Education for sustainable development in higher education institutions in southern Africa

Abstract

The implementation of education for sustainable development (ESD) demand for a review of the current epistemological and pedagogical practices in the context of the objectives of the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (UNDESD). Most of higher education institutions are grappling with the introduction of education for sustainable development into the curriculum. The paper is interrogating possible epistemological and pedagogical practices for higher education institutions in Southern Africa. It draws on reports from Southern Africa Higher Education Institutions. The paper highlights on themes and topics that may be of interest, most useful and suitable for teaching education for sustainable development in contributing to the implementation of UNDESD at higher education institutions. It explores social, economic, political and ecological issues, local contexts and impact. The paper stimulates and invites debates on sustainability issues and their implication for research, community engagement and teaching and learning practices at higher education institutions and curriculum policy change to promote social transformation.