The fact is that thousands of articles published in leading journals are rarely cited for many reasons. Undoubtedly an important factor is mobility and frequency of contact with peers outside the Third World. Over 30 years ago, ISI developed the journal impact factor as just one method of supplementing the subjective appraisal of small journals by objective unobtrusive means. Third World scientists routinely send reprints to colleagues in other countries. And relevant or significant material will eventually be cited in research or review articles.
Citation impact is but one of many criteria used to select journals.
Thousands of small journals are included from countries and institutions around the world. One of the many criteria for selection is the use of English which has become the lingua franca of science. Any journal which claims international significance will at minimum include English titles and abstracts. The Gibbs article characterizes SCI coverage of Third World science as declining simply because the coverage of some local journals has discontinued. In fact, total article coverage has increased substantially because Third World scientists increasingly publish in the international peer reviewed journals, where their work is seen and read by peers worldwide.