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Role of AI in climate change communication: Implications on understanding and trust in climate science
No full textClimate change has emerged as a major contemporary global concern, especially as the scientific consensus on anthropogenic causes grows. Extreme climate events continue worsening as global temperatures increase, leading to loss of human lives and slow economic progression at the global level, with the Global South being the most affected. However, despite the notable challenges caused by climate change, concern from the public and policymakers often does not match the magnitude of the impact of climate change. Amidst such concerns,artificial intelligence emerges as a powerful tool for climate change communication, with its integration fostering understanding, concern, and trust in climate science. The emergence of generative artificial intelligence, catalysed by OpenAI’s introduction of ChatGPT,revolutionised the way climate science is communicated to the public, although it came with challenges for communicators. This study, therefore, sought to explore Zimbabwean legislators’ perception of the role of AI in climate change communication and its implications on trust in climate science. The study also intended to determine policymakers’ perceptions of the challenges associated with the integration of AI in climate change communication in Zimbabwe. This qualitative study used in-depth interviews targeting Zimbabwean parliamentarians. The impetus of this study arose from a dearth of literature on the application of AI in strategic climate change communication and its implications for audience understanding and trust in climate science. The qualitative thematic analysis revealed three key perspectives: AI as an effective tool for enhancing public climate change communication and fostering trust through its fact-checking capabilities; skepticism towards AI due to perceived complexity and concerns over Western epistemic dominance; and AI as a potential conduit for climate misinformation in the hands of contrarians, thereby undermining public trust in climate science. These perspectives have an impact on parliamentarians' behavioural intention to support AI policies
Random coil-rich filamentous fungi contaminates cassava flakes in Ogun State, Nigeria
Get PDFThe role of filamentous fungi in contaminating food grains during the pre- and post-harvest stages is well-documented, and effective control of this agricultural issue may rely on a detailed understanding of their secondary protein structures. This study, therefore, aimed to characterize the secondary structures of filamentous fungi isolated from cassava flakes in Ogun State, Nigeria. A total of 1,000 cassava flake samples (250 from each of the four geopolitical zones in Ogun State) were collected and analyzed for fungal contaminants using standard microbiological and molecular methods. Identified fungal sequences were translated into amino acid sequences and subjected to secondary structure prediction using the SOPMA tool. Results showed that Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus carbonarius were the most prevalent species (F = 88.167, p < 0.05), while Rhizopus stolonifer was the least frequent, comprising 1.15% of isolates. Secondary structure analysis revealed a predominance of random coil structures across most isolates, except Aspergillus fumigatus, which exhibited a higher proportion of alpha helices. Amino acid sequence lengths ranged from 162 to 292 bp. Protein sequence database queries showed no significant similarity to known proteins. Phylogenetic analysis indicated no cluster-specific speciation among the isolates, with species dispersed across various clades. In conclusion, cassava flakes in Ogun State are contaminated with diverse filamentous fungi, predominantly rich in random coil structures, suggesting structural variability that may influence their adaptability and pathogenicity
Ethanolic Fermentation of Saccharified Common Thatch Grass Hydrolysate by Candida shehatae AND Saccharomyces cerevisiae Species
Get PDFFossil fuels, such as oil, coal and natural gases, still remain the prime sources of energy worldwide. These resources are likely to be depleted within the next few decades. Current environmental issues like global warming, acid rain and urban smog have led to a shift of focus to utilizing renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind,and biofuels, which are less environmentally harmful and are sustainable. Ethanol is one of the most promising alternative biofuel in this respect. A number of biomass feedstock have been considered for bioethanol production among which grasses have been suggested. In this study, bioethanol was produced by the fermentation of a hydrolysate obtained from the saccharification of pre-treated common-thatch grass (Hyparrhenia spp.). The grass is abundant in Southern Africa and can be used as feed during its early stages of development. Older grasses have low nutritional value due to lignification and is thus used for thatching, fences or is burnt to clear the veld. Size reduction was done to the grass after-which it was pre-treated with either alkali or acid to remove lignin which is a barrier to saccharification. The grass was enzymatically saccharified using a mixture of cellulases namely Celluclast™ and Aspergillus niger cellulase mixture to produce glucose and other fermentable sugars. Candida shehatae CSIR -Y 0492 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae WBSA 1386 were utilised to convert the glucose in the hydrolysate to ethanol. The effect of adding a nutrient supplement on the production of ethanol was also investigated. The pre treatment method and addition of nutrients had no significant effect on the amount of bioethanol produced from the grass hydrolysate. Both S. cerevisiae WBSA 1386 and C. shehatae CSIR-Y 0142 were able to produce ethanol above the theoretical expected value of 0.5 g/L, indicating the use of sugars other than glucose in the production of ethanol. Ethanol production was at an average of 8.3 g/L for both organisms. The results obtained indicate that pre-treated thatch grass, when saccharified by cellulases and xylanases, can potentially be utilized for production of bioethanol
