Strengthening Media Capacity for Sustainable Development

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Crops Research Institute (CSIR-CRI) collaborated with the Agroecology Circular Economy for Ecosystem Services (ACE4ES) and the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) to organise a day's training workshop for media professionals in Accra. The workshop, themed "Strategic Media Programming for Agroecology, Circular Economy and Climate Change Communication," aimed to equip journalists with knowledge and understanding of human activities and their impact on the environment, while encouraging strategic communication to promote sustainable practices.

Key Takeaways:

• The workshop was designed to strengthen the capacity of journalists to effectively report on environmental sustainability, agroecology, and climate resilience.
• The Principal Investigator for the Agroecology and Circular Economy for Ecosystem Services Project in Africa, Dr Kwaku Onwona-Hwesofour Asante, emphasized the crucial role of the media in advancing sustainable development and environmental conservation.
• Dr Asante noted that the media's ability to shape public awareness and attitudes towards environmental issues is crucial, and empowering journalists with scientific understanding can help bridge the knowledge gap at the community level.
• Training journalists on agroecology and circular economy principles is essential, as they serve as key extension agents capable of educating the public to make informed decisions.
• Agricultural emissions, such as methane, black carbon, and nitrous oxide, contribute significantly to global warming and pose serious public health challenges.
• Raising awareness can help mitigate their impact and promote healthier and more sustainable agricultural practices.
• The media should integrate environmental sustainability messages into their regular programming rather than treating them as occasional topics.

Statistics:

• The workshop was organized by the CSIR-CRI, ACE4ES, and PFAG.
• The theme of the workshop was "Strategic Media Programming for Agroecology, Circular Economy and Climate Change Communication."
• The workshop aimed to equip journalists with knowledge and understanding of human activities and their impact on the environment.
• Dr Asante noted that agricultural emissions, such as methane, black carbon, and nitrous oxide, contribute significantly to global warming and pose serious public health challenges.
• Raising awareness can help mitigate their impact and promote healthier and more sustainable agricultural practices.

Sources:

• Ghanaian Times, Copyright 2025. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com).