Peer Review

The Ife Journal of Agriculture (IJA) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of scholarly publishing through a rigorous, fair, and transparent peer review process. All manuscripts submitted to the journal undergo peer review to ensure the quality, originality, scientific validity, and relevance of the work prior to publication.

Review Model

IJA operates a double-blind peer review system, whereby the identities of both authors and reviewers are concealed throughout the review process. This approach promotes objective evaluation and minimizes potential bias.

Initial Editorial Assessment

Upon submission, each manuscript is screened by the Editorial Office and the Editor-in-Chief (or designated Section Editor) to determine whether it:

  • Falls within the scope of the journal;

  • Adheres to the journal’s submission guidelines;

  • Meets basic standards of scientific quality and ethical compliance;

  • Demonstrates originality and scholarly significance.

Manuscripts that fail to meet these requirements may be returned to the authors for correction or rejected without external review.

External Peer Review

Manuscripts that pass the initial screening are assigned to at least two independent expert reviewers with relevant expertise in the subject area. Reviewers are requested to evaluate manuscripts based on:

  • Originality and contribution to knowledge;

  • Scientific and methodological soundness;

  • Clarity and organization of the manuscript;

  • Adequacy of literature review and references;

  • Validity of results and conclusions;

  • Relevance to agricultural science and related disciplines.

Review Outcomes

Based on reviewers’ recommendations, the Editor may reach one of the following decisions:

  • Accept without revision;

  • Accept subject to minor revisions;

  • Reconsider after major revisions;

  • Reject.

The final publication decision rests solely with the Editor.

Revision Process

Authors receiving revision requests are expected to submit a revised manuscript together with a detailed response to reviewers’ comments within the specified timeframe. Revised manuscripts may be returned to the original reviewers for further evaluation when necessary.

Confidentiality

All manuscripts submitted to IJA are treated as confidential documents. Reviewers are required to maintain confidentiality and must not share, discuss, or use unpublished information obtained during the review process for personal advantage.

Conflict of Interest

Reviewers and editors must disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest that could influence their evaluation of a manuscript. Individuals with conflicts of interest will not participate in the review or editorial decision-making process for the affected manuscript.

Ethical Considerations

The journal expects authors, reviewers, and editors to adhere to internationally accepted standards of publication ethics. Cases involving plagiarism, data fabrication, duplicate publication, authorship disputes, or other forms of research misconduct will be handled in accordance with the journal’s Publication Ethics Policy and established best practices in scholarly publishing.

Timeliness

IJA strives to complete the peer review process in a timely manner. Reviewers are encouraged to submit their reports promptly to facilitate efficient editorial decisions and publication.

Appeals

Authors who believe a decision was made in error may submit a written appeal to the Editor-in-Chief, providing a detailed justification. Appeals will be reviewed independently, and the Editor’s subsequent decision shall be final.

Last Updated: June 2026

Ife Journal of Agriculture (IJA)
Faculty of Agriculture, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.