The primary focus of this article is to express the challenges that hinder African scholars in their transition from academics into pursuing research careers. It is imperative that these challenges are not only rooted at the beginning of the research profession and recur with time, but are also embedded in the academic system from which these scholars graduate from.
Africa is the least industrialized continent (Alemayehu, 2000). Research is the nucleus of innovations which spurs industrial development. Therefore, African nations should be at the forefront in investing on their own researchers in articulating for the solutions to expedite industrialization.
Early career African researchers face multifaceted challenges that requires all stakeholders to expedite reforms for sustainable redress.
Governance issues; These problems cascade from the policies governing research to the actual monetary support for research by the governments and corporate institutions. In July 2015, Kenya hosted the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) steered by the President of the United States and Kenya's President. The forum featured some innovations from across the globe.
Africa is the least industrialized continent (Alemayehu, 2000). Research is the nucleus of innovations which spurs industrial development. Therefore, African nations should be at the forefront in investing on their own researchers in articulating for the solutions to expedite industrialization.
Early career African researchers face multifaceted challenges that requires all stakeholders to expedite reforms for sustainable redress.
Governance issues; These problems cascade from the policies governing research to the actual monetary support for research by the governments and corporate institutions. In July 2015, Kenya hosted the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) steered by the President of the United States and Kenya's President. The forum featured some innovations from across the globe.
There is need for setting up incubation hubs for innovative ideas and establishment of centres of excellence in research.
Access of funds from the parent institution: the challenge of administrative bureaucracy to access of grant after allocation and disbursement by the funding institutions is a recurrent challenge that requires meticulous review of policies. It is commendable that platforms such as the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) are positively influencing this agenda.
Lack of supporting systems for early career researchers. The current education system in most African countries emphasizes on rote learning reinforced by the high weight credited to the theory examination. This produces scholars whose minds are programmed to engage the taught concepts superficially to succeed in their examination. However, the practical application of the knowledge and the consideration of the big-picture in the principles is lost.
Lack of supporting systems for early career researchers. The current education system in most African countries emphasizes on rote learning reinforced by the high weight credited to the theory examination. This produces scholars whose minds are programmed to engage the taught concepts superficially to succeed in their examination. However, the practical application of the knowledge and the consideration of the big-picture in the principles is lost.
Dynamism of Research; Research is currently taking a multidisciplinary approach. In the recent past, the global scientific community has embarked on extensive collaborative approach to research. It is imperative therefore that the African researchers adapt this changes. Embracing technological advancement is key in adopting the dynamism in research.
Training gap in Learning institutions; Most institutions lack the systematic review of curriculum to streamline their course contents towards the current trends in the field of interest. This system restricts the learners primarily to theoretical as opposed to practical/ hands-on pedagogy; this is attributed to untimely curricula review, broad-based degree programmes as opposed to specialised training. Curriculum review streamlines trainees thinking towards the current global developments with a focus on practical applications locally. This is important for strategic pursuit of the continent's interest rather than blindly supporting the interest of others. This should not be misunderstood that the manpower developed is only suited for Africa but to enhance the global competitiveness of the continent.
Corruption
It is without doubt that corruption increases the cost of transacting business. The impact of corruption in conducting research in Africa is tremendous and continues to siphon billions from the public coffers. There is hope in few African nations whose leadership is committed to fight corruption.
Brain-drain
Due to the prevalent challenges that hinders nurturing of research career development in Africa; majority of African scholars who pursue their Doctoral studies in other continents seek to further their career prospects in the host countries initially as post doctoral fellows. This denies Africa the much needed manpower to add value to its vast natural resources which are exported and exploited by 1st World nations. This remains as a lost chance for the African continent. This continues to be a dire situation for African nations as most of its budding scholars always prefer to pursue their higher education in institutions for higher learning in other continents.
Conclusion and Recommendations
All these challenges inhibit the vibrant culture of research regardless of the field of study. Advocates for research-driven development require to achieve a buy-in from the government and institutions supporting research. It is the onus of African scholars to nurture sustainable solutions to the challenges facing fellow African scholars and unpacking the potential of their continent thorugh reforming their mindset, the education, governance and leadership systems.
References
Alemayehu, Makonnen, 2000, Industrializing Africa: Development Options and Challenges for the 21st Century, Trenton, NJ & Asmara, Africa World Press.
Training gap in Learning institutions; Most institutions lack the systematic review of curriculum to streamline their course contents towards the current trends in the field of interest. This system restricts the learners primarily to theoretical as opposed to practical/ hands-on pedagogy; this is attributed to untimely curricula review, broad-based degree programmes as opposed to specialised training. Curriculum review streamlines trainees thinking towards the current global developments with a focus on practical applications locally. This is important for strategic pursuit of the continent's interest rather than blindly supporting the interest of others. This should not be misunderstood that the manpower developed is only suited for Africa but to enhance the global competitiveness of the continent.
Corruption
It is without doubt that corruption increases the cost of transacting business. The impact of corruption in conducting research in Africa is tremendous and continues to siphon billions from the public coffers. There is hope in few African nations whose leadership is committed to fight corruption.
Brain-drain
Due to the prevalent challenges that hinders nurturing of research career development in Africa; majority of African scholars who pursue their Doctoral studies in other continents seek to further their career prospects in the host countries initially as post doctoral fellows. This denies Africa the much needed manpower to add value to its vast natural resources which are exported and exploited by 1st World nations. This remains as a lost chance for the African continent. This continues to be a dire situation for African nations as most of its budding scholars always prefer to pursue their higher education in institutions for higher learning in other continents.
Conclusion and Recommendations
All these challenges inhibit the vibrant culture of research regardless of the field of study. Advocates for research-driven development require to achieve a buy-in from the government and institutions supporting research. It is the onus of African scholars to nurture sustainable solutions to the challenges facing fellow African scholars and unpacking the potential of their continent thorugh reforming their mindset, the education, governance and leadership systems.
References
Alemayehu, Makonnen, 2000, Industrializing Africa: Development Options and Challenges for the 21st Century, Trenton, NJ & Asmara, Africa World Press.
