Cross-interviews : geographers’ courses in and on Africa, with Armelle Choplin, Fatoumata Coulibaly, Géraud Magrin et Harouna Mounkaila

Abstract

Two cross-examined interviews reveal stimulating paths, genealogies, experiences and perspectives on the contemporary production of geographical knowledge in and about Africa. The four colleagues interviewed, from different African and European institutions, shared with us their reflexivity as being a geographer addressing developments issues and ways of doing filedwork on that continent. They highlight the emergence of an autonomous African production, which is contributing to renew our knowledge as well as the discipline. They refer to research objects, field practices and stressed the need for a new narrative. The dialogue is articulating the claims in favor of a useful knowledge and the desire to forge new concepts within the social sciences.