Africa Science Focus
206 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 days ago -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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Episodes
Nigerian farmers, scientists divided over GM maize
July 18, 2024 10:00 - 30 minutes - 20.9 MBThe 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 rese...
Citizen science paves the way to policy
July 14, 2024 10:00 - 30 minutes - 20.9 MBCitizen 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 pr...
Anti-HIV vagina ring limited by cost, access
June 28, 2024 13:00 - 30 minutes - 20.9 MBThe 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 Yeki...
Science informed policy could unlock progress in Africa
June 21, 2024 15:00 - 30 minutes - 20.9 MBEffective 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. ------------------------------------...
Can mini grids solve Nigeria’s electricity problems?
June 10, 2024 15:00 - 30 minutes - 20.9 MBIn 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 ...
Drones deliver vaccines to the ‘last mile’
May 30, 2024 10:00 - 30 minutes - 20.9 MBPoor 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, se...
Malawi and Mozambique combat wild poliovirus
May 21, 2024 06:00 - 30 minutes - 20.9 MBAfter 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 Afri...
Ghana reduces malaria deaths by 90 per cent
May 10, 2024 16:00 - 30 minutes - 20.9 MBGhana'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. -----------------------------------------------------...
Why ethics matters in science
May 02, 2024 12:00 - 30 minutes - 20.9 MBIn this episode of Africa Science Focus, our reporter Michael Kaloki speaks with African researchers on the importance of ethics in science. Jerome Singh, an adjunct professor at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Canada, talks about the need to prioritise human wellbeing during science experiments, while Emma Ruttkamp-Bloem, chair of UNESCO’s World Commission on the Ethics of Scientific Knowledge and Technology, highlights the ethical considerations needed in t...
Can drones and AI fly Africa to the next level?
April 29, 2024 10:00 - 30 minutes - 20.9 MBTechnology professionals explore how artificial intelligence and drones can transform industries in Africa. In this Africa Science Focus episode, reporter Michael Kaloki discusses the relationship between artificial intelligence (AI), drone technology, and data analytics with information technology professionals. Dennis Mutua, managing director of Geo-Cart,a Kenya-based surveying and drones solution company, says AI and drones could improve agriculture, engineering, and resource manageme...
Reviving use of local seeds in African farming
April 22, 2024 14:00 - 30 minutes - 20.9 MBGrowing more local seeds in Africa can solve the region’s food insecurity and climate problems. Local crops and seeds are often neglected in Africa, despite their nutritional and environmental benefits, research has shown. In this episode of Africa Science Focus, Method Gundidza, director of the EarthLore Foundation, explains to reporter Elna Schütz the legacy of colonialism on these native species. Siphiwe Sithole, a farmer and managing director at African Marmalade, an agribusiness tha...
Respiratory tech saving babies’ lives in Nigeria
April 12, 2024 14:00 - 31 minutes - 21.9 MBSolar powered, low-cost respiratory technology is aiding the fight to reduce neonatal mortality in Nigeria. Nigeria has a newborn mortality crisis, with 262,000 infant deaths each year. In this episode of Africa Science Focus, our correspondent, Royal Uche, highlights an innovation developed to curb the deaths of preterm babies in Africa’s most populous nation. We hear from Jimoh Abdulrasheed, consultant paediatrician at the Calabar Women and Children’s Hospital, who tells us about th...
Unwrapping Africa’s food packaging problems
April 05, 2024 09:00 - 30 minutes - 20.9 MBIn this episode of Africa Science Focus, our reporter Michael Kaloki pulls apart the packaging challenges that threaten food security in East Africa. We speak to Zippy Shiyoya, director at the Institute of Packaging Professionals Kenya, who highlights challenges faced by the industry, such as high production costs and shortages of materials that limit access to safe packaging. Michael Humble, a Kenyan biochemist, explains how there is a need to understand the physical and chemical properti...
Why women in Sub-Saharan Africa battle fibroids
April 02, 2024 11:00 - 30 minutes - 21 MBWomen in Sub-Saharan Africa are highly prone to developing fibroids, a kind of non-cancerous growth in the uterus, according to research. But they often don’t receive the treatment they need, risking major health consequences. In this episode of Africa Science Focus, reporter Busola Ajibola speaks to Maureen Umemmuo-Umeakuewulu, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at the National Hospital Abuja, Nigeria, who explains why fibroids are prevalent in the region. She discusses the symptoms...
