Africa Science Focus

Across Sub-Saharan Africa, farmers are increasingly losing crops to shifting weather patterns, emerging pests and prolonged dry spells. Rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall are changing the conditions under which food is grown, while gaps in monitoring systems make it harder to track and respond to these threats. In this episode of Africa Science Focus, we examine how climate change is accelerating crop loss and what stronger data and climate-informed interventions can offer. Our reporter, Michael Kaloki, begins in Kenya, where cereals and other staple crops remain vital to national food security. Farmers describe how delayed rains, new pest pressures and erratic seasons are reducing yields and disrupting their livelihoods. Komi Mensah Agboka, a researcher at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), explains how climate-linked disruptions in the wider One Health system are increasing losses in farmers’ fields. He tells us how emerging technologies can help detect risks earlier. Cambria Finegold, global director of digital development at the agricultural research organisation CABI (the parent organisation of SciDev.Net ), outlines how the Global Burden of Crop Loss project is mapping climate-related hotspots and identifying where yields are most at risk. She discusses how digital tools are helping countries build better decision-making support systems for farmers. And Elfatih Abdel-Rahman, senior research scientist and interim head of the Data Management, Modelling and Geoinformation Unit at icipe, describes how rising temperatures are altering interactions between crops and insects, increasing the likelihood of outbreaks and further losses. The episode also features George Waruraya, a farmer in Kiambu County, Kenya, who shares how shifting seasons and water shortages are affecting production and how local groups are mobilising to secure support for adaptation. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ This episode is supported by CABI’s Global Burden of Crop Loss (GBCL) project. GBCL is funded by UK International Development of the UK government and the Gates Foundation . Do you have any comments, questions or feedback about our podcast episodes? Let us know at [email protected] Africa Science Focus is produced by SciDev.Net’s Sub-Saharan Africa English desk and distributed in association with your local radio station. Do you have any comments, questions or feedback about our podcast episodes? Let us know at [email protected]

Across Sub-Saharan Africa, farmers are losing large portions of their harvest before crops ever reach the market. Pests, droughts and shifting weather patterns are decimating yields, while weak data systems make the crisis even harder to fight. In this episode of Africa Science Focus, we look at how better data and stronger plant health systems can help countries respond more effectively. Our reporter, Michael Kaloki begins in Kenya, where cereals remain central to national food security. Anthony Kioko, chief executive officer of the Cereal Growers Association, explains that farmers routinely lose up to 40 per cent of their harvest and in some seasons as much as 100 per cent. He says losses directly affect farmers’ income, food security and ability to keep farming. To unpack the impact of crop loss, Kaloki speaks with experts from the Global Burden of Crop Loss (GBCL) project, an initiative led by the agricultural research organisation CABI (the parent organisation of SciDev.Net ). Rasaki Arasah, a digital development project manager at CABI, says losing less of what is grown is one of the most efficient ways to strengthen food systems without expanding farmland. Negussie Efa, a senior scientist at CABI, says many African countries still lack reliable diagnostic and surveillance systems. Without consistent data, he says, it is difficult for governments to identify where losses are concentrated or which emerging threats need coordinated action. To understand the science behind crop losses, Kaloki speaks with Tilahun Negassa, assistant professor of plant biotechnology at Addis Ababa University. He explains how fungal diseases such as rusts, Septoria leaf blotch and Fusarium head blight can devastate staple crops like wheat by damaging the plant’s photosynthetic tissues. He adds that weeds, insect pests and increasingly extreme weather conditions compound the pressure on crops, reinforcing the need for stronger plant health services and improved diagnostics. Technical lead of the GBCL project, Anna Szyniszewska explains how the team use data on climate and local farming conditions to estimate “attainable yield” and compare it with actual production to assess crop losses. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Do you have any comments, questions or feedback about our podcast episodes? Let us know at [email protected] 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. This episode is supported by CABI’s Global Burden of Crop Loss (GBCL) project. GBCL is funded by UK International Development of the UK government and the Gates Foundation . Do you have any comments, questions or feedback about our podcast episodes? Let us know at [email protected]

