Journalists schooled on biosecurity to boost safety.

It aimed at equipping journalists with the necessary knowledge and tools to educate the public on biosecurity threats, particularly those posed by household pests such as bedbugs, cockroaches, and mosquitoes.

The training was organised under the theme: “Together: Let’s take action against bedbugs, cockroaches and mosquitoes that invade our homes. Let’s protect the health of our families”. 

It brought together female journalists from various media outlets including print, radio, television, and online platforms. The workshop, which sought to strengthen biosecurity awareness and response mechanisms, also helped to ensure that biosecurity concerns reach a wider audience.

The initiative aligned with the celebration of the 40th edition of International Women’s Day, observed on March 8, under the theme: “For all women and girls: Rights, Equality and Empowerment”. 

Organisers said by targeting female journalists, the project seeks to emphasise on the critical role women play in fostering a safer and healthier environment, both in their homes and communities as a whole.

Women at the forefront of biosecurity awareness

Addressing participants at the workshop, the Coordinator of the Cameroon Biosecurity Project and Director of the Centre for Information and Documentation on the Environment, Dr Ntep Rigobert, insisted on the importance of engaging women in biosecurity discussions.

“We are extending the celebration of International Women’s Day by focusing on biosecurity because women are at the centre of home management and agricultural activities. They are the primary caregivers and decision-makers in households, making them key players in ensuring biosecurity measures are upheld,” Dr Ntep said.

He explained that biosecurity goes beyond household pest control; it also plays a vital role in food security and environmental protection. 

“For instance, in agriculture, proper biosecurity measures ensure sustainable crop production, protect yields, and guarantee that food consumed is safe,” he noted.

He said the project, now in its second phase, has already made significant strides in strengthening the country’s biosecurity framework. 

Dr Ntep said the first phase focused on developing biosecurity tools and policies, establishing biotechnology laboratories at the University of Buea and the University of Yaounde I, and training various stakeholders.

He equally announced that a draft biosecurity law has been formulated and is expected to be tabled before Parliament in the upcoming session. 

“We have developed measures at the administrative, judicial, and technical levels to ensure that our country remains safe from biosecurity threats,” he added.

Insists on role of journalists in biosecurity awareness

According to the coordinator of the project, the training emphasised the crucial role journalists play in educating the public about biosecurity risks and preventive measures. 

He urged journalists to use their platforms to raise awareness about the dangers posed by invasive species and poor biosecurity practices.

He noted that by training female journalists, the Cameroon Biosecurity Project seeks to amplify biosecurity messages through media channels that reach diverse demographics, including women in rural and urban communities. 

“The goal is to make biosecurity a household concern, ensuring families adopt safe practices to protect themselves from biological threats,” he stated.

Continuous collaboration with existing agricultural policies

An agricultural engineer and rural development activist, Johnbang Mirabel, said the Biosecurity Project is not introducing entirely new policies but rather reinforcing existing initiatives. 

She explained that the project collaborates with various ministries, particularly the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, to enhance biosecurity practices in agricultural production.

“The Biosecurity Project does not impose new technologies, but builds upon existing ones. For example, the agriculture ministry has already implemented a seed policy, which ensures farmers have access to quality seeds. The project capitalises on such initiatives to promote sustainable agricultural practices,” she stated.

She further noted that Cameroon has adopted a balanced approach by supporting both hybrid and community seed systems. This ensures that smallholder farmers retain access to traditional seed varieties, while benefiting from scientific advancements in agriculture.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3390 of Wednesday March 12, 2025