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Uganda Biotechnology Information Center

Uganda Biotechnology Information Center. Barbara M Zawedde Uganda Biotechnology Information Center. Acknowledgement. Next Generation Cassava Project Lead by Cornell University Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation ISAAA Biotech communication partners in Uganda.

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Uganda Biotechnology Information Center

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  1. Uganda Biotechnology Information Center Barbara M Zawedde Uganda Biotechnology Information Center

  2. Acknowledgement • Next Generation Cassava Project • Lead by Cornell University • Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation • ISAAA • Biotech communication partners in Uganda

  3. Why biotech outreach? • Government of Uganda has recognized biotech as a relevant tool for crop improvement: legislation and R&D support • Crop biotech R&D is taking place in Uganda: • A lot of skepticism and ignorance about the technology may hinder release of these products

  4. To ensure effective biotechnology application, a number of stakeholders need to be engaged MEDIA MEDIA EFFECTIVE BIOTECH APPLICATION Source: Dr. Jim Peacock, with modification

  5. Partners in agric-biotech communication include: • Government agencies including UNCST, MAAIF, NARO • NGOs and civil society like SCIFODE, UBBC, CONSENT • Universities like Makerere • Private sector like AGT, BioCrops

  6. Partners cont’d • International programs/initiatives including PBS, CERA, B4FA • Regional initiatives like ISAAA, AATF, ABNE, and ASARECA • NARO biotech Projects like VIRCA, WEMA, rice, banana, sweetpotato

  7. Gap analysis • Inadequate visibility of the outreach efforts in certain stakeholder groups • Fragmented communication efforts • Untapped communication outlets • Limited public awareness and confidence in the biosafety regulatory system • Lack of a designated reference-center for biotech communication in the national agricultural research system

  8. Uganda Biotechnology Information Center • NARO-led initiative hosted by NaCRRI • Aim: One-stop center for information sharing on biotechnology and biosafety in Uganda. Outcome: Open access Interactive information center at NaCRRI

  9. ISAAA’s Global Knowledge Sharing Initiative (www.isaaa.org/kc) Network of 25 Biotechnology Information Centers (BICs) Russia ISAAA AmeriCenter Spain China Japan Italy Pakistan Bulgaria Bangladesh Egypt Mali India Vietnam Thailand Philippines ISAAA’s Global KC Sri Lanka Burkina Faso Kenya UBIC Malaysia Indonesia Brazil Peru South Africa Knowledge and Experience Sharing Karembu M., ISAAA

  10. To ensure effective biotechnology application, a number of stakeholders need to be engaged MEDIA MEDIA Scientists Cultural/faith-based leaders Youth and women Farmers’ associate EFFECTIVE BIOTECH APPLICATION Source: Dr. Jim Peacock, with modification

  11. Specific Objectives • Enhance understanding of the biotech and biosafety by influentialstakeholders • Baseline study for KAPs - underway • Stakeholder’s engagement • MPs sensitization in collaboration with UBBC and FtF (PBS) • NaCRRI staff training

  12. Enhance understanding for the stakeholders • Upcountry biotechnology meetings • FM radios talk shows and advertisement • Print media communication channels • Create and facilitate networking in-country regional information nodes • Establish an interactive information-center

  13. Enhance understanding for the stakeholders • Maintain a biotech and biosafety stakeholders’ database • Conduct annual biotech events • Publish information flagship product • Form and engage rapid response team • Conduct media monitoring studies

  14. Enhance understanding for the stakeholders • Identify and train science communicators • Engage these science communicators for greater impacts • Identify and mentor champions as well as engage them • Participation in trade/agric fair and science week • Annual National biotech event

  15. Specific Objectives • Integrate biotech in formal education programs • Hands-on training and mentoring science teachers • Work with educators to upgrade existing teaching materials • Biotechnology projects in schools • Annual Biotech Essay Writing competition – ongoing

  16. Integrate biotech in formal education programs • Creative biotech info materials for youth e.g. fashion shows, cartoons, social media • Open field days for education institutions

  17. Communicating with farmers

  18. Major Challenges communicating with farmers • Lack of a product ready for release • Lack of enabling environment for testing these products Scientists disagreement

  19. Other major Challenges • Scientists disagreement about biotech • Increased misconception among the general public

  20. Conclusion • Everyone in Uganda is a stakeholder for biotechnology • Communicating with all stakeholders is a BIG order • Effective communication requires partnerships Uganda Biosciences Information Center

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