Africa Science Focus

By 2030, Africa will account for 53 per cent of the world's population living in hunger, primarily due to climate change and worsening food shortages, the UN warns.In this episode of Africa Science Focus, reporter Michael Kaloki investigates how scientists are tackling the region’s food crisis by exploring gene editing to develop climate-resilient crops, particularly wheat. Cristobal Uauy, a project leader in crop genetics at the John Innes Centre in the UK, tells us how gene editing can be used to strengthen wheat's resistance to diseases and increase its nutritional value.Godwin Macharia, centre director for the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), says gene editing can improve yields amid a 16 per cent decline in wheat production between 2022 and 2023.Anna Backhaus, a cereal pre-breeder at the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), says gene editing requires robust policies to prevent exploitation.And Richard Shaw, director of the UK-CGIAR Centre, stresses the importance of international collaboration among organisations and countries to advance gene editing.  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------This episode was supported by the UK-CGIAR Centre. The UK-CGIAR Centre, hosted at CABI (CAB International, the parent organization of SciDev.Net), aims to support global food security by bringing together scientists from the UK and CGIAR to form impact-focused research collaborations. This project is funded by UK International Development.Do you have any comments, questions or feedback about our podcast episodes? Let us know at podcast@scidev.netDo you have any comments, questions or feedback about our podcast episodes? Let us know at podcast@scidev.net

By communicating their research, scientists can influence policy and drive meaningful change in society. Findings from scientific research have the power to address pressing challenges in society, from climate change to disease outbreaks.But what happens when important discoveries from these studies are left to gather dust in libraries or academic journals?In this episode of Africa Science Focus, reporter Michael Kaloki speaks with African scientists and researchers about the need for better communication of scientific research. Jackie Opara-Fatoye, a science journalist and deputy coordinator at SciDevNet, Sub-Saharan Africa, highlights some of the barriers to effective science communication, including limited funding, technical jargon, and poor media coverage.South African researchers Teboho Mofokeng and Amber Abrams share their experiences using local radio stations and engaging communities to promote their study on water sustainability.Bosede Afolabi, a Nigerian professor of obstetrics and gynaecology, pushes for increased government funding to expand the reach of scientific research.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------This podcast was supported by the Science Granting Councils Initiative which aims to strengthen the institutional capacities of 18 public science funding agencies in Sub-Saharan Africa.Africa Science Focus is produced by SciDev.Net and distributed in association with your local radio station.This piece was produced by SciDev.Net’s Sub-Saharan Africa English desk.Do you have any comments, questions or feedback about our podcast episodes? Let us know at podcast@scidev.net

Systemic barriers and poor support structures are stifling the progress of women in STEMUnderrepresentation of women in science and technology is limiting the continent's access to different perspectives and innovation, educators in the sector tell Africa Science Focus.Women account for only 20 per cent of women in science and engineering in Africa and 32 per cent of research and development scientists, according to research by the UN Economic Commission for Africa.In this episode of Africa Science Focus, reporter Michael Kaloki talks to women in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) about how to break the barriers women and girls face.He speaks with Adefunke Ekine, educational expert and researcher at the Tai Solarin University of Education in Nigeria’s Ogun state, who says abstract teaching and a lack of female role models are among the problems.Verdiana Masanja, mathematics professor at the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology in Tanzania, pushes for more inclusive policies in STEM education.Excellence Joshua, a social entrepreneur and creator of the Techy Train Incubator, a foundation that equips young African women with digital skills, wants to see more support for women in the workforce.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------This podcast was supported by the Science Granting Councils Initiative which aims to strengthen the institutional capacities of 18 public science funding agencies in Sub-Saharan Africa.    Africa Science Focus is produced by SciDev.Net and distributed in association with your local radio stationThis piece was produced by SciDev.Net’s Sub-Saharan Africa English desk.Do you have any comments, questions or feedback about our podcast episodes? Let us know at podcast@scidev.net

