Medical Geology of Africa: A Research Primer explores the connection between geological materials and processes and human health in Africa. A synopsis on current state of knowledge is given for a selection of some of the more critical issues in African Medical Geology. Gaps in knowledge are exposed, and directions are given for navigating the most recent bibliography of the more pressing Medical Geology issues by future researchers. Guidelines for researching gaps in knowledge are prescribed and are intended for researchers eager to make urgently needed contributions towards an understanding of how judicious exploitation of the interphase between geology and health can help unravel environmental disease causality, especially of those (diseases) of unknown aetiology (DUA) which are so widespread on the African Continent.

• Provides a summary of current research on Medical Geology of Africa
• Identifies gaps in knowledge of the role of the geo-environment in deciphering unknown aetiologies
• Assembles the most recent literature on current thematic issues, and prescribes directions of future research