The challenge and role of psychology to development in Africa

Abstract

This paper examines the contribution of the discipline of psychology to nation building and the entire process of national development in Africa. It is argued that psychology has a significant role to play in solving educational, social, psychological, health and other related problems affecting developing countries. Due to problems of urbanization, modernization and westernisation, the need for adequately trained indigenous psychologists who can skilfully analyse and suggest solutions has been underscored. The use of proper methodological designs suitable to the African environment will have to be employed in order to avoid the pitfalls heretofore encountered by researchers in the interpretation of results arising from biased techniques. The complexity and diversity of cultures in African countries should enrich the research base for psychological investigations, which should in turn lead to wide-ranging solutions to the ensuing problems. The challenge and role of psychology to development in Africa cannot therefore be gainsaid.