Tackling maternal mortality in Africa
March 22, 2024 13:00 - 30 minutes - 20.9 MBChildbirth brings forth new life but is a dangerous journey for many women in Sub-Saharan Africa. Currently, over two-thirds of global maternal mortality occurs in the region. In this episode of Africa Science Focus – the second in our series on women’s health – our reporter, Busola Ajibola, speaks to Eli Sukarime, associate professor and honorary consultant in obstetrics and gynecology at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. He discusses the need to understand the causes o...
SPOON Chair improves lives of kids with cerebral palsy
March 15, 2024 10:00 - 30 minutes - 21 MBThe SPOON Chair has the potential to significantly improve the lives of children with cerebral palsy and their families across Africa. In this episode of Africa Science Focus, we feature an innovative device called the SPOON Chair, designed to improve feeding for children with the movement and posture disease cerebral palsy. David Kibirige, who helped develop the device, tells us how the chair was produced and what features are coming next. We also hear from Jacinta Nakazzi, a mother who ...
Tales of success, setbacks and advice
March 07, 2024 10:00 - 30 minutes - 20.9 MBTo commemorate International Women’s Day on 8 March, Africa Science Focus speaks with women leaders in academic science across Africa. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, former and first female President of Mauritius and biodiversity scientist, tells our reporter, Michael Kaloki, how to make science more attractive for young women. Quarraisha Abdool Karim, epidemiologist and Pro-Vice Chancellor for African Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, explained how mentorship advanced her career. ...
Repurposing glass waste
February 28, 2024 15:00 - 30 minutes - 20.9 MBIn this episode of Africa Science Focus, our reporter Bunmi Yekini speaks to Hammed Rauf, owner of Hamruf Global Limited, who transforms glass waste into valuable resources. We also hear from Mufutau Adelotan, a user of the recycled glass, who shares insights on the product’s usefulness. Glass poses environmental and health risks when not managed properly. Is recycling alone sufficient to mitigate these risks and safeguard the environment and climate? Professor Ilemobayo Oguntimehin, pro...
Can telemedicine bridge Africa's healthcare divide?
February 16, 2024 16:00 - 30 minutes - 20.9 MBIn this episode of Africa Science Focus, we examine what role telemedicine could play in plugging Africa’s healthcare gaps. Our reporter, Royal Uche speaks with Abubakar Ibrahim, founder of telemedicine solution provider Medicliq, who tells us how remote methods of healthcare could be instrumental in solving the continent’s health challenges. We also hear from Omolola Salako, public health expert and clinical oncologist at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria, about how such techn...
Boosting Africa science through collaborations
February 09, 2024 14:00 - 29 minutes - 20.7 MBIn this episode of African Science Focus, we look at the effort African scientists are making to elevate science and its impact globally. Our reporter, Michael Kaloki speaks with Vanessa McBride, science director at the International Science Council, who advocated for policymakers to invest more in research and development in Africa. Dorothy Ngila, director of strategic partnerships at South Africa’s National Research Foundation, says gender integration in science is critical to the advanc...
Burning e-waste contaminating breast milk in Ghana
February 02, 2024 13:00 - 29 minutes - 20.3 MB[ACCRA] Located within Accra’s bustling Agbogbloshie market, Ghana's infamous e-waste dumpsite poses serious health risks to residents and traders. The burning of discarded electronics for valuable materials leads to smoky air that has severe health implications for the community. In this episode of Africa Science Focus, reporter Justice Baidoo speaks with Anita Asamoah, a researcher at the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, who analysed the breast milk of mothers in this location and found ...
Navigating climate challenges for year-round crops
January 26, 2024 15:00 - 30 minutes - 21.1 MBAfrica produces only about four percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, but the region — particularly its agriculture sector — bears the brunt of climate change. In this episode, Ogechi Ekeanyanwu and Titilope Fadare find out how smallholder farmers from Kenya and Nigeria ensure they produce crops all year round amid extreme weather conditions. Boaz Waswa, a soil fertility specialist at the Alliance of Bioversity International and International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) b...
Containing Ebola with fast detection kits
January 24, 2024 11:00 - 30 minutes - 21 MBEbola is a highly contagious and often deadly virus and has been a persistent threat to several countries in Africa. In this episode, Africa Science Focus spoke to researchers at the University of Zambia and Hokkaido University, Japan, who designed a kit which can detect the Ebola virus within minutes. Katendi Changula, infectious disease researcher at the University of Zambia, explained how this test can be a game-changer, while Ayato Takada, professor at the International Institute for ...
