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Science, technology to reduce poverty-Msolla
2006-05-26 09:48:07
By Hannah Mwandoloma
Higher Education, Science and Technology Minister, Prof Peter Msolla has said the ministry was in the process of securing funds for the establishment of Tanzania Education Network (TENET).
At the same time, the minister noted that if well integrated into general life, higher education, science and technology had the potential to reduce poverty.
However, Prof Msolla was categorical that this was only possible if the provision of quality education from early childhood to higher levels was improved and made mandatory.
The minister was presiding over the official opening of the first Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) Conference, on Wednesday, in Dar es Salaam.
The primary objective of TENET, Prof Msolla said, was to facilitate application of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in knowledge creation, access and reduction of the cost of each institution acquiring a separate band width.
TENET is also meant to attract donor support and bridge the digital divide.
’’The developed countries invest heavily in science and technology, some up to 4 per cent of their GDP, but in the case of Tanzania, the investment in science and technology is 0.18 per cent of the GDP as per 2005 report,’’ said Prof. Msolla.
He further noted that science and technology was integral and fundamental part of any development process in all sectors and at all stages.
’’Our country has no option other then embracing technological innovations as a vital tool for accelerating not only our transition to an industrial economy, but also for modernisation of agriculture,’’ said Prof. Msolla.
Apart from provision of quality education, Prof. Msolla said, improvement of economic prospects in the productive sectors and social services, there was need to improve provision of physical infrastructure.
’’Rural areas lack road network, said Prof. Msolla, and there is also lack of rural telecommunications, which in turn limit new opportunities for markets access, employment and trade,’’ he added.
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