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2 - Science from Africa

Historical and Current Trends

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  17 August 2020

R. Sooryamoorthy
Affiliation:
University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
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Summary

The chapter examines the evolution and development of science, exploring the colonial and postcolonial features of African science. A host of themes are relevant here, including how science and scientific institutions were established and administered, what the challenges were, and how science was integrated into the development goals. Africa was under the colonial rule of several different countries which pursued dissimilar approaches to science and its application for development. The interests of the colonisers rather than those of the colonised were the predominant concern. Scientific research that was conducted in colonial Africa was mainly to support the economic and political interests of the colonisers and their administrations. Since independence, there have been efforts to strengthen science and national scientific systems in some parts of Africa. Structures meant for the creation of science and technology policies began to appear. Universities and research institutions were formed as part of building national science systems. However, there were challenges as well. Economic recession adversely affected scientific infrastructure, researchers, scientific output and development. Attempts to strengthen science were seen at various individual and collective levels that helped to integrate science and technology with national developmental needs.

Type
Chapter
Information
Science, Policy and Development in Africa
Challenges and Prospects
, pp. 41 - 61
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2020

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  • Science from Africa
  • R. Sooryamoorthy, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
  • Book: Science, Policy and Development in Africa
  • Online publication: 17 August 2020
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108895804.003
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  • Science from Africa
  • R. Sooryamoorthy, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
  • Book: Science, Policy and Development in Africa
  • Online publication: 17 August 2020
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108895804.003
Available formats
×

Save book to Google Drive

To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive.

  • Science from Africa
  • R. Sooryamoorthy, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
  • Book: Science, Policy and Development in Africa
  • Online publication: 17 August 2020
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108895804.003
Available formats
×