There is a need to adapt radical post-development practices, which will serve as an alternative approach to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Africa.
These approaches should serve the interests of indigenous people and countries of the global south, of which the needs are often not considered in the SDG discourse.
Although the SDGs have been one the most accepted and adopted development frameworks across the world, the goals have not yielded many results for Africa, as reflected in the United Nations (UN) SDG report of 2022.
Therefore there is a need to revisit and modify ancient world views, old traditions and practices like ubuntu, swaraj, and degrowth approaches to solve the global south’s escalating social, economic and environmental issues.
Unlike the top-down approach that the SDGs ascribe to, the post-development theories are inclusive and seek to first create radical change from a local level and promote values of interconnectedness, dignity of labour, solidarity, and respect for all life and the environment.
Timothy Luke, a professor of political science, noted that SDGs are constructed from a western hegemony development model, which places high value on economic growth and capitalism.
This type of model comes into conflict with African worldviews on development that places value on people and the environment.
The SDGs have led to global environmental degradation due to major economies’ pursuit of consumerism and industrialisation.
However, the post-development theory of Swaraj, for example, can provide solutions to climate change, biodiversity and ecological challenges, and any other matters related to the environment.
This world view respects planetary boundaries and acknowledges that species have rights and should not be exploited. It also believes in values such as social justice and equity.
The swaraj approach is more inclusive, as it empowers people to be part of the decision-making process and considers the physical, spiritual, cultural, and intellectual aspects of a human being in relation to decisions.
Although SDGs 13 to 16 encompass similar values, there has not been much progress on these goals as highlighted in the UN SDG report of 2022.
The degrowth approach is another development world view that should be widely adapted in development discourse that seeks to solve African issues.
In essence, the degrowth approach believes humans can have a good life with fewer things, and that economic growth is not the solution to all the world’s problems.
Bendell, a scholar, echoed similar sentiments when he noted that the “spiral of self-destruction’” caused by the SDGs will only stop if nations drop their allegiance to economic growth.
Lastly, the degrowth approach at its core believes countries should move from linear economic models and adapt more circular economic models.
This approach also calls for industries to reduce consumption and production and find innovative solutions to solve problems.
Scholars such as Federico Demaria and Ashish Kothari have produced numerous works on developing degrowth approaches and alternative development models, which our policymakers could explore.
Although these post-development theories and degrowth approaches could provide tangible solutions to African issues, there are no sufficient funds allocated to implement the post-development activities that would foster the change desired.
Equally, countries which adapt these approaches may not have the political muscle to fight powerful and well-funded countries in the global north.
Therefore, countries in the global south need to be intentional and stand together to fund and support alternative post-development frameworks that would empower and transform Africa.
- Morna Ikosa is a seasoned communications and stakeholder engagement consultant with a specific affinity for sustainable development. Find her on LinkedIn, or email her at [email protected]
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