By Joaquim Tauzene – Rádio Pax, Beira, Mozambique
The eighth edition of the international OFAB Media Awards took place in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, bringing together more than 20 journalists from six African countries. The event aimed to promote the production of reports on biotechnology and the use of improved seeds.
Participants emphasized the importance of the contest as a key platform for spreading knowledge about biotechnology, encouraging local farmers to adopt modern agricultural technologies.
Juliana Ago, a journalist from The Nation newspaper in Nigeria, stated that the contest serves as a catalyst for producing more reports on the use of improved seeds, motivating farmers to adopt biological technologies to enhance their yields.
Kenyan journalist Make Mahote, winner of one of the radio categories, highlighted that the event aims to tell stories and change the negative narrative still surrounding biotechnology, especially in the agricultural sector. According to him, “agriculture is the backbone of the African economy, and it is essential to change communities’ mindset through the dissemination of accurate information, connecting journalists with scientists and experts.”
Mozambican journalist Joaquim Tauzene, also a participant in the contest, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to take part, describing the initiative as an enriching experience of knowledge-sharing with other communication professionals. Tauzene also emphasized the importance of using improved seeds and highlighted the role of radio as a fundamental medium for informing communities, considering it an effective tool for promoting the relevance of biotechnology. In his view, “the future of agriculture in Africa heavily depends on technological innovation.”