Knowledge Production Department

Formally known as the Research Unit, Knowledge Production Department’s strategic objective is to establish ACCORD as a positive and constructive learning organisation that enhances policy, research and practice in the field of conflict management. In addition to ACCORD’s Interventions Department, Knowledge Production collaborates with the University of Uppsala’s Department of Peace and Conflict Research (DPCR) as well as the Nordic Africa Institute (NAI) to:

• Produce experientially-based, academically rigorous knowledge that is relevant to conflict management practitioners, governments, civil society and organisations.
• Provide a learning platform for the exchange of knowledge, practical and academic research in order to build research capacity, enhance interventions and contribute to policy development.

The Department also produces the African Journal on Conflict Resolution which publishes the writings of a wide range of African and International authors in the field of Conflict Management, as well as Conflict Trends which is a voice of peace and provides an understanding of the true causes of conflict and violence in the continent. It also conducts research and publishes ACCORD reports and Occasional Papers.

From 2009 – 2011, the department will focus on three key topical areas related to ACCORD’s work and to conflict management in Africa:

• Peace agreements and the theory and practice of conflict resolution.
• Development and conflict in Africa.
• Peacebuilding in South Africa.

Outcomes and Impact

Through cooperation across the policy, practice and research spectrum, Knowledge Production will:

• Contribute and support the work of researchers and practitioners, specifically in post-conflict settings. .
• Involve policymakers in international, regional and national institutions in peacebuilding at a practical level.
• Inform theoretical and conceptual perspectives in collaboration with our academic partners in Africa and beyond.
• Strengthen ACCORD’s capacity building and training programmes for African peacemakers and peacekeepers.
• Introduce ideas and insights relating to transitions, co-existence and the implementation of peace agreements.