DPMN Bulletin: Volume X, Number 4, November 2003

The crucial role of Science and Technology (S&T) in socio-economic development is well appreciated by the Government of Zimbabwe. The level of development of any nation is a measure of how much S&T has been exploited and is being applied in providing goods and services. Developed nations of the world are, therefore, distinguished from the developing ones such as Zimbabwe by their higher level of scientific and technological advancement (Government of Zimbabwe 2002., iv). What is Science and Technology? Science is taken as an organized body of information or knowledge on a subject, its ability to solve problems, and the act of synthesis. Technology is taken as productive knowledge used by people to help or assist them by transforming materials into goods. Technology may be embodied in equipment, tools or machines, described as "hardware", or information, knowledge, skill or other human "software" components (IDS 1999, 2). Investments, in technology, like investments in education, can equip people with better tools and make them more productive and prosperous. Technology is, therefore, a tool, not just a reward for growth and development (UNDP 2001, 1-2).

National Administration and Management Structures for S&T

After independence (1980), the Government of Zimbabwe took a number of steps to strengthen science and technology-related institutions at both the policy- making/coordination level and at the level of human resource development. In 1984, the Government restructured and strengthened the Research Council of Zimbabwe, which was established long before independence as the Scientific Council of Rhodesia that had the following terms of reference:

• to undertake a review of the areas of research at present carried out in Rhodesia, to indicate other areas of research which, in the national interest, could be usefully investigated and suggest suitable lines of research within such areas together with responsibility of this research;
• to recommend ways and means whereby the above review can be carried out on a continuing basis;
• to keep under review those areas of science for which responsibility is not clear-cut and make recommendations there on;
• to provide, when required, advice on scientific priorities to the Treasury and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry;
• to advise Government on matters affecting overall national scientific policy.

The 1984 restructuring of the Research Council of Zimbabwe expanded its role to include the following;

• to promote, direct, supervise and coordinate scientific and technological research in Zimbabwe;
• to provide for the establishment of research councils and institutes to