Plant health is quietly shaping what we eat, the diseases we face and how our ecosystems function. But if you look at most One Health discussions, plants barely feature. In this episode of Africa Science Focus, we unpack why that gap exists, why it matters, and what happens when plant health and One Health finally come together. Reporter Justice Baidoo speaks with Solveig Danielsen, a plant health systems expert at the agricultural research organisation CABI (the parent organisation of SciDev.Net ) and lead author of a study that offers a path forward on this issue. She explains that One Health has traditionally focused on zoonotic diseases, limiting opportunities to tackle wider challenges. Ignoring plant health, she says, weakens the entire health system. The study highlights how global One Health frameworks continue to centre around human and animal health, even though plants are essential to nutrition, livelihoods and environmental balance. Some countries are already demonstrating what integrated approaches can achieve. In Ghana, projects linking plant health and One Health have delivered tangible benefits, says Michael Osae, a research and development scientist at the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission who was involved in such initiatives. He says farmers reported better yields, fewer harmful chemicals on their farms and reduced health risks for people, animals and the environment. However, for many communities, the connections remain unclear. Kikope Oluwarore, executive director of the One Health and Development Initiative, says this lack of awareness is still one of the biggest barriers. She believes One Health messaging needs to be integrated into health, agriculture and environmental programmes to help people understand how these systems intersect in daily life. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Do you have any comments, questions or feedback about our podcast episodes? Let us know at [email protected] Africa Science Focus is produced by SciDev.Net and distributed in association with your local radio station. This episode was supported by Cabi’s One Health Hub . 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 [email protected]

[SciDev.Net] – Following up on our previous episode that explored the funding disparities faced by women in STEM across Africa, this episode of Africa Science Focus explores the ongoing efforts to foster gender inclusion within science granting councils. In this episode, our reporters Ogechi Ekeanyanwu and Titilope Fadare speak with councils across Africa to understand the steps being taken to build a more inclusive research ecosystem. Thomas Kaluvi, an officer at the National Commission for Science and Technology in Malawi, tells us about an internal review that revealed gender imbalances in team composition in previous research projects, discouraging women from participating. In response, the council introduced a funding quota for women and vulnerable groups to encourage their participation in research projects. Hildegalda Mushi, a senior researcher at the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH), explains that the council developed a research grant manual that enabled men and women to compete on equal terms. She adds that the commission also launched a special funding call for women-led projects, to encourage more female researchers to take the lead in research activities. In Ghana, Mavis Akuffobea-Essilfie, a senior research scientist at the Science and Technology Policy Research Institute, tells us the council is forming focal groups to monitor progress and promote consistent integration of gender considerations across its research system. To ensure the efforts across councils are sustainable, Lorenza Fluks, senior research specialist at South Africa’s Human Sciences Research Council, explains that a gender equality policy framework was developed to guide future work, embedding gender inclusion into funding, collaborations, and research outcomes. ------------------- 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. Do you have any comments, questions or feedback about our podcast episodes? Let us know at [email protected]

The 2025 Global Food Policy Report warns that the world could be heading toward another major food crisis. For Africa, the warning is especially urgent. Across the continent, food systems are under pressure from climate change, economic shocks, and political instability. These overlapping challenges are making it harder for governments to respond to rising food needs or invest in long-term solutions. In this episode of Africa Science Focus , reporter Michael Kaloki explores how research and evidence can help build food systems that are more resilient, inclusive, and better prepared for future shocks. Steven Omamo, director of development strategies and governance at the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), says many African countries already have food policies, but poor implementation and weak investment continue to undermine them. He highlights the value of science in guiding early warning systems, promoting stress-tolerant crops, boosting local production, and supporting community-based responses to disruptions caused by climate and conflict. Food systems specialist Jane Battersby, associate professor at the University of Cape Town, urges a shift in focus toward urban food insecurity. She says while there is attention on hunger in rural areas, a large number of food-insecure people live in cities, often in informal settlements where food is available, but unaffordable. Zippy Ondisa Shiyoya, director at the Institute of Packaging Professionals of Kenya, says poor coordination, high policy costs, and unreliable data are barriers to effective food strategies. She explains how science underpins food safety and quality, from production, through to distribution, consumption and data gathering. It guides better packaging solutions, which extend shelf life, reduce spoilage, and minimise post-harvest losses — a major source of food waste across 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 station. Do you have any comments, questions or feedback about our podcast episodes? Let us know at [email protected]

