Reviewer Policies
- Conflict of Interest and Financial Disclosures (Specific to Reviewers)
The African Journal of Pig Farming (AJPF) places a high priority on ethical integrity throughout the review process. To uphold these standards, reviewers are required to disclose any conflicts of interest or financial affiliations that might influence their evaluation of a manuscript. Conflicts of interest may include financial relationships, personal connections with authors, competitive research, or any situation that could compromise impartiality.
Reviewers are expected to assess their suitability to review a manuscript upon invitation. If a conflict of interest exists, reviewers must promptly inform the editorial office and decline the invitation to ensure an unbiased review process. Financial disclosures are also necessary if reviewers have received compensation, funding, or hold financial stakes related to the manuscript’s subject matter.
AJPF maintains a strict policy of confidentiality, and reviewers must not use unpublished information from the manuscript for personal or professional gain. Adhering to these principles ensures that the peer-review process remains transparent, objective, and free of undue influence.
The journal is committed to providing clear guidance to reviewers on how to handle potential conflicts. By fostering an environment of trust and accountability, AJPF upholds the integrity of the review process, ensuring fairness for authors and the highest quality of published research.
2. Reviewers Guidelines
Reviewers play a pivotal role in maintaining the scientific rigor and credibility of publications in the African Journal of Pig Farming (AJPF). These guidelines provide essential instructions to ensure that reviewers' contributions align with the journal’s high standards.
- Evaluation Criteria: Reviewers should assess manuscripts for originality, relevance, methodological rigor, ethical compliance, and clarity of presentation. Constructive feedback should guide authors toward improving their work.
- Confidentiality: Manuscripts and associated materials are confidential. Reviewers must not share or discuss them with anyone outside the editorial team.
- Timeliness: Reviewers are requested to adhere to agreed deadlines. If unable to complete the review within the timeframe, they must notify the editorial office promptly.
- Conflict of Interest: Reviewers must disclose any conflicts of interest and recuse themselves if impartiality cannot be maintained.
- Objectivity: Feedback should be objective, respectful, and free from personal bias. Comments should focus on the manuscript's content rather than the authors.
- Ethical Concerns: If ethical issues, such as plagiarism or data fabrication, are suspected, reviewers should notify the editors.
AJPF values its reviewers’ expertise and encourages them to engage constructively, promoting the advancement of pig farming research. Adhering to these guidelines ensures a robust and ethical review process.