Igniting a passion for science in African kids
January 16, 2024 12:00 - 30 minutes - 21 MBUnlocking the wonders of science in young minds is pivotal for cultivating a generation of critical thinkers and innovators, particularly in Africa. In this episode of Africa Science Focus, we look into the challenges and innovative solutions for igniting children's passion for science. Our reporter, Michael Kaloki, speaks to Harun Mbuvi, chair of the Chemistry Department at Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya, who highlights the barriers within Africa’s education system hindering science...
Igniting a passion for science in Africa kids
January 16, 2024 12:00 - 30 minutes - 21 MBUnlocking the wonders of science in young minds is pivotal for cultivating a generation of critical thinkers and innovators, particularly in Africa. In this episode of Africa Science Focus, we look into the challenges and innovative solutions for igniting children's passion for science. Our reporter, Michael Kaloki, speaks to Harun Mbuvi, chair of the Chemistry Department at Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya, who highlights the barriers within Africa’s education system hindering science...
Women with disability battle sexual health challenges
January 04, 2024 15:00 - 30 minutes - 21 MBMisconceptions about disability and sex often lead to stigma and can prevent women with disabilities from accessing the sexual and reproductive healthcare they need. In this episode of Africa Science Focus, reporter Ijeoma Ukazu speaks to Nigerian disability rights advocates and experts Lois Auta-Udonkanta, Salome Net and Rahmatu Ahmed. They share their experiences of navigating disabilities, debunk some of the myths attached to disability and sex, and highlight the factors preventing wo...
Managing Africa’s water for sustainable agriculture
December 28, 2023 21:00 - 30 minutes - 21 MBAfrica's water crisis, compounded by climate change, threatens agricultural sustainability and food security. In this episode of Africa Science Focus, we delve into actionable strategies for managing water effectively across the continent. Our reporter, Michael Kaloki, speaks to Professor Sylvester Mpandeli, executive manager for water utilization in Agriculture at the Water Research Commission, South Africa, to uncover critical gaps hindering efficient water use in agriculture. Dr. Math...
Gold mining’s toll on Nigeria’s Osun River
December 21, 2023 14:00 - 30 minutes - 20.7 MBThis episode of Africa Science Focus continues to investigate the pollution of the Osun River in southwest Nigeria, delving into the environmental impact of gold mining along its banks. Olugbenga Okunlola, professor of geology at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, joins our reporter, Babatunde Okunlola, to talk about the gold deposits in Osun state and the region's environmental dynamics. We hear from miners and ecological experts about the soil erosion, vanishing forests, and polluted ai...
Can science heal Nigeria’s sacred Osun River?
December 14, 2023 15:00 - 30 minutes - 20.9 MBThe Osun River in south-west Nigeria is a paradox. On one hand, it is revered by those who believe in its spiritual connection to the river goddess Oshun and its healing powers. On the other, mining activities have led to its pollution, affecting the river's water quality. In the first of a two-part series on the Osun River, Africa Science Focus dives into this complex landscape. Our reporter Babatunde Okunola talks with devoted worshippers who remain drawn to the river amid health concern...
‘Solar basin’ designed to fight plastic pollution
December 08, 2023 12:00 - 30 minutes - 20.9 MBPlastic pollution is a spiralling global problem and in cities like Kampala plastic waste is found everywhere in its streets, parks, and waterways. Uganda’s Ghetto Research Lab, set up to find innovative ways to improve people’s lives and solve environmental problems, is taking on this challenge with its “solar basins”, made from recycled plastic. In this episode of Africa Science Focus, reporter Aneta Felix speaks with the lab’s founder, Patrick Mujuzi, about how the solar laundry basins...
HPV vaccine push to fight cervical cancer in Nigeria
December 01, 2023 11:00 - 30 minutes - 21 MBCervical cancer is a deadly disease which claims the lives of thousands of Nigerian women every year. Nigeria is fighting this health menace with the introduction of a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine into its routine immunisation programme and began a vaccination drive for young girls in October. In this episode of Africa Science Focus, reporter Royal Uche speaks to top Nigerian scientists and health experts, Muhammad Habeebu, Ifeoma Okoye and Oyewale Tomori to learn more about the vi...
Young 'techies' tackle development challenges
November 23, 2023 15:00 - 30 minutes - 20.9 MBTech solutions, even those created by young people, could tackle development challenges on the continent. In this episode of the Africa Science Focus podcast, reporter Aneta Felix speaks with two young innovators, Olivia Chizaram Obi from Nigeria and Sharon Kemunto from Kenya, who recently participated in a global tech competition. They give us insights into their innovations, and discuss the potential impact on their communities. The podcast also explores the behind-the-scenes journey o...