Africa's indigenous knowledge holds untapped potential for scientific innovation.In a continent with so many different cultures and traditions, indigenous knowledge has enormous potential to inform and strengthen scientific research. However, the legacy of colonialism has pushed African indigenous science knowledge to the fringes.In this episode of African Science Focus, reporter Michael Kaloki speaks with African scientists and researchers about the importance of incorporating local knowledge in science communication.Ayodele Ibiyemi, a US-based Nigerian culture researcher, notes that while colonial systems affected Africa’s culture and displaced its science knowledge, the continent is taking steps to regain its identity.Kenneth Monjero, a Kenyan biotechnologist, highlights a critical disconnect between young people and their indigenous science. To bridge this gap, Temilade Sesan, a Nigerian social development researcher, proposes a fundamental shift in education that reflects local realities including teaching STEM subjects in local languages.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------This podcast was supported by the Science Granting Councils Initiative which aims to strengthen the institutional capacities of 18 public science funding agencies in Sub-Saharan Africa.  Africa Science Focus is produced by SciDev.Net and distributed in association with your local radio stationThis piece was produced by SciDev.Net’s Sub-Saharan Africa English desk.Do you have any comments, questions or feedback about our podcast episodes? Let us know at podcast@scidev.net

Sub-Saharan Africa faces significant food security challenges, exacerbated by climate change and conflict.In this episode of Africa Science Focus, we explore the potential of hydroponic farming. This type of farming uses nutrient-rich solutions instead of soil—allowing for controlled and sustainable food production.Our reporter, Abdulkareem Mojeed, speaks to farmers and researchers who share their experiences and insights on harnessing hydroponics to improve crop yields.Adeniyi Olayanju, a Nigerian professor of sustainable agricultural mechanisation, says hydroponic farming can mitigate the effects of herder invasions. Ernest Larmie , a Ghanaian farmer, says the climate-smart method enables him to farm all year round, despite weather fluctuations.Nigerian farmer Modupe Olafusi explains how she uses fish water as compost for her hydroponic farming system.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ This piece was produced by SciDev.Net’s Sub-Saharan Africa English desk.Do you have any comments, questions or feedback about our podcast episodes? Let us know at podcast@scidev.net

The Nigerian government's approval earlier this year of transgenic insect-resistant and drought-tolerant maize varieties, also known as TELA maize, has sparked intense debate among farmers, scientists, and the general public.In this episode of Africa Science Focus, reporter Jayne Augoye hears out the diverse perspectives on the introduction of TELA maize, a genetically modified (GM) crop, which proponents say will contribute to food and nutrition security.Samuel Agele, professor and researcher in plant ecophysiology at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, emphasised the need for public education and the regulation of genetically modified crops in Nigeria, amid concerns over possible health and environmental impacts.Ijeoma Akaogu, a plant breeder and geneticist and programme officer at the African Agricultural Technology Foundation - implementing partner of the TELA maize project in Nigeria - says the engineered crops have increased resistance to pests and diseases.However, farmers Anthony Musa and Olusola Sowemimo have differing views on the benefits of GM crops.-------------------------------------------------Africa Science Focus is produced by SciDev.Net and distributed in association with your local radio station.This piece was produced by SciDev.Net’s Sub-Saharan Africa English desk.Do you have any comments, questions or feedback about our podcast episodes? Let us know at podcast@scidev.net

Citizen science educates the public about science and enhances research for evidence-driven policiesIn this episode of Africa Science Focus, our reporter Michael Kaloki speaks with African scientists who discuss the important role citizen science plays in scientific research. Peter Elias, a geography professor in Nigeria, says communities use storytelling and folklore to document their experiences, providing valuable supplementary knowledge to scientific research.Jaqueline Goldin, a professor of anthropology in South Africa, says a major challenge she faced in her citizen science project was gaining the trust of farmers, but she successfully addressed this by using social dialogue and partnering with education authorities. And Doris Wangari, senior program officer at the Science for Africa Foundation, says her team engages citizens in reviewing proposals for innovative products that benefit the community.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------This podcast was supported by the Science Granting Councils Initiative which aims to strengthen the institutional capacities of 18 public science funding agencies in Sub-Saharan Africa.  Africa Science Focus is produced by SciDev.Net and distributed in association with your local radio stationThis piece was produced by SciDev.Net’s Sub-Saharan Africa English desk.Do you have any comments, questions or feedback about our podcast episodes? Let us know at podcast@scidev.net

