Surveying the Terrain: A Diagnostic of African Studies Research in Senegal (2021–2026)

The production of African Studies knowledge within the continent is a critical but under-examined area of scholarly inquiry. This survey provides a diagnostic analysis of the state of this field in a West African context, focusing on institutional and individual research practices. This study aims to map the contemporary landscape of African Studies research conducted by scholars based in Senegal. Its objectives are to identify prevailing thematic foci, assess institutional support structures, and diagnose the principal challenges and opportunities shaping research output. A cross-sectional survey was administered to a purposive sample of 127 researchers affiliated with universities and research institutes. The instrument collected quantitative data on research activities and resources, and qualitative data on perceived constraints and prospects. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics and thematic coding. A key finding is the pronounced thematic concentration on historical and cultural studies, which constituted over 60% of reported research projects, with comparatively less focus on contemporary political economy or digital futures. Major challenges identified include chronic underfunding, limited access to international journals, and administrative burdens. The field demonstrates robust engagement with historical and cultural heritage but faces systemic constraints that limit its scope and impact. This creates a tension between a rich tradition of scholarship and the capacity to address pressing contemporary interdisciplinary questions. Recommendations include the establishment of a national digital research repository, the development of targeted grant schemes for early-career researchers, and fostering institutional partnerships to enhance library and journal access. African Studies, research capacity, scholarly communication, Senegal, survey research, knowledge production This paper provides the first systematic, national-level dataset mapping the research practices, outputs, and perceived challenges of African Studies scholars based in Senegal, offering an evidence-based foundation for policy and institutional reform.