Integrating Sustainability Into University Curriculum In Tanzania: Challenges And Prospects

Abstract

Universities play a significant role in producing the social and economical change essential to achieve sustainable development. Therefore, it is vital for universities to integrate the principles of sustainability in all its functions including teaching, research and community services. This paper discusses the challenges and prospects of integrating sustainability education in the university curriculum. The paper synthesizes the insights provided by lecturers and students from selected universities in Tanzania. Data were collected through interviews and documentary review. The key findings indicate that the selected universities in Tanzania have incorporated topics that promote some aspects of sustainability in their curriculum. However, most of the topics related to sustainability were added as a by the way and were not key in the courses taught at the universities. The barriers that universities face in implementing sustainability education includes, inter alia, lack of funds, lack of institutional drive and commitment and, lack of expertise on the part of lecturers. The argument, in this, paper is that through integration of sustainability education in their curriculum, universities can respond to contextual sustainable development challenges.