The dapivirine vaginal ring holds promise in the fight against HIV. But for the young women in Africa who need it most, access remains a major challenge.  Women aged 15 to 24 are disproportionately vulnerable to HIV infection due to a complex web of factors, including social, cultural, and economic forces. The silicone ring reduces their risk of infection by continually releasing the antiretroviral dapivirine into the vagina. In this episode of Africa Science Focus, reporter Bunmi Yekini looks at issues such as access to the ring and the impact the ring has in countries that have approved its use. Akhona Gxarisa, a research participant in the dapivirine study in South Africa, shares her experience of using the ring with her partner and advocates for greater availability of the product.  Patriciah Jeckonia, programme manager, policy and partnerships, at LVCT health, a non-governmental organisation  in Kenya, says that the ring presents “an opportunity for women to prevent HIV and choose what works for them when they are at risk”. In South Africa, the HIV prevention project FastPrEP is raising awareness of prevention methods among South African youths. Marketing and communications coordinator Mbali Jonas explains how this is being done, using mobile clinics and courier services.  Nigeria is one country that is yet to introduce the ring. Oliver Ezechi, director of research at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research and professor of maternal, reproductive and child health at Lead City University, in Nigeria, explains why. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Do you have any comments, questions or feedback about our podcast episodes? Let us know at podcast@scidev.net Africa Science Focus is produced by SciDev.Net and distributed in association with your local radio station This piece was produced by SciDev.Net’s Sub-Saharan Africa English desk.Do you have any comments, questions or feedback about our podcast episodes? Let us know at podcast@scidev.net

Effective policymaking in Africa requires collaboration between scientists and policymakers. But, despite the potential for science to drive sustainable development, the relationship between these two groups can be underwhelming.  In this episode of Africa Science Focus, scientists highlight the need for scientists and policymakers to work together to create evidence-based policies to solve problems and share successful examples of scientific advisory.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------This podcast was supported by the Science Granting Councils Initiative which aims to strengthen the institutional capacities of 18 public science funding agencies in Sub-Saharan Africa.  Africa Science Focus is produced by SciDev.Net and distributed in association with your local radio station.This piece was produced by SciDev.Net’s Sub-Saharan Africa English desk.Do you have any comments, questions or feedback about our podcast episodes? Let us know at podcast@scidev.net

In this episode of Africa Science Focus, our reporters Ogechi Ekeanyanwu and Titilope Fadare speak to researchers who highlight Nigeria's energy access challenges and the potential of mini grids to address them.Temilade Sesan, energy researcher and consultant, and Ewah Ileri, executive director of the International Centre for Energy, Environment and Development, a Nigerian think tank, explain what mini grids are and discuss ways to overcome regulatory hurdles to deliver sustainable energy solutions. Africa Science Focus is produced by SciDev.Net and distributed in association with your local radio station. This piece was produced by SciDev.Net’s Sub-Saharan Africa English desk.Do you have any comments, questions or feedback about our podcast episodes? Let us know at podcast@scidev.net

Poor road networks in Africa make it difficult to transport medical supplies and samples to remote communities, hindering access to healthcare.  In this episode of Africa Science Focus, reporter Halima Athumani explores how drone technology can bridge this gap and serve the so-called “last mile”. She speaks with leaders of two drone companies, Kenya Flying Labs and VillageReach, about their efforts to enhance Africa's health infrastructure through drone technology.  Henry Chimtengo, senior medical assistant at Malombe Health Centre in Malawi’s Mangochi district, explains how drones assisted the country’s polio vaccination drive. Do you have any comments, questions or feedback about our podcast episodes? Let us know at podcast@scidev.net  Africa Science Focus is produced by SciDev.Net and distributed in association with your local radio station. This piece was produced by SciDev.Net’s Sub-Saharan Africa English desk.Do you have any comments, questions or feedback about our podcast episodes? Let us know at podcast@scidev.net

