Looking For Challenges in the Low Uptake of Scientific Innovations In Africa
By Prof. Dr. Halimu Shauri
Dean Pwani University
Globally, we have numerous challenges that are facing humanity. Examples include climate change, population growth, food insecurity, diseases, and energy deficiency.
While it is human nature to respond with solutions, there seem to be a disconnect between those who propose solutions and those who are supposed to uptake.
Natural scientists have come up with scientific solutions to mitigate global challenges, but their solutions have always been met with resistance by even those suffering from the predicaments the most.
Looking at genetic modified organisms [GMOs], the resistance is clear coming from even those who are suffering from severe food insecurity.
In a study, we did on public perceptions regarding GMOs in Kenya. The publication is available online and it was clear that Kenyans would not eat GMO foods, though they overwhelmingly agreed to use medical products manufactured from GMOs!
Medical sciences have had vaccines which are biological innovations, yet vaccine resistance, misinformation, infordemics, propaganda, rejection are the order of the day in many countries.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was stiff resistance to the uptake of the covid vaccine even among health care and frontline workers as captured in the study below under my supervision in Mombasa County, Kenya.
I am reminded also that there is resistance in Kenya of the vaccination programme for livestock. Indeed, there has been hot exchange bordering on lack of respect for each other from verbal spats by some leaders.
Interestingly, the resistance is coming from both sides, the schooled and the non schooled. One would ask, “What is really the challenge in resisting innovative solutions to global challenges yet the same world is asking and investing in innovations?”
When you look at the energy sector, we have clear deficiency in our electricity generation in Africa, yet we are resistant of energy from nuclear.
While the question of nuclear waste is a serious question of concern, in my view, “this is a global concern that should not stop African countries from reaping the benefits of nuclear energy in their development agenda as the world figures out how to handle this.”
Probably, a reminder that many aspects of human development need energy. Imagine what would happen if the human body misses food and nutrition? Stunting and malnutrition or death.
By the way, “If food was not the source of energy for us and we were to be charged from an external source of power, like robots, many of us in Africa would be stuck somewhere because of frequent power blackouts.”
I am told the electric train in Tanzania got stuck due to power blackout and Kenya’s JKIA and the whole country has experienced a national blackout not once, not twice, but numerous times.
“Why then would people reject scientific innovations that can sort their messes?
Give your responses in the comments section, please
