Knowledge for sustainable development in Africa: towards new policy initiatives
by Jacques L. Hamel
World Review of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development (WRSTSD), Vol. 2, No. 3/4, 2005

Abstract: Knowledge is becoming the chief currency of the modern age and a decisive resource for sustainable development. This paper reflects on the concept of knowledge and discusses the current state of knowledge in Africa, as it relates to the radical transformations that are necessary for achieving a meaningful transition to sustainable development. This transition is far from being on track for at least half of the region and it desperately needs a boost for scientific and technological knowledge. In fact, the region may be losing the global knowledge race that characterises the development effort at the beginning of this 'Knowledge Millennium'. Various types of knowledge are considered and assessed, and critical knowledge challenges are formulated. The role of scientific and technical knowledge is particularly emphasised as the main driver of sustainable development, and the potential contribution of indigenous and mythological knowledge is also stressed. In conclusion, the paper calls for the initiation of a long struggle of self-exorcism and for a profound reform of knowledge based on the premise that freedom is the infinite fountain of knowledge.

Online publication date: Fri, 02-Sep-2005

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the World Review of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development (WRSTSD):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

Username:        Password:          Forgotten your password?

Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com