Oyewole BK, Animasahun VJ, Chapman HJ

Language: English
References: 2
Page: 75-75
PDF size: 119.32 Kb.

ABSTRACT

Empowering scientific innovation, building knowledge management and strengthening research capacity across Africa are fundamental for improving high-level policy decision-making. Such contributions can distinguish the continent as a reputable source of scientific expertise, prepared to manage local and global challenges towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
However, lack of robust higher education policies and political commitment in African nations has affected scientific research training and overall knowledge productivity. This factor helps explain Africa’s abysmal research productivity, with the continent contributing just 1% of published global research findings.[1] Thus, we observe that while a research project is a minimum criterion for most undergraduate and graduate degrees, results are not reflected in the literature. One key to addressing this is to implement education policies that foster studies leading to dissertations that meet standards worthy of peer-reviewed journals. Even so, this cannot be the only goal of such policies: they must also prioritize those academic studies that address pressing real-world issues at local and national levels.

REFERENCES

1. Fonn S, Ayiro LP, Cotton P, Habib A, Mbithi PMF, Mtenje A, et al. Repositioning Africa in global knowledge production. Lancet. 2018 Sep 29;392(10153):1163−6.

2. Bardosh KL, Scoones JC, Grace D, Kalema-Zikusoka G, Jones KE, de Balogh K, et al. Engaging research with policy and action: what are the challenges of responding to zoonotic disease in Africa? Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 2017 Jul 19;372(1725): pii: 20160172. DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2016.0172.