Wicked Problems in Africa: A Systematic Literature Review

The theory of wicked problems, originating from Western academic discussion, has evolved since the 2000s toward a universal diagnostic societal challenges. In this article, we employ systematic literature review to investigate application concept problems in studies focusing on African context. Our aim is understand additional value and limitations using non-Western frame reference. We conclude that remains underutilized concentrating Africa; moreover, when it used, mainly by academics or Anglophone origin. Overall, applied descriptively rather than theoretically. Based analysis themes issues characterized as wicked, elaborate typology takes account concrete “manifestations” (e.g., health such AIDS/HIV its treatment history) “mechanisms” historical path dependency) condition presence article contributes developing distinguishes between interlinked contextual (often through “dual wickedness”), proposes can become exacerbated two dimensions are simultaneously present.