representatives of different donor agencies in different African countries volunteered views, ranging from frustration to despair, about the poor record of university research bodies and departments in the management of research grants. One key figure in research promotion in one of the sub-regions declared categorically that, with one exception, he had abandoned grant-making to universities. The only way, in his view, to achieve results was to support individual researchers with a proven track-record in research completion and financial accountability. Another grant manager, across the continent, stated that he had written off university grant-making after years of dashed expectations, and would henceforth direct his grant budget to research networks.

These are not the views of prejudiced or inexperienced individuals who know nothing about the difficulties under which African universities and academics are labouring. They indicate a serious problem for universities and donors alike, as well as bodies responsible for national science policy and regional scientific organizations. Many universities claim an absolute shortage of research funds. At the same time, several donors complain that their research grants are not spent, or are misdirected, or go unreported.