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NBA chief executive Dr Jonathan Mufandaedza told participants at a two-day science communication workshop last week that scientists needed to raise awareness on biotechnology issues to help the public to be informed on the potential benefits and perceived threats of biotechnology.
“Scientists need to develop strategies to engage the public on biotechnology issues so that our people are informed and we allay the fears that come with the development of new technologies,” he said.
“We realise that we do not have the capacity to relay messages on biotechnology to the public and training on science communication is an important step towards engaging the public.”
Biotechnology refers to the use of living systems and organisms to develop or make useful products, or any technological application that uses biological systems such as the traditional making of yoghurt, bread and brewing of beer.
Debate on biotechnology, more specifically genetically modified foods, is still on the front burner in Zimbabwe with the vast majority of consumers remaining highly suspicious of GM technology while scientists and pro-GM supporters argue that the fears are unjustified.
The development of agricultural biotechnology has proceeded rapidly amidst public controversy over the ethics of genetic manipulation and the required level of regulation.
Claims about the promise of new technology have been greeted with scepticism, vilification or outright opposition by anti-GMO activists. Debates on GMOs have often been dominated by slander, innuendo and misinformation.
“When we are talking of biotechnology we are not just talking about GMOs – modern genetic engineering. We are also talking about traditional biotechnology that dates back to time immemorial,” said Dr Mufandaedza.
“My heart bleeds because there is very limited discussion and engagement on biotechnology issues in the country. There are various branches of biotechnology and public understanding of these is critical.”
Given the mistrust and controversy surrounding GMO issues, he said, there is a need for concerted efforts to improve communication and promote public understanding of biotechnology.
“The need exists to empower our people to take advantage of the benefits of modern biotechnology while placing them in a position to make informed choices about which technologies are appropriate and desirable in ensuring sustainability,” Dr Mufandaedza said.
“There is a lot that is going on in our research institutions and we need to engage the media to educate the public about our outputs. It’s important for the public to be informed so that they can make informed choices.”
Veteran journalist and trainer Adele Baleta said journalists and scientists must engage each other and build mutual trust to help cover meaningful issues and empower the public to make informed choices.
“Mistrust between scientists and journalists makes it difficult to communicate accurate and balanced information to the public,” she said. “Lack of transparency, confusion and mistrust dominate the GMO debate and we need to build partnerships to avoid misleading the public.
The workshop was organised by the NBA in association with the National Research Foundation and the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement.
Online Reporter