Africa Science Focus

Dec 19 2024 176 ep. 19 mins 1.3k

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Africa Science Focus is SciDev.Net's award-winning weekly podcast. We dive deep into the impacts that science has on everything from health, to technology, agriculture and life. Subscribe to get the best science and development news from the continent delivered straight to you!

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Women in STEM make strides in education, climate change

Dec 19 2024 30 mins

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

Making Science Fun!

Dec 02 2024 30 mins

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 impli

Scientists harness gene editing for climate-resilient wheat

Nov 16 2024 35 mins

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. Crist

Why researchers should drop the jargon and speak out

Oct 30 2024 30 mins

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

Inclusive policies key to expanding women’s tech access

Oct 02 2024 29 mins

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 d

Reviving Africa's indigenous science knowledge

Aug 09 2024 29 mins

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 M

Can hydroponics help ease Africa's food shortages?

Jul 25 2024 30 mins

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 researche

Nigerian farmers, scientists divided over GM maize

Jul 18 2024 30 mins

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

Citizen science paves the way to policy

Jul 14 2024 30 mins

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 t

Anti-HIV vagina ring limited by cost, access

Jun 28 2024 30 mins

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 th