What is the role of science journalism and community development?

[Calestous Juma]

What role can science journalism play in community development through initiatives such as the Victoria Institute of Science and Technology:
http://www.worldcomputerexchange.org/Kenya-Osogo
I would welcome ideas, thoughts, examples and cautionary tales. But more importantly, suggestions on how to make the venture a success.

[Marie Rarieya]

Dear Calestous,
You have raised a pertinent question regarding the role of science journalism in community development. There are a number of ways that science journalism can contribute towards information sharing at community level. They can play a key role in creating public awareness through disseminating specific science information. One can think of a range of specific science and development issues ranging from climate change, agricultural biotechnology, flu outbreaks, fake drug circulating in public spaces to access to clinics, to mention a few. While science journalism is poised to play an important role in empowering rural communities to make informed decision through information circulation, access to scientific information, libraries, journal articles, recent studies and certain media technologies remains a big challenge.