The Importance of Science And Technology For Developing Countries

Throughout history, the development of new technology has been absolutely vital for both human survival and human progress. We as a species constantly come across situations where our alternatives are either adaptation or survival and one of the main tools with which we adapt to changing conditions is with the discovery and implementation of new technologies. Another reason we strive to create new technology is not only to eke out a meagre existence but to improve our living conditions as much as possible. Technology is the primary vehicle through which humanity progresses and in the future, technology could serve to eliminate much of the biggest problems facing us as a species such as world hunger, poverty, lack of access to education and other issues.

Arguably the portion of the world most in need of technology and all the socioeconomic development that comes with it is the Third World, where living conditions are worst and technology is neglected relative to the rest of the world. Abdus Salam, the 1979 Nobel laureate in physics, once made the observation that science in developing countries is looked upon as a "marginal activity" and even considered "an ornament". This dismissive view of the power of technology to transform lives is one of the many impediments facing Africa. Lack of enough capital to properly fund technological education and research and development is another huge obstacle. Another is the lack of infrastructure and proper management to implement changes in technology policy. A reversal of these technological misfortunes can only come about as a result of renewed focus on technological education (especially in colleges and universities) and research and development in the Third World.

Despite all the obstacles facing the developing world in its journey to become as technologically proficient and aware as the developed world, there is much hope to be found all across the Third World. A shining example of the entrepreneurial and knowledge seeking spirit that is widespread all over the developing world is the story of William Kamkwamba, a Malawian teenager who used blue gum trees, bicycle parts, and materials that he collected in a local scrapyard to power his family's home. Despite being forced to leave school due to lack of tuition money and having to face the derision of his fellow villagers for undertaking a seemingly fruitless endeavor, William utilized his limited acess to education and his own ingenuity to transcend expectations and improve his life conditions and those of his family and fellow villagers. In doing so, he has provided me and others with reason to believe in the ability of the developing world to embrace technology and empower themselves with it.

I believe the research sources  used for this blog posting were credible and good sources because of the bibliography of the first source which was a research paper authored by faculty at Eastern Mediterranean University in Gazimagusa, North Cyprus. I feel confident in this source due to the comprehensive bibliography which includes such notable and trustworthy references such as Weekly Science and World Scientific. My other source was the Wall Street Journal's article on William Kamkwamba. I felt confident in using the Wall Street Journal because it is one of the most universally recognized publications in the world and widely accepted as a very credible news source.

Sources:
http://fie-conference.org/fie95/4c4/4c44/4c44.htm
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB119742696302722641.html?mod=hpp_us_editors_picks