National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST) Chief Research Officer Mike Kachedwa has disclosed that the commission is happy with the progress Malawi is making in biotechnology issues.
Biotechnology is the use of biology to develop new products, methods and organisms intended to improve human health and society.
Speaking in Salima at the 2023 Open Forum on Agriculture and Biotechnology (Ofab) Malawi Media Awards, Kachedwa further noted that there is global interest in the impact of biotechnology.
The media awards are presented to reporters who have exceptionally covered biotechnology issues.
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“The impact of biotechnology transcends health and food security. Biotechnology and genetic engineering are not the only solutions, but they can help transform agriculture.
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“However, there is a need for journalists to help in communicating the messages to people. Scientists may not be good at communicating because they use jargon. That is where the media comes in,” Kachedwa said.
Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources lecturer Abel Sefasi said biotechnology can help Malawi meet its food security goals.
“Only technological mechanisms can help Malawi feed its growing population, which the National Statistical Office projects to be over 20 million,” Sefasi said.
He added that without improved crops, Malawi will continue to struggle with problems such as poor soil health, low-yielding varieties, insect and disease infestations, low-quality produce and poor nutrition outcomes.
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Ofab Malawi Chapter Coordinator Lyson Kampira bemoaned “low” media coverage of biotechnology issues.
During the ceremony, The Times Group journalist Richard Chirombo emerged the winner of Ofab Malawi Media Awards in the print and online categories while Meclina Chirwa came second.
In the radio category, Andrew Viano of Zodiak Broadcasting Station scooped the first award while his workmate Cassim Aubi was the runner-up.
Benard Ndege of Malawi Broadcasting Corporations won in the television category with Gift Kaimira of GDTv coming second.
The awards are locally managed by NCST and aim to promote professional science reporting focusing on agriculture and biotechnology
