Needed Research in Intergenerational Pathways for Strengthening Communities in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

This study is intended to fill the gaps that exist in the scholarship on the kind of research that would be needed now in attempts that are being made to explore intergenerational pathways for strengthening communities in Sub-Saharan Africa. It examines existing research on the subject in terms of its quantity and quality in order to find ways of promoting intergenerational policies and practices in the region and attempts to confirm the common assumption among practitioners that, in every community, intergenerational practices notably try to capture the most daunting challenges confronting the people. In the case of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), such major challenges have been well-espoused in the literature. But we can add to them the value of research. The challenge posed by sustained research is reasonable; and is probably made worse by the relative lack of visible and specific government policies for promoting intergenerational innovations in the construction of viable and resilient SSA communities. The findings depict the major themes in research and the gaps that need to be addressed so as to accelerate the growth of intergenerational pathways for strengthening communities in SSA.

KEYWORDS:

• communities
• intergenerational practices
• intergenerational innovations
• HIV/AIDS
• social organization
• intergenerational pathways