NOP Nordic Journal of African Studies issue 21 (2012)

The Nordic Journal of African Studies (NJAS) promotes the study of a variety of topics relating to the African continent, as well as to Africans living abroad. Focus areas are culture, language, history and literature, but contributions from neighbouring fields, in particular the social sciences, are considered. The intended output is a yearly issue of approximately 400 pages in four volumes. This amounts to approximately 16-20 articles. The articles represent current and original research. Before public ation, a thorough double-blind peer review process takes place. At least two referees give their statement before the editorial decides on acceptance/rejection, or makes a recommendation for revision. In the past, the Nordic journal has fulfilled the purp ose of provding a forum for Nordic researchers (including foreigners with a temporary base in one of the Nordic countries). At the same time, it has made these research activities visible to a broader international audience. Academics working in the field of African studies outside the Nordic countries are generally aware of the NJAS, which enjoys a better than average reputation among these. The journal is recognized as a serious and competitive publication channel for academic research output by peers a nd institutions involved in the management and political arenas of tertiary education and research (e.g., accredited several countries). We apply for funding for the year 2012, in order to cover expenses that have to do mainly with the technical aspects (editing, typesetting, project management, secretarial task). In the course of 2012 we hope complete our current re-structuring, which entails a strengthend collaboration with the Nordic Africa Institute, and other scholars and institution (most important ly from Gothenburg, Trondheim, and Oslo). A key aspect of this restructuring concerns the professionalisation of the administrative and secretarial tasks.