Abstract:
Scientific evidence comprises Data, Information
and Knowledge (DIK) often presented in
a pyramidal structure. Data are the foundation
base of the pyramid, followed by the information
layer and the knowledge layer at the
top. Data are rudimentary and expand into
information and knowledge—the DIK pyramid—
and also constitute scientific evidence.
Such evidence is critical for demonstrating
prospects, best practices and successful development
models. The Internet and the
evolution of the Web have resulted in easily
discernible data that serve as scientific evidence
in the form of big data. Transformation
of the African continent through the 17
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) rests
on the availability of scientific data. Data are
not a panacea for societal problems but data
science can nevertheless open up possibilities
for innovations that could help fight hunger,
poverty, inequalities and underdevelopment.
There is also a huge potential for big data to
serve as evidence for successes and failures of
the SDGs. However, without its proper creation,
planning, verification, storage, security
and organisation; big data cannot be used
appropriately. This is where Research Data
Management (RDM) adds value, mainly
because RDM is concerned with planning
and organisation of data in the entire research
cycle, including the dissemination and archiving
of results. This chapter draws on examples
from Kenya, Malawi and South Africa to
analyse RDM as a strategic imperative for
scientific evidence in the transformation of
Africa through the SDGs, with a specific
reference to SDG 4 on the quality of
education.
