Chapter 1: Introduction: Research Capacity for Evidence Informed Policy Making in Africa -- Chapter 2: Policy Analysis and Innovation: Why Social Science matters for Public Policy -- Chapter 3: Social Science Foundations of Public Policy -- Chapter 4: Research Methods for Public Policy -- Chapter 5: Governance and Politics of Public Policy in Africa -- Chapter 6: Contemporary Issues in Public Policy -- Chapter 7: Political Economy of Public Policy -- Chapter 8: Leadership, Governance and Public Policy in Africa -- Chapter 9: Gender, Diversity and Public Policy -- Chapter 10: Global Context of Public Policy -- Chapter 11: From Research to Policy Action: Research Communication for Public Policy Making -- Chapter 12: Conclusion: Towards excellence in Research, learning and teaching Public Policy.

Open Access

“Each of the authors in this volume speak with authority and clarity, informed by both personal experience as university teachers and researchers of public policy in Africa… This book is a must read for scholars and students.” —Peter Wanyande, Professor of Political Science, University of Nairobi, Kenya This open access book responds to the need for a specifically African focus on public policy. It outlines the fundamental principles of public policy research, and engages with major issues in the study of public policy from an African perspective, covering essential topics such as the location and centrality of social sciences in relation to public policy, leadership, methodology, institutions, governance, and gender. This book is essential for understanding the various aspects and dimensions of policy making in Africa that underscore quality research and are at the core of excellence in teaching and learning. E. Remi Aiyede is Professor of Political Institutions, Governance and Public Policy in the Department of Political Science, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Beatrice Muganda is the Deputy Executive Director and Director of Higher Education at the Partnership for African Social and Governance Research (PASGR), a pan-African not-for-profit organization based in Nairobi, Kenya.