The challenges facing higher education in Puntland in research and academic publishing: suggestions for their improvement

Academic research is a core component of the role of higher education institutions (HEIs) in generating knowledge, contributing to national development, and enhancing institutional prestige. Though higher education in Puntland is relatively young, as it appeared after the civil war and collapse of the Somali Central Government, the research output of Puntland HEIs is considerably low. The present study aims to identify the challenges that hinder research and academic publishing in Puntland HEIs. Using a questionnaire, data were collected from 90 academic staff of Puntland HEIs in the period of 11–24 November 2024, utilizing a convenience sampling method. . The study found that barriers to research and academic publishing in Puntland HEIs included a lack of funding, absence of promotion linked to publications and incentives, inadequate research infrastructures, insufficient time, knowledge, and skills, limited experience in publication procedures, a poor research-oriented culture, and restricted access to literature. The author recommends enhancing academic staff capabilities by offering scholarships, training, and mentorship, reforming institutional policies, implementing reward and promotion schemes, engaging the Puntland Diaspora, collaborating with international researchers to access scientific databases and providing governmental funding to HEIs to improve the research output in Puntland HEIs.