Mapping the Evolution of Ethnoscience Research in Ethiopian Science Education: A Bibliometric Analysis (2010–2025)

Abstract

Ethnoscience research has gained global prominence as a framework for integrating indigenous knowledge systems into formal science education. However, the development of ethnoscience research in Ethiopian science education has not been systematically documented. This study presents a bibliometric analysis mapping the trends and evolution of ethnoscience research in Ethiopian science education from 2010 to 2025. Data were extracted from Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Ethiopian Journals Online, and institutional repositories. Bibliometric indicators including publication trends, citation analysis, co-authorship networks, and keyword co-occurrence were analyzed using descriptive statistics and network visualization tools (VOSviewer, Bibliometrix). Seventy-four publications were identified, revealing a nascent but expanding field with 55.4% of publications appearing in 2023–2025. Six major themes emerged: indigenous knowledge integration in biology education, curriculum analysis and policy implementation, teacher and student perceptions, indigenous knowledge and spirituality, indigenous geological and environmental knowledge, and methodological innovations. Institutional contributions are concentrated at Addis Ababa University (37.8%), followed by Bahir Dar University (16.2%), Jimma University (13.5%), and Mekelle University (10.8%). Collaboration remains predominantly intra-institutional (68.9%), with limited international collaboration (17.6%). The h-index is 7, with average citations per paper of 2.53. A significant implementation gap exists between policy commitment and classroom practice. Conclusion: Ethiopian ethnoscience research demonstrates promising growth trajectory yet faces challenges including limited disciplinary diversity, institutional concentration, and inadequate integration with global theoretical frameworks. Sustained investment in research infrastructure, teacher education, curriculum materials development, and international collaboration is essential for advancing culturally responsive science education in Ethiopia.