Levels of Arsenic and other environmentally significant elements in Upper Pote River, Mashonaland East Province, Zimbabwe: Impact on riverbank garden vegetables irrigated using water from the river
Get PDFThe aims of the present study were (a) to assess the impact of the Runhanga Cattle Dip in Zimbabwe, historically based on arsenic dip, on the levels of arsenic and other environmentally significant elements in Upper Pote River water, riverbank soil and riverbank garden vegetables irrigated using the water. Samples of Runhanga Cattle dip site soils, Upper Pote River water, Upper Pote riverbank garden soils and riverbank garden vegetables, were collected from 5 sites close to and along Upper Pote River, and were analyzed using ICP MS. Data obtained confirmed contamination of Runhanga Cattle Dip site soils and Upper Pote river by 161.8 plus or minus 0.7 micrograms per kilogram. and 8 plus or minus 0.28 to 12.1 plus or minus 0.28 micrograms per kilogram. As respectively. Arsenic levels in the river were highest close to the dip site, confirming leaching of As from the contaminated dip site. Arsenic was detected in all three vegetable species, at concentrations ranging from 9 plus or minus 0.14 to 22 plus or minus 0.1 micrograms per kilogram.. The levels of As, as well as Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mg, Mn, Sb and Zn, in the river water, riverbank garden soils and riverbank vegetables, fell within the permissible limits set by the WHO/FAO for food, irrigation water and soil respectively. However, the levels of Co in vegetable samples were above the set permissible limits and therefore, being highly toxic or carcinogenic, are cause for concern. Statistical correlation analysis confirmed that irrigating the garden soils with the Upper Pote River water had no significant effect on the concentration of As, or any of the metals studied, in the garden soils and the vegetable grown in the garden soils. Possible sources of the high levels of As, Co, Cd, Cr and Hg in the ecosystem are discussed
Artificial Intelligence in Zimbabwean media: ethical concerns, governance issues, and societal impact (2016-2025)
Get PDFArtificial Intelligence (AI) has gained attention in Zimbabwean media, with reports highlighting its applications in healthcare, education, parliament, marketing, and agriculture. This study explores how Zimbabwean media reports AI adoption and usage, focusing on socioeconomic impacts, ethical concerns, and regulatory issues. An analysis of 575 news stories using media classification methods, sensitising codes, and grounded theory revealed key themes through Leximancer and RStudio Bibliometrix. The findings show increased AI coverage from to 2023-2024, coinciding with generative AI tools and governance concerns. The media presents utopian views emphasising AI benefits while giving less attention to dystopian concerns such as privacy, bias, and neo-colonialism. The Zimbabwean media emphasises data sovereignty and Ubuntu philosophies in AI development. Dystopian perspectives highlight privacy, bias, access, ethical decision-making, job loss, and neocolonialism issues. The media suggest stakeholder collaboration to address insufficient funding, skills, infrastructure, and connectivity challenges through network expansion, re-skilling, expert consultation, and developing comprehensive AI frameworks aligned with regional policies. This study demonstrates the media's role in raising awareness of AI's benefits and risks of AI and influencing public perception and policy development. Recommendations include an increased coverage of ethical issues and infrastructure upgrades to promote societal readiness. Developing a clear AI framework is essential to govern the adoption of ethical AI in Zimbabwe. This study offers insights to policymakers and researchers in low-resource settings. Future research should explore public AI perception using web scrapping and sentiment analysis, track international AI commitments, and investigate sectoral AI implementations. Amplifying diverse voices and enhancing journalists' training in AI reporting are essential for a balanced, in-depth coverage of ethical and governance issues as AI continues to evolve
Reimagining Textbook Editing in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Perspectives from Textbook Publishers in Zimbabwe
