UNESCO Social and Human Sciences
 
You are in the MOST Phase I website (1994-2003).
The MOST Phase II website is available at: www.unesco.org/shs/most.
 

 
Ethno-Net Africa

A network for comparative studies,
monitoring and evaluation of ethnic conflicts
and social transformation in Africa


© UNESCO, G. Solinís		  

Ethno-Net Africa is a UNESCO-MOST network of African social scientists engaged in comparative research, monitoring and evaluation of ethnic conflicts and social change in Africa. It attempts to address ethnic issues in a more constructive, comparative and regional perspective, identifying common denominators and drawing lessons from experiences in specific countries and regions. One of its main objectives is to fill the existing gaps in our knowledge and understanding of issues of ethnicity and culture in order to contribute to conflict resolution and prevention. In this perspective, it also aims at providing appropriate solutions to policy makers in need of advice on ethnic oriented problems. 
 

OBJECTIVES

The main objective of the network is to provide a better understanding of the ethnicity and ethnic conflicts in Africa by collecting, analysing and disseminating information in an effort to provide an early warning system and prevent conflicts. 

Specific objectives include:

    a) monitoring, study and evaluation of ethnic conflicts in order to minimize and resolve ethnic conflicts;
    b) conduct comparative research on specific ethnic issues in a number of African countries;
    c) capacity building: training and mentoring of young scholars;
    d) establish and maintain a database on ethnic conflicts

ACTIVITIES (1996-1998)

a) National Monitoring Units were established in Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Nigeria, Togo, Uganda, Zambia; 

b) Leaders of national teams were trained in the collection and analysis of data; 

c) A database has been established in Yaounde, Cameroon that collects, analyses and updates data sent in by national teams or co-ordinators; 

d) Publications/Documentation: The Network has produced three major documents:

    1) Ethno-Net: Multi-ethnicity, Multi-culturalism in Africa, edited by Nkwi and Jua
    2) Bibliography on Ethnicity and Ethnic Conflict, edited by Nkwi and Njilie
    3) Rapport Général sur Ethno-Net Afrique

ACTIVITIES (1999-2001)

a) conduct comparative research in African countries on ethnicity, politics and development;
b) organise a conference on Complex Political Emergencies in Africa;
c) continue to update the existing database;
d) publish outcomes of Ethno-Net research;
e) contribute to the establishment of a UNESCO Chair on ethnicity .
 

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

The network is expected to constitute a database not only on ethnic conflicts and social transformation but will provide also basic information to governments, national and international institutions seeking lasting solutions to multi-ethnic and multi-cultural problems. Ethno-Net Africa will also be a resource centre with the capacity to respond to any ethnic issues or problems in Africa. Its comparative perspective will serve as a theoretical and practical model for the understanding of ethnic problems. As a cross-cultural institution, Ethno-Net Africa, will digest and circulate information through its bimonthly newsletter. Other products of the network will include the following:

  • Update of ENA Homepage on Internet;
  • Publication and circulation of a newsletter and a major publication (book);
  • Update of Database on ethnic issues and problems;
  • Enhancement of conflict prevention by working closely with decision-makers and stakeholders;
  • Functioning of national networks acting as resource centres on ethnicity;
  • Capacity building : training and mentoring of young scholars in a number of African universities and research institutions.

For further information about the Ethno-net project, please contact:

To MOST Clearing House Homepage