The 25th Annual Conference, AMEU, Monrovia, Liberia, March 17-19, 2022

Theme:  Africa During Times of Challenges, Transition and Change.

Brief Description:

The 25^th annual conference of the African Studies and Research Forum (ASRF), to be held at the African Methodist Episcopal University, Monrovia, Liberia invites participants to submit and present papers and roundtables on a wide range of evolving challenges and transition facing the African continent in the 21^ST Century. African states are foregrounded with several social, economic, and political challenges, such as the COVID – 19 Pandemic, food security, declining infrastructures, national and sub regional insecurity, migration problems, and the continuous role of major powers in Africa.  The foregoing challenges have further depended the fragility of African states and have raised questions of how one should better examine these challenges in the post-colonial context. The broadness of the thematic focus of this conference allows for presentation of papers, organization of round- tables by academics and development practitioners that will enable country -based case studies, empirical studies and interdisciplinary research work.  The following are some of the themes and emerging issues to be addressed at the conference:

• Food Security and COVID-19 Pandemic
• Conflict and Politics
• Beyond Covid-19, Emerging Scientific innovations and Multi-Sectoral Advancement in Africa
• Healthcare Delivery System and  Infrastructure
• Education, Literacy, and Development         
• Gender, Masculinity, and Identity – a regional and continental response
• The SDG and the Challenges of Development in Africa– by 2030
• Africa and Debt Crisis in the New Millennium
• The role of Non-State Actors and Development
• State Formations and State Fragilities          
• Migration and Development

The conference seeks to bring together researchers, academics, advocates, artists and film-makers from across Africa, the Diaspora and around the world. In keeping with the spirit of diversity, we welcome abstracts for individual papers and roundtables that engage with various theoretical and methodological perspectives, topical issues, and policy-oriented solutions related to the conference’s theme.

Submission Guidelines

Cover Page: 

• Presentation title (15-word limit)
• Author(s) Full name(s) and contact information of principal presenter: affiliation, telephone number, mailing address, E-mail address. All return correspondence will be to this individual only.
• Full names, affiliations, and E-mail addresses of co-presenters (if any).

Paper Abstract

• Abstract (200-word limit for individual papers). An abstract should provide an extended description of the presentation for committee review.
• Presentation Summary (50-word limit): A brief description to be included in the conference program.
• Abstracts should be prepared for anonymous review (no reference to the author or the author’s home institution in the abstract).

To maximize participation opportunities at ASRF 2022, each individual scholar is allowed two single-authored contributions and one co-authored contribution (Presenting a paper, organizing a roundtable, and serving as a panel chair or discussant or as a roundtable moderator or participant each count as one contribution.)

Individual Papers

• Papers should be formal presentations that draw on theories and approaches of one or more topics related to the conference’s theme.
• Individual papers will be presented within a 15-minute period, plus 15 minutes for discussion.
• Each panel should have a Chair and a Discussant.

Roundtables

Each Roundtable:

• consists of four (4) participants plus one Convener/Moderator.
• involves the presentation of four oral presentations on a topic related to the conference’s theme, followed by a structured discussion of these presentations.
• Is typically scheduled for one-and-a-half hour blocks.
• expected to make a 15-minutes presentation, followed by the Moderator’s comments and a general discussion (20 minutes), for a total time of 95 minutes
• Conveners should submit the title of the roundtable as well as the name/title/institutional affiliation of each participant and the title of their presentation

Review Criteria

Review criteria include promise of an original and thoughtful contribution to the study of Africa; clarity and evidence of a well-organized, engaging presentation; and relevance to the ASRF 2022 theme. For roundtables, criteria also include topic relevance, as well as a clearly planned schedule of activities, with an appropriate amount of time for discussion and audience participation.

Volunteer Participation

Conference attendees are encouraged to volunteer for the following roles:

• Panel Chair
• Panel Discussant
• Roundtable Participant
• Roundtable Convener
• Moderator

How to Submit Abstract(s)

Please send your panel/roundtable  proposals and panel/paper abstract(s) to:  Oritsejafor, Emmanuel  or Appiah-Boateng Sabina as an E-mail attachment with a short note indicating your interest and the title ASRF Conference 2022 Paper Abstract/Roundtable on the subject line to the following E-mail address:  asrfconference2022@gmail.com

The abstract submission deadline is November 30, 2021. Early submissions are strongly encouraged.

Conference Registration: The registration fee is as follows:

Professionals (Developed Countries): $100.00

Students (Developed Countries): $50.00

Professionals (Developing Countries):$50.00

Students (Developing Countries): $25.00