when necessary. In this regard, all research enterprises require certain technical conditions to be successful. However, besides, and very predominantly, the frameworks of knowledge, tools, methods, and even the outputs of research are influenced by social, economic, and political dynamics. This paper aligns itself with the analytic framework that regards research as a socially constructed process. In this way, the paper argues that research and other scientific activities cannot be isolated from the total social, economic, and political environment in which they take place, and proceed to analyse the present trends in the research-policy nexus in Africa within the context of power. It also acknowledges that the outcomes of research are necessary for policy guidelines and programmes for the management of social, political, and economic relationships. However, power is the overarching factor that determines 'who gets what and how'; how and why research projects are framed, funded, executed, and the outcomes deployed in particular formats, including whose or which interests they serve. Globally the power dynamics have significant influence, and control over knowledge production largely and indeed, the research-policy nexus. Power asymmetry in the world system puts the global North at an advantage in knowledge production and promotes. The reality of post-truth politics that allow everyone to have their version of facts has further complicated for Africa. More than ever, and with the aid of modern information and communication technology, more time debating about truth and facts. This paper examines the implications for Africa and highlights useful lessons.