Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. Science journalism plays a critical role in preserving indigenous knowledge as Africa pushes for greater inclusivity, delegates have said. Participants attending a session on igniting conversations on science, currently underway here, called for indigenous knowledge to be protected as part of the cultural transition.
The meeting forms part of the Science Forum, which is being attended by science journalists, researchers and communicators from across Africa. It runs until November 28 in Pretoria.
Mandlenkosi Ngwenya, a foftware engineer said science research was key for data collection and community participation.
“Communities must help create a conducive environment for proper needs to be represented in any research so it remains relevant for future generations and use,” he said.
Botswana-based science journalist and researcher Baboki Kayawe said using understandable language was crucial in empowering communities.
“Policymakers must reform through well-articulated research, especially in vernacular languages, where journalists play a critical role in amplifying the voices of marginalised communities,” she said.
Kayawe added that journalists and researchers must work closely and engage each other to strengthen community-based approaches.
“Co-creation is key, and traditionally every science discipline is acceptable,” she said.
She further noted that local communities are central to science journalism.
“We must engage traditional leadership and improve communication skills,” she added.
University of Botswana senior lecturer Dikabo Mogopodi said science must be rooted in community needs.
“It is important for researchers to understand that science belongs to the communities and must solve societal problems,” she said. “Communities must be included from the beginning. In research we tend to throw solutions at the end, and communities are not given opportunities to shape the process.”
The Science Forum serves as an open platform for public debate on the interface between science and society.
It is being held under the theme: Igniting Conversations about Science – Placing Science, Technology and Innovation at the Centre of Government, Education, Industry and Society.
The forum runs from November 24 to 28, ahead of the World Science Forum in December.
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