SCIENCE TECH NEWS

A newsletter for the National Science and Technology Council

Volume 15 No.2 Not for Sale January - June 2019

ZAMBIA-MOZAMBIQUE-GERMANY
TO HOST THE 3RD JOINT
RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM

Climate Change
Zambia:
Food Safety is It's time for a
important and should change.
not be compromised. - Page 18
NSTC Creates Second
-Page 12
Centre of Excellence
for Teaching STEM
Subjects.
-Page 5

NSTC - Committed to the promotion of Science and Technology for the improved quality of life in Zambia
 THE NATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL
MISSION
To enhance Zambia’s capacity for scientific research and technological development, in
order to create wealth and improve the quality of life by promoting the development and
application of science and technology.

Promotion and Advocacy - the

development of indigenous technological
capacity; the use of science and Coordinating research in
technology in industry, the integration of science and technology in
gender concerns in science and Zambia.
technology development of broad
national priorities in science and
technology.

FUNCTIONS OF
NSTC

Mobilising and making

Regulating research in science
available financial, human and
and technology including the
other resources including
registration of research and
science and technology
research development
information to research and
institutions and initiating special
development institutions.
projects.

Advising the government on

science and technology related
policies, the establishment of any
new research and development
institutions and national research
development priorities

Science Tech News

Published biannually by the National Science and Technology Council to inform the public about its activities and latest developments in
Science and Technology.
Editorial Team
Editor Mr C. Kasaro Mr. L. Sikapizye
Mr.F. Zulu
Ms. M. Nambala Mr. M. Simataa
Editorial Committee
Mrs. P.N Jalabani Mr. M. Mundia
Ms. A. Mulonga

Mrs. N. Mataka

January - June 2019

 Energy. This will lead to researchers in the participating
countries to develop joint research projects to help mitigate the
challenges in the area of energy. I am hopeful that you will find
this edition of the Science Tech Newsletter informative.

We would appreciate your suggestions on what you would like

to see in future issues of this newsletter. Your views, ideas and
news are most welcome, particularly contributions/articles on
your own working experiences in science, technology and
innovation. Contributions may be sent to the Newsletter editor
directly.
Thank you,

Dr. A. J. Sumani
Executive Secretary

W
e wish to welcome you to this edition of the National Science and Technology Council
Science Tech Newsletter. The Council remains
committed to the Promotion of Science,
Technology and Innovation (STI) and this year we have
continued on our quest to promote STI in technology.
This particular edition covers among other activities, the
promotion of Science, Technology, Engineering and
NSTC CREATES SECOND CENTER OF EXCELLENCE
Mathematics (STEM) in schools and the hosting of a joint FOR LEARNING STEM SUBJECTS.................................2
researchers symposium to share ideas and create joint
project collaborations with researchers and scientists in ZAMBIA SCIENCE CONFERENCE 2019..........................3
other countries.
UNDERSTANDING THE PATENT SYSTEM......................4
Dear Readers, this year, the NSTC continued with the
construction and setting up of the Centre of Excellence in NSTC EXHIBITS AT THE ZAMBIA NATIONAL
Kasempa, and is scheduled to launch and handover of the EDUCATION CONFERENCE (ZNEC)...............................6
1 by 4 classroom block consisting of two (2) science ZAMBIA BIDS FOR THE OR TAMBO AFRICA
laboratories, a computer lab and a library to Kasempa Day RESEARCH CHAIRS INITIATIVE......................................7
Secondary School in Kasempa District, Northern Province.
NSTC STAFFER SELECTED FOR THE 2019 GLOBAL
The Council continues to believe that these initiatives will LEADERSHIP FELLOWS (GLF) PROGRAM....................8
see the improvement of learners in STEM subjects and will
continue to encourage our learners especially the girl child MEDIA AND SCIENCE.....................................................10
to actively pursue STEM subjects and ultimately take up
UNZA SIGNS MOU WITH UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD IN
science based careers in future. RENEWABLE ENERGY SOLUTIONS.............................12
The NSTC believes in the importance of developing
collaborations in Science, Technology and Innovation to CBU STUDENT COMES UP WITH FIRM CALLED
ELECTRON RESEARCH LABS......................................13
combat the many challenges being faced in the Country
such as power deficits, food and nutrition security and FOOD SAFETY IS IMPORTANT AND SHOULD NOT BE
climate change to mention but a few. It is for this reason that COMPROMISED..............................................................15
the NSTC in collaboration with the German Research CLIMATE CHANGE ZAMBIA: It's time for a Change....17
Foundation (DFG) of Germany, and the National Research
Fund (FNI) of Mozambique will host a joint Research UNZA, LWSCO SIGN MOU FOCUSING ON RESEARCH,
Symposium on Solar Energy in order to provide a platform WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION...............................19
for researchers, scientists and science administrators to LAUNCH OF THE FLYING LAB CHEERS
share ideas and discuss key issues in the area of Solar GOVERNMENT ..........................................................20

