Examples of feedback authors have received from reviewers for journals associated with ASWDNet

The information below is based on the guidelines of the ASWDNet available here and feedback received from reviewers over several years. It is categorised into manuscript content and relevance, research process and evidence, writing quality and structure, style and formatting, ethics and integrity, title and authorship. The main feedback was slected for presentaion in this post. The bulk of the feedback guides authors to decolonised high-quality submissions.

AI helped with the categorisation following detailed and informed prompting (see AI method at the end).

I. Title and authorship

1. Title of manuscript
   “The title must be short, relevant, and clearly reflect the core focus of the manuscript. A focused title attracts readers and helps position your work within the right scholarly conversations.”
2. Authors list
   “Limit authorship to those who made a significant contribution. Others may be acknowledged, but please avoid guest or ghost authorship, which undermines ethical publication practices.”
3. Research integrity
   “The research must have been conducted as described in the manuscript. Acceptable evidence should be provided to support the research process and ensure transparency and trustworthiness.”

II. Relevance and summaries (abstract, introduction and key points)

4. Relevance to social work in Africa
   “Your manuscript should clearly speak to social work, social development, or social services in Africa. Let your voice, background, and literature show a strong connection to the African context.”
5. Abstract format and content
   “A good abstract is brief, precise, and includes key elements without subheadings or references. Make every sentence count and consider including African philosophies or theories where possible.”
6. Introduction
   “Please present a one-paragraph introduction, without references, ending with the structure of your paper. A short, clear opening sets the tone and invites the reader to continue with interest.”
7. Key points or take-home points (if required)
   “Where take-home points are needed, please present them clearly and concisely. This helps readers remember the central contributions of your article.”

III. Use of literature, theories and frameworks

8. African references and citation style
   “Use at least 75% African sources across your manuscript, including orature and Global South materials. Citing African authors strengthens our knowledge systems and supports scholarly equity.”
9. Use of African theories and frameworks
   “We strongly encourage the use of African philosophies, theories, and models to guide your work. If none exist, propose or build your own—this is part of revaluing African knowledge.”
10. Literature or orature review methodology
    “For any type of review, please include the review question, your methods, and all sources consulted. Transparency in your process shows respect for the literature and strengthens your findings.”
11. Africa-centred definitions and concepts
    “Please ensure that your key terms and concepts are defined from African perspectives where possible. This promotes decolonised scholarship and grounds your work in contextually appropriate knowledge.”
12. Reflexivity and positionality (especially in qualitative work)
    “Include a short statement about your role and relationship to the research context. Reflexivity shows awareness of your position and how it may shape your interpretation.”
13. Decolonial language and tone
    “Use respectful, decolonial language throughout. Avoid Western-centric, deficit-based, or colonial framings when writing about African communities and knowledge.”

IV. Research process and ethics

14. Data collection transparency and evidence
    “Show clearly how your data were collected and attach supporting materials. Good practice includes sharing anonymised transcripts, ethics approval, or permission letters.”
15. Ethics guidance
    “Your manuscript must include one form of ethics guidance: clearance or advice. A personal ethics statement may be acceptable but not in all circumstances This ensures the research is grounded in respect, responsibility, and community values.”
16. Analysis methods
    “Clearly describe how your data were analysed, step by step. Transparent analysis processes help reviewers and readers to trust and follow your reasoning.”
17. Clarity of research problem or question
    “The research problem or question should be clearly defined and rooted in a specific social issue. A well-framed problem gives your manuscript purpose and guides your methods and analysis.”

V. Structure and organisation

18. Separate findings and discussion
    “Please separate your findings from the discussion—this helps readers follow your argument more easily. Let your data speak first before you begin to interpret or debate its meaning.”
19. Conclusion format
    “Your conclusion should be one paragraph only and must not include references. Use this final space to summarise your message and leave a lasting impression.”
20. Formatting and style
    “Please follow the ASWDNet formatting guide strictly for headings, citations, and references. Using the correct style demonstrates professionalism and consistency across the journal.”
21. Presenting results (qualitative and quantitative)
    “Please use clear and appropriate techniques to present findings, guided by the ASWDNet recommendations. Strong results presentation enhances understanding and highlights the significance of your work. Further guidance is available here https://africasocialwork.net/aswnet-guide-to-writing-journals/#findings-or-results.”
22. Figures, tables, and visuals
    “Ensure all figures and tables are clearly labelled and integrated into the text. Visuals should add value, not just fill space, and be accompanied by thoughtful interpretation.”
23. Implications for research methods, practice or policy
    “Your paper should include clear implications, the journal prioritises work that contributes to real-world change.”
24. Originality and contribution to knowledge
    “State clearly what is new in your work—whether it is a new idea, theory, method, or perspective. Readers should understand what your manuscript contributes to African scholarship.”

VI. Quality and originality

25. Proofreading and peer review
    “We recommend careful proofreading or asking a colleague to give feedback before submission. Well-polished work shows respect for the reader and helps your ideas shine more clearly.”
26. Word limit
    “The manuscript must not exceed ….. words including references and appendices. Keeping within the limit shows focus, discipline, and consideration for the reader.”
27. Artificial Intelligence (AI) use and acknowledgement
    “If you used Artificial Intelligence (AI) in any way, you must state how and why, and ensure it did not generate core content. AI cannot replace critical thinking, creativity, or original scholarship in African research.”