By Milliam Murigi As Africa strives to enhance food security and develop climate-resistant systems, key players are advocating for a strong...
By Milliam Murigi
As Africa strives to enhance food security and develop climate-resistant systems, key players are advocating for a stronger partnership among researchers, decision-makers, farmers, and the media.
The message was strongly conveyed at the 2025 Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology in Africa (OFAB), Africa Media Awards, where presenters highlighted that scientific advancements can only improve lives if they are comprehended, trusted, and embraced by local populations.
"We have the ability to embrace new technologies, and we can manage them, but simply having innovation isn't enough for research to make a difference in people's lives. There needs to be trust from communities. Policymakers must back it. Farmers must feel confident and empowered when they implement these advancements," stated Margaret Karembu, Director of the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA) Africenter.
As she explained, journalists serve as essential intermediaries for scientific advancements, converting intricate research into narratives that are clear and relevant to the general public. Through this process, they make science approachable and easy to understand, helping to connect the world of laboratories with everyday communities, so that innovations are not just found but also successfully used to enhance people's lives.
Greeting attendees at the event, Dr. Canisius Kanangire, Executive Director of the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), emphasized that journalists play a crucial role in converting intricate scientific findings into understandable content for farmers, decision-makers, and the general audience.
Through delivering precise, captivating, and fact-supported journalism, media practitioners assist communities in comprehending and embracing agricultural advancements, while simultaneously ensuring those in power are responsible for their actions.
Dr. Kanangire emphasized that an informed public plays a vital role in establishing confidence in emerging technologies and promoting long-term agricultural growth throughout the region.
"In a time of significant scientific advancements, mere innovation is not enough. It needs to be accompanied by clear communication, public confidence, and open discussion," he stated.
He believes that journalists must keep exploring new trends, questioning established stories, and ensuring those in power are held responsible. By doing this, they can help make sure the advantages of agricultural biotechnology are enjoyed fairly and in an environmentally friendly way. He thanked all journalists and media groups who focus on agriculture, praising their dedication to truth, ethics, and meaningful journalism.
Dr. Kanangire stated that the OFAB initiative is influenced by international frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union's Agenda 2063, viewing biotechnology and communication as essential instruments for supporting small-scale farmers, addressing poverty, and enhancing food security. The program is crucial in increasing awareness, encouraging discussion among relevant parties, and aiding decision-making based on solid evidence.
"The future of agricultural technology in Africa will be shaped not just in laboratories, but also in newsrooms, online platforms, and local communities," he stated.
As stated by Julius Migos, the Education Cabinet Secretary, food security has been a persistent issue for countless African families. Nonetheless, modern biotechnology presents a viable solution by enhancing crops like maize, cowpea, sorghum, rice, potato, banana, and cassava, which provide increased production, better nutrition, and enhanced resistance to climate changes, thus reinforcing Africa's agricultural systems.
He believes that biotechnology could revolutionize farming in Africa. The rationale is that better crop varieties can provide higher outputs, improved nutrition, and increased resistance to changing weather conditions. With appropriate education, exchange of information, and assistance, farmers can embrace these advancements to greatly increase output and enhance food security throughout the region.
"For example, South Africa has more than doubled average crop yields by using herbicide-resistant and insect-resistant genetically modified crops along with effective farming methods. This highlights the real advantages of innovation when backed by knowledge, education, and information sharing," Migos stated.
Nevertheless, he warned about the risks of false information, pointing out that lies spread via social media pose a threat to public confidence, disrupt societies, and hinder sound judgment.
In the meantime, Jim Israel Mwanda from JLC Times Kenya won the OFAB award competition overall. He was honored for his outstanding coverage of agricultural biotechnology. His reporting distinguished itself through precision, thoroughness, and the skill to present intricate scientific ideas in an interesting and accessible manner for a broad readership.
