“Everyone is our target audience” says Ogechi Ekeanyanwu from SciDev.Net

Stephanie Okeyo interviews Ogechi Ekeanyanwu, the Regional Coordinator for Sub-Saharan Africa at ​⁠SciDevNet, a non-profit organization dedicated to publishing news, analysis, and views on science and technology for global development. During the conversation, Okeyo asks Ekeanyanwu a range of questions beginning with SciDev.Net’s mission and how it aims to cover in-depth science news in the region. Ekeanyanwu explains that much of the valuable scientific research conducted in Sub-Saharan Africa remains tucked away in academic papers that few people read, emphasizing SciDev.Net’s role in providing visibility to this work. “We ensure that new science news from the region is covered in depth,” she says, highlighting the organization’s focus on making science accessible to a wide audience.

Okeyo also delves into the challenges of science journalism in the region, asking Ekeanyanwu about the difficulties journalists face when trying to connect with scientists. Ekeanyanwu points out that there is a strained relationship between the two communities, making it challenging to get experts to speak on short notice. “We find that there is a strained relationship between journalists and scientists, and that’s the bridge we’re trying to build,” she explains, adding that policymakers often provide surface-level insights instead of critical analysis.

When asked why SciDev.Net decided to venture into podcasting, Ekeanyanwu shares that the organization wanted to reach a broader audience, particularly people in rural areas who have better access to radio than the internet. She emphasizes the importance of breaking down complex scientific concepts into simpler terms that everyone can understand, stating, “We wanted to reach as many people as possible.”

Throughout the interview, Ekeanyanwu discusses the structure of the Africa Science Focus podcast, which includes the Explainer series, designed to dispel myths and fact-check scientific issues, and the Changemaker series, which highlights individuals making significant contributions in fields such as health and the environment. She describes how these series have received positive feedback from audiences, noting that listeners often express appreciation for how the podcast helps them understand complex topics.

Okeyo also seeks advice for aspiring science journalists looking to transition into podcasting. Ekeanyanwu stresses the importance of thorough research, listening to other podcasts, and practicing the craft to refine their storytelling skills. “Do your research, listen to podcasts, and practice,” she advises, highlighting the unique format and approach that podcasting requires compared to traditional written journalism.

The conversation concludes with a discussion on the challenges facing science podcasters in Africa, including infrastructure issues such as unstable power and internet connectivity, and the need for more training in areas like gender-sensitive reporting. Ekeanyanwu emphasizes that investment in proper equipment and skilled producers is crucial for ensuring high-quality content that engages listeners.

CS Media Lab

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The CS Media Lab is a Boston-anchored civic science news collective with local, national and global coverage on TV, digital print, and radio through CivicSciTV, CivicSciTimes, and CivicSciRadio. Programs include Questions of the Day, Changemakers, QuickTake, Consider This Next, Stories in Science, Sai Resident Collective and more.

Stephanie Okeyo

[email protected]

Stephanie Okeyo is a Microbiologist and Science Communicator. She is the founder of Under the Microscope. Some of her previous professional roles include Ambassador of Women in Science, East Africa and Representative to the United Nations office, Geneva at the Royal Academy of Science International Trust (RASIT). In 2019, she was listed as one of Under 30: Breaking Barriers Women in STEM and is a 2021 Zuri STEM category nominee. Stephanie is passionate about empowering young girls and being a voice for gender equality in Science and Technology.