UNIMA appointed as Afrobarometer Survey Support Unit

In a landmark development, the University of Malawi has been selected as the latest survey support unit for Afrobarometer, a prestigious pan-African research network that conducts public attitude surveys on democracy, governance, the economy, and society. This strategic partnership marks a new era of collaboration between UNIMA and Afrobarometer, aimed at advancing research excellence and impactful engagement across the continent. 

In its report dated 21st February 2024, the research network, which is headquartered in Ghana, announced the partnership which will see UNIMA supporting the Afrobarometer in data collection, analysis, and dissemination while fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration among Afrobarometer's partners including UNIMA’s Centre for Social Research (CSR) which serves as a National Partner to Afrobarometer, responsible for survey activities in Malawi.

The Department of Politics and Government, under the School of Law, Economics, and Government at UNIMA will house the new support unit. According to Dr. Boniface Dulani, the Director of Surveys at Afrobarometer, the Survey Unit will among other things; oversee Afrobarometer’s survey operations; provide capacity building for data collection and analysis; and provide training for partners, journalists, legislators, civil society representatives, and students on how to collect, analyze, and communicate public opinion data. 

UNIMA’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Samson Sajidu, said that the establishment of the Afrobarometer survey support unit marks an important milestone in recognizing UNIMA’s contribution to survey research in Malawi and across Africa.

“Through this support unit, UNIMA will not only be at the forefront of pioneering innovations in survey research, but it will further serve as an important hub for building research capacity across the African continent,” he said.

The Executive Dean of the School of Law, Economics, and Government, Professor Happy Kayuni, acknowledged the benefit that this collaboration will bring to UNIMA, stating that the University and the Department will expand its network within the region and beyond. “The appointment of UNIMA as Afrobarometer’s Survey Unit is also aligned with the internationalization agenda that UNIMA is vigorously pursuing. The footprint of both UNIMA and the Department of Politics and Government will definitely be strengthened."

This development comes as good news not only to the University and the department but to UNIMA students as well. Dr. Michael Chasukwa, Head of the Department of Politics and Government, emphasizes the involvement of students in the activities of the survey support unit.

“Students will be involved in some of the activities of the survey support unit. The unit has an element of capacity building and students will be trained in different aspects of the survey including questionnaire development, managing fieldwork, data analysis, and dissemination strategies. The aim is to boost, develop, and strengthen survey skills not just for UNIMA students but also for students in other African universities,” he said.

The involvement of UNIMA students in the survey unit's activities highlights the university's dedication to nurturing the skills of future researchers and professionals. Through participation in various aspects of the survey processes, students stand to gain hands-on experience in real-world research settings. This engagement will not only enrich their academic journey but also equip them with valuable skills that are highly sought after in both academic and professional contexts. Additionally, by extending this opportunity beyond UNIMA to students in other African universities, the survey unit contributes to the broader goal of enhancing research capacity and fostering collaboration across the continent.