The scientist saving Malawi's crops π©π½βπΎπ©π½βπ¬
Increasing biodiversity by understanding the smells or chemicals that repel insects
Dear ReWilder,
It starts with a dream. So many of our dreams are born in the hopes of making the world a little bit better, or easier, or happier. Our paths, when defined by a sense of purpose, often tend to lead us to a place where our purpose helps not just ourselves, but others too. As a production company that focuses on solutions; we so often come across people who followed a journey inspired by a personal experience that ended up benefiting not just themselves, but also their broader communities.
It is fitting that this week, as we celebrate international womenβs day, we want to highlight an inspirational woman, Elizabeth Bandson. In 2018, Elizabeth was awarded the Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) Early Career Fellowship. Elizabeth, is an impact-driven scientist in Malawi, and uses her skills and passion to help people live in a safer world. She monitors and studies insects' sense of smell to determine what natural chemicals repel them, and how we can use this information to alter and reduce the amount of hazardous pesticides farmers use on the food that we eat.
Watch our recent film about Elizabeth, on consignment for BBC StoryWorks below:
Elizabeth tells that it was her fatherβs untimely death due to chemical exposure at work that inspired her to follow this path. Her mission is to help people eat safer food, and live in a safer environment. The World Health Organisation writes that chemical residue on food from pesticides can have both chronic and acute effects on health. Although pesticides currently play an important role in food security and production globally, the need to find safer, healthier, effective, and environmentally friendly alternatives, has never been more vital.
The IUCN writes that many pesticides have extremely detrimental effects on biodiversity, killing bees in enormous numbers, large-scale environmental damage, and contaminating waterways. We need more people like Elizabeth who are dedicated to finding new ways to protect our food sources in a way that keeps people healthy, and enhances biodiversity.Β
It is increasingly important that our societies, governments, organisations, universities and private sectors encourage and foster a culture where it is possible for people to engage in science within their local contexts and communities. Solutions to the wicked problem of climate change and biodiversity loss are often spoken about in global language, but the work is being done in local, grassroots, community-driven projects. We need more of this.
βI am looking forward to the next generation of scientists who dare the odds, to do the impossible things, and not be afraid to explore unfamiliar fields of science.β - Elizabeth Bandson
News from ReWild Africa πΎ
We are hosting an event! The next First Thursdays, on 7 April, come join us at our offices in Gardens, Cape Town, for the first instalment of our Climate Change Conversations events. We will be screening a recent film on Animating the Carbon Cycle, and Vondeling wines will be available! RSVP here.Β
ReWilders Sam & Carter have spent the week at Nsasani Trust in the Kruger Park this week, making connections, interviewing inspiring people, and working on something very excitingβ¦
Meg is heading to Uganda at the end of the month to document some amazing work at WWF and Velux are doing in forest restoration - watch this space.
Wild Regards,
Team ReWild Africa