THE PROBLEMS OF MAINTENANCE OF SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT AND THE EFFECT OF IT ON RESEARCH AND EDUCATION IN AFRICA |
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| Dzengo Mzengeza |
- Abstract:
- Developing countries are regarded as recipients of technology and advanced scientific equipment, however most of equipment is unavailable due to breakdowns and lack of maintenance. Maintenance of scientific and technical equipment appears to enjoy very low priority in the main activities of Universities, Research and Technological Institutions in Africa. These institutions are expected to train manpower in the fields of science and engineering and to conduct research at a level comparable to other similar institutions worldwide, but this cannot be achieved if essential instruments/equipment and facilities needed for this purpose are unavailable or are not maintained. This paper highlights the problem equipment maintenance, the possible causes and the initiatives taken by the International Foundation for Science of Sweden and the Network of Users of Scientific equipment in Eastern and Southern Africa (NUSESA) in addressing the problem. The paper also suggests priority areas, which need to be addressed, and makes recommendations for the way forward. In looking at the priority areas, the paper attempts to tackle the problem of technology transfer and ways in which the equipment suppliers and the users can work together to address the problems.
- Keywords:
- equipment, maintenance, training
- Download:
- PWC-2003-TC11-013.pdf
- DOI:
- -
- Event details
- Event name:
- XVII IMEKO World Congress
- Title:
Metrology in the 3rd Millennium
- Place:
- Dubrovnik, CROATIA
- Time:
- 22 June 2003 - 28 June 2003