Get PDFThe emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) has had a profound impact on several industries, including education. As AI technologies transform established editorial practices worldwide, the textbook publishing industry is undergoing a significant shift. Grounded in the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, which highlights user intentions in using an Information System (IS) and the subsequent usage behaviour, this paper explores the future of editing with AI among textbook publishers in Zimbabwe. The study adopts a qualitative approach informed by a multiple case study design. The study targeted two editors from five major textbook publishing houses in Zimbabwe, selected purposively for their national footprint and history of textbook production. Semi-structured interviews were used to gather data, which was then thematically analysed. Findings indicate that AI tools like Grammarly and Microsoft Editor are commonly used by textbook editors. Automatic content generation, improved efficiency, and enhanced productivity were found to be some of the benefits of using AI in editing. However, several challenges were identified, including, lack of infrastructure, loss of employment and ethical considerations. Strategies for the successful implementation of AI in textbook editing include human-AI collaboration, innovation as a market need and gradual implementation and continuous improvement. The study concludes that meaningful AI integration requires contextual adaptation, human oversight and capacity building. The researchers recommend that textbook publishers continue integrating more AI tools into their processes, and they should be provided with training on the use of AI tools so that they gain knowledge on how to use them effectively
Design education and internship: stakeholder perspectives on students’ employability and personal growth
Get PDFInternship learning gives students a chance to apply and practice skills they will have learned or acquired whilst gaining career and life experience. Public and private Higher Education (HE) institutions in Zimbabwe have incorporated internships as a training methodology. The purpose of this study was to establish the impact of the internship in building skills and competencies on design students from a leading design school in Zimbabwe. The survey method was used to obtain the views of industrial mentors, lecturers, and the students themselves after their return from industrial attachment. Nine industrial mentors were conveniently sampled from the database of companies that usually take these design students for internship. In-depth interviews were conducted with fifteen student participants who had returned from the internship to establish their views on the student's skills and strengths before and after the internship. Four lecturers who teach in the design faculty were also interviewed to give their input on curriculum expectations and achievements as far as internship is concerned in design education. Results of the findings revealed that confidence levels in dealing with practical industry-type tasks which were weak before the internship exercise were very high after the exercise. A marked improvement in the student's analytical skills, practical skills, working speed, accuracy, and paying attention to detail was also evident. To improve design education, the curriculum must promote design teaching and learning from the lower levels of education and support projects that encourage co-research and co-design between academia and industry through the internship programmes. The study also recommends that universities and colleges that teach design-related fields should prioritise the procurement of up-to-date training equipment. The study concludes that industry, academia, and the student can design projects that can improve societal problems in the form of collaborations and these become internship capstone design projects
Pandemics shifting pedagogy: Readiness for blended learning in Zimbabwean secondary schools
Get PDFThe wave of innovation and technological advancement affecting the field of teaching and learning has necessitated the adoption of strategies that make education not only productive but enjoyable and satisfying to the receiver. The achievement of learning ‘anywhere, anytime’ through online and blended education is a milestone particularly for adult learners, who would gladly enjoy flexibility and solitary engagement due to their packed life exploits. But emergency situations have also proven as a force to influence the adoption of new strategies when there would be no option but to abandon traditional face-to-face learning encounters. A number of pandemics in history have left a few lessons for countries and educational establishments on how to combat disruption in schooling for young learners especially those from poorly-resourced family backgrounds who depend on public service delivery for social guidance and self-improvement. This paper explores the conviction that Zimbabwe should ready itself for effective use of the much acclaimed online and blended learning pedagogy, steadily and purposefully in times of quiet and stability, in preparation for disruptions of the magnitude of those experienced during the COVID-19 global pandemic between 2020 and 2023. The paper is grounded on the qualitative study featuring views and experiences of secondary school learners caught up in the abrupt responses to alleviate the severe impacts of the said pandemic on their accustomed schooling. The study interrogates learners’ insights on selected issues of concern in promoting the adoption of the online and blended learning pedagogy, namely: technical challenges, learning challenges, frequency of learning, curriculum and content coverage, and improvement of learning. It is established that challenges exist and persist, but are not insurmountable. It is recommended, among others, that national administrations and school systems should accept technological change to the full and respond decisively in all situations. There should be deliberate formalisation and regularisation of responsive learning pedagogies to incorporate online methodologies in teaching and learning at schools. 
