Calestous Juma’s work in the area of science and technology policy for sustainable development was internationally recognised. He developed the concept of ‘evolutionary technological change’ in relation to socioeconomic conditions, and his work encompassed conservation of biodiversity and land rights as well as technological innovation.
Writing on agricultural technology, Calestous advocated a case-by-case, evidence-based approach to genetically modified crops in opposition to blanket application of the precautionary principle. Having founded the African Centre for Technology Studies in his native Kenya, he argued that aid programmes need to build technological competence in developing countries rather than providing conventional relief.
Calestous provided high-level policy advice to many national and global organisations, and he coordinated the Task Force for Science and Technology of the United Nations’ Millennium Development Project. His many books include The New Harvest: Agricultural Innovation in Africa (2011) and Long-run Economics: An Evolutionary Approach to Economic Growth (2013), which he wrote with development economist Norman Clark.
Professor Calestous Juma FREng FRS died on 15 December 2017.
