Harnessing indigenous knowledge systems for socially inclusive science communication: working towards a 'science for us', with us' approach to science communication in the global south

Abstract

Recent trends in science communication have demonstrated that there is an increasing need for scientific information as well as the ability to access it. This has been especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic, where the extent of misinformation and disinformation (Ahinkora et al, 2020) has been a source of concern, with information-sharing as a public prerogative no longer monopolised by scientists and science communicators. The complexity of the current communication ecology is exacerbated by the diversity of available sources of information and the ever-increasing need to be first, right, and credible in sharing information. This era thus requires reflective thinking about the contextualisation of science communication epistemologies. There has been increased appreciation of the fact that many scientific and social innovations that have the potential to empower society and facilitate social transformation can only achieve that aim through inclusive engagement methodologies and approaches.