Independent Africa, Dependent Science: Scientific Research in Africa (Sustainable Development Goals Series)

This book offers an examination of Africa’s scientific landscape based on extensive empirical data encompassing fifty-four African countries. It traces the evolution of science on the continent, highlighting research areas, global partnerships, funding sources, research capacity, and the impact of science policies. Acknowledging that Africa relies heavily on external sources, particularly from the Global North, for scientific research, the book identifies and addresses obstacles hindering self-reliance and underscores the urgent need for revitalized partnerships and cooperation to bolster Africa's scientific autonomy. It offers valuable recommendations to promote self-reliance, making it an indispensable resource for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners. Preface About the Book Contents About the Author Abbreviations List of Figures List of Maps List of Tables 1: Science, Dependency and Africa Introduction Africa and Science Developmental Dimension Partnership Funding Dependency Indicators of Science: GDP, GERD and Researchers References 2: Researching Science in Africa Introduction Science for Development Studying Science in Africa Objectives of the Study Research Questions Theoretical Background Sustainability in Development Social Capital Social Network Analysis Self-Determination Theory Dependency Theory Methodology and Data References 3: Science Production in Africa: Analysis of Scientific Publications Introduction Science Publications from Africa Research Areas Africa Versus World Prominent Research Areas in Africa Institutions of Scientific Research Funding Agencies Conclusion References 4: Partnerships in African Science Introduction International Partners of Africa South–North Partnership African Partners and Their Partners South–South Partnership Partnerships Within Africa South–South–North Partnership Discussion References 5: Major Research Areas Introduction Chemistry Publications in Chemistry Major Countries in Chemistry Research International Partners of Africa in Chemistry Research Institutions Involved in Chemistry Research Funding for Research in Chemistry Engineering Publications in Engineering Major Countries in Engineering Research International Partners of Africa in Engineering Research Institutions Involved in Engineering Research Funding for Research in Engineering Physics Publications in Physics Major Countries in Physics Research International Partners of Africa in Physics Research Institutions Involved in Physics Research Funding for Research in Physics Environmental Sciences/Ecology Publications in Environmental Sciences/Ecology Major Countries in Environmental Sciences/Ecology Research International Partners of Africa in Environmental Sciences/Ecology Research Institutions Involved in Environmental Sciences/Ecology Research Funding for Research in Environmental Sciences/Ecology Materials Science Publications in Materials Science Major Countries in Materials Science Research International Partners of Africa in Materials Science Research Institutions Involved in Materials Science Research Funding for Research in Materials Science Conclusion References 6: Barriers to Self-Reliance Introduction Partnerships Funding Blues Research Capacity Policy Imperatives Conclusion References 7: African Science: Realities, Possibilities Introduction The Present Partnership Concerns Approaches to Funding A More Self-Reliant Science Conclusion References Index