1 January - June 2019

 Executive Secretary NSTC in company of DEBS - Kasempa and assistant Director S&T (Science)
from the Ministry at the commissioning of the works
NSTC CREATES SECOND CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE
FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING OF STEM SUBJECTS
By Atridah Mulonga and Phica Jalabani
Zambia is among countries participating
in the Square Kilometre Array (SKA)
project, a radio telescope project aimed at
improving space observation. This will be
achieved through building radio
astronomy receiving stations with
collecting capacity of approximately one
square kilometre area. In Zambia, the
project is spearheaded by the Ministry of
Higher Education (MoHE). A site for the
Technical committee inspecting the works during an M&E Visit
SKA project was identified in Dengwe
forest area of Kasempa District in North
Western Province. This site was
specifically chosen because of its very
minimal radio interference, which makes
it ideal for space observation.
Construction works in progress
As one of the benefits to the community
for providing a site for the SKA project,
MoHE decided to set up a Centre of
Excellence (CoE) for teaching and
learning of Science, Technology,
Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
subjects at Kasempa Day Secondary
School. The NSTC was tasked to set up
2 January - June 2019
this Centre of Excellence, in line with its
mandate of promoting science and
technology. Once completed, the Centre
will house two (2) science laboratories, a
computer laboratory and a library. The
project was commissioned in January
2019 by the Executive Secretary of
NSTC, Dr. Alfred J. Sumani in the
presence of the Kasempa District
Education Board Secretary (DEBS).
Construction works commenced in April,
2019 and the project is expected to be
completed and launched in November,
2019.
Construction works in progress
 ZAMBIA SCIENCE CONFERENCE 2019
(ZAMBIA – MOZAMBIQUE – GERMANY TO HOST THE 3RD JOINT RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM)
By Nsama Mataka
T
he Zambia Science Conference
(ZSC) is a flagship event that
attracts researchers, research
and innovation administrators,
academia, university students, the media
fraternity and policymakers. The
Conference provides a platform for
experience sharing, networking and
creation of new partnerships in the
science enterprise and also facilitate
dissemination of Knowledge in the
different fields of science, technology
and innovation as well as enable
opportunities for cooperation between
researchers from Zambia and Germany
as well as other African countries.
One of the key activities under the
conference is the Researchers
Symposium. The symposium provides
a platform for researchers, scientists,
and science administrators to share
ideas, discuss key issues and
developments in multi and
interdisciplinary areas, with the aim of
igniting networks among scientists and
researchers in the participating countries
and possible development of joint
research projects.
OBJECTIVES OF THE ZAMBIA
SCIENCE CONFERENCE
i. Provide a platform for knowledge and
experience sharing among the
scientific community, researchers,
local institutions and international
participants.
ii. Share knowledge and concepts on
how best to strengthen and
operationalize, science, technology
and innovation policy agendas
iii. Facilitate development of linkages
between the scientific community and
policy makers in order for them to
adequately address the needs of the
public in as far as science, technology
and innovation issues are concerned.
iv. Networking and creation of new
partnerships in the science
enterprise
THE ZAMBIA SCIENCE
CONFERENCE 2016
The First Edition of the conference was
guided by two themes: Agriculture and
Animal Sciences.
Researchers from the University of
Zambia (UNZA), Central Veterinary
Research Institute(CVRI) National
Institute for Scientific and Industrial
Research (NISIR), Zambia Agriculture
Research Institute (ZARI) exchanged
information through the conference with
their peers from Germany and other
African Countries.
THE ZAMBIA SCIENCE
CONFERENCE 2017
NSTC hosted the ZSC conference in
collaboration with the National
Commission for Science and Technology
(NCST) of Malawi, the German
Research Foundation and the National
Research Foundation of South Africa
and focused on Animal and Livestock
sciences. Leading researchers in animal
and livestock sciences from southern
Africa as well as Germany made
presentations.
This edition of the conference was
characterized by side events as such the
Global Africa Regional meeting, the
Science Granting Council Initiative
(SGCI) Annual Forum and Monitoring,
Evaluation and Learning workshop. It
was at this conference that NSTC signed
a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
with the German Research Foundation.
This MoU extends the cooperation
regarding Science, Technology and
Innovation between the Republic of
Zambia and the Federal Republic of
Germany.
The objective of this MoU is to promote
3 January - June 2019
14
cooperation in the fields of science
(including social sciences and
Humanities), Technology and Innovation
between the two countries on the basis of
equality and mutual benefit.
THE ZAMBIA SCIENCE
CONFERENCE 2018
NSTC built on the momentum and
hosted the 2018 Zambia Science
Conference. The National Science and
Te c h n o l o g y C o u n c i l ( N S T C ) i n
collaboration with the National
Technology Business Centre (NTBC)
and the Southern Africa Innovation
Support (SAIS) a development initiative
supported by the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs of Finland and Ministries
responsible for innovation from various
SADC countries hosted a Research
Administrator's Workshop which was
aimed at facilitating the best practices in
research and innovation management.
The workshop targeted research and
innovation administrators from
institutions of higher learning, senior
academicians and Research
Administrators from Research and
Development institutions.
THE ZAMBIA SCIENCE
CONFERENCE 2019
This year the National Science and
Te c h n o l o g y C o u n c i l ( N S T C ) i n
collaboration with the German
Research Foundation (DFG) of
Germany and the National Research
Fund (FNI) of Mozambique will host the
3rd Joint Research Symposium from
18th – 22nd November, 2019, in Lusaka.
This year's symposium will be focused on
Solar Energy. The Conference sessions
will be organized around multiple sub-
themes.
 Understanding the Patent System
T
he author is Ms. Mupande Nambala, Programme Officer - Policy
Regulations Monitoring and Evaluation at the National Science and
Technology Council and a Masters Student in Intellectual Property at
Africa University with a Scholarship from the Government of Japan through a
