A theory, which is a coherent statement or set of ideas that explain observed facts or phenomena not previously observed, is very important in the quest for knowledge on how a society is run. A theory is simply an explanation or interpretation of collected data into terms which provide a better understanding of how things work in such society (a better understanding of reality).
The study of the peoples of Africa (ie the people who make up various cultures in Africa/ the cultures present in Africa) often leads to a series of rather complex phenomena which although usually inexplicable from a distance, become a tad simplified when interpreted from the anthropological perspective. Though these interpretations are not always sufficient, as most times, they seem to have a lot of loopholes which include the fact that a lot of data may not have been collated from proper sources and some information are degrading because they cruelly portray Africa in a bad light. In the quest for more knowledge about Africa to be discovered, there is a need for African theories to be formulated.
There is a need for African theories, because the complex phenomenon of African experiences needs to be reduced to a simple way of understanding it. The different factors which contribute to the proper functioning of African societies need to be examined and picked apart under the lenses of change and how they have been affected by the various events which have occurred in African history.
There exists a need for African theories, as there is a need for an unbiased interpretation of data collected either directly, through personal experiences/ interaction with members of a particular society, or indirectly, through the perusal of texts/documents or oral tradition. As opposed to interpretations previously rendered, which are tainted by ethnocentrism. African societies and philosophies should be studied as ends in their own, rather than in comparison with western development.
African theories, if formulated, would be useful as they would give bountiful explanations to various questions which have remained without sufficient answers for decades. Questions such as:
- Why are Africans the way they are?
- Why are the cultures so different, yet so intrinsically linked/similar?
- How have the different experiences by the peoples of the different cultures given rise to a similar situation termed “The African Condition”?
Also, African theories would be useful for shedding light on the origin of African societies i.e how African societies were formed and what has aided the disparities that can be observed. African theories can also be used to trace the development of Africa and what patterns have been followed.
The formulation of African theories is very important as they would help study causative factors that helped make Africa what it is today and even help form new perspectives on how the people of Africa can advance.