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Appropriate human resources development and utilization are the cornerstones of the techno- 
logy; it is the single most important infrastructure that needs to be built and strengthened conti- 
nuously. To achieve this objective, the United Nations, through its space Applications Program- 
me, is developing a proposal for the consideration of the United Nations Development Program- 
me. This proposal, planned for implementation here in Africa, would focus on the development 
of indigenous capability in remote sensing technology through the provision of relevant educa- 
tion for educators. This step is being undertaken in the belief that appropriate education is an es- 
sential pre-condition to achieving the required degree of preparedness for the development and 
utilization of any new technology. When it becomes operational, the programme would strive to 
update the knowledge of teachers in basic space sciences including the fundamental principles of 
remote sensing and its relevant applications. The goal of this proposal is to inculcate, as may be 
necessary, relevant aspects of space science and technology into existing education curricula of 
secondary and higher institutions of learning in African countries. Lo 
‘The teaching of subjects such as oceanography, civil engineering, physics, land surveying, 
environmental sciences, geology, agriculture and all its related aspects, law and international poli- 
tics are being enriched by and certainly do benefit from the inculcation of relevant aspects of 
space science and technology in many overseas institutions. After almost thirty years of mankind's 
first effort in outer space, there are still many graduates of higher institutions of learning with 
little or no knowledge of how outer space and the activities taking place therein affect them. 
Indeed, a general atmospheric sciences curriculum need to be developed, taught and demonstra- 
ted to all students irrespective of their field of specialisation, particularly in the first year of their 
university education. Through the aforementioned proposed project, research and professional. 
interaction can easily be promoted along with greater collaboration among specialists from diffe- 
rent countries working in similar/related disciplines to solve common problems. 
REFERENCES 
1/ Daniel, R.R. “Space Sciences in Developing Countries — The Indian Experience”, Role and 
Impact ‘of Space Research in Developing Countries, Advances in Space Research, COSPAR 
Journal, Vol. 3, Nov. 7. pp. 35—43. 
2/ McCracken, K. CS/RO Space Science and A nns -- Progress Report April 1986. 
3/ 1983 Annuai Report of CNES, Paris, France | 
4/ Observation Satellite Company Bulletin [issued in 1986]. 
5/ A/AC. 105/370: Report of the Legal Sub-Committee of the Committee on the Peaceful 
o of Outer Space (COPUOS) on the work of its twenty-fifth session (24 March — 11 April 
1986). 
  
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