[SciDev.Net] Millions of people parts of Africa are facing record levels of hunger, the UN World Food Programme has warned. Yet at the same time, the region is rapidly losing forests, one of its most valuable food sources. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, the rate of forest loss in Africa has been increasing steadily over the last three decades, with 3.94 million hectares lost between 2010 and 2020. These forests are not just biodiversity hotspots, they are vital to the survival of millions of people who rely on them for wild foods, medicine, fuel, and income. The result is a vicious cycle. As food insecurity grows, people turn to forests for survival, increasing deforestation. But as these forests disappear, so too does a critical safety net that could help communities cope with hunger and climate shocks. In this episode of Africa Science Focus , reporter Michael Kaloki investigates why protecting forests is essential for food security across the continent. Laura Mukhwana, coordinator of the Global Landscapes Forum in Nairobi, Kenya, explains that forests play a direct role in local food systems. She also warns that forest conservation won’t work without better communication between researchers and the communities who depend on these resources. Richard Sufo, a Cameroonian scientist at the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry, points to traditional agroforestry systems, where trees and crops grow together, as a powerful, homegrown solution. He says it is important to integrate traditional knowledge with modern science to protect forests and build resilient food systems. In Uganda, Joel Ngobi is putting these ideas into action. Through the School Food Forest Initiative, he combines indigenous knowledge with modern science to improve student nutrition and teach sustainable land management. His model empowers communities to grow their own food while conserving the land. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 [email protected]

Africa's space sector, while valued at US$22.64 billion in 2024, is still in its early stages—but scientists say it holds significant promise for addressing some of the continent’s development issues. In this episode of Africa Science Focus, reporter Michael Kaloki explores how space research and innovation are being used across the continent. Mary Makuate, a researcher at Cameroon’s Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation, shares insights from her experience using satellite data to develop digital maps for the humanitarian response to the 2023 earthquake in Morocco. Susan Murabana, CEO of The Travelling Telescope Africa Ltd, talks about her efforts to bring astronomy to underserved Kenyan communities. Her mobile telescope initiative introduces students and local residents to space, aiming to spark interest in science and technology. And Daniel Okoh, a research scientist at Nigeria’s National Space Research and Development Agency, says Africa must strengthen its own space capabilities. He tells us how global satellite models often underrepresent the continent, due to a lack of accurate local data, and calls for greater investment in homegrown technologies. -------------------------------------------- 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 [email protected]

Africa’s oceans are vital for economic growth, supporting fisheries, tourism, and coastal livelihoods. But the costs of plastic pollution in our seas are mounting. The World Bank puts the cost of the damage caused by marine plastic pollution at up to US$33,000 per tonne of plastic waste, in West Africa alone. As pollution worsens, researchers say stronger policies, community engagement, and scientific collaboration can protect marine ecosystems in the region. In this episode of Africa Science Focus, reporter Michael Kaloki hears from researchers about the diverse ways to conserve the region's oceans and their ecosystems Despite existing policies to protect Africa’s oceans, implementation remains weak. Juliet Koudonu, a marine biologist at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, says there is lack of enforcement and stresses that policies alone won’t drive change without government investment and accountability. For conservation efforts to succeed, policies must align with the needs of coastal communities, says marine social scientist Danai Tembo, a researcher in ocean governance at Nelson Mandela University, South Africa. She warns that laws failing to reflect local identities and livelihoods can backfire. Effective conservation requires scientists and local communities to work together. Shehu Akintola, professor of fisheries at the Lagos State University, Nigeria, believes it is important to integrate traditional knowledge with scientific research. The researchers say the continent can protect its marine resources for future generations by enforcing policies, empowering communities, and fostering scientific collaboration. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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. Do you have any comments, questions or feedback about our podcast episodes? Let us know at [email protected]

