Identifying Barriers and Solutions to Building African Research Capacity in Geoscience and Adjacent Fields
Abstract Africa currently accounts for 18% of the world's population yet produces less than 2% of global research. This study examines the barriers faced by African researchers in geoscience and adjacent fields to research productivity and publication, as well as explores how these scientists v...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
American Geophysical Union (AGU)
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Earth and Space Science |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1029/2025EA004206 |
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| Summary: | Abstract Africa currently accounts for 18% of the world's population yet produces less than 2% of global research. This study examines the barriers faced by African researchers in geoscience and adjacent fields to research productivity and publication, as well as explores how these scientists view collaboration with international partners. A survey instrument was distributed via email through four partnering networks. We surveyed researchers across 12 countries; however, the respondent pool was dominated by those from Nigeria and Ghana. The results of this survey show that insufficient financial support, unreliable internet access, and limited career development opportunities are key barriers to research output. Interestingly, a lack of knowledge on how to collaborate regionally may be a previously underappreciated barrier. Despite many journals offering fee waivers, financial constraints in publishing are perceived to be a substantial barrier. In contrast to previous studies, most respondents did not view language barriers or writing skills as a significant issue. Collaboration with international partners was viewed positively by respondents, the majority of whom also indicated a belief that international collaborations benefit African and international partners equally. African researchers felt they could conduct research without expertise from international partners, but not without financial aid. Further research is needed to explore the potential discrepancy in how African researchers view their ability to write scientifically, and how journal editors may view these skills. In parallel, efforts to enhance the visibility of African researchers in high‐impact journals may help ensure broader inclusion of perspectives on challenges facing their continent. |
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| ISSN: | 2333-5084 |