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Mapping Academic Literature on Governing Inclusive Green Growth in Africa: Geographical Biases and Topical Gaps

Author

Listed:
  • Adam Cooper

    (Department of Science, Technology, Engineering and Public Policy, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK)

  • Chipo Mukonza

    (Department of Economic and Management Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria West, Pretoria 0183, South Africa)

  • Eleanor Fisher

    (International Development Department, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6AH, UK)

  • Yacob Mulugetta

    (Department of Science, Technology, Engineering and Public Policy, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK)

  • Mulu Gebreeyesus

    (Ethiopia Development Research Institute, Addis Ababa 2479, Ethiopia)

  • Magnus Onuoha

    (Sustainable Energy Practitioners Association of Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria)

  • Abu-Bakar Massaquoi

    (Institute of Environmental Management and Quality Control, Njala University, Njala, Moyamba District, Sierra Leone)

  • Kennedy Chigozie Ahanotu

    (Society for Planet and Prosperity, Abuja, Nigeria)

  • Chukwumerije Okereke

    (Department of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6AH, UK
    Centre for Climate Change and Development, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Nigeria, Abakaliki, Nigeria)

Abstract

A strong indigenous capacity for credible, salient and legitimate knowledge production is crucial to support African countries in developing their economies and societies inclusively and sustainably. In this article, we aim to quantify the current and historic capacity for African knowledge production to support the green economy in Africa, and identify important topical gaps. With a focus on topics relating to Governing Inclusive Green Growth in Africa (GIGGA), our research mapped how much Africa-focused research is being produced, from where and which African countries have higher or lower supply; and the topical focus of the research, mapping it against the African GIGGA policy discourses visible in government strategies. To do this we undertook a systematic review using a two-stage process, mapping the literature for GIGGA. This resulted in 960 verified citations. Content analysis of core metadata and article abstracts enabled mapping of the research focus. The analysis revealed a significant role for South Africa as both the pre-eminent producer of GIGGA literature as well as the geographic focus of GIGGA research, with Nigeria, Ethiopia and Kenya representing emerging loci of credible, African-relevant knowledge production. Topically, there was a strong emphasis on development, policy and environment while topics important for growth that is inclusive in character were infrequent or absent. Overall the results reinforced the view that investment is needed in research on inclusive green growth, linked to capacity building for knowledge production systems in Africa. Furthermore, from a policy perspective, policy makers and academics need to actively explore best to collaborate to ensure that academic research informs government policy.

Suggested Citation

  • Adam Cooper & Chipo Mukonza & Eleanor Fisher & Yacob Mulugetta & Mulu Gebreeyesus & Magnus Onuoha & Abu-Bakar Massaquoi & Kennedy Chigozie Ahanotu & Chukwumerije Okereke, 2020. "Mapping Academic Literature on Governing Inclusive Green Growth in Africa: Geographical Biases and Topical Gaps," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(5), pages 1-17, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:5:p:1956-:d:328187
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sneddon, Chris & Howarth, Richard B. & Norgaard, Richard B., 2006. "Sustainable development in a post-Brundtland world," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 57(2), pages 253-268, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Meng Li & Yifan Zhang & Ziyu Fan & Hao Chen, 2021. "Evaluation and Research on the Level of Inclusive Green Growth in Asia-Pacific Region," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(13), pages 1-30, July.
    2. Rui Zhou, 2022. "Measurement and Spatial-Temporal Characteristics of Inclusive Green Growth in China," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(8), pages 1-36, July.
    3. Yanghong Wu & Xiaoliang Zhou, 2021. "Research on the Efficiency of China’s Fiscal Expenditure Structure under the Goal of Inclusive Green Growth," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(17), pages 1-24, August.

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