Funds-In-Trust Japan Industrial Property Global in the World Intellectual
Property Organisation (WIPO).
What is Intellectual Property?
Intellectual Property (IP) broadly
means the legal rights which result
from intellectual activity in the
industrial, scientific, literally and artistic
fields WIPO Handbook (2008). IP law
is the body of law that provides legal
protection for authors, inventors and
other creators by giving them time-
limited rights to authorize or prohibit
certain types of exploitation of the
results of their creative or inventive
activities, in return for making them
available to the society. There are two
branches of IP namely, industrial
property and copyright.
What is Industrial Property?
This branch of rights deals with the
protection of inventions by means of
patents and protection of certain
commercial interests by means of
trademark and trade names/business
names. Industrial property rights
includes also, for instance, the law on
protection of geographical indications,
industrial designs and trade secrets.
The repression of unfair competition is
often considered as part of industrial
property as well as the plant breeders´
rights.
What is the Patent System?
The patent system was designed to
encourage inventors to share their
ideas with the general public and
competitors in exchange for a limited
time of protection of their invention
against copying and misuse. The
patent system promotes innovation by
rewarding monopoly to inventors and
providing them with incentives for their
invention, it promotes access to
technology and international transfer
of technology by disclosure of the
invention at the time of application.
Furthermore, the patent system
promotes technology diffusion and
further investments into research and
development.
The key instruments relating to patent
protection include the Agreement on
Trade-Related Aspects of IP (TRIPS)
which is administered by the World
Trade Organisation (WTO), the Paris
Convention, the Budapest Treaty,
the Patent Cooperation Treaty
(PCT), Patent Law Treaty (PLT) and
the Strasbourg Agreement
Concerning the International Patent
Classification which are administered
by the World Intellectual Property
Organisation (WIPO) at the
international level. At the regional
level, the Harare Protocol which is
administered by the Africa Regional
Intellectual Property Organisation
(ARIPO) is the key instrument
governing protection of patents and
nationally, the National Policy on
Intellectual Property and the Patent
Act of Zambia govern the protection of
intellectual property.
The patent system provides protection
for patents and utility models.
According to WIPO, "Patent" is an
exclusive right granted for an
invention, which is a product or
process that provides, in general, a
new way of doing something, or offers
a new technical solution to a problem.
A certificate issued by a government
(e.g. “a patent office”) represents the
4
16
evidence of that exclusive right. The
legal effect of the patent is that the
patented invention cannot be
commercially exploited without the
authorization of the holder of the
patent. The protection granted under a
patent is limited in time, and lasts
generally only for a period of 20 years
from the filing of the application for the
patent. Currently in Zambia, the
Patents Act No. 40 of 2016 has put in
place a provision to carter for the
duration of protection of 20 years for
Patents. In order to be protected, the
idea must meet the following criteria:
1.Novel / New in the sense that it has
not already been published or
publicly used. The Patents Act No.
40 of 2016 provides that novelty of
an invention shall not be destroyed
if disclosure of the invention
occurred within twelve months
preceding the date of filing of the
application for the grant of a patent;
2.It must have an inventive step,
that is, it would not have occurred
to a specialist in the field
concerned; and
3.It must be applicable in industry
in the sense that it can be
industrially manufactured or used.
Utility models on the other hand, are
considered particularly suited for
protecting inventions that make small
improvements to, and adaptations
of, existing products or that have a
short commercial life. There
requirements for protection are usually
l e ss stri ct co mp a re d to p a te n t
protection. Under the Patents Act No.
40 of 2016, requirements for utility
model protection are that a certificate
January - June 2019
shall be granted for an invention which is new and
capable of industrial application and the certificate is
valid for 10 years. Because utility models provide lesser
protection requirements, it has been argued that
developing countries need to consider starting with this
form of protection as it would form a basis for
technological learning as the case with the so called
“Asian Tigers”.
Patent protection requires inventors to publicly disclose
their invention. This is done to pave way for oppositions
as well us inform the public about an upcoming invention.
In addition, online databases have been created to
facilitate access to information about published
inventions including those that are pending applications,
granted and expired patents. The databases include:
1. Google Patents: https://patents.google.com/
2. WIPO Patentscope:
https://patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/sear
ch.jsf
3. EPO Patent Database:
http://worldwide.espacenet.com/
4. Public PAIR: http://patft.uspto.gov/
5. Free Patent Online:
http://www.freepatentsonline.com/
6. PUBMED:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed
7. Lens: https://www.lens.org/lens/etc
In addition to these databases, inventors and researchers
can visit the Patents and Companies Registration Agency as
they provide patent search advisory services and they are a
national focal point for the WIPO Technology and
Innovation Support Centre (TISC). The TISC provides
innovators access to locally based, high quality technology
information and related services, which is useful for
exploiting innovative potential and creating, protecting, and
managing intellectual property (IP) rights.
More information on the TISC can be obtained here:
https://www.wipo.int/tisc/en/.
Research and Development (R&D) and IP have both been
recognised as important tools in the development of
countries and the question is, how can Zambia's research
and innovation system make use of the available IP
resources to strengthen R&D and innovation which will in
turn lead to enhanced competitiveness of industry,
technological capacity development and economic and
industrial growth in Zambia.
5
13 January - June 2019
 NSTC EXHIBITS AT THE ZAMBIA NATIONAL
EDUCATION CONFERENCE (ZNEC)
By Nsama Mataka
Programme Officer - PROMOTIONS
National Science and Technology Council