After Africa achieved wild poliovirus-free status in 2020, the region faced a setback with outbreaks recurring in Mozambique and Malawi in 2022. However, a swift global response by countries and health organisations, including large-scale vaccination campaigns reaching 50 million children across five nations, culminated in a recommendation this month by the independent Poliovirus Outbreak Response Assessment (OBRA) to declare the end of the wild poliovirus type 1 outbreaks in Southern Africa.In this episode of Africa Science Focus, reporter Justice Baidoo speaks to public health experts to uncover the strategies Southern African countries adopted to fight the disease.Africa Science Focus is produced by SciDev.Net and distributed in association with your local radio station.This piece was produced by SciDev.Net’s Sub-Saharan Africa English desk.Do you have any comments, questions or feedback about our podcast episodes? Let us know at podcast@scidev.net

Ghana's fight against malaria has seen a major breakthrough with a 90 per cent reduction in malaria mortality since 2012.In this episode of Africa Science Focus, reporter Justice Baidoo speaks to health authorities in Ghana, who attribute this progress to a national strategy and the launch of the R21/Matrix-M vaccine. Mother-of-three Martha Obeng says her six-month-old son is “strong and very healthy” after receiving the vaccination.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Do you have any comments, questions or feedback about our podcast episodes? Let us know at podcast@scidev.net Africa Science Focus is produced by SciDev.Net and distributed in association with your local radio station. This piece was produced by SciDev.Net’s Sub-Saharan Africa English desk.Do you have any comments, questions or feedback about our podcast episodes? Let us know at podcast@scidev.net

In this episode of Africa Science Focus, our reporter Michael Kaloki speaks with African researchers on the importance of ethics in science. Jerome Singh, an adjunct professor at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Canada, talks about the need to prioritise human wellbeing during science experiments, while Emma Ruttkamp-Bloem, chair of UNESCO’s World Commission on the Ethics of Scientific Knowledge and Technology, highlights the ethical considerations needed in the production of artificial intelligence technologies.Alloy Ihuah, from the Department of Philosophy, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria, evaluates the effects of western science on Africa, and advocates for the domestication of science on the continent. This podcast was supported by the Science Granting Councils Initiative which aims to strengthen the institutional capacities of 18 public science funding agencies in Sub-Saharan Africa. Africa Science Focus is produced by SciDev.Net and distributed in association with your local radio stationThis piece was produced by SciDev.Net’s Sub-Saharan Africa English desk.Do you have any comments, questions or feedback about our podcast episodes? Let us know at podcast@scidev.net

Technology professionals explore how artificial intelligence and drones can transform industries in Africa. In this Africa Science Focus episode, reporter Michael Kaloki discusses the relationship between artificial intelligence (AI), drone technology, and data analytics with information technology professionals. Dennis Mutua, managing director of Geo-Cart,a Kenya-based surveying and drones solution company, says AI and drones could improve agriculture, engineering, and resource management. AI and blockchain could shape the future of African businesses, says Bright Mawudor, regional lead at blockchain specialists Crystal Intelligence. We also hear from Nancy Kinyua, head of geospatial engineering and data analytics at Nairobi-based data analytics firm Statsspeak, Moses Kemibaro, founder of Dotsavvy digital marketing agency, and Addy Kimani, sales and marketing lead at Fahari Aviation, a company specialising in unmanned aircraft systems. Africa Science Focus is produced by SciDev.Net and distributed in association with your local radio station.This piece was produced by SciDev.Net’s Sub-Saharan Africa English desk.Do you have any comments, questions or feedback about our podcast episodes? Let us know at podcast@scidev.net

Growing more local seeds in Africa can solve the region’s food insecurity and climate problems.Local crops and seeds are often neglected in Africa, despite their nutritional and environmental benefits, research has shown.In this episode of Africa Science Focus, Method Gundidza, director of the EarthLore Foundation, explains to reporter Elna Schütz the legacy of colonialism on these native species. Siphiwe Sithole, a farmer and managing director at African Marmalade, an agribusiness that specialises in African crops, highlights the significance of indigenous seeds on the continent. Using research, Albert Modi, executive dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences at Walter Sisulu University, South Africa, assesses the level of use of local seeds in Africa.Meanwhile, Mariam Mayet, executive director of the African Centre of Biodiversity indicates ways African farmers can increase the use of indigenous seeds.Africa Science Focus is produced by SciDev.Net and distributed in association with your local radio station.This piece was produced by SciDev.Net’s Sub-Saharan Africa English desk.Do you have any comments, questions or feedback about our podcast episodes? Let us know at podcast@scidev.net

