Research is, generally, the foundation of social development. It is not only the source of innovations but also the key to economic and social progress. Given the ineffective economic and social policies, the increasing marginalisation of African peoples and the continuous deterioration of their living and working conditions, trade unions need to urgently and continuously do research to support their actions and inform decision-makers about the need to take some measures. Without rigorous research activities on development policies and issues, African trade unions may not be able to fully participate in social dialogue.
If the above-mentioned assumption is true, then to what extent is research important within the African trade union movement? Under what conditions or circumstances do trade union organisations carry out surveys or researches? What are the challenges facing trade union research? What should be done to promote trade union research on the continent?
This study, conducted by ITUC-Africa under its 2008-2011 Strategic Plan through the project "Strengthening ITUC-Africa’s interventions in the area of economic and social policy" with financial support from SASK, the Finnish trade union centre, attempts to provide an answer to each of these questions.
