For Reviewers

Instructions for Reviewers

The Journal of Global Smallholder Studies (JGSS) conducts a single-blind peer review process through the Open Journal System (OJS). Reviewers play a critical role in providing the Editor-in-Chief with comprehensive and objective evaluations, enabling informed decisions about the suitability of a manuscript for publication. The guidelines for reviewers are as follows:

  • All manuscripts submitted for review must be handled with the strictest confidentiality. Manuscripts should not be shared or discussed with others unless explicitly authorised by the Editor-in-Chief.
  • Reviewers must evaluate submissions impartially, ensuring personal biases or conflicts do not influence their assessments. Personal remarks or criticism directed at the author(s) are inappropriate. Feedback should be communicated clearly, respectfully, and constructively.
  • Reviews should offer insightful and relevant feedback to authors to help them refine their manuscripts so that they meet the journal’s high academic standards. Reviewers are encouraged to provide comments that not only improve the current submission but also aid the author in enhancing their future academic writing.
  • Reviewers must not accept assignments with the intention of gaining access to the manuscript without providing a review. Reviewers should not evaluate manuscripts that closely overlap with work they are currently preparing or submitting to another journal.
  • Reviewers are required to disclose any potential conflicts of interest—whether personal, financial, intellectual, professional, political, or religious—that could compromise the objectivity of their review. Any such conflicts must be reported to the Editor-in-Chief immediately.
  • Reviews should be completed within the recommended timeframe (3–5 weeks). If unforeseen circumstances arise that prevent timely completion, reviewers should notify the Editor-in-Chief as soon as possible.

By adhering to these guidelines, reviewers contribute to maintaining the integrity, quality, and academic rigour of the JGSS.