The Adoption of research data management infrastructural ecosystems: A study of selected government agencies and research institutions in Tanzania

This study examined the adoption of research data management (RDM) infrastructural ecosystems at selected government agencies and research institutions in Tanzania, with the aim of informing policy and improving practices. The study employed a mixed-methods research approach to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. Data were collected from 10 selected government agencies and research institutions. Quantitative data were collected from researchers, and qualitative data were collected from key informants, who were institutional leaders. The sample for this study consisted of 272 researchers drawn from a population of 853. Findings have indicated substantial gaps in the usage of RDM infrastructural ecosystems needed to support various stages of the RDM processes, which hinder the complete incubation of RDM practices. These findings reflect the shared region challenges on the infrastructural ecosystem for research data management practices, pointing to the need for coordinated RDM collaboration in the region. The study emphasises the importance of investing in human competencies and policy frameworks to achieve a balance between security, hardware, and software in RDM practices. This study contributes to the body of knowledge on RDM practices by offering practical applications on the availability and usage of RDM infrastructural ecosystems at selected government agencies and research institutions. The paper also provides actionable recommendations for advancing RDM practices in Tanzania.