Empowering Africa’s researchers
November 16, 2023 16:00 - 30 minutes - 20.8 MBStrengthening research and innovation in Africa can catalyse progress on development issues such as food insecurity, the climate crisis, and poor health systems. In this episode of Africa Science Focus Podcast, our reporter Michael Kaloki speaks with chair holders of the OR Tambo Africa Research Chairs Initiative (ORTARChI) about how technology transfer and collaboration can lead to tangible changes on the ground. We also hear about the food systems research being carried out in Africa an...
Nourishing Ugandan families with kitchen gardening
November 10, 2023 09:00 - 30 minutes - 20.8 MBAccording to the 2022 Uganda Demographics Health Survey, around 40 per cent of Ugandan children are underdeveloped as a result of malnutrition. In this Episode of Africa Science Focus we speak to community worker Reuben Kikora who hopes to fight against child malnutrition by promoting kitchen gardening in the Kaborole district of western Uganda’s Tooro region. Our reporter, Michael Kaloki, looks at how communities are being trained to grow vegetables and other small-scale crops, to help fe...
Preparing Africa for future pandemics
November 02, 2023 22:00 - 30 minutes - 20.7 MBThe health crises faced by Africa in the last decade have highlighted the clear need for improved healthcare systems and pandemic preparedness. Deadly disease outbreaks, such as the 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak in West Africa and the COVID-19 pandemic, underscore the urgency for stronger epidemic intelligence and response mechanisms. In this episode of our Africa Science Focus Podcast, reporter Michael Kaloki speaks with Jean Ngamba and Professor Lorena Núñez Carrasco, recipients of the COVID-1...
Advancing Africa’s sexual and reproductive health services
October 26, 2023 18:00 - 30 minutes - 20.7 MBAccess to sexual and reproductive health services is a human right, but for millions of women and girls in Sub-Saharan Africa it is lacking. Consequently, the region has the highest maternal mortality rate in the world with 545 deaths for every 100,000 live births, according to the United Nations children’s agency UNICEF. In this episode of our Science Explained series, reporter Michael Kaloki speaks with Tlaleng Mofokeng, the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to health. She talks about wh...
Nigeria's breast milk bank a lifeline for babies
October 20, 2023 15:00 - 30 minutes - 20.9 MBBreast milk is the ideal food for infants as it provides them with the nutrients and antibodies they need to thrive. But Nigeria’s breastfeeding rate stands at a meagre 29 per cent for a myriad of reasons including poor support for breastfeeding mothers and medical conditions. In this episode of our African Changemakers series, Africa Science Focus speaks with Chinny Obinwanne, founder of the Milk Booster breastfeeding company and Nigeria’s first milk bank, about the potential of breast mi...
Africa's readies for new malaria vaccines
October 12, 2023 12:00 - 30 minutes - 20.8 MBWith the rollout of two new malaria vaccines on the horizon in Africa, the outlook for fighting the disease looks optimistic. But is it enough? In this episode of our Africa Science Focus Science Explained series, Michael Charles, head of the RBM Partnership to End Malaria, tells us why he believes Africa must lead the drive to end the disease. Charles hails the “groundbreaking” latest WHO-recommended malaria vaccine, R21/Matrix M, but stresses the need to keep up other malaria control meas...
Bridging South Africa’s maths language gap
October 05, 2023 14:00 - 30 minutes - 20.8 MBIn this episode of Africa Science Focus, maths professor Jill Adler, recipient of the 2023 National Research Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award, sheds light on the education system of South Africa’s former apartheid government, which was designed to disadvantage black students. She talks to us about her work to improve the teaching of mathematics in indigenous South African languages and discusses the importance of considering students’ different language needs. We also speak to Jam...
How AI can shape a brighter future for Africa
September 28, 2023 14:00 - 30 minutes - 20.8 MBArtificial intelligence is ubiquitous and will impact the world in ways we can only imagine. In Africa, it has the potential to transform many aspects of daily life, from healthcare and agriculture to education and finance. In this episode of the podcast Africa Science Focus, we speak to Barbara Glover, programme officer at the African Union Panel on Emerging Technologies, about the potential of AI to benefit Africa, as well as the possible pitfalls. We also hear from Abake Adenle, chief ex...
Network bridges healthcare gaps in Nigeria
September 22, 2023 13:00 - 30 minutes - 20.8 MBIn this episode of Africa Science Focus, we hear about the Atayese Health Network, which is confronting the prevailing issues of healthcare inaccessibility and escalating costs. Our reporter, Royal Uche, speaks to Atayese founder Adeolu Olusodo, who tells us that the organisation is working to making healthcare available and affordable for all, particularly in rural communities in Nigeria’s South West region. Uche also speaks to healthcare workers who shed light on the challenges plaguing ...
