Abstract:
People-centred development philosophy is one of the important visionary
ambitions of Africanists like Mwalimu Nyerere, geared towards founding
economic and technological development with a human eye. This was possible
because, in most African countries, development goals were and are still inspired
by Western methodological and theoretical models that largely ignore or
underplay social norms, culture, and people’s mindsets. This study was
undertaken to explore ways in which Africa can harness its inherent socio-cultural
values in struggling for development. Data were collected using a document
review to establish development paths pursued by emerging economies and
through interviews to enquire about what should be done. The study has found
that fast development (i.e. China and Korea) can partly be explained by the fact
that these countries retained cultural values (Confucianism) to foster rapid
development of their economies. Given this trend, the findings suggest the
following measures. Firstly, Africa must establish social science theoretical-based
research centres. Secondly, African scientific research should use the inductive
approach in research and invest in the recording of oral narratives. Thirdly,
Afrocentric researchers must consolidate efforts to avoid being pulled by
Western-centric approaches. Fourthly, social science knowledge should be
approached using a multidisciplinary approach. Fifthly, the government should
invest in curricula reform even at lower levels of social studies. Sixthly, Africans
must promote local languages in explaining African realities. In conclusion, it is
cautioned that adopting people-centred development with an Africanization spirit
does not mean abandoning global trends in material and technological
development. Rather, African states should primarily invest in people’s base to
create positive attitudes, patriotism, and integrity, a practice exercised in
countries like China and Korea.
