Insight. Impact. Innovation.

Our Research

CORN’s research focus is centered on governance, politics, economy, and development, and how these factors intersect with conflict, peacebuilding, and insecurity in West Africa. Our approach to conflict, peacebuilding, and insecurity goes beyond traditional perspectives, incorporating contemporary insights from West African scholars based on empirical and historical studies. CORN West Africa’s research is driven by its Research Working Groups, which function as “Think Tanks” addressing critical issues in conflict, peacebuilding, and security. The Working Groups bring together multidisciplinary teams to research and provide answers to questions on fragility, violence and conflict in the region. The guiding principles of CORN’s research approach include:

CORN works with industry, community organizations, professional bodies, and government entities at all levels, both within and beyond the West African continent.

Guided by our principle of “Impact Research,” CORN prioritizes research excellence, policy development, and implementation aimed at delivering practical solutions to security, violence, and conflict challenges.

CORN is dedicated to generating and applying new knowledge. Our research focuses on producing meaningful and innovative contributions that support the development and advancement of our communities.

Our research outputs are aligned with our priority areas, which have evolved in response to CORN’s recognition of the need for deeper exploration into complex issues affecting West Africa. These priority areas are designed to address critical challenges and enhance the impact and engagement of our research. By focusing on these areas, CORN aims to generate evidence for policy and programmatic actions, and strengthen its capacity to deliver timely research. This approach will foster a dynamic research environment for our members and promote collaborative research efforts, ultimately contributing to fulfilment of CORN’s vision and mission.