Authors:Ahmed Thabet Helal Ibrahim, Mohamed Mohamed Kamel Elsherbiny Pages: 142 - 152 Abstract: Social work has a long history in applying qualitative research methods. Although the use of the qualitative approach in social work research helps enrich the research, many researchers in social work disciplines in Egypt still avoid using this method when implementing scientific studies in professional social work settings. This study investigates the key drivers of Egyptian social work researchers' low preferences for using qualitative research methods. An online survey was conducted using a non-probability snowball sampling technique scale. A total of 67 responses were received: 25 males and 42 females with ages ranging from 30 years old to more than 49 years old. Findings show that many factors are preventing the use of this type of method, such as the researchers’ lack of skills in using the qualitative method, the researchers’ lack of sufficient knowledge about this method in the different educational stages, the fear of not being able to do this type of research, and their preference for quantitative research. This study provides strategies for helping social work researchers apply qualitative research methods in their studies. PubDate: 2022-08-01 Issue No:Vol. 12, No. 4 (2022)
Authors:Blessing Ngowari Ramsey-Soroghaye, Mina Ogbanga Pages: 153 - 162 Abstract: Research is done in Nigeria just as it is done in any other country. However, there are socio-cultural determinants that hinder social workers from actively carrying-out research in Nigeria. The importance of research cannot be overemphasized because, it is in searching that we know more and learn new things. Despite this established fact, social workers in Nigeria face hindrances in carrying-out research. Qualitative method was used in this study. Twenty (20) social workers with either a Bachelor of Science (BSc.), Post Graduate Diploma (PGD), Masters of Science (MSc.) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD.) participated in the research. This study found out that factors such as poor funding, poor knowledge of research, poor mentorship and coaching on research, hard-to-reach population in data collection, patriarchy systems, cultural and religious belief, limited African literatures theories and books on research that are indigenous in nature, discouragements from the non-utilization of results from study in policy formulation and programmes just to mention a few hindered social work research in Nigeria. In conclusion, the study recommends that measures should be put in place to checkmate these indicated hindrances in a bid to preserve and improve upon knowledge which is what research stands for. PubDate: 2022-08-01 Issue No:Vol. 12, No. 4 (2022)
Authors:Samuel Lisenga Simbine, Liana Le Roux, Noel Garikai Muridzo Pages: 163 - 172 Abstract: For decades, African researchers relied on Eurocentric concepts, models, philosophies, ethics, designs, and methods ingrained in the European research literature. The indiscriminate use of Eurocentric concepts to conceive African research is not sustainable given the uniqueness of African cultures. This situation gives impetus to the call for the development of a way of conducting research that is more suited to indigenous African contexts. The paper contains a reflection on the researchers’ past research experiences within African socio-cultural contexts. We aim to share our experiences on a research study that we conducted in Zimbabwe with the Vatsonga of Southern Africa; one of the ethnic groups that adopt an Afrocentric worldview. We discuss how we implemented theoretical perspectives, research methods, and research ethical considerations. We found that we had to adapt the implementation of our research to be aligned with the norms and practices of the Vatsonga. Research ethical considerations are highlighted as an important step towards fostering indigenised research on the continent. In addition, we propose the dissemination of research findings to include indigenous communities where the research has been conducted. This should be done through community meetings or workshops as the African people follow an oral-based tradition of knowledge transmission. The paper concludes by highlighting the need for African literature to guide researchers in conducting research studies in indigenous African communities. PubDate: 2022-08-01 Issue No:Vol. 12, No. 4 (2022)
Authors:Ricanos Jaure, Alfred Henry Makura , Gregory Alexander Pages: 173 - 178 Abstract: This theoretical paper sought to explore the Shona concept of dare as an ideal democratised knowledge round table that could be adopted as a method of data collection in Africa. The Dare or ubiquitous circle is a participatory communication practice located among traditional Shona societies of Zimbabwe and is a potential replacement to traditional qualitative data collection tools such as interviews and focus group discussion. The goal is to promote participation and decolonise research processes in Africa by adopting existing communication practices among indigenous people. The attempt is to depart from conducting research as an extractive process conducted by the researcher and the participants, the investigator and the investigated or the analyst and the analysed. Conversely, information sharing rooted in the African concept of dare is more of knowledge round table and is participatory, democratised, recognises expertise and allows the sharing of experience. A properly structured information sharing session moulded in the dare concept is culturally grounded, built on trust, respect and is a relationship. The more knowledgeable and experienced participants have space to give direction to the data collection process. Participants have a platform to learn from each other and can identify with the collected data. The study recommends a shift from traditional data collection tools to information sharing moulded in the dare concept for reliable and authentic data collection. This African round table is more democratised and culturally grounded allowing the process not only to yield required data but also improve communities through shared experiences. PubDate: 2022-08-01 Issue No:Vol. 12, No. 4 (2022)