T he Council participated in the

Zambia National Education
Conference which was
held from 15th January and
17th January, 2019, under the
changing the admission structures for
colleges and universities;
Levy that will finance education
through the taxing of alcohol, sodas
and cigarettes and other
innovative financing strategies
such as tree-based financing for
theme, “Improving the Quality education and PPPs; and
of Zambia's Education System • Enhancing investments in digital
– The Education We Want.” technology for digital training as
The Zambia National w ay o f r e d u c i n g c o s t s fo r
Education Conference (ZNEC) education
is the brain child of the
Honourable Ministers of 3. Education for Social Economic
General and Higher Education. Development which will include
The meeting brought together among others:
stakeholders from various
Government Ministries; • Refocusing the curriculum and
Cooperating Partners; Non- training to analytics, research and
Governmental Organizations practical skills that relate to social
(NGOs); Civil Society, Faith and economic dimensions rather
Based Organizations (FBOs), than focusing training and
P r i v a t e S e c t o r, Pa r l i a m e n t a r i a n s , • Improving the learning environment education on theories and
Traditional Leaders, Civic Leaders, and promoting good leadership and conventional examinations;
Academicians from Universities, Colleges, management in schools and • Undertaking skills audits and skills
Vocational and Skills Training Institutions; institutions of learning; and needs assessments across the entire
Schools, Profound Researchers; Eminent • Reviewing, re-organising and country in order to ensure that training
Local Persons and International Experts in strengthening quality assurance is aligned to skill needs and also
various fields in an effort to improve the agencies 8th July 2019 . supports social and economic
education system in the country. development; and
The major focus of the transformational 2. Education Finance which will include • Harnessing Science, Technology and
agenda coming out of the conference was among others: Innovation and the Two-Career
to be on three main areas of: Pathway in order to address the Youth
1. Education Quality which will include • Developing and promoting a Multi- Bulge and reduce dependency rations.
among others: Stakeholder Partnership Model for • The Conference was also meant to
financing education which includes moot the Country's demographic
• Placing premium on curriculum review Government, parents, traditional dividend and how to harness the
and teacher training and deployment; leaders, private sector and other non- Youth Bulge through skills training.
• Restructuring the Examination and state actors;
Assessment systems and subsequently • Introduction of a Human Development

