Preface

This first volume of the series uses different prisms of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) to address the problematic of Sustainable Development (SD). Being a maiden volume, it does not pretend to offer a comprehensive synthesis of STI-based trajectories to SD in Africa. Rather, the intention is to signal a work-study programme and build from this base a robust assemblage of cutting-edge research within the thematic areas. The rationale (more aptly, the motivation) for this project is embedded within the systemically debilitating human conditions presently confronting many African nations. From a myriad of past interventions to mitigate the continent’s socio-economic disadvantages, and the attendant implementation failures, the inescapable conclusion is that the dream of a ‘final theory’ of Africa’s development (or lack of it) remains a mirage. Paradoxically, the situation has energised more scholarly endeavours as researchers become more committed not only to engage the discourse in all of its pluralism but also more determined to produce evidence-based perspectives that might help to deliver a better tomorrow for Africa. It is within this frame that the novelty of this book could be appreciated. The basic thrust is to instigate thematic knowledge production and dissemination in a way that is less self-contained but cultivates institutional openness and flexibility, mindful of the philosophical aphorism that adaptability is a condition for sustainability.

The purpose of this book is to address issues that will be central to Africa’s SD through efficient and effective management of science, technology and innovation policies, the challenges these pose for the African countries, and the global framework for dealing with technology development, transfer and adoption and, importantly, adaptability in African contexts. The theme has been very carefully chosen; STI and the challenges these represent in terms of SD. Building on the discussions, a number of policy implications can be derived to improve the management and transfer of technologies within Africa countries and consequently enhance genuine efforts towards SD.

This book represents the outcome of many comprehensive research programmes undertaken in different countries in Africa and other parts of the world over the last three years. We received more than 30 chapters for possible inclusion in the book covering a wide range of focus and scope of the theme to the extent that we had a difficulty in deciding the chapters that are to be included in the first volume of the this series. We have finally selected 20 chapters with an interesting profile for this volume after a blind peer review process. Equally noteworthy is the limited contributions in the book from scholars in countries such as Somalia, Zimbabwe, etc. This is probably due to the current situation in those countries but nevertheless worth pointing out the urgent need to scale-up research to overcome the dearth of scholarly information that characterise many African contexts.

The different chapters in this volume cover a wide geographical spectrum and written by more than 35 renowned international experts from Africa and the rest of the world.The seven main sections of the book are: Introduction (two chapters); Knowledge Management (four chapters); Information and Communication Technologies (two chapters); Innovation Management (two chapters); Food Safety and Public Health (three chapters); Climate Change and the Environment (four chapters); and Sustainable Development (three chapters).

Finally, this book is intended as a first step in paving the way towards further reflection on the future position and role of Africa in the World and we hope the book will be utilised as a guide by policy makers and senior managers to enhance their ability to think strategically towards achieving SD.