Africa Science Focus
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!
Episodes
186 episodes
Climate-smart actions to reduce crop loss in Africa
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 g...
How can better data curb Africa’s crop loss crisis?
Across Sub-Saharan Africa, farmers are losing large portions of their harvest befor...
Why plant health matters for One Health systems
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 exis...
Advancing gender equality in research
[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 ...
Unlocking stronger food systems with African research
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, ...
Forest loss adds to Africa's food crisis
[SciDev.Net] Millions of people parts of Africa are facing record levels of hunger, the UN
Space innovation in Africa tackling local problems
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 ...
Researching Africa's oceans to support livelihoods
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
Can AI bridge the gaps in Africa’s healthcare systems?
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 Intel...
How language barriers are impeding science learning
Language plays a crucial role in education, shaping how students learn and connect with the world.Yet, according to UNESCO,
Women in STEM make strides in education, climate change
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 ent...
Making Science Fun!
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...
Scientists harness gene editing for climate-resilient wheat
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...
Why researchers should drop the jargon and speak out
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 o...
Inclusive policies key to expanding women’s tech access
Systemic barriers and poor support structures are stifling the progress of women in STEMUnderrepresentation of women in science and technology is limiting the continent's access to different perspectives and innovation, educators...
Reviving Africa's indigenous science knowledge
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 resea...
Can hydroponics help ease Africa's food shortages?
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 so...
Nigerian farmers, scientists divided over GM maize
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 epis...
Citizen science paves the way to policy
Citizen science educates the public about science and enhances research for evidence-driven policiesIn this episode of Africa Science Focus, our reporter Michael Kaloki speaks with African scientists who discuss the impor...
Anti-HIV vagina ring limited by cost, access
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 d...
Science informed policy could unlock progress in Africa
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. I...
Can mini grids solve Nigeria’s electricity problems?
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, e...
Drones deliver vaccines to the ‘last mile’
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 dro...
Malawi and Mozambique combat wild poliovirus
After 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-sca...
Ghana reduces malaria deaths by 90 per cent
Ghana'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 attribut...