Digital technologies and public health communication in Zimbabwe: The case of Harare Health Services Department
Get PDFThis paper analyses digital technologies used in public health communication to assess if they allow for stakeholder engagement. It also examines the challenges encountered by stakeholders in utilising digital technologies for public health communication. Using strategic communication and second-age media theories, the paper identifies communication technologies used by the Harare Health Services Department (HHS) for public health communication, and for what purposes. We further assess whether the communication technologies utilised by HHS for public health communication allow for stakeholder engagement and the challenges encountered. A qualitative case study methodology utilising in-depth interviews with personnel and key administrators from five health facilities under the HHS Department was employed. In addition, qualitative content analysis was conducted on the Department’s Facebook and X pages. The findings reveal that the Harare Health Services Department is lagging in using digital technologies and only intermittently disseminating public health information during specific periods. Further, HHS has not fully embraced digital media use specifically social media for stakeholder engagement and targeted health messaging. Several challenges are identified such as failure to strategically implement and embrace digital technologies for communication; lack of training; resistance to change and accountability; lack of adequate and reliable resources; and a top-down management approach. The study concludes that digital technologies have the potential to enhance stakeholder engagement and improve public health services. However, there is a need for the integration of strategy in public health institutions’ communication approach
Parasitological quality of drinking water gotten from major sources in parts of Ogun State, Nigeria
Get PDFWater drunk by humans and animals should be safe for consumption worldwide. Humans unknowingly ingest contaminants found in drinking water. This cross-sectional study aimed at assessing parasites associated with drinking water sources in parts of Ogun State, Nigeria. One hundred and thirteen (113) accessible water sources across seven (7) study communities were subjected to sedimentation method and examination of parasites with the aid of a microscope and a World Health Organization identification chart. Data were analyzed, and presented in frequencies and percentages. An overall prevalence of 70(61.9%) had parasites with Hand-Dug Wells (HDWs) having the highest prevalence with 43(61.4%). Out of the 69 HDWs, 43(61.4%) harbored 8 parasites namely Taenia sp. (1.2%)>Hookworm sp. (3.3%)>Trichuris trichiura (3.3%)>Entamoeba histolytica (4.2%)>Strongyloides stercoralis (5.5%)>Giardia duodenalis (6.6%)>Cryptosporidium parvum (10%)>Ascaris lumbricoides (50%). For water from Boreholes (BH), 23(32.9%) of the samples were detected to harbor 7 parasites namely; Hookworm sp. (0.8%)>Taenia sp. (3.3%)>Entamoeba histolytica (5.8%)>Trichuris trichiura (6.0%)>Strongyloides stercoralis (9.8%)>Giardia duodenalis (20.8%)>Ascaris lumbricoides (30.8%). Lastly all the sampled streams were parasite-infected with Ascaris lumbricoides being the most occurring with 100%. In conclusion, water from the major drinking water sources in the study area have been found to possess parasites, an indication that it is unsafe for inhabitants of the study area to drink as they could lead to gastrointestinal diseases. The health authorities must carry out sensitization programs on the awareness on the potential health risks associated with constant consuming of the parasitic-contaminated water