The Crops Research Institute of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-CRI), in collaboration with the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana and with support from the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), has trained media practitioners to serve as conduits for critical scientific knowledge.
The workshop, themed “Strategic Media Programming for Agroecology, Circular Economy, and Climate Change Communication”, sought to equip journalists with a deeper understanding of agroecology, circular economy principles, and ecosystem services. By doing so, media practitioners can relay complex scientific concepts in ways that are accessible to local communities, helping the public make informed decisions.
Public awareness of environmental sustainability, particularly in agriculture, climate action, and recycling, remains low in Ghana. To bridge this gap, Dr. Kwaku Onwona-Hwesofour Asante, research scientist and principal investigator of the ACE4ES project, said: “Once media practitioners are trained in these principles and concepts, they become the extension agents who can deliver knowledge to the public. This allows communities to take informed action, particularly in reducing agricultural emissions such as methane, black carbon, and nitrous oxide, which contribute not only to global warming but also to health challenges.”
The initiative encourages journalists to integrate environmental sustainability topics into regular programming rather than one-off shows, highlighting human interest stories that illustrate the local relevance of scientific innovations. Dr. Asante added that complex scientific concepts, such as the 13 principles of agroecology and short- and long-lived climate pollutants, are often difficult for the public to grasp.
“Today, we’ve brought these principles to the doorstep of media practitioners so they can explain them effectively to audiences. The goal is for the public to understand, learn, and act,” he said.
The collaboration between CSIR-CRI and the media is designed to create a synergy where scientific knowledge is not only generated but also communicated widely. By raising awareness through consistent media programming, the project hopes to drive behavioural change, reduce emissions, improve livelihoods, and promote job creation.
The training featured group discussions and presentations, and participants said they found the sessions informative and valuable.
