Integrating sustainable practices in apparel and textile education in less developed countries in Africa: A curriculum development approach

Integrating sustainable practices into textile education in underdeveloped countries of Africa is essential to addressing the environmental, social and economic challenges facing the industry. This literature review looks at the current state of textile and apparel curricula, identifies barriers to incorporating sustainability, explores effective strategies for curriculum development, and assesses the overall impact of sustainability-focused education on the industry and society. A critical analysis of existing curricula reveals significant gaps in sustainability content, outdated teaching methods, and a parallel relationship between academic training and industry demands. Key obstacles include limited resources, insufficient policy support, and limited collaboration between educational institutions and industry stakeholders. To overcome these shortcomings, effective curriculum development must emphasize interdisciplinary learning, experiential teaching approaches and strong industry partnerships that provide students with hands-on experience with sustainable practices. A well-structured, sustainability-driven curriculum has the potential to foster innovation, improve employability, and develop environmentally responsible fashion professionals. While challenges remain, a collaborative approach involving policymakers, educators, industry leaders and local communities is vital to integrating sustainability into textile education. This review underscores the urgent need for educational reforms that equip future professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to drive Africa's transition to a more sustainable textile industry.