Development is the process in which every person in the country or region is capable of sustain a standard of living. Development in terms of economics can be defined as the moving or improving living standard of people from low level to higher level. Politically, development can be defined as a situation in which a government is able to manage itself in terms of natural resources and many other. Development also can be a result of proper generation and utilization of scientific knowledge and technological know how to use that technology..jpeg)
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It is necessary to have technology in your country in order to develop since there is technology transfer. Technology transfer is the process of sharing ideas, methods and skills between countries. Through this you can have a foreign knowledge and use it in your own development. The following are the role of science and technology in development.
Increased Productivity. The generation and utilization of science and technology increase productivity in agriculture. Most developing country especially in Africa depends on agriculture, and many of them are small scale farmers. These farmers mainly cultivate food crops and the remaining crops are sold. This was in few years ago. But due to improvement in science and technology now days many farmers cultivate their crops by using a tractor. By doing this, the productivity increases since the tractor simplify work and many crops are produced. The produced crops can be exported abroad and earn foreign income which contribute to the increase in national income.
Expansion of domestic markets. The utilization of science and technology in the country increase industrial productivity hence expansion of domestic markets. The modern technology of processing in industries has increased has increased the productivity of that industry in low costs since the raw materials are obtained through agriculture hence expand domestic markets. For example, the farmers who cultivate cashew nuts now can sell their product within our country. This is because of modern technology which implemented within our country on how to process the cashew nuts. Therefore, the expansion of domestic markets promote development.
Improved infrastructure. The generation and utilization of technology has improved infrastructure. In earlier time it was difficult to transport the finished goods from where they are produced to final destination. This was due to poor infrastructure of roads and railways. As the result of improved technology, good roads have been built which make easier transportation of goods from one place to another. For example, Kyela district found in Mbeya region is rich in production {cultivation} of rice but it was difficult to reach there due to poor infrastructure. But now days it is easier because the infrastructures have been improved. Also there is a railway which is built in Tanzania called SGR, this is the product of utilization of science and technology from outside our country and this is called technology transfer.
Improved education systems. The generation and utilization of science and technology has improved education systems. Now days the government has invested in education by teaching science and technology studies in more practical. This is done in order to give the students the knowledge to understand how various technology is. This can lead to development because the students will have the abilities to solve various problems facing their communities. For example, most African farmers depends on rainfall but due to utilization of knowledge and application of technology acquired through education, new irrigation systems have been innovated. The farmers can even cultivate in summer seasons. This increases productivity and hence increases development in the country.
Improved health services. The utilization of science and technology have improved health services. Few years ago in Tanzania, there were some diseases which were not be able to be treated within the country instead a victim has to be sent abroad for treatment. This was undermining the victims especially for those who don’t have money to be transported but also the government will not get that money. Therefore, after the technology transfer those diseases are treated within the country. Example of these diseases are heart transplant. This contributes to the national income since the patient pay bills.
Therefore, the proper use and utilization of scientific knowledge is the key to sustainable development in developing country. What is needed is good government policy to manage and improve those technologies adapted from outside the country. Another thing a government should do is to train their people in order to have expertise people to control and utilize that technology. Various methods can be used in technology transfer such as licensing, turnkey, joint ventures and patents and Free Direct Investment {FDI}.
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