Up-to-date research and analysis on the impact of various forms of information on the development process is presented, including e-economic development and its impact on economic growth. Calling for greater attention to be paid to information as a key sector in national economic development, this exploration of African economics cites the advantages of better statistical data and geographic information for more effective economic planning, management, and forecasting in the digital age. Index, 232pp, NETHERLANDS. INTERNATIONAL BOOKS.

Bringing together in depth analysis and critical insights into the potential benefits of improved technology in Africa's development, the authors illustrate the central role of geotechnology and information and communication technologies can play in the delivery of efficient and effective services by government and agencies. The potential rewards of better digital technology are discussed, as is the important role digital networks could play in establishing greater political participation and empowerment and increased business profitability. Index, tables, graphs, 272pp, THE NETHERLANDS. INTERNATIONAL BOOKS, 9057270528

Short study of African-born scientists. 80pp, ZAMBIA. MWAJIONERA ENTERPRISES.

Consolidates the science and technology programmes of the African Union (AU) Commission and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) as the instrument for the implementation of the decisions of the first African Ministerial Conference on Science and Technology held in Johannesburg, South Africa in November 2003. Gives practical meaning to the decision of Second Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the AU held in July 2003 in Maputo, Mozambique to integrate the NEPAD Programme into AU structures and processes. Col photos, 72pp, SOUTH AFRICA. NEPAD OFFICE OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY.

The advances of information and communication technologies (ICT) in some Asian countries have led some people to proclaim a fundamental change in the world economy. This collection of essays attempts to make such an evaluation, taking into account the specific relationship of ICT with the wider social and economic system and the national system of innovation of each country. Includes essays on South Africa and Southern Africa. Index, 253pp, UK. ADONIS & ABBEY PUBLISHERS.

The story of the beginnings of rocket science in South Africa. Refs, b/w illus, 192pp, SOUTH AFRICA. UNISA PRESS, 1868882039

Argues that integrating Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) into governance processes can greatly enhance the delivery of public services to all citizens and also transform relationships amongst stakeholders, thus influencing policymaking processes and regulatory frameworks. In the developing world, however, the potential of ICTs for effective governance remains largely unexplored and unexploited. This book presents the context, theory, and current thinking on the interaction between ICTs and local governance, particularly in Africa. It discusses the shift from government to e-governance, describes the role of local-level authorities, and presents the benefits and limitations of introducing ICTs in government operations. Case studies from Ghana, Senegal, South Africa, and Uganda describe local governance/ICTs projects executed by civil society organizations, academic institutions, and government authorities. Bib, apps, b/w illus, 313pp, USA. AFRICA WORLD PRESS.

A collection of essays by key experts in the field of international development looks at the role of science, technology and innovation in encouraging a risk-taking, problem solving approach to development cooperation in Africa. Central to this transformative agenda will be the role of science, technology and innovation, both as a driver of economic growth within the developing countries and as a core element in nurturing managerial and governance competencies. 129pp, UK. THE SMITH INSTITUTE.

A consideration of the introduction, adoption and utilisation of ICTs at community level in Africa exploring the question of community participation in ICTs in various geographical, technological, socio economic, cultural and institutional contexts. The author assesses in some detail how communities in sub Saharan Africa have responded to changes following the introduction of these technologies, discussing the opportunities and challenges they present for political and community development. BNS, 135pp, SENEGAL. CODESRIA, 1552500012

Why do national patterns of Internet expansion differ so greatly throughout Africa? To what extent do politics trump technology? Who are the information champions in the various African states? Addressing these and related questions, this collection explores the politics, economics, and technology of Internet diffusion across the continent. 237pp, USA. LYNNE RIENNER.

Non-formal education is an important aspect of training for agricultural extension agents and farmers. This study written as a field guide draws on long experiences of national integration production and pest management programmes in Asian countries, where the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation developed its concepts. By appropriately adapting these concepts to local field and farming situations in Ghana, the guide provides basic topics and exercises to enable the incorporation of non-formal education into training for farmers in West Africa. 130pp, GHANA. GHANA U P.

Science is still the great intellectual adventure, but now it is also seen as an instrument of profit, power and privilege. This short guide introduces a new way of thinking about science, moving away from simplistic ideas of perfect certainty and objectivity. We must accept uncertainty and ignorance in the field as well as the need for citizens' participation in the policies involving science. Index, illus, 142pp, UK. NEW INTERNATIONALIST.

