Sustainable development in sub‐Saharan Africa: Issues of knowledge development and agenda setting
International Journal of Development Issues
ISSN: 1446-8956
Article publication date: 9 October 2009
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore different prisms through which sustainable development (SD) is considered and to situate the discourse in African contexts by highlighting the contestations in which the conventional knowledge of SD is embedded as well as an agenda for improving the institutional framework for productive engagement of Africa nations.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is based on desk research and synthesis drawn from the extant literature.
Findings
The orthodox knowledge of SD reflects axioms that are inextricably liked to the idiosyncrasies of the developed world; framed in opinions, languages and meanings that are poorly communicated to and understood by rural Africa. As a result, many African countries have remained bystanders in this important global discourse.
Practical implications
To engage Africa proactively, a more broadened perspective is required in promoting the global agenda for SD, taking more account of the continent's contextual subjectivities than is presently the case.
Originality/value
The treatment offered indicates a need for more context‐bound education (not prescriptions) that is sufficiently sensitive and respectful of the complex trajectories characterising Africa's development (or lack of it). It is from this knowledge base that a useful SD agenda for the region might emerge.
Keywords
Citation
Nwankwo, S., Chaharbaghi, K. and Boyd, D. (2009), "Sustainable development in sub‐Saharan Africa: Issues of knowledge development and agenda setting", International Journal of Development Issues, Vol. 8 No. 2, pp. 119-133. https://doi.org/10.1108/14468950910997684
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2009, Emerald Group Publishing Limited