The National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST) held a meeting aimed at orienting journalists on science and technology reporting. Many Malawian journalists tend to neglect science and technology reporting, and the NCST believes that empowering journalists is critical in creating stories that inform Malawians on the benefits of science and technology in the country’s economy. Investigative journalism and science journalism are essential in bridging the gap between science and the end-users of science products. The NCST shared its flagship programs, including the national research dissemination conference program, which aims to inform journalists on research activities and how end-users, such as farmers, can use research findings to improve their production. Furthermore, the NCST is supporting research activities aimed at developing technology to help dry fruits and vegetables to reduce wastage. Journalists who understand these technologies can inform farmers who can adopt them to improve their production. The Malawi government established the NCST to advance science and technology issues in the country and achieve science and technology-led development.
NCST Empowers Journalists to Report on Science and Technology
The National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST) held a one-day meeting on March 15, 2023, aimed at orienting journalists on science and technology reporting. The meeting attracted journalists from various media institutions in Lilongwe.
Kondwani Victor Gondwe, the Acting Director of Planning at NCST, explained that many journalists in Malawi tend to neglect science and technology reporting. He noted that empowering journalists with knowledge on science and technology is critical in creating stories that inform Malawians on the benefits of science and technology in the country’s economy.
Gondwe emphasized the importance of investigative journalism and science journalism in bridging the gap between science and the end-users of science products. He believes that it is essential for journalists to understand science and technology to effectively relay that information to their audience.
The NCST also shared its flagship programs during the meeting, including the national research dissemination conference program. The program aims to inform journalists on research activities and how end-users, such as farmers, can use research findings to improve their production.
Furthermore, Gondwe highlighted the NCST’s financial support for research activities at LUANAR and MUST. The institutions are developing technology that helps dry fruits and vegetables to reduce wastage. Gondwe believes that journalists who understand these technologies can inform farmers, who can adopt them to improve their production.
Meclina Chirwa, a journalist from Timveni Radio, described the orientation as very helpful. She believes that science reporting is an essential area that journalists need to focus on, and from the orientation, she will be able to write more stories about science in Malawi.
The Malawi government established the NCST to advance science and technology issues in the country, as provided for in the Science and Technology Act (No. 16 of 2003). The NCST aims to bridge the gap between science and society by empowering journalists with the knowledge to report on science and technology.
NCST: Providing Science and Technology Advice for Development
The National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST) primarily offers S&T advice to the government and other stakeholders on all issues related to science and technology. The commission aims to achieve science and technology-led development in Malawi. Follow the NCST on Twitter for more updates.
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