Sundaymail EditorThe Research Council of Zimbabwe last week announced National Research Priority Areas (NRPAs) in a bid to – among other objectives – develop a common understanding between Government, researchers, industry, commerce and the media.
The four NRPAs are Social Sciences and Humanities, Sustainable Environmental and Resource Management, Promoting and Maintaining Good Health, and National Security of Zimbabwe.
The NRPAs are expected to achieve various goals including strengthening Zimbabwe’s social and economic fabric, promote value addition and protecting Zimbabwe from terrorism and crime.
“Research prioritisation is about identifying those areas in which the country has a realistic chance at harnessing national resources for socio-economic development,” said RCZ executive director Ms Susan Muzite in a statement.
“The exercise is also about addressing the critical problems facing the country. It is envisaged that, over time, the national research capacity will increase through the continued availing of resources to and capacity building in strategic areas.”
She lamented that research was hampered by poor funding.
“The Research Prioritisation Exercise is an attempt at directing the limited financial resources to local areas of need.”
Online Reporter