. Luo

By HELLEN TEMBO –
HIGHER Education Minister Nkandu Luo has expressed concern over the lack of seriousness exhibited by Zambian scientists in finding solutions to the crop-munching armyworm and red locust that invaded some farms early this year.
Professor Luo said she was concerned that scientists had not taken a keen interest in the insects that had affected a number of countries on the African continent as a result of climate change.
Prof Luo said this at the International Council for Science (ICSU) seminar under a theme ‘role of science and meteorology in sustainable development’ in Lusaka yesterday.
“We have become victims of climate change which is going to affect the agriculture sector, which we have not developed and the impact is going to be serious.
“For example, we had armyworms from here to South Africa; where were scientist to face the armyworms and now we have red locust. Where is the scientific preparedness to face the red locust?” she said.
Prof Luo said the climate change also affected the energy sector, which if not developed, would leave the country perpetually dependent on expensive imports.
Prof Luo said science was the driver in the national development of nations and the reason some countries were not developing at the pace they should be was their failure to put science at the centre of the analysis.
She said the Zambian scientists did not see the importance of investing in research as one of the daily activities.
Prof Luo said there was need not only to employ lectures in science, but for scientists who specialised in research.
She said there was need to put science as first priority. Science could be used to innovate issues such as water and mineral resources in terms of development.
Prof called on Zambian scientists to learn from other scientists and not wait for foreign directive investments because Zambia does did not have capacity.
Addressing the same forum, Ministry of Higher Education Permanent Secretary Owen Mgemezulu said Zambia faced critical challenges of inadequate specialised sciences and lack of laboratories in key institutions.
Mr Mgemezulu said Zambia wished to benefit from some of the proposed projects in the ICSU science plans.
ICSU regional director Daniel Nyanganyura said the mission of ICSU was to strengthen international science for the benefit of society.