The use and value of play: Perspectives from the continent of Africa – a scoping review

Abstract

Background Published play knowledge predominantly originates outside Africa. This review was undertaken to summarize sources on play originating from the continent of Africa. Objective To locate and summarize sources on the use and value of play in human development and learning from the African continent. Material and method Following the PRISMA Extension – Scoping Reviews guidelines, the initial search yielded 17,004 sources. Title and abstract screening identified 263 sources which were evaluated for eligibility namely; sources originating from the African continent, in any language, focussing on play as occupation. Results A total of 127 sources were included; 76 qualitative, 28 quantitative and 23 mixed design sources; 100 from Southern Africa. Nine themes emerged: Who plays, why, where and how individuals play, intentional use of play, play and adult-related work skills, what is used in play, time/duration of play and barriers to play. Conclusions Play was used effectively in human development and learning. Withholding play as a form of discipline, emphasized how adults and children valued play. Adults still loved playing. Safety concerns contributed to the reasons play occurred indoors more than outdoors, despite outdoor play being preferred. Significance The review provides a reference for play as an occupation which may promote learning and development.