Participatory Research and Popular Education in Africa

Abstract

Participatory research and popular education are critical frameworks for engaging oppressed communities in the study of their exploitation, aiming at fostering political consciousness and social transformation. This paper explores the theoretical underpinnings of participatory research as a component of historical materialist practice, its strategic importance in class struggle, and its role in bridging the divide between mental and manual labor. Emphasis is placed on the African context, examining its distinct experiences with participatory research in contrast to other regions such as Latin America. The evolution of participatory research in Africa, its integration into development projects, and the influence of colonial and neocolonial legacies are critically analyzed. The author also delves into debates surrounding methodologies, ideological differences, and the contributions of participatory research to social movements and national development.