The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), in collaboration with the Rwanda Agriculture Board (RAB), recently organized a two-day workshop for Rwandan journalists and various agriculture experts.
This workshop, titled “Strengthening Science Communication Capacity for Rwandan Journalists,” aimed to equip journalists with the necessary skills to accurately report on agricultural biotechnology, including the often-debated topic of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).
The workshop highlighted the critical need for journalists to possess agricultural science literacy. This knowledge enables them to actively and accurately report on agricultural biotechnology trends, ensuring they rely on evidence-based information. Such an approach not only maintains accuracy but also fosters meaningful engagement with the scientific community.
One of the participants in this training is a Byukusenge Annociata. She said, “This workshop is important for science journalists. On my side, I gained more skills like how to write a science story, how to pitch science stories, and how to find science data to complete the story. Now I am aware of science reporting, and I will use these skills in my daily work.”
Another journalist named Christophe also said, “The trainings I attended between 27th and 28th May 2024 at Kigali, increased my skills in reporting on agricultural biotechnology by producing evidence based stories.”
Rwanda’s agricultural sector faces several challenges, including low productivity, climate change, post-harvest losses, and limited access to finance. The adoption of agricultural biotechnology presents a potential solution to these issues by enhancing value addition, promoting food security, and improving livelihoods.
Throughout the workshop, various speakers emphasized the importance of dispelling persistent myths and misconceptions surrounding biotechnology.
Journalists play a crucial role in this process by sourcing accurate information from reliable and reputable sources, such as researchers and industry experts. As Eugenia Abu, a seasoned Nigerian news broadcaster, pointed out, journalists should seek information not only from researchers but also from policymakers and academics to provide a well-rounded perspective on current trends and issues.
Agriculture constitutes a significant portion of Rwanda’s economy, accounting for 30%. Thus, the adoption of biotechnology, including GMO crops, could address the pressing challenge of food shortages in the country.
However, a skills gap in science journalism was identified as a major barrier to realizing the benefits of GMO technology. This gap can lead to misunderstandings about the advantages of GMO adoption and hinder progress.
The workshop also covered the distinction between morals and ethics in journalism, emphasizing the importance of fact-based reporting over personal opinions. Venerardo Meeme, an award-winning journalist and development communicator, stressed the role of journalists in knowledge dissemination and the need to filter unverified information before publishing.
Tom Peterson, an American misinformation crisis analyst, highlighted that while traditional news outlets typically do not distort facts, they often report on statements from political leaders that may not be entirely truthful. He noted that over 80% of false claims are disseminated without acknowledging their inaccuracy.
The training included a segment on ‘Basic Science Journalism,’ where journalists learned to translate technical information into human-interest stories, making science more accessible to the general public. The workshop underscored the importance of ongoing training programs involving government institutions, NGOs, and other stakeholders.
Such programs are vital in equipping journalists with a comprehensive understanding of various topics, enabling them to deliver cutting-edge reporting.
By enhancing their biotechnology literacy, Rwandan journalists are better positioned to combat misconceptions about GMOs and contribute to informed public discourse on agricultural biotechnology.
Written by Emma-Marie Umurerwa
