Earth science training and development in Africa: a United Kingdom perspective

The paper discusses earth science training and development in Anglophone Africa, focusing particularly on support to geological survey organisations (GSOs). A distinction is drawn between ‘education’ and ‘training’, the latter used here in a vocational sense. Both are part of a continuing process of career development for earth scientists. First degree level education underpins all subsequent training. The onus for the latter lies with the employers, which need to develop appropriate training programmes for their staff that are compatible with an individual's career development and their own organisations' needs. There are relatively few graduate employees as a percentage of total staff in most African GSOs compared with GSOs elsewhere in the world and the experience of many of the younger scientists may be limited. This, and the often limited resources available, indicate a continuing need for support through development and institutional strengthening programmes. The main approaches to training and development are outlined and examples are given of some applications of these approaches. The training providers include ‘western’ and former Soviet earth science institutions, organisations such as the Association of Geoscientists in Development, and geological societies such as the Geological Society of Africa. The changing emphasis of developing country technical assistance requirements is reviewed. These include a shift from the leader-trainee approach by the provider to an advisory approach. The encouraging emergence of cross-border and regional training and development programmes within Africa is noted.