6 January - June 2019

 ZAMBIA BIDS FOR THE OR TAMBO AFRICA
RESEARCH CHAIRS INITIATIVE
By Atridah Mulonga
Programme Officer - GRANTS
National Science and Technology Council
T he OR Tambo Africa Research
Chairs Initiative (ORTARCHI), is an
African partnership oriented
initiative that seeks to invest in research
for excellence and transform the African
research landscape. The initiative is led
by the National Research Foundation
(NRF) of South Africa in partnership with
South Africa's Department of Science
and Technology (DST), the Oliver and
Adelaide Tambo Foundation (OATF), the
International Development Research
Centre (IDRC) of Canada and Science
Granting Councils Initiative in Sub-
Saharan Africa (SGCI), to which the
National Science and Technology Council
(NSTC) is a member.
As hubs of research excellence, Research
Chairs play a significant role in the
development of national and regional
research systems. They raise prestige
and visibility for individual researchers
and universities to stimulate expertise in
a particular thematic area and train the
next generation of scholars.
Named after Oliver Reginald Tambo, the
distinguished South African leader and
advocate of science and technology, the
OR Tambo Africa Research Chairs
Initiative will support up to ten
Researcher Chairs across the African
continent for an initial five years. The
Research Chairs will focus on training
graduate students to nurture young and
emerging researchers, and on
undertaking world-class research at
leading universities in the fifteen
countries that are part of the Science
Granting Councils Initiative in sub-
Saharan Africa. The OR Tambo Africa
Research Chairs initiative has been
proposal by the Copperbelt University
(CBU), in the area of climate change;
environment and development, are
among twenty-two proposals that were
recommended in the first round of the
designed to have a catalytic impact on application process, out of the fifty-three
the development of research in African (53) applications from universities across
countries and to contribute to Africa. The two Zambia Universities are
knowledge production and high-end participating in the second phase of the
skills, in alignment with the African bid, which will see ten (10) Research
Union's Agenda 2063 and the Science, Chairs granted.
Technology and Innovation (STISA 2024). The Chairs will be awarded in recognition
Through international and regional of individual research leadership and
strategic partnerships, the Chairs will talent and the universities' commitment
contribute to the development of long to supporting high-quality research. The
term mutually beneficial research funding level for the Research Chairs is
collaborations on the continent and up to USD 215,000 per Research Chair
honour a leading figure in the per year. The NSTC is hopeful that the
development of African unity. two proposals will be successful, given
the excellent research track record of the
A Call for Expressions of Interest to host two universities and their proposed
Research Chairs in various broad priority potential Research Chair Holders.
areas of focus in science, humanities and
social sciences, under the OR Tambo
Africa Research Chairs initiative was
launched in December, 2018. The Call
was open to public universities in
fourteen (14) of the SGCI participating
countries; Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cote
d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi,
M oza m b i q u e , N a m i b i a , Rwa n d a ,
Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and
Zimbabwe. The NSTC facilitated local
public universities to apply for the OR
Tambo Research Chairs. A proposal in the
area of water conservation, submitted by
the University of Zambia (UNZA), and a
7
 NSTC staffer selected for the 2019 Global
Leadership Fellows (GLF) Program
By Jowit Saluseki
Feature Writer
Times of Zambia
ZAMBIA is among some of the
countries that are striving to make a
mark in science communication
among its populace.
Now in a bid to increase a cadre of
local science communicators,
Zambia's Lenganji Sikapizye and
Sussana Phiri have been selected as
2019 Global Leadership Fellows
Programme (GLFP)in United States
of America (USA).
The 2019 cohort of global leadership
fellows is largest group ever, with 33
fellows representing 15 countries.
The fellows who left for the USA in
August will be trainees for three
months at Cornell University, College
of Agriculture and Life Sciences,
Ithaca, New York, USA.
With fire in their bellies, science in
their brains and passion in their
hearts, Lenganji and Susanna as
Alliance for Science Fellows will be
hoping to literally change the world of
science when they return to Zambia.
Sussana is a young farmer passionate
about agriculture and scaling up food
security.
She has successfully grown maize,
Lenganji Sikapizye
