Apr 6, 2020
In 2019, the Nigerian government held a series of Science Cafes to communicate the science behind the genetically modified cowpea and how it could be used to fight the pod borer pest. The cowpea is not only a major food source for Nigerians, it also happens to be one of the country's main exports. As the pod borer can wipe out as much as 80% of a farmer's crop, finding a way to fight this pest is critically important.
Despite the success and necessity for this piece of technology, certain groups expressed skepticism.In this episode, I talk to science journalist Etta Michael Bisong who has been covering the use of GMOs in Nigeria, and Iida Ruishalme to explain the science. We discuss why there is fear and hesitation in adopting GMOs, how science communicators can do better, and how messaging from developed nations can promote fear and hesitancy in developing countries.
David Latchman is a freelance science writer and host of this podcast. He runs the Science vs. Hollywood blog (sciencevshollywood.com) where he explores the portrayal of science in television shows and movies.
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