Africa’s healthcare systems face major challenges, from workforce shortages to gaps in infrastructure. In the latest episode of Africa Science Focus , reporter Michael Kaloki speaks with AI experts about how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is driving change across the continent. Charles Waka explains how AI is optimising maternal and neonatal healthcare, improving outcomes for mothers and newborns. Ndisha Mwakala, a former health information systems advisor at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, discusses how limited African data was a major hurdle in developing an AI tool to identify patients most at risk of HIV and connect them to testing and treatment. Zakia Salod, South African researcher in medical AI and bioinformatics, highlights how AI-powered tools like her VAXIN8 are accelerating vaccine development. Darlington Akogo, CEO of minoHealth AI Labs, discusses how his AI tool, Moremi, streamlines disease diagnosis, treatment planning, and prescription, while Uzma Alam, programme lead for science policy engagement at the Science for Africa Foundation, stresses the need for investment in AI research to maximise its benefits. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 Do you have any comments, questions or feedback about our podcast episodes? Let us know at [email protected]

Language plays a crucial role in education, shaping how students learn and connect with the world. Yet, according to UNESCO, 40 per cent of the global population does not have access to education in a language they speak or understand. This gap presents a significant barrier to effective learning, particularly in science education, where technical terms and complex concepts are often difficult to understand in unfamiliar languages. In our first podcast episode of 2025, our reporter, Michael Kaloki, explores the importance of teaching science in local languages in Africa where multiple indigenous languages are spoken. Adeyemi Ademowo, a Nigerian professor of social anthropology and African cultural studies at Afe Babalola University in Nigeria’s Ekiti state, wants to see children in rural areas taught in their local language. Grace Kago, a Kenyan post-doctoral fellow in biomedical sciences at the University of Texas, says teaching science in indigenous languages can foster public trust in science and encourage community participation in scientific discussions. How can multilingual education systems be implemented in countries with numerous languages? Algerian researcher Zehlia Babaci-Wilhite proposes some innovative solutions, including bilingual and multilingual education models. Tune in to the episode to find out how she suggests implementing this approach. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 [email protected]

Globally, women account for just 30 per cent of science professionals and this underrepresentation persists across Africa. In this final podcast episode of 2024, Africa Science Focus speaks to two African women who have overcome entrenched gender barriers to forge successful careers in science and technology and we learn about their contributions to advancing science in Sub-Saharan Africa. Martha Alade tells reporter Jayne Augoye how, as an inquisitive schoolgirl, she inspired classmates by gathering bones to bring science lessons to life. Now executive director of Women in Technology in Nigeria, we hear how Alade collaborates with parents and communities to foster a culture that supports girls in STEM. Gwen Jones, co-founder of the Nzatu Food Group in Zambia, talks about her work to tackle food insecurity and climate change by promoting the cultivation of drought-resistant indigenous grains such as fonio and millet. 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 [email protected]

Science is fun! That’s the message from science communicators who are undertaking the critical task of engaging the researchers, mathematicians and engineers of tomorrow. A 2024 UNESCO report showed that fewer than 25 per cent of students in Sub-Saharan Africa pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. This lack of participation has profound implications for the region's technological and economic future. In this episode of Africa Science Focus, we explore how creative approaches to STEM education can help to bridge this gap. We speak to Tracey Shiundu, founder of Funke Science and host of the STEM Africa Fest in Kenya, who believes that fun is a game-changer for STEM education. Lwidiko Mhamilawa, malaria researcher and Founder of Projekt Inspire STEM Park in Tanzania, tell us that fun is a catalyst for science engagement, while Kenneth Monjero, nicknamed "Dr. Fun" and President of the Fun and Education Global Network, shares with us his passion for education using dynamic teaching techniques to make science relatable. 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 [email protected]

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 [email protected] Do you have any comments, questions or feedback about our podcast episodes? Let us know at [email protected]

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 [email protected]

Systemic barriers and poor support structures are stifling the progress of women in STEM Underrepresentation 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 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 [email protected]

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 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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

Citizen science educates the public about science and enhances research for evidence-driven policies In 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 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 [email protected]

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected]