Science and Technology in Africa: The Key Elements and Measures for Sustainable Development

Abstract

The contributions of science and technology to foster development in the world cannot be over emphasized. Thanks to the evolution and revolution of science and technology, the world has greatly achieved advancement in various sectors such as infrastructure, energy, industrial, health, education, communication, financial, entertainment, transport, agricultural, economic and environmental protection to name a few. While the growth of science and technology is pronounced in the western continents, the pace in Africa is slow. In addition to its contribution to development, science and technology is today a menace to man, the society and ecosystem. This paper highlights on the interdependence between sciences and technology for development with emphasize on the key contributing elements such as research, biomimetics, philosophy of science, communication, innovative fields and global partnership. Possible measures to manage the detrimental effects of science and technology in the society and promote those technologies which are paramount to ensure sustainable development are enumerated. The advancement of science and technology will only be achieved if Africans can change their mentality and lay emphasis on those key elements and measures that are of priority to development.