All over the world, science and technology networks are transforming human conditions in health, agriculture and economic growth. Today, technology forms the bedrock of modern agricultural practices and functions as the backbone on which agriculture exists. As an example, many countries of the world have adopted biotechnology in agriculture to combat global food insecurity posed by climate change, pests and insect attacks, as well as limited natural resources for farming – water and land.

 

Through the use of genetic engineering, genetically modified crops such as cotton, cowpea, cassava, soybean, rice and maize have been engineered to resist pest attacks and withstand harsh weather conditions to help boost agricultural production and increase profits for farmers. More than ever, with the recent waves of technological advancements - synthetic biology, Internet of Things (IoT), Robotics and Hydroponics - agricultural innovators are developing novel and practical solutions to existing agricultural challenges.

 

However, lack of science communication, rumours, cultural and religious misconceptions about science, have continued to slow down the pace of democratising science, technology and innovation in Africa - preventing our dear continent, from exploiting the nascent efficiencies of science and technology. Science denialism!

 

Science Journalism is pivotal towards a successful adoption of Science, Technology and Innovation in Africa. Science Journalism - translates complex scientific Jargons, into simpler and understandable language forms for the consumption of policymakers and the general public as well. It is the perfect communication bridge between scientific research and policy-making which will also, focus public interests on science, technology and innovation issues.

 

In the context of agricultural biotechnology and genetic engineering, science journalism will aid the public in understanding the scientific and societal implications of genetic research and biotechnology applications to human lives, thus, promote science literacy more broadly. 

 

The coverage of science by the mass-media in Africa is weak, and most coverage of biotechnology is largely dominated by the west with broad narratives that focus on outside influences. With the abundant human resource of the young continent, Africa can feed itself and become a world agricultural leader. This will involve building capacities of its young, in Science Journalism and reporting to produce quality stories that will shed fresh and more deeply nuanced light on science and technology, as we explore the best way to bring biotechnology to Africa.

 

Science Journalism can play a vital role in demystifying scientific myths and internet rumours. For example, during the Ebola virus outbreak in Nigeria, 2014, people drank and took their bath with salt water – an act which they believe will prevent the Ebola disease, leading to the deaths of many. Science Journalists could tell the right answers and educate the public on such miscommunications.

 

In school, my love for science writing and communication prompted me to exchange the pipette for the pen. With motivation from my teacher, Abdulrazak Ibrahim, I wrote an article titled “Biotechnology: A Veritable tool for Agriculture in Nigeria” which was published online via Medium. A year later, the article earned me the Coordinator`s Award for Open Forum for Agricultural Biotechnology in Africa (OFAB), Nigeria Media Awards, 2018. This ignited my passion and enthusiasm for science reporting.

By the end of this century, Africa – a mesh of 54 countries will become home to 4 billion inhabitants. By 2050, the burgeoning population is expected to double. Geographically, Africa – the youngest continent in the world, bears the burden of extreme poverty which is heavily concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa. However, does Africa, appreciates the role of science and technology towards solving its contemporary challenges?