fresh spices, vegetables and soya
beans.
Sussana relates the value she has for
farming to the children she has
encountered as a teacher.
“Children who feed on nutritious food
focus and learn better at school and Zambia, a diploma in journalism from
a l s o a d a p t t h e m s e l v e s m o r e Evelyn Hone College and a certificate
efficiently to society,” she said. in international relations from the
She notes that her experiences of Zambia Institute of Diplomacy and
rampant pests,
crop diseases,
food insecurity
as well as the
rising effect of
climate change
are challenges
that can be
curbed if young
and women
farmers are well
organised and
equipped with
knowledge and
techniques from
local scientific
and agricultural
research bodies. Lenganji engages showgoers at the 2019 Zambia
International Trade Fair (ZITF)
Sussana has a
bachelor's degree in education from International Relations.
Chailmbana University. He hopes the GLFP will help him learn
Lenganji is a journalist who currently h e a r t o f p a c k a g i n g s c i e n c e
t
works as a programme assistant for information in a way that will connect
the National Science and Technology with ordinary people in Zambia.
Council, a statutory body that On being selected to be the 2019
regulates Zambia's fellow Lenganji says: “Thus far the
science sector. journey of being a Science
Lenganji has eight Communicator has hit a high note.
years of experience I wish to thank the Cornell Alliance for
working in science Science Global Leadership Fellows
co mmu n i ca ti o n s Programme for firmly believing that I
a n d h a s can contribute to ensuring that my
c o o r d i n a t e d country and other parts of the world
several advocacy are food secure through the adoption
p r o g r a m s t h a t of agricultural technologies that will
popularize science. withstand the adverse effects of
His work includes climate change”.
organising science He adds: “Special thanks to my
c o n f e r e n c e s , employers National Science and
managing social Technology Council (NSTC) for the
media platforms, unwavering support for the eight
w r i t i n g f e a t u r e years, Mrs Veronica Mwaba CEO
articles and liaising D Z I WA S c i e n c e Tr u s t f o r t h e
with the media. mentorship”.
He also runs a blog called Sciepage, The duo joins Ms Mwaba founder of a
which covers key issues of concern in local NGO Dziwa Science and
science such as climate change. Technology Trust (DSatt) who was
He holds a bachelor's degree in public 2018 Zambia global leadership fellow.
relations from Cavendish University Ms Mwaba was elated that Lenganji
8 January - June 2019
and Sussana have been selected to for science, for instance, how
represent Zambia as global accomplishments and discoveries
leadership fellows. serve the needs of humanity and the
She says DSaT wants to distinguish country at large,” Ms Mwaba.
itself through the determination to This will in turn assist policy makers to
contribute to the Zambian society and appreciate, prioritise and mobilise
resources for
research and
development and
also help society
to choose the
technologies that
work for them from
an informed
perspective.
The Cornell
Alliance for
Science where
Lenganji and
Susanna are been
mentored in USA
is an initiative for
Lenganji during a recent radio interview. science-based
agricultural
build support for science through communications
proactive communication outreach to that is focused on the global public
targeted audiences. good.
This she says is premised on It's envisioned on supporting a global
complimenting researcher's efforts to agricultural communications platform
popularise evidence based science that will improve understanding of
and build a cadre that will be inspired science-based agricultural
in science. technologies.
The Trust's focus areas include The Alliance's network of diverse
agriculture, health, environment, stakeholders is committed to helping
e d u c a t i o n , I n f o r m a t i o n un-mute voices of potential
Communication and Technology beneficiaries of agricultural science
(ICTs), innovation and engineering. and biotechnology in developing
“Science is a key driver to assist countries.
Zambia transform into a middle The Cornell Alliance forms alliances
income country by the year 2030 with Non-Governmental
because the Seventh National Organisations (NGOs) and other
Development Plan (7NDP) and the partners who share common values
Sustainable Development Goals around poverty reduction and
(SDGs) are anchored on science. sustainable agriculture.
DSaT hopes to complement science Expanding the range of choices about
champions efforts to mobilise support plants and livestock for farmers and
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National Science and
Technology Council -
NSTC
9 January - June 2019
consumers by providing access to
information about available