Solar powered, low-cost respiratory technology is aiding the fight to reduce neonatal mortality in Nigeria.Nigeria has a newborn mortality crisis, with 262,000 infant deaths each year.  In this episode of Africa Science Focus, our correspondent, Royal Uche, highlights an innovation developed to curb the deaths of preterm babies in Africa’s most populous nation.  We hear from Jimoh Abdulrasheed, consultant paediatrician at the Calabar Women and Children’s Hospital, who tells us about the life-saving impact the solar-powered respiratory technology has had at this hospital in the south of the country.   Hippolite Amadi, a professor of medical engineering and technology, Imperial College, London, who developed the product, reveals the challenges he faced in scaling it, including dealing with corrupt high-ranking health officials. Mary Edet shares her baby's survival story. And Olukemi Tongo, consultant neonatologist at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, in Nigeria’s Oyo state, says the government should invest in the innovation to reduce new-born deaths. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ This project was funded by the European Journalism Centre, through the Solutions Journalism Accelerator. The fund is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.This piece was produced by SciDev.Net’s Sub-Saharan Africa English desk.Do you have any comments, questions or feedback about our podcast episodes? Let us know at podcast@scidev.net

In this episode of Africa Science Focus, our reporter Michael Kaloki pulls apart the packaging challenges that threaten food security in East Africa.We speak to Zippy Shiyoya, director at the Institute of Packaging Professionals Kenya, who highlights challenges faced by the industry, such as high production costs and shortages of materials that limit access to safe packaging.Michael Humble, a Kenyan biochemist, explains how there is a need to understand the physical and chemical properties of food packaging to prevent spoiling and contamination.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------This podcast was supported by the Science Granting Councils Initiative which aims to strengthen the institutional capacities of 18 public science funding agencies in Sub-Saharan Africa. Africa Science Focus is produced by SciDev.Net and distributed in association with your local radio stationThis piece was produced by SciDev.Net’s Sub-Saharan Africa English desk.Do you have any comments, questions or feedback about our podcast episodes? Let us know at podcast@scidev.net

Women in Sub-Saharan Africa are highly prone to developing fibroids, a kind of non-cancerous growth in the uterus, according to research. But they often don’t receive the treatment they need, risking major health consequences.In this episode of Africa Science Focus, reporter Busola Ajibola speaks to Maureen Umemmuo-Umeakuewulu, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at the National Hospital Abuja, Nigeria, who explains why fibroids are prevalent in the region. She discusses the symptoms, treatment options, and recovery tips, including the role of nutrition.We also hear from women dealing with fibroids about their experiences, in the last of our month-long series on women’s health.-------------------------------Africa Science Focus is produced by SciDev.Net and distributed in association with your local radio station.This piece was produced by SciDev.Net’s Sub-Saharan Africa English desk.Do you have any comments, questions or feedback about our podcast episodes? Let us know at podcast@scidev.net

Childbirth brings forth new life but is a dangerous journey for many women in Sub-Saharan Africa. Currently, over two-thirds of global maternal mortality occurs in the region. In this episode of Africa Science Focus – the second in our series on women’s health – our reporter, Busola Ajibola, speaks to Eli Sukarime, associate professor and honorary consultant in obstetrics and gynecology at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.He discusses the need to understand the causes of maternal mortality in the region in order to design effective healthcare solutions.Osaretin Okonji, public health researcher at the University of Western Cape’s School of Pharmacy, in Cape Town, South Africa, says improving access through policy changes and prioritising interventions like antenatal care are crucial steps.----------------------Africa Science Focus is produced by SciDev.Net and distributed in association with your local radio station.This piece was produced by SciDev.Net’s Sub-Saharan Africa English desk.Do you have any comments, questions or feedback about our podcast episodes? Let us know at podcast@scidev.net