WHY WE DO RESEARCH AND LINK IT WITH COMMUNITIES BY DR. OKODAN AKWAP 5th ANNUAL RESEARCH WORKSHOP AT KUMI UNIVERSITY ON 09/11/ 2017
WORDS OF WISDOM THE ROOTS OF EDUCATION ARE BITTER BUT THE FRUIT IS SWEET – ARISTOTLE. INVESTMENT IN KNOWLEDGE PAYS THE BEST INTEREST – BENJAMIN FRANKLIN.
WHY DO WE DO RESEARCH? Tool to generate new knowledge or validate/refine existing knowledge Investigate and uncover unknown. Highlight problems and concerns. Support and justify existing action. Good way to develop solutions. Not enough research. More needed.
WHY LINK WITH COMMUNITY? Before beginning a project, know the needs of community members. This research can then help you to design your project or programme. Research can cause you to add or subtract something in the program Or you can change plans altogether
Increase trust in community organizations and governance. WHY ENGAGE LOCALS? Projects/solutions will be accepted. Drawing on local knowledge/skills. Build locals’ problem-solving skills. Give locals control over their lives. Create local networks of members. Increase trust in community organizations and governance.
STAGES OF RESEARCH Conceptual phase – research topic Design and planning stage - Chapter 1,2 & 3. Data collection stage Data analysis stage Report writing stage
REFERENCES Bassler, A. (2008). Developing Effective Citizen Engagement: A Guide for Community Leaders. New York: Center for Rural America. Center for Economic and Community Development. (2010). Why Community Engagement Matters. Harrisburg: Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences. Government of Canada. (2012). Creating Impact Within The Community. Ottawa: Dept. of Justice.