Articles · Vol. 10 No. 1 (2012): Journal of Higher Education in Africa · Pages pp. 1–21

1 - Participatory Action Research as a Platform for Community Engagement in Higher Education

  • Godwell Nhamo
    Godwell Nhamo https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5465-2168 (unauthenticated)
    is a Full Professor, Chief Researcher and Chair for the Exxaro Chair in Climate and Sustainability Transitions at the University of South Africa (Unisa). He is an NRF C3 rated researcher in the fields of Green Economy, Climate Change Governance and Sustainable Development and...
    Their articles →
Vol. 10 · 2012 No. 1 Journal of Higher Education in Africa JHEA

Abstract

Institutions of higher education throughout the world have reached con- sensus in terms of their core business, defined through: (1) teaching and learning, (2) research and (3) community engagement. Of these three areas of focus, community engagement has posed serious challenges in terms of clear cut methodologies and measurability. While the ‘why’ question of com- munity engagement may be understood, the ‘how to do it’ questions need attention. This has also raised anxiety amongst staff, who are expected to perform and get rewards for community engagement. It is against this back- ground that this article argues for Participatory Action Research (PAR) as an enabling platform for community engagement in higher education.

The argument and assumption is that PAR provides a two-way engagement process that locks in both the researchers and communities they will be reaching, in seeking to solve community problems. PAR moves higher edu- cation from linear-oriented research to web-oriented systematic cycles of inquiry that involve planning, asking questions, taking action, observing, evaluating and critically reflecting, prior to planning the next cycles. Com- munity problems that could be addressed through PAR include those aris- ing from environmental damage (including climate change), HIV and AIDS, lack of service delivery, politics and many more.

Keywords

Educations HIV AIDS RAP

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Author Biography

  • Godwell Nhamo

    is a Full Professor, Chief Researcher and Chair for the Exxaro Chair in Climate and Sustainability Transitions at the University of South Africa (Unisa). He is an NRF C3 rated researcher in the fields of Green Economy, Climate Change Governance and Sustainable Development and has published widely in these areas. Prof Nhamo has over 20 years of work experience drawn from a mix of academic and consultancy spheres. Among his offerings are 17 books (13 edited and 4 co-authored) and over 100 journal articles and many book chapters. Since 2013, Prof Nhamo has graduated 11 PhDs, is currently supervising 6 others and has hosted 11 postdoctoral fellows from across Africa. Professor Nhamo set in a number of both international and national boards and technical panels addressing issues in his research space. Professor Nhamo has received many awards and recognitions that include: Unisa Chairperson of Council Award of Excellence in Overall Job Performance and Community Service (twice), Unisa Vice Chancellor Award of Research Excellence (three times) and Unisa Prestigious External Research Award and Recognition (2018). He was also a 2015/6 finalist in the prestigious South Africa National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) GreenMatter Category for outstanding contributions in biodiversity conservation, sustainability and green economy, a 2017 Semi-Finalist in the CEO Global Titans Awards and in 2017, recognized for the Rhodes University Distinguished Old Rhodian Award for having reached exceptional heights in his chosen career by maintaining excellence in the field and service to society. Prof Nhamo also developed a five-week long course on ‘Post COVID-19 and Low Carbon Transition’ for IDEP/UNECA to be offered from 20 September 2021. Prof Nhamo was one of the four-member African Union High Level Panel drafting the Green Innovation Framework for the continent and is also one of the experts for the Non-economic Losses (NELs) Group under the UNFCCC Warsaw International Mechanisms on Loss and Damage. Finally, Prof Nhamo designed a Post COVID-19 Low Carbon Transition 5-weeks course for UN IDEP.

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