technologies.
The Alliances envisages reclaiming
the conversation around agricultural
biotechnology so that science- and
evidence-based perspectives drive
d e c i s i o n - m a k i n g .
The Alliance will build and foster a
globally coordinated communications
platform to connect, equip, and
empower public sector partners in
their communication efforts by
providing evidence-based
information resources and training
activities.
Communication resources are
accessible to a wide variety of
audiences, ranging from the general
public to researchers, policymakers,
journalists, and other stakeholders.
The Alliance will help foster more
constructive policies about
biotechnology as a useful tool in the
toolbox of food security and
sustainability to help address global
challenges such as persistent
poverty, a changing and erratic
climate, and the formidable task of
feeding nine billion people by 2050.
Supported by a $5.6 million grant from
the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation,
the Alliance was established in
August 2014 and is based in the office
of International Programs in the
College of Agriculture and Life
Sciences (IP-CALS) at Cornell
University.
@nstc_zambia
 Media and Science
By Jowit Saluseki
Feature Writer
Times of Zambia
FROM time immemorial, the media that science advocacy will allow the media orientation would enable
industry in the country has had a journalists to take an active role to journalists to report better on
deficiency in having a cadre of demystify science and interpret science related matters.
reporters with a burning desire to p r o t o c o l s s i g n e d , p o l i c y This is because there has been a
pursue science communication. statements research and lot of misconceptions owing to
O w i n g t o l a c k o f a d e q u a t e discoveries and controversy. lack of adequate information by
understanding of science matters Ms Mwaba said this will help build some members of society on
c o u p l e d w i t h a s h o r t a g e i n an understanding of science with Genetically Modified Organisms
enthusiasm among reporters, key actors in an organised way to (GMOs).
science related stories have often r e d u c e r i s k s
been treated as a second fiddle in associated with fake
newsrooms. news.
This has therefore birthed a “Science is a key
The workshop was attended by African research institution administrators, research funders, and
society that always has its own d r i v e r t o a s s i s t
misconceptions on science related Zambia transform
issues which are difficult to into a middle income
comprehend by lay people. country by the year
Thus in a bid to inculcate a cadre of 2030 because the
science communicators ,Dziwa S e v e n t h N a t i o n a l
Science and Technology (DSat) Development Plan
Trust recently organised a one day ( 7 N D P ) a n d t h e
orientation workshop for science S u s t a i n a b l e
journalists in Lusaka. Development Goals
The event was held in conjunction (SDGs) are anchored
w i t h t h e N a t i o n a l B i o s a f e t y on science.
Authority (NBA), the University of D S a T h o p e s t o
Zambia (UNZA) and Biotechnology complement science
Outreach Society of Zambia. champions efforts to
DSaT wants to distinguish itself mobilise support for
through the determination to science, for instance,
contribute to the Zambian society h o w
and build support for science a c c o m p l i s h m e n t s
through proactive communication and discoveries serve the needs of Arising from the 2001/2002 farming
outreach to targeted audiences. season, Zambia experienced
humanity and the country at large,”
T h i s i s p r e m i s e d o n Ms Mwaba. severe drought which threatened
c o m p l i m e n t i n g r e s e a r c h e r ' s This will in turn assist policy food security as a result of low
efforts to popularise evidence makers to appreciate, prioritise agricultural production.
based science and build a cadre a n d m o b i l i s e r e s o u r c e s f o r With the eminent food scarcity, the
that will be inspired in science. international community
research and development and
The Trust's focus areas include also help society to choose the responded by donating genetically
agriculture, health, environment, technologies that work for them modified maize.
e d u c a t i o n , I n f o r m a t i o n from an informed perspective. The government of the day
Communication and Technology This will in turn enhance public rejected the food aid due to the
(ICTs), innovation and engineering. engagement. absence of technical and
S p e a k i n g d u r i n g t h e m e d i a Speaking at the same event, NBA regulatory capacity in handling
orientation, DSat Trust executive Registrar and Chief executive products of modern biotechnology
director Veronica Mwaba noted officer Lackson Tonga noted that (GMOs).
After rejecting the maize donation,