Antiretrovirals in chicken feed
September 13, 2023 11:00 - 30 minutes - 20.7 MBIn this first episode of the ‘Science Explained’ series by Africa Science Focus, we dive into a study by Makerere University that uncovered traces of the antiretroviral (ARV) drug Efavirenz, used for HIV/AIDS treatment, in chicken feed in Uganda. Our reporter, Halima Athumani, also spoke with lead researcher, Hussein Oria, who let us know the gravity of using unapproved drugs in animal feed. We also investigate the motivations of poultry farmers, how they source ARVs, and shed light on the...
Transforming lives of people living with HIV
September 06, 2023 15:00 - 30 minutes - 20.7 MBIn this episode of Africa Science Focus, we speak to Maureen Akolo, a nurse and public health specialist in Kenya who supports communities at risk of HIV/AIDS, including sex workers and drug addicts. She works to create awareness about HIV/AIDS and encourage and educate people about life-saving treatments such as anti-retroviral drugs. Our reporter, Michael Kaloki, also hears from a patient living with the disease about how she accepted her diagnosis and is living a healthy life thanks to A...
Funding Women in Academia
August 30, 2023 13:00 - 30 minutes - 20.7 MBIn this episode of Africa Science Focus, we explore how funding agencies are supporting women in research. We take a look at the barriers that persist for women pursuing academic careers and how these can be broken down. How can funding for women’s research in Africa help them contribute to knowledge creation on an equal footing to men and compete on the global stage? And how can data on gender help funding agencies address gaps in grant allocation? Our reporter, Michael Kaloki, has been s...
Kenya’s walking pioneer
July 24, 2023 22:00 - 30 minutes - 20.7 MBIn this episode of Africa Science Focus, we speak to Gladys Nyachieo, a social science researcher, whose work revolves around transforming pedestrian experiences and urban transportation in Kenya. She advocates for the widespread adoption of walking and non-motorized modes of travel, particularly in Nakuru, Kenya. Our reporter, Michael Kaloki, looks at the practicability of her campaigns and speaks to beneficiaries of work. This piece was produced by SciDev.Net’s Sub-Saharan Africa Englis...
Empowering African women in STEM
July 06, 2023 12:00 - 30 minutes - 20.8 MBIn this episode of Africa Science Focus, we delve into the hurdles that women on the African continent experience while attempting to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Long-standing gender stereotypes and the burden of unpaid labour are just some of the factors that feed into the underrepresentation of women in these sectors. Our reporter Michael Kaloki spoke with some African female scientists who described the problems women face in STEM fields a...
Turning waste into compost
June 11, 2023 18:00 - 30 minutes - 20.7 MBIn the first episode of our new season of Africa Science Focus, we follow the journey of Josephine Nackeny Augustino whose mission is to tackle the pressing waste management crisis in South Sudan. With cities in low-income countries expanding, and waste generation escalating, Augustino's commitment to finding a solution is inspiring. She is helping to transform waste into nutrient-rich compost for agricultural purposes. Through her research on microorganisms, she is changing the farming p...
Preventing and managing spina bifida
January 20, 2023 17:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBSpina bifida is a birth defect that affects the proper formation of the spine. It can lead to complications that can cause both physical and intellectual disabilities, and even death. In this episode of Africa Science Focus, our reporter, Ijeoma Ukazu, talks to Lawrencia Dyawei, mother of a child with spina bifida about the challenges she and her child face. Ifeanyi Nsofor, a global health equity advocate, explains spina bifida. Festus Fajemilo, co-founder and executive director of Nig...
Insights from science conferences
December 22, 2022 05:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBWe have come to the end of season three of the Africa Science Focus podcast and we decided to compile some insights on science in Sub-Saharan Africa from some of the science conferences we attended in 2022. At the 2022 World science forum, Cape Town, South Africa, Tumelo Nhlapo of the University of South Africa’s Science Engagement Centre tells us how the centre engages kids in problem solving and STEM. At the 2022 conference on public health in Africa, Kigali, Rwanda, Noella Bigiriman,...
Climate education for future progress
December 16, 2022 02:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBIn Africa, rising temperatures have resulted in extreme weather events like floods and droughts that threaten lives and livelihoods. In order to tackle climate change, people need to know how to take action. And the younger they are when they lean, the better. In this episode of Africa Science Focus, we speak to the founders of social enterprise Earth Warriors, who tell us about their curriculum creation initiative. Keya Lamba, a co-founder of Earth Warriors, tells us about the approach th...