Abstract

This chapter responds to the widespread resistance among social scientists against the perceived inappropriate research regulatory procedures applicable to research of a generally low risk nature. Considering the unique collection of risks and opportunities in Africa, and as risk and risk assessment is socially constructed and subjective in nature, we propose a caring, context informed and dialogical approach to risk assessment in social and human science research in Africa. This chapter suggests that the dialogical approach include various stakeholders, such as universities and researchers, individual and collective human research participants, as well as the diversity of national and transnational societies. Such an approach will care for the diverse interests of research stakeholders in Africa.