Urbanisation in Africa: Exploring the Role of Science, Technology and Policy Research

Abstract

Urbanisation is a product of technological progress. The paper traces technological progress in Africa and attempts to model its future. It starts with definitional and conceptual issues. The meaning and interactions of technology, engineering and science have attracted a lot of debate in the last century. The paper does not delve into the debate. Instead, it provides definitions solely to guide discourse. This definitional exposition shows the bi directional relationships [dualities] between the three facets of knowledge. The paper then discusses how technology, engineering and science interact with social welfare. Using university research as a macrocosm for technological progress, the paper traces technology in Sub-Saharan Africa back to pre-independence. This is based on empirical data gathered from ten countries in the region. In attempting to model the future of technological progress in SSA, the paper turns to the transport sector. Working off a model of transport policymaking in Africa, the paper spurs off three possible models of future technology policymaking in the region. Of the three, the joint research model (where local science agents and donor agencies engage in joint research) represents the likely immediate future of technology policymaking in SSA. However, the region should aim at weaning off donors and emerging into the science-driven society model, typified by continual dialogue between local science agents and politicians.