THE SCIENCE OF BIOTECHNOLOGY AND GMOS A PRACTICAL HANDBOOK FOR JOURNALISTS

This handbook is a timely initiative, especially when viewed in the context of the myriad challenges that journalists and science communicators face when addressing agricultural biotechnology, which has emerged as a critical tool in addressing food security, improving crop resilience, and enhancing nutritional content.

Introduction

The need for accurate and informed reporting on agricultural biotechnology has never been more pressing, especially in a world where information abounds and risk of misinformation looms large. This handbook, produced by the Kenya Editors Guild in collaboration with the AfricanAATF, aims to serve as a foundational training resource for journalists, equipping them with the necessary knowledge to effectively address the complex issues surrounding agricultural biotechnology, particularly the subject of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), in the Kenyan context.

This handbook is a timely initiative, especially when viewed in the context of the myriad challenges that journalists and science communicators face when addressing agricultural biotechnology, which has emerged as a critical tool in addressing food security, improving crop resilience, and enhancing nutritional content. It is also an opportune resource that can be used to introduce the concept of biotechnology, especially GMOs, a subject that has been met with scepticism and controversy, both of which are largely fuelled by misinformation and public fear. In Kenya, where agriculture is the backbone of the economy, the consequences of such misinformation can be detrimental. Thus, this handbook seeks to demystify biotechnology, offering clear, factual information and practical resources for journalists, who play a pivotal role in shaping public discourse.