African Climate and Development Initiative Part of Scientific Boom
Over the past five years, Africa's contributions to the world's research -- that is, new knowledge -- have varied from a low of 0.7% to the present and highest level of 1.1%.
There are many reasons for Africa's small contribution to world research. One of them, sadly, is that at least some of this new knowledge is produced by African scientists working beyond their own countries and continent. Many have chosen to leave because they feel the facilities and funding opportunities are better than those "at home".
It's also important to point out that the sum of knowledge generated each year, including Africa's contribution to it, is measured using research articles published by scientists and scholars in scientifically recognised journals. This means some of the actual work that's being done isn't getting the attention or credit it deserves, yet. The journal system is not a perfect way of assessing scientific productivity. For now, though, it's a means that can be applied fairly to document peer reviewed research from around the world.
Ollivier Girard/CIFOR