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Beyond Wishful Thinking: The Promise of Science Engagement at the Community Level in Africa

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  • Jimoh Amzat

    (Department of Sociology, Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto and University of Johannesburg, Department of Sociology, Johannesburg)

Abstract

This article discusses the impediments to science-community engagement and identifies five forms of underdevelopment sentiments: primordial, mystical, ethnoreligious, conspiracy, and fatalistic. It also critically examines wishful thinking, which takes the form of superficial recommendations that do not hold any implications for society except on the paper on which they are written. This article argues that both inadequate community-science engagement and wishful thinking are inimical to the African transformation agenda. The article explains community engagement (CE) as a “practical†paradigm and approach to action research, which provides a way of moving beyond wishful thinking. CE is an implementation research approach that can replace wishful thinking with practical solutions by building a community’s capacity to address its issues scientifically and sustainably. The article concludes that it is through engagement with science and community-oriented implementation research that desired transformations can be achieved in Africa.

Suggested Citation

  • Jimoh Amzat, 2020. "Beyond Wishful Thinking: The Promise of Science Engagement at the Community Level in Africa," Journal of Developing Societies, , vol. 36(2), pages 206-228, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jodeso:v:36:y:2020:i:2:p:206-228
    DOI: 10.1177/0169796X20910600
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Heller, J., 2015. "Rumors and realities: Making sense of HIV/AIDS conspiracy narratives and contemporary legends," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 105(1), pages 43-50.
    2. Eric Luis Uhlmann & Anthony Bastardi & Lee Ross, 2011. "Wishful Thinking: Belief, Desire, and the Motivated Evaluation of Scientific Evidence," Post-Print hal-00609541, HAL.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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