Escalating environmental challenges necessitate paramount decision-making to safeguard ecosystems and resources. However, the burgeoning volume and intricate nature of environmental data often present a formidable challenge in gleaning actionable insights. In this context, integrating data analytics tools within environmental monitoring and management frameworks offers a compelling avenue for progress. These tools facilitate efficient data processing, uncover hidden patterns, and enable predictive modelling, leading to more informed decisions. Despite growing research, a comprehensive understanding of specific data analytics applications, methodologies, and demonstrably effective implementations remains elusive. This systematic review aimed to address this gap. Following PRISMA guidelines, a meticulous search across five databases was conducted using predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Rigorous data extraction captured salient study characteristics, methodologies, data analysis techniques, key findings, and acknowledged limitations. The review revealed that data analytics offers a powerful toolkit for environmental management, transforming decision-making across all stages. Big data and advanced techniques enable proactive strategies through earlier issue detection and improved predictive models. However, maximising this potential requires a multifaceted approach, including standardised data collection, data literacy, ethical frameworks, and stakeholder engagement.

The South African Journal of Information Management explores the latest developments and trends in information and knowledge management to offer research that can be used to further the application of sound information and knowledge management practice.

In the era of digital innovation, the preservation of indigenous knowledge stands at a compelling intersection of heritage and technology. Librarians play a crucial role in navigating the complexities of technology while respecting cultural protocols. Through a comprehensive exploration of librarian practices, this study sought to unpack how indigenous knowledge can be ethically preserved in the digital landscape. A qualitative study was conducted with 20 librarians in Zimbabwe, who were purposively selected. Interviews and observation were used to collect data, which was analysed using thematic content analysis. The findings reveal that libraries preserved indigenous knowledge in the form of poetry, folklore, drama and artefacts; demonstrated traditional dances; and sometimes recorded live sessions and special collections. The major challenges being faced were the ethical issues in documenting indigenous knowledge. It is recommended that librarians actively work with indigenous communities in indigenous knowledge projects to avoid resistance from knowledge holders.

The rapid pace with which technology is changing continues to pose a perpetual threat to digital preservation. Although initiatives in digital preservation in Europe, North America, Asia and sporadic attempts in Africa appear to have yielded some level of progress, permanent access to information and longevity of digital records continue to be a problem. Whilst Africa’s contribution to the growth of digital records may be insignificant, it is growing and Ghana cannot be insulated from this threat of digital growth. This paper examines the current challenges of digital preservation in sub-Saharan Africa with particular reference to Ghana. It identified funding, level of security and privacy, skills training and technological obsolescence as factors that pose key threats to digital preservation. The paper recommends that the ministries and agencies can address many of the digital preservation challenges if they adopt backup, refreshing, metadata and migration strategies.

Using a qualitative approach, this study examines the role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in promoting sustainable agriculture and environmental protection among smallholder farmers in tropical Africa. It emphasises how tools such as community radios, mobile phones, satellite systems, and artificial intelligence provide crucial market data, weather forecasts, and agricultural practices. The research highlights the need for equitable access to ICT solutions to narrow the digital divide and foster sustainable development. Among these technologies, community radio stations and mobile phones are identified as the most accessible and affordable options for many farmers, and they can effectively spread knowledge about sustainable practices. While advanced technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), drones, and artificial intelligence have the potential to enhance agricultural productivity and environmental conservation, their adoption in tropical Africa is often hindered by challenges related to infrastructure and literacy. This study demonstrates the role of ICTs in enhancing agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability among smallholder farmers in tropical Africa. It emphasises the need for equitable access to digital tools and strong policy frameworks to tackle infrastructure and literacy challenges, which are essential for closing the digital divide. The study underscores the need for policy formulation to include these strategies and for professionals to adopt them to enhance agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability among smallholder farmers in tropical Africa.

Purpose: This paper is based on the doctoral study conducted in 2016 at the University of South Africa. The purpose of this study was to investigate how the current state of management of electronic records in Kenya facilitates or undermines implementation of e-government with a view to develop a best-practice framework for management of electronic records in support of e-government. Design/methodology/approach: The study used the interpretive research paradigm and adopted qualitative research methodology using phenomenological design. Maximum variation sampling was used to identify the research sample for the study. Findings: The findings established that the general status of management of e-records (MER) in government ministries is inadequately positioned to support e-government; use of e-government in Kenya had grown significantly and more ministries were adopting e-government services; although some initiatives have been undertaken to enhance MER, the existing practices for MER require improvement to ensure they adequately support e-government. Research limitations/implications: The limitations were access to respondents and the challenge of self-reported data. Practical implications: Recommendations and a best-practice framework for managing electronic records in support of e-government have been provided. A proposal for implementation of the recommendations on a priority basis has also been provided. Social implications: The study’s contribution to scholarly works and literature in the field resides in its findings and a framework that can be practically adopted for management of e-records in support of e-government. By establishing the nexus between management of e-records and e-government in Kenya, it is hoped that it will provide input to policymakers to consider records managers as key stakeholders in e-government. Originality/value: The originality of this study stems from two aspects: original topic and understudied area.