German-African research co-operation: practices, problems and policies

This paper provides some insights into the policies, practices and problems of German-African co-operation in research projects conducted in Africa. Differences in interests, knowledge domains and competences, in economic, social and political situations, a lack of awareness thereof, power imbalances and a lack of management skills can severely impede a fruitful co-operation. These factors are compounded by institutional constraints in the German academic sector. Germany seems to be conspicuously absent as a participant in international debates and (development) policies of research co-operation between countries of the North and the South. Research funding policies are at great variance with the complex realities particularly in African countries. A critical analysis of policies and practices of research co-operation elsewhere could contribute to a revision of some of the current policies of research funding organisations in Germany.