2.1 Introduction
2.2 Guiding Principles
Malawi’s development position is a clear case of “rich but poor”. Although Malawi is rich in natural resources, the majority of its population lives in abject poverty due, largely, to its inability to process and utilize its natural resources. Malawi has, under this National Science and Technology Policy, set for herself principles through which the country will discipline her development by utilizing her human resources. This policy has put in place strategies that will enable the country achieve a technology-based development in much the same way the newly developed countries in Asia have been able to achieve. The promulgation of this policy underscores the important role Malawi attaches to the development and application of S&T in national socio-economic development. It is also in recognition of the fact that the developed countries maintain their leadership positions in socio-economic development mainly due to their strength in scientific and technological capabilities. Such countries have used these capabilities to provide for better quality of life for their people. The developing countries on the other hand are poor mainly due to low productivity caused largely by the low scientific and technological capabilities. This, therefore, underscores the need for a science and technology policy to which Malawi is committed politically, morally and financially.
1. Assurance of Political Commitment to Science and
Technology
The development and effective utilization of science and technology is essentially
a national issue that requires political commitment. The call for political
commitment to science and technology for development is one of the key and
persistent problem areas addressed by the international financial institutions
and the donor community from time to time. The National Commission for Science
and Technology to be established under this policy will therefore ensure that,
the political establishment is, aware of the role of science and technology
in socio-economic development with the view of enhancing commitment to, and
provision of adequate resources for the development and application of science
and technology.
2. Integration of Science and Technology into the National
Development Planning
Science and technology issues are not explicitly
integrated into national development planning models in Malawi. Since independence
in
1964, economic
development planning has emphasized capital formation without paying special
attention to the development of a minimum national capability in science and
technology. Consequently, Malawi's capability in science and technology, measured
against standard criteria for assessing national capabilities in science and
technology, is weak. The weakness of the national S&T system; the absence
of institutional mechanisms for forecasting and identifying emerging issues
and problems with a view to realistically appraising social goals and societal
needs to which science and technology is expected to contribute; and the general
low level of national S&T awareness have all conspired to weaken the capacity
of Malawi to integrate S&T in national economic and social development
planning.
3. Maximization of Productivity through the Application
of Science and Technology
Productivity improvement has taken centre stage in the priority settings
of African leaders. In many of their fora, they have come to realize that
creation of wealth is not only highly dependent upon the capacity of a nation
to maximize productivity through effective management, but also that the
role of scientific and technological development is fundamental and highly
instrumental. Malawi will not be an exception in this regard since productivity
is still low in most sectors of the economy. Government will, therefore,
provide support to productivity improvement programmes in both the public
and private sectors.
4. Application of Science and Technology to Promote
International Competitiveness
While technologies are being continuously produced in the industrialized nations
in order to meet increasing demands and achieve a competitive edge on the international
market, Malawi, like most of Africa, seems to be satisfied with an economy
that is based on the export of primary goods. These goods require low technological
inputs and are sold at prices largely controlled by the developed nations.
Goods with high technological inputs have high value added and are, consequently,
sold at higher prices. Malawi will encourage the application of science and
technology in order to enhance the international competitiveness of her goods
and services.
5. Creation of a Conducive Policy Environment for the
Advancement of Science
and Technology
The political establishment in Malawi recognizes the need for an enabling
environment for the development and effective utilization of science and technology.
Nevertheless, the country still experiences many problems in the development
and effective utilization of science and technology. The major problems it
faces include lack of a well-developed industrial environment and lack of well-defined
policies and plans for national science and technology development. The capacity
of national institutions to undertake scientific and technological research
and development in the country is inadequate. The country's fiscal, financial,
institutional and statutory incentives are insufficient to promote the participation
of the private sector in technological development. At the same time, allocations
for research and development from public resources fall below the average for
countries at the same level of development. Malawi, therefore, requires a conducive
policy environment for the advancement of science and technology.
6. Investment in and Development and Retention of Science
and Technology Human
Resources
The human resources for science and technology represent
the most precious resource available to the nation for the development and
application of science
and technology in a manner that supports socio-economic development. It is,
therefore, in the interest of Government to ensure the continuous development
of this resource through education and training at all levels. The retention
of the already available resources will be an even more important strategy
and this will be realized through the creation of a conducive environment for
S&T human resources to remain in their employment in Malawi. This will
include, but not limited to, the provision of adequate remuneration and other
incentives; and facilities for the development and application of science and
technology.
7. Application of Science and Technology to Promote
Sustainable Socio-economic
Development
Resources used today are borrowed from future generations and must, at all
times, be used in a sustainable manner. To this end, Malawi will, through this
National Science and Technology Policy, promote sustainable socio-economic
development. This will entail, among other actions, adhering to the sound management
of natural resources and the environment; ensuring that all sectors of the
economy optimize the use of environmentally friendly technologies; and undertaking
mitigation measures against adverse environmental impacts.
8. Promotion of Science and Technology Culture among
the Civil Society
The Malawi culture, like elsewhere in Africa, is dominated
by superstition, traditional beliefs and ideas some of which retard developemnt.
Malawi will,
therefore, promote a culture that accepts and supports the development and
application of science and technology in national socio-economic development.
This requires the involvement of the planning and decision-making level of
the national S&T system in order to ensure that society increases its level
of awareness and appreciation of the benefits from S&T.