Submission Guidelines

1. General Guidelines

• Language: All papers must be written in English
• Length: Manuscripts should be between 3,000 to 8,000 words, including references, tables, and figures. Short communications should be 1,500 to 3,000 words.
• File Format: Manuscripts should be submitted in Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) or LaTeX (.tex) formats.
• Font: Use Times New Roman, 12-point font, and double-spaced throughout the manuscript.
• Margins: 1-inch (2.54 cm) margins on all sides.
• Page Numbers: Include page numbers at the bottom right of each page.
• Line Numbers: Ensure the manuscript has continuous line numbers to facilitate the review process.

2. Manuscript Structure

Manuscripts should be organized in the following order:

• Title Page: Title: A concise and informative title.
• Authors: Full names of all authors with their respective affiliations.
• Corresponding Author: Provide the email address and full contact information for the corresponding author.
• ORCID iD: Authors are encouraged to include their ORCID iD (if applicable).
• Abstract: Maximum 250 words. The abstract should provide a brief summary of the research, including the purpose, methodology, results, and conclusions. Do not include references in the abstract.
• Keywords: Include 4-6 keywords that best describe the content of the manuscript.
• Introduction: Provide context and background to the research problem. State the objectives of the study and its significance.
• Materials and Methods: Provide detailed descriptions of the materials, equipment, and procedures used in the study to allow replication of the research. If human subjects are involved, mention the ethical approval obtained.
• Results: Present findings clearly, using tables and figures where appropriate. Avoid repetition of data in both tables and text.
• Discussion: Interpret the results in the context of the study’s objectives. Compare findings with previous research and discuss any implications or limitations.
• Conclusion: Summarize the key findings and suggest possible applications or future research directions.
• Acknowledgments: Acknowledge individuals or institutions that contributed to the research but are not listed as authors.
• References: Use the APA style for referencing. Include all references cited in the text and ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Example format for journal article: Smith, J., & Jones, P. (2021). Renewable energy in East Africa. Journal of Energy Science, 10(3), 123-145. https://doi.org/10.1000/jenergy.2021.001
• Figures and Tables: Include figures and tables at the end of the manuscript or within the text.
• All figures and tables should be numbered consecutively and have a descriptive caption.
• Ensure that figures are of high resolution (300 dpi minimum).
• Appendices (if applicable): Include any supplementary material in the appendices, such as additional data or detailed explanations of methods.

3. Submission Process

• Manuscript Submission: Submit your manuscript via our online submission system. Ensure that all sections are complete and that the manuscript adheres to the guidelines.
• Cover Letter: Include a cover letter stating the significance of the research and its relevance to the journal’s scope. Mention if the manuscript has been presented elsewhere or if it is under consideration by other journals.
• Ethical Statement: Authors must declare that the manuscript is their original work and that it has not been submitted or published elsewhere.

4. Peer Review Process

• Manuscripts will undergo a double-blind peer review by at least two reviewers.
• Reviewers will evaluate the originality, methodology, significance, clarity, and contribution to the field.
• Authors will be notified of the review results within 6-8 weeks of submission.

5. Article Types

• Original Research Articles: Full reports of research, typically 3,000-8,000 words.
• Review Articles: Comprehensive summaries of research on a specific topic, up to 8,000 words.
• Short Communications: Brief reports of novel findings, between 1,500-3,000 words.
• Case Studies: In-depth analysis of specific cases with lessons learned, typically 2,000-5,000 words.

6. Formatting Checklist

Before submitting your manuscript, please ensure:

• The manuscript is formatted according to the guidelines above.
• All references are properly cited and listed.
• Figures and tables are appropriately numbered and labeled.
• The title page includes all authors’ details and the corresponding author’s contact information.
• The manuscript contains line numbers for review.

We look forward to your submission to the Horn of Africa Journal of Science and Innovation.