SciDev.Net: Sub-Saharan Africa

03/02/2025

Can teaching science in local languages transform education?

03/02/2025

Scientists seek to solve regulatory challenges in Rwanda's traditional banana wine industry with locally developed yeast.

03/02/2025

Uganda seeks to clean up its capital by installing AI air quality devices to monitor pollution levels and guide health decisions.

03/02/2025

08/01/2025

Worried about the impracticality of STEM education in Africa, , co-founder of , started an innovative approach. Here’s her story.

Listen to the rest of the episode to learn how
of and of are making science fun for kids

Click the link in the bio to listen.

20/12/2024

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.

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 , we hear how Alade collaborates with parents and communities to foster a culture that supports girls in STEM.

, co-founder of the 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.

Click the link in the bio to listen to the episode.

18/12/2024

09/12/2024

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 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 , founder of .ke and host of the STEM Africa Fest in Kenya, who believes that fun is a game-changer for STEM education.

, malaria researcher and Founder of STEM Park in Tanzania, tell us that fun is a catalyst for science engagement, while , 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.

To listen, click the link in the bio.

18/11/2024

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 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 ( ), 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 ( ), 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.

Click the link in the bio to listen to the episode.

05/11/2024

In our latest podcast episode, we ask some African students to share their thoughts on scientific research.

Do you find it interesting or boring? Let’s know in the comment section.

The link to the podcast episode is in the bio.

08/10/2024

In our latest podcast episode, we hear from two Nigerian women, and as they share their experience navigating the technology space.

Click the link in the bio to listen to the rest of the episode highlighting the importance of empowering African women and girls in STEM.

03/10/2024

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 , 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.

, a social entrepreneur and creator of the , a foundation that equips young African women with digital skills, wants to see more support for women in the workforce.

To listen to this episode, click the link in the bio.

19/08/2024

, a Kenyan biotechnologist, highlights the significance of indigenous knowledge and the need for young people to more involved in local science.

To find out more on the usefulness of indigenous science communication, tune into the podcast episode. The link is in the bio.

15/08/2024

In promoting indigenous science communication, local languages must play a significant role.

, a US-based Nigerian culture researcher explains what must be done to embrace local languages in our latest podcast episode.

The link to this episode in the bio.

13/08/2024

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.

30/07/2024

25/07/2024

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.

Earnest 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.

23/07/2024

Do you have reservations about eating genetically modified crops?

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