Assessing the Ecosystem for Open Science Advancement in Tanzania

Article Information

Title: Assessing the Ecosystem for Open Science Advancement in Tanzania

Authors: Paul Muneja, Aneth David, Obadia Buhomoli, Mohamed Zahir, Grantina Modern

Journal: Journal of Information Management and Practices (JIMP)

HEC Recognition History

Category	From	To
Y	2024-10-01	2025-12-31
Y	2023-07-01	2024-09-30
Y	2022-07-01	2023-06-30

Publisher: Islamia University, Bahawalpur

Country: Pakistan

Year: 2024

Volume: 4

Issue: 2

Language: English

Keywords: TanzaniaOpen ScienceOpen Science InfrastructureOpen AccessOpen Science Practices

Abstract

This study aims to assess the favourable ecosystem for supporting OS in Tanzania and the factors hindering its adoption and implementation. Employing a cross-sectional research design, the study evaluates the enabling environment for Open Science adoption and practices within Tanzania. The study population comprises academicians, researchers, students, librarians, and science communicators. A total of 144 participants took part in the survey, predominantly early career researchers affiliated with both public and private institutions.
The findings underscore that to some extent several institutions within Tanzania provides some kind of support for open science practices. This support manifests through the provision of Institutional Repositories, online journal publishing systems, financial coverage for publishing processing charges, and the establishment of improved mechanisms for researchers to share their publications and data. Nonetheless, the results also highlight several challenges. These include a lack of awareness regarding OS practices, absence of institutional policies, inadequate budget allocation to cover article processing charges (APCs), and the high costs associated with publishing in prestigious Open Access (OA) journals.
Concerted efforts at both national and institutional levels to foster the widespread adoption of OS practices in Tanzania should be put in place. The efforts should focus on enhancing awareness, developing comprehensive policies, allocating adequate budgets to support APCs, and exploring strategies to mitigate the financial barriers associated with publishing in prestigious OA journals. By addressing these challenges proactively, Tanzania can pave the way for a more robust and inclusive research ecosystem aligned with the principles of Open Science.

Disclaimer: The following sections are produced through an intensive multi-stage analytical pipeline developed by DefinePK, utilizing advanced natural-language processing, domain-specific knowledge models, and automated cross-referencing systems. Despite the rigor and computational effort involved, the generated summary may still contain inaccuracies or incomplete interpretations. Users are strongly advised to verify all critical information against the original paper and its authoritative sources.

Research Objective

To assess the favorable ecosystem for supporting Open Science (OS) in Tanzania and identify factors hindering its adoption and implementation.

Methodology

A cross-sectional research design was employed. A survey was conducted with 144 participants including academicians, researchers, students, librarians, and science communicators, primarily early career researchers from public and private institutions. Data was collected via an online survey, analyzed using SPSS version 22, and presented using Microsoft Excel.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
    A["Define Research Objective"] --> B["Design Cross-sectional Study"];
    B --> C["Develop Online Survey"];
    C --> D["Distribute Survey to Participants"];
    D --> E["Collect Survey Responses"];
    E --> F["Clean and Format Data"];
    F --> G["Analyze Data using SPSS"];
    G --> H["Interpret Findings"];
    H --> I["Formulate Conclusions and Recommendations"];

Discussion

The study highlights that while there is a positive trend in institutional support for OS in Tanzania, a significant portion of researchers are unaware of available support. Institutional Repositories and financial assistance for APCs are key forms of support. The lack of national policies and frameworks, coupled with negative perceptions and high publishing costs, are major barriers to OS adoption.

Key Findings

Several Tanzanian institutions provide some support for open science practices through Institutional Repositories, online journal publishing systems, financial coverage for Article Processing Charges (APCs), and mechanisms for sharing publications and data. However, significant challenges exist, including a lack of awareness regarding OS practices, absence of institutional policies, inadequate budget allocation for APCs, and high publishing costs in prestigious Open Access (OA) journals.

Conclusion

Institutional support, particularly through Institutional Repositories and APC coverage, is crucial for fostering OS practices in Tanzania. However, significant gaps remain in awareness, policy development, and financial support. Concerted efforts at national and institutional levels are needed to enhance awareness, develop comprehensive policies, allocate adequate budgets, and mitigate financial barriers to promote widespread OS adoption.

Fact Check

* 144 participants took part in the survey. (Confirmed in Abstract and Results section)
* 49.3% of respondents were in the 25-34 years old age group. (Confirmed in Results section, Table 1B)
* 65.3% of respondents agreed that their institutions provide support for open science practices. (Confirmed in Results section, Open Science Enabling Environment)

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