A fresh worldwide debate about nuclear energy has been rekindled after decades of silent ageing of the nuclear industry. The insatiable energy hunger of the fast growing economies of the East like China and India, rising oil prices, uncertainties about the quantity (peak oil) and security of energy supplies, and the run-away climate change are used as strong arguments for this type of energy resource. This series of thematic papers presents a fresh look, new informa-tion and up-to-date analysis on the main questions surrounding the nuclear energy. Includes examples from South Africa's nuclear power programme. 354pp, SOUTH AFRICA. HEINRICH BOELL STIFTUNG.

This book provides guidance on how to take a participatory approach to needs assessment showing how to conduct participatory technology development while minimizing problems associated with on farm livestock experiments. Illustrates how a participatory approach can be applied effectively. Includes case studies set in Kenya, Mozambique and Sudan. Bib, index, tables, 320pp, UK. ITDG PUBLISHING.

A series of case studies which look at how and why science and technology must be popularised in Africa so that the next generation can narrow the gap between the industrialised countries and those of sub-Saharan Africa. Refs, tables, xv, 267pp, UK. COMMONWEALTH SECRETARIAT, 0850927420

The expression national systems of innovation was introduced in the 1980s to emphasize the interdependence between technical and institutional change in Africa. No continent has a more complex pattern of national boundaries or of ethnic, religious and tribal subsystems, interacting with sectoral systems; this work attempts to get to grips with that complexity in twenty one essays on diverse subjects, from manufacturing to trade barriers, telecommunications to NEPAD. Index, 361pp, DENMARK. AALBORG UNIVERSITETSFORLAG.

An anthology of twenty essays in the advances made in environmental sciences concerning African landscapes, its biodiversity and wealth of archaeological evidence buried in its soil. The sustainability of resources and the health issues concerning the continent are also addressed. Illustrated with colour photographs, diagrams and tables. Refs, maps, x, 246pp, SOUTH AFRICA. UMDAUS PRESS PTY LTD, 1919766235

An epistemological challenge to western models of numbering and by extension science, mathematics and logic. Based on the author's seven years of teaching in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Tables, figs, index, 277pp, USA. CHICAGO U P.

A collection of case studies drawn from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Mauritius examining the relationship between scientific claims and colonial power. The author challenges the detached nature of scientific inquiry and shows how science is implicated in the process of colonial conquest and domination. Index, notes, x, 241pp, UK. MANCHESTER UNIV PRESS, 0719058120

Essays examining Africa's scientific and technological literacy, production and consumption focusing on the constraints and challenges required to promote the advancement of information technology and biotechnology. Index, refs, tables, 628pp, UK. AFRICA WORLD PRESS, 1592211127

Second edition. The only detailed, multinational guide to the cost of construction work across Africa, with thirteen chapters cover individual countries (Algeria, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d'lvoire, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa and Zambia). Each chapter provides: key data on the main economic and construction indicators; an outline of the national construction industry, covering structure, tendering and contract procedures, regulations and standards; labour and materials cost data; measured rates for a range of construction work items; approximate estimating costs for a range of building types; price index data and exchange rate movements against sterling and US dollars; addresses of public and private construction related organisations. Extensively revised and thoroughly updated with additional reference to civil engineering and infrastructure projects, this book provides more supplemen-tary information and includes costs based on locally-sourced materials to enable quick and useful comparisons. This new edition is the indispensable guide to African construction costs. 368pp, UK. ROUTLEDGE.

Draws attention to the hydra-headed problem of attaining sustainability in agro-ecosystems of the tropical regions and attempts to shape future agricultural research in these regions, where, the author argues, there is an over-reliance on solutions practised in more temperate climes. Topics include: the potentials of leguminous crop cover systems for sustainable agricultural production, managing carbon and nitrogen in tropical organic farming, the management of the genetic diversity of maize, and the management of fire in agro-ecosystems in forest and savannah ecotypes in Nigeria. 235pp, NIGERIA. COLLEGE PRESS.

A consideration of the introduction, adoption and utilisation of ICTs at community level in Africa exploring the question of community participation in ICTs in various geographical, technological, socio economic, cultural and institutional contexts. The author assesses in some detail how communities in sub Saharan Africa have responded to changes following the introduction of these technologies, discussing the opportunities and challenges they present for political and community development. Text in French. BNS, 136pp, SENEGAL. CODESRIA, 1552500004