I am thrilled to announce that my latest research article co-authored with Ellen Fungisai Chipango, titled “When sustainable development competes with African Ubuntu: A case study”, has been published in the journal Geoforum.
Drawing on a case study on sustainable energy in Zimbabwe, we explore the relationship between African Ubuntu and sustainable development. Here is the abstract:
Globally, one Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 7) has gained currency as a lever for sustainability and a reference point for energy transition. That said, we know little about contested views of this goal. Thus, this paper explores competing views of experts versus communities. Further, we analyse alternative architectures of knowledge and practice that constitute different understandings of sustainable development. Drawing on qualitative research, it emerged that the elite (government authorities, NGOs and experts) are inclined to the hegemonic ‘Western’ and modernist view of sustainable development. On the other hand, communities contest this view arguing that sustainable development should be relational, context-dependent and shaped by their knowledge and culture. Insights into these differences are a launchpad for a new relational and forward-looking sustainable development agenda.
You can read the full paper here.