Why the Sustainable Development Goals Matter in Africa?

Abstract

The singular purpose of this study is directed at answering a fundamental question and its immediate focus would be on Africa. The question is premised on why the Sustainable Development Goals matter as well as revealing its importance to the continent of Africa and Africans. A qualitative research method was adopted during the study. The findings revealed that sustainable development matters, and serve as a necessity in closing certain gaps of the human living index in Africa. Many Africans especially in the rural environment are not aware of the sustainable development goals. Thus, Africa needs more education, information, workshops and seminars to enlighten the people on the importance of the SDGs. This study also showed that the participants interviewed do not know how to drive and achieve the SDGs in the urban area. Finally, unanimously, the respondents agree that poverty, food insecurity, gender and infrastructure development are the major challenges facing the continent. Thus, the Sustainable Development Goals become a matter of necessity for Africans, therefore it matters. The limitation of this study is that it was carried out in just three countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, the generalized study results about Africa are only limited to a few African nations. It was challenging gathering data as most participants were reluctant about providing information based on trust deficit prevalent in the continent. Some participants altogether felt uncomfortable participating in the research.