DECOLONIALITY IN SCIENCE COMMUNICATION

  • RUTH WAMBUI, PhD Research Fellow, ACTS
  • JOEL ONYANGO, PhD Director, MELI, ACTS
Keywords: Decoloniality, Science Communication, Climate Resilience, Indigenous Knowledge

Abstract

This study explores the impact of decoloniality in science communication in climate resilience projects, highlighting the challenges of accessibility, comprehensibility, and the integration of indigenous knowledge. It argues that while Western scientific communication methods, such as academic publishing and media briefings, have become dominant, they often fail to resonate with local communities, particularly in Africa. By reviewing current science communication practices and the role of coloniality in shaping these practices, the study identifies strategies for improving communication, such as incorporating indigenous knowledge, using simplified language, and engaging local communities. Data for this study was collected through surveys and interviews conducted during a summer school on decoloniality and science communication held in Mombasa, Kenya in 2024. As part of decoloniality in scientific research, a “35 mapping lessons-game” was designed and used to facilitate interactive learning and reflection on decoloniality and science communication. The game was used to engage participants and collect their proposed learnings and changed perspectives from the summer school. Findings revealed that many researchers struggle with effectively conveying scientific knowledge to diverse audiences. The study calls for a decolonial approach to science communication that fosters inclusivity, participatory methods, and culturally relevant content to enhance the effectiveness of climate resilience strategies.

Author Biographies

RUTH WAMBUI, PhD, Research Fellow, ACTS

Research Fellow, ACTS

JOEL ONYANGO, PhD, Director, MELI, ACTS

Director, MELI, ACTS

References

Bucchi, M., & Trench, B. (Eds.). (2014). Routledge handbook of public communication of science and technology. Routledge.

Fassin, D. (2023). Humanitarianism, between situated universality and interventionist universalism. Social Anthropology, 31(1), 103-105. https://doi.org/10.1111/1469-8676.13194

Fleerackers, A., Joubert, M., & Oliveira, D. (2019). Challenges in public engagement with science: The role of scientists and their communication strategies. Public Understanding of Science, 28(6), 652-666. https://doi.org/10.1177/0963662519852271

Schäfer, M. S. (2017). The variety of science communication: Diverse structures and dynamics, problems and opportunities. In K. H. Jamieson, D. M. Kahan, & D. A. Scheufele (Eds.), The Oxford handbook of the science of science communication (pp. 51-60). Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780190497620.013.16

Schäfer, M. S., & Fähnrich, B. (2020). Communicating science in organizational contexts: Toward an “organizational turn” in science communication research. Journal of Communication Management, 24(3), 155–167. https://doi.org/10.xxxx/yyyy

Smith, L. T. (2012). Decolonizing methodologies: Research and indigenous peoples. Zed Books.

Wissenschaft im Dialog (Impact Unit). (2020). Evaluation of science communication: Current practices, challenges, and future implications. Retrieved from Frontiers in Communication

World Health Organization. (2022, May 25). Launch of the WHO compilation of innovative concepts to communicate science during the COVID-19 pandemic. Retrieved From https://www.who.int/news/item/launch-of-the-who-compilation-of-innovative-concepts- tocommunicate-science-during-the-covid-19-pandemic

Ziegler, R., Hedder, I. R., & Fischer, L. (2021). Evaluation of science communication: Current practices, challenges, and future implications. Frontiers in Communication, 6, Article 669744. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcomm.2021.669744
Published
2025-03-18
Section
Articles