Africa Science Focus

Researchers say better livestock feed could reduce methane emissions and improve productivity. Across Sub-Saharan Africa, livestock is essential to livelihoods and food security. But cattle, goats, and sheep are also a major source of methane emissions, while farmers struggle with feed shortages and declining productivity.  Scientists are now exploring whether climate-smart feed can cut emissions...

Across sub-Saharan Africa, farmers are facing growing pressure from unpredictable rainfall, longer dry spells, and declining soil conditions, making it harder to produce food reliably.  Climate-smart agriculture has been promoted as a way to help them adapt, but despite years of research and investment, many farming systems continue to struggle. In this episode of Africa Science Focus, our reporte...

Across Sub-Saharan Africa, farmers are increasingly losing crops to shifting weather patterns, emerging pests and prolonged dry spells.  Rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall are changing the conditions under which food is grown, while gaps in monitoring systems make it harder to track and respond to these threats. In this episode of Africa Science Focus, we examine how climate change is...

Across Sub-Saharan Africa, farmers are losing large portions of their harvest before crops ever reach the market. Pests, droughts and shifting weather patterns are decimating yields, while weak data systems make the crisis even harder to fight. In this episode of Africa Science Focus, we look at how better data and stronger plant health systems can help countries respond more effectively. Our repo...

Plant health is quietly shaping what we eat, the diseases we face and how our ecosystems function. But if you look at most One Health discussions, plants barely feature. In this episode of Africa Science Focus, we unpack why that gap exists, why it matters, and what happens when plant health and One Health finally come together. Reporter Justice Baidoo speaks with Solveig Danielsen, a plant health...

[SciDev. Net] – Following up on our previous episode that explored the funding disparities faced by women in STEM across Africa, this episode of Africa Science Focus explores the ongoing efforts to foster gender inclusion within science granting councils. In this episode, our reporters Ogechi Ekeanyanwu and Titilope Fadare speak with councils across Africa to understand the steps being taken to bu...

The 2025 Global Food Policy Report warns that the world could be heading toward another major food crisis. For Africa, the warning is especially urgent. Across the continent, food systems are under pressure from climate change, economic shocks, and political instability.  These overlapping challenges are making it harder for governments to respond to rising food needs or invest in long-term soluti...

[SciDev. Net] Millions of people parts of Africa are facing record levels of hunger, the UN World Food Programme has warned.  Yet at the same time, the region is rapidly losing forests, one of its most valuable food sources. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, the rate of forest loss in Africa has been increasing steadily over the last three decades, with 3.94 million hectares lost...

Africa's space sector, while valued at US$22.64 billion in 2024, is still in its early stages—but scientists say it holds significant promise for addressing some of the continent’s development issues. In this episode of Africa Science Focus, reporter Michael Kaloki explores how space research and innovation are being used across the continent. Mary Makuate, a researcher at Cameroon’s Ministry...

Africa’s oceans are vital for economic growth, supporting fisheries, tourism, and coastal livelihoods. But the costs of plastic pollution in our seas are mounting. The World Bank puts the cost of the damage caused by marine plastic pollution at up to US$33,000 per tonne of plastic waste, in West Africa alone.  As pollution worsens, researchers say stronger policies, community engagement, and scien...

Africa’s healthcare systems face major challenges, from workforce shortages to gaps in infrastructure.  In the latest episode of Africa Science Focus , reporter Michael Kaloki speaks with AI experts about how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is driving change across the continent. Charles Waka explains how AI is optimising maternal and neonatal healthcare, improving outcomes for mothers and newborns. ...

Language plays a crucial role in education, shaping how students learn and connect with the world. Yet, according to UNESCO, 40 per cent of the global population does not have access to education in a language they speak or understand. This gap presents a significant barrier to effective learning, particularly in science education, where technical terms and complex concepts are often difficult to...

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. Martha...

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 implications for the r...

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,...

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 Science Focus...

Systemic barriers and poor support structures are stifling the progress of women in STEM 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 developmen...

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 Michael K...

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 the...

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) crop, w...

Citizen 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 experien...

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 the antiretrovi...

Effective 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 prob...

In 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, expla...

Poor 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 effo...