This study investigated the practice of research data handling in the selected higher learning institutions in Tanzania, with specific reference to the University of Dar es Salaam and University of Dodoma. The study assessed research data formats that are currently produced, where the research data are currently stored and whether researchers in the selected institutions use data management plan in their research activities. A study used both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Questionnaire was used to extract data from researchers while interview was used to obtain data from key informants who were categorized as potential managers responsible for research data management from the respective institutions. Results show that researchers have been producing various kinds of research data in various formats both digital and analogy data. Moreover, researchers handled these data using various approaches. This means that there were no systematic and well-guided methods of handling their research data making the data prone to get lost. Only a small number of researchers appeared to have a large amount of research data. Furthermore, only a few number of researchers indicated to have used research data management plan (RDM) in their research activities. This study recommends more collaboration among researchers, directorate of research and publication, ICT and library management to improve the research data handling in the universities.

Purpose This study aims to investigate the factors determining the readiness for uptake of open data (OD) in Tanzania. Specifically, this study intended to answer the question that sought to find out the factors that influence the implementation of OD in universities under study in a view to aligning with recommended strategies for optimizing the use of data in the open science era. Design/methodology/approach This study used a cross-sectional survey design whereby data were collected using quantitative and qualitative research approaches. A sample size of 212 respondents was drawn from the sampling frame of a population of 1,846 researchers from the participating universities using both probability and nonprobability sampling techniques. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from researchers while interviews were administered to decision-makers. These two groups were believed to have the necessary knowledge for this study. Findings The findings indicate low or lack of skills and awareness on issues related to OD among researchers and decision-makers. This study also reveals inadequate infrastructure to support open science initiatives including OD. Moreover, this study shows a lack of supportive institutional strategies and policies that trigger the implementation of OD initiatives in Tanzania. This study recommends that universities should uplift the level of confidence of researchers by ensuring all necessary factors determining the uptake of OD are in place before and during the implementation of OD initiatives. Research limitations/implications This study was conducted during the time when researchers in universities are in an infant stage of adopting the concept from the developed world. In this regard, it is important to carry out a tracer study on establishing the OD phenomena after a number of universities have implemented OD initiatives in the country. Practical implications The researchers recommend the establishment of institutional policy and strategies to guide the implementation of OD among universities in Tanzania. Including awareness creation awareness through providing training among researchers and academics in universities. The results shed light to decision-makers on the understanding of the role of sharing research data in enhancing openness and validation of findings to increase the authenticity of results among researchers. Social implications The authors have revealed the factors affecting the implementation of OD among scholars in universities. This study reveals the level of acceptance of OD initiatives and the factors that could trigger adoption of OD. Originality/value This paper presents factors that determine the readiness for the uptake of OD in universities in Tanzania from the researcher’s perspective. This study was conducted to fill the knowledge gap that sought to establish understanding of researchers about OD. The gap was established through literature and it was found that none of the presented studies researched on this phenomenon in Tanza...

The Open Science (OS) movement has been spreading rapidly among researchers with positive outcomes on accessibility of scientific knowledge. However, there is no clear evidence on the level of awareness and types of OS practices among scholars and researchers in Tanzania, potentially missing an opportunity to reap the rewards of the movement to scholarly pursuits. This study investigated the level of awareness of OS and practices among Tanzanian scholars and researchers. Findings of a digital survey conducted for three months and recruited 144 respondents, show a high level of awareness of the term OS for 84% of respondents, most of them having encountered it from peers or online sources including social media. About 69% of respondents were male while about 44% of respondents were early career professionals. Open access (OA) publishing was the most common OS activity practised by respondents, highlighting both the need to create awareness on other practices and an entry point for knowledge expansion. However, respondents highlighted the barriers to spreading of the OS movement in the country including lack of awareness, knowledge and skills, the lack of institutional support and concerns over data security and ownership. Findings of this study establish OA as the most common and important OS practice among Tanzanian scholars. They show the importance of online resources and peers to peer learning and in spreading OS awareness. The study also reveals several areas of advocacy and including setting supportive institutional policies and building infrastructure to support OS practices. We recomment establisment of robust guidelines, institutional support and clear opportunities to incentivize individuals to adopt OS practices ao as to achieve the momentum required to scale the movement beyond OA.