PPIFA serves as a research hub and repository for studies and training materials on family life in Africa—advancing knowledge that informs both Church policy and pastoral practice across the continent.
Informing pastoral practice
Family life in Africa faces diverse and evolving challenges—from early marriage and polygamy to domestic violence, substance abuse, and the effects of the digital world. Yet the research base on how these pressures affect African families is limited.
PPIFA exists to fill this gap. Our research initiative documents the lived realities of African families, evaluates the effectiveness of pastoral interventions, and develops a growing repository of studies and training materials on family life in Africa.
Our findings inform bishops, diocesan family life directors, pastoral agents, and policymakers—both within the Church and beyond—helping them respond effectively to the real needs of families across the continent.
"Advancing knowledge through evidence-based studies, innovative research projects, and academic collaborations that create meaningful social impact."
Our research agenda is shaped by the real challenges facing African families and the needs of the pastoral agents who serve them.
Studying marriage preparation, family formation, marital stability, and the cultural factors that strengthen or strain African marriages.
Investigating domestic violence, addiction, trauma, mental health, and other crises—and identifying effective pastoral responses.
Exploring how faith is passed between generations, how families grow as domestic churches, and how catechesis supports family life.
Examining how urbanization, migration, globalization, and digital media are reshaping family structures and relationships.
Evaluating what works—assessing the impact of Cana, Marriage Encounter, Retrouvaille, and other family ministry movements.
Understanding the attitudes, hopes, and fears of young Africans toward marriage, family, faith, and their future.
PPIFA is building a comprehensive repository of family life research, training materials, and pastoral resources—freely available to pastoral agents, educators, and researchers across Africa.
Research Publications
Peer-reviewed studies & reports
Training Materials
Curricula & teaching resources
Pastoral Guides
Resources for family ministry
Data & Statistics
Family life data for Africa
Explore our latest research publications—each one designed to inform pastoral practice and strengthen families across Africa.
A landmark study of families across the AMECEA region—documenting the challenges, strengths, and pastoral needs of African families today.
Read Report
A multi-country evaluation of how Marriage Encounter weekends affect marital satisfaction, communication, and faith in African couples.
Read Report
A survey of young adults across Africa on their views of marriage, family, faith, and the future they hope to build.
Read ReportWe welcome collaboration with universities, research institutions, dioceses, and pastoral organizations. Together, we can build the knowledge base needed to strengthen African families.
