A reflection on the use of case studies as a methodology for social learning research in sub Saharan Africa

Highlights• Case studies are a necessary approach to social learning research because long term process analyses are required that are sensitive to social-ecological contexts• Social learning research tends to focus on initiating, tracking and/or understanding a process of change• Social learning research tends to be conducted over the long term• Social learning research is characterised by an action research agenda, at least in developing countries• Social learning research is based on temporal, process based analysis of data coupled with in-depth theoretical analysis.