Leading science writers and researchers have called on African countries to seek ways to improve public understanding of science, as a key factor for the continent’s development.
This was the thrust at a webinar on “Beyond S/He Said: Basics of Reporting In The Context Of Scientific Research’’, organized by Development Communications (DevComs) Network) on Wednesday.
The panelists and participants emphasized the need for journalists and media organisations to enhance the nexus between scientists and the general public.
They noted that this would help to tackle policy implementation lapses at critical moments, such as in response to epidemics and other public health emergencies.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Africa Science Journalism Webinar was targeted at creating linkages between scientific research institutes and the media for improved reportage and public understanding in African countries.
“We need to be more prepared in our response to epidemics and in the dissemination of fact-based information to the public,’’ says Paul Adepoju, a freelance science writer and Community Manager at the International Centre for Journalists (ICFJ).
Adepoju encouraged journalists to broaden their horizons and “make the best out of the resources you have and be open-minded. Science stories can make front pages in as much as your story is touching the lives of people.”
One of the facilitators, from SciDev.Net, Jackie Okpara-Fatoye, said science journalism was a specialized field and “an integral part of journalism which should take the center stage in African journalism.
“Science stories are not necessarily the most explosive but have one of the greatest impacts. Many problems can be found in research papers as well as their solutions. Science reporting is solution journalism.’’
Diran Onifade, former Vice-President, World Federation of Science Journalists and Publisher of Africa Science, Technology and Innovation (AfricaSTI) stated that the webinar was in continuation of the implementation of findings from a study jointly conducted by Development Communications Network (DevComs), AfricaSTI and partners in three African countries.
“The project is funded by the National Research Foundation (NRF COVID-19: Strategic Media Engagement for Public Understanding of Scientific Research, Infectious/Non-Infectious Diseases).
“It provides a platform for enhancing the triad of collaboration between the media (journalists/media institutions, scientists and the general public for proactive policy dialogue on science and development on the continent.’’
Onifade noted the need to build a critical mass of journalists who are able to report science correctly.
“Looking at our society, we see a lot of issues requiring scientific attention; issues of food security, climate change, energy crisis, insecurity, and the likes.”
“We can’t just be heading wherever the grounds are taking us, how can we use our own agenda settings, as journalists, and as media organisations to nudge society research-wise.’’
Akin Jimoh, Founder, DevComs Network, said the Webinar series theme was necessitated by findings that showed the lack of coherent science journalism desks in media houses, and poor collaborations.
“An all-encompassing approach is necessary to thrive. And it exists in a few countries like South Africa, but we need to do more.
“This is an area that some of us have dedicated our lives to and we cut across scientists, health promotion experts, and non-governmental organisations and media platforms,” Jimoh said.
A former Regional Communications Adviser for United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Prof. Adebayo Fayoyin, described the webinar as an added value to public response to other emerging infectious diseases and pandemics.
This, he added, would enhance behavior change processes.
The partner organisations on the project are Development Communications Network, Nigeria Heart Foundation, Zambia Media Network Against Tobacco, Media Diversity Centre, Nairobi, Kenya, and AfricaSTI News.