Knowledge production in a South African University: Interventions through research capacity development initiatives

Several studies have attributed the limited number of research outputs on the African continent to the lack of research capacity-building initiatives. Recognising this shortfall, the need for research-enabling environments has become a significant concern for several African universities. While traditional institutions in many African countries have long focused on teaching and learning, there has been increasing attention paid to research, particularly in South Africa. Adopting a qualitative research approach, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with academic staff at a South African university and were analysed thematically. The findings revealed that participants perceived Research Capacity Development (RCD) initiatives as critical in enhancing research skills, improving publication output, strengthening postgraduate supervision practices, and promoting grant-writing competencies. An ARCD framework was developed to explain RCD challenges and the necessary interventions for higher education institutions. The model highlights the global benefits of knowledge production when academics are fully equipped to produce problem-solving research publications.