This paper argues that the challenge of intercultural communication has often been overlooked in discussions of indigenous language literacy in Africa. The omission continues despite the fact that literacy practices in Africa have often served as a means of intercultural communication, especially among highly educated Africans. Proposals for the…

This document brings into focus the main ideas and action-oriented decisions emanating from the seminars of heads of African universities which took place on the themes of: the mission of the African university (Accra, 1991); restructuring the African university (Dakar, 1992); and the resources and management of the African university (Alexandria,…

My main contention in this article is that the nation-state paradigm for policies targeted at effecting development in sub-Saharan Africa is undermined by arbitrary colonial boundaries and porous borders and the challenges of transnationalism as part of the globalization phenomenon in late modernity. The nation-state paradigm is also the framework…

Claims all African governments seek to modify their inherited colonial system of education to meet the needs of an emerging nation, and those efforts produce a reform document but do not result in reform. States attention must be given to education reform, resources, structures, determiners of change, management, and implementation methods. (NL)

This overview of the activities of the Section for Africa begins by tracing the growth of the section in 1982 and 1983 to 100 African members and 22 members from other continents. Participation by the section in International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) preconference seminars is briefly discussed, and it is noted that the section…

The use of language for political control, cultural preservation, or destruction between Southern Hemisphere countries and their former colonial masters is discussed. Linguistic and educational policy dilemmas in multiethnic, multilingual African countries suggest that linguistic dependency is leading to both technological dependency and…

Examines state-civil society partnerships for policy implementation in developing countries. Considers the applicability of strategic management approaches to policy partnerships and suggests steps to strengthen the successful pursuit of state-civil society partnerships. Extensive references. (Author/JOW)

Examines the potential of scientific information transfer in selected English- and Arab-speaking countries of Africa, as it relates to national development through socio-economic planning, agriculture, medicine, and science and technology. (Author/CWM)

Suggests that the Luso-Brazilian Accord is a strategy to spread the Portuguese language in Africa, particularly in the former colonies of Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, and Sao Tome e Principe, and to construct and solidify a community of lusophone nations in geopolitical terms in world affairs. Language planning in these countries…

Analyzes African development strategies as a response to conditions and limitations imposed by a history of colonialism and neocolonialism. (Author/MJL)

Most East African nations have adopted the colonial languages of English or French as the medium of communication and education. One notable exception is Tanzania where, while each ethnic group has its own language, Kiswahili serves as an effective lingua franca. (RM)

Two international meetings on distance education are summarized in this report. The first, a preparatory seminar on "Staff Development for Distance Education," was held in Berlin to give African participants an opportunity to meet prior to attending the 12th World Conference of the International Council for Correspondence Education…

This paper outlines the rationale for, and functions of, national library policies within African countries; discusses some of the issues raised concerning national library policies at the 1970 meeting at Kampala of the Experts on the National Planning of Documentation and Library Services in Africa and at other similar conferences; reviews the…

The work of universities in developing countries is reviewed. Closer links between the school and university systems are recommended with a view to improving teacher education, the creation of school curricula more relevant to current needs, and flexibility in relation to admission to postsecondary education. (Author/MLW)

In response to the changing information environment within African educational institutions, this article studies the need for strategic planning in the Department of Library and Information Studies at the University of Botswana. Highlights include an assessment of the department's past, current, and future strategic plans, and outlines…