Authors:Sunungurayi Charamba, Rudo Mukurazhizha Pages: 179 - 188 Abstract: Research is a critical component in social work academic and practice circles. Research aims at interrogating research implications and findings to ensure that it influences policy, practice and inform interventions. However, in Africa, specifically Zimbabwe academics are more interested in publishing research articles for their professional development and promotion in work places such as universities. It seems little attention is given to disseminate findings to stakeholders, research participants, communities so that changes and implementation of programs is effected by evidence from research findings. There is need for decolonisation and education on the part of African social workers to consider the later call seriously to develop communities. The researchers recommend blending academic and practical implications of social work research findings if social work research is to bring noticeable and great changes for emerging clinical and developmental issues for individuals, groups and communities. Furthermore, if participants and key informants know that their contributions are valued they are likely to take research seriously as the outcome will benefit them. PubDate: 2022-08-01 Issue No:Vol. 12, No. 4 (2022)
Authors:Alemayehu Gebru , Wario Wako Pages: 189 - 198 Abstract: The study employed a predominantly indigenous research framework of African-centered or Afrocentric research to explore how African social work researchers are using African social work theories as theoretical framework to guide their studies. This is important because African researchers are highly dependent on Western theories and research methodologies while investigating African issues. However, Western theories have not been suitable to comprehend the situations in Africa; therefore, it needs indigenous lenses to observe, analyze, and explain the social phenomena. The study participants were ten academician researchers at Jimma University who were identified through a purposive sampling technique. Also, eight articles were reviewed to learn whether the researchers used African theories as theoretical framework for their studies or not. The study employed thematic analysis to analyze the data. Finally, as ethical considerations, ethics don't exist on forms; it is human creatures that ought to be ethical. So, we used oral consent of the participants and conducted the interview with their language. To secure the trustworthiness of the study, the data were triangulated from interviewees and document reviews. The study showed that the reasons for why African social workers are relying on Western theories are to get acceptance, urban biased social work curriculum, lack of information about indigenous theories, the perplexity of developing theories and devaluing indigenous knowledge. Also, the study revealed that inducing researchers to use indigenous theories in their study and changing the orientation of our education are some solutions to minimize our dependence on Western theories while dealing with African issues. Therefore, we suggested that African scholars should see inward to better prognoses African matters and walk the theories we talk to be practical. PubDate: 2022-08-01 Issue No:Vol. 12, No. 4 (2022)
Authors:Rosemary Chigevenga Pages: 199 - 206 Abstract: Research is a systematic and objective way of gathering information to enrich the existing body of knowledge. The way research is conducted in parts of the Global South specifically in African contexts where I work, can be understood in terms of the continent’s colonial heritage and its regulations are mostly, if not predominantly Western-oriented. The aim of this paper is to unpack the experiences encountered by the researcher in undertaking studies in African contexts. From inception to data presentation and analysis, the researcher can testify that she was mostly guided by Western methodologies. This posed challenges and in some cases affected the authenticity of the research findings. In most research activities I engaged in, the ethical guidelines I adhered to, ways of selecting participants, data collection procedures and even the ways I presented and analysed data were guided by Western philosophies. Adopting approaches from the West without incorporating our indigenous knowledge systems make me feel that the studies I have conducted lack adequate African involvement. In some cases I could tell that the participants were distanced away from me as a researcher. Basing on such experiences, I therefore suggest that African research should mainly be guided by our African heritage for it to sufficiently address the needs of our communities. PubDate: 2022-06-01 Issue No:Vol. 12, No. 4 (2022)
Authors:Sharlotte Tusasiirwe Pages: 207 - 213 Abstract: The need to challenge and disrupt the colonial legacy of research and education in African contexts is an urgent one although voices and experiences of decolonisation in action/practice are still scanty in this context. Drawing from the African oral storytelling tradition where lived experience is extolled as a powerful teaching tool, in this article, I share experiences of how and when I came to align my Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) research to a decolonising agenda. Deeply listening to my research participants was central in challenging me to engage in decolonising research practices and epistemologies. The process of having to explain my research to the participants, in our indigenous language, led me to a journey of re-valuing, recognising, and drawing on indigenous African epistemologies as the foundation for the methods, ethics and methodology for my research. The main lesson from this experience and the major message for researchers and research educators is about the urgent need and responsibility to challenge and disrupt the ongoing colonial thinking and teaching where African indigenous knowledges, languages, ways of knowing, are continuously marginalised, if not erased. Discussions of ongoing colonisation in research education and practice are presented, followed by examples of decolonised African research methods and ethics. A call to action to decolonisation concludes the article. PubDate: 2022-08-01 Issue No:Vol. 12, No. 4 (2022)
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