The Handbook provides an overview of the progress that has been made towards improving access to legal aid services in criminal justice systems in Africa in order to assist policymakers, practitioners and all stakeholders (considered to include development partners, Governments, bar associations, NGOs and grassroots action groups) actively involved in criminal justice reform in three ways: by providing the general information needed for developing national legal aid service delivery strategies, by offering alternatives to conventional models of legal aid delivery and by outlining promising practices on the continent, some particularly suitable for post-conflict societies.

Some of the practices described in the Handbook, as well as its general guidance on management and administration of legal aid (Chapter VI), may be applicable to other regions, and the lessons learnt in Africa may be adapted to other circumstances or may already be in use (e.g. village mediation in Asia, training of defense lawyers in Afghanistan).
 
The Survey Report aims to provide a snapshot of access to legal aid in Africa. The purpose is to provide practitioners and policymakers with accurate and contemporary data to inform the development of legal aid strategies. The survey was conducted in 2010 and therefore some of its findings may need to be updated, however its general conclusions and observations are still valid in terms of identifying gaps and needs.