10 January - June 2019

government put in place the
Biotechnology and Biosafety
Policy of 2003 and thereafter,
Zambia acceded to the Cartagena
Protocol on Biosafety to the
Convention in 2004.
This meant that Zambia had to
adopt the precautionary principle
in order to allow for the
development of infrastructure, the
regulatory and institutional
arrangements as well as to build
technical capacity to handle
genetically modified organisms.
In 2007, Parliament enacted the
Biosafety Act No. 10 of 2007.
Some of the functions of the NBA
include processing notifications
and applications of GMOs or
products of GMOs into the
country, in accordance with the
requirements of the Biosafety Act.
Promoting public awareness and
education concerning the
activities regulated under the Act
such as risk assessment, risk
management and authorization
processes
The NBA is also mandated to keep
any GMO or any product of a
genetically modified organism
under review and to ban its
handling or release in Zambia
when necessary.
The Authority is also tasked to
establishing and maintaining a
database of GMOs and their
products as well as making
available such information to the
public.
Mr Tonga explained that since
2015, the NBA has approved 49
permits in research, import and
placing on the market.
These permits include for
research (valid for three years) in
HIV vaccine by CIDRZ and Zambia
Emory in Lusaka and Copperbelt
respectively.
Another permit for malaria
research to be conducted by
Macha Research Trust in Choma
has also been issued.
The other 46 are import permits
varied for five years and placing
on the market valid for six
months.
The NBA has also issued four
GMO free certification for exports
to mainly Zimbabwe and Angola.
It is worth noting that Zambia has
national laboratories such as the
biotechnology or molecular
biology laboratories at National
Ins t it ut e f or S c ie nt if ic a nd
Industrial Research (NISIR),
Tropical Diseases Research
Centre (TDRC).
The others are Central Veterinary
Research Institute (CVRI),
University of Zambia (UNZA) and
Zambia Agricultural Research
Institute (ZARI).
Microbiology, molecular biology
and biotechnology related
courses have been developed at
national tertiary institutions as a
way to build capacity.
Government's desire is to have a
transformative culture by
embracing innovation.
NBA Communication Officer
Sandra Lombe implored the
media to do a lot of research,
know the news sources and
simplify scientific terms for or the
general public to understand
what is being reported.
Ms Lombe said it was incumbent
on the journalists to tell a story in
an interesting and simplified
manner.
She disclosed that the NBA
intends to introduce media
awards next year to encourage
science reporting in the country.
“In order to encourage science
reporting especially on
biotechnology and biosafety, the
NBA may next year launch media
awards.
We believe this will further,
encourage reporting on science,
technology and biotechnology,”
Ms Lombe said.
UNZA lecturer and scientist
Evans Kayimoya who spoke at
the same event disclosed that
one of the major successes in
11
biotechnology was the orange
fleshed sweet potatoes which has
seen the increase in production
and consumption of the food
product in Eastern province where
it had been promoted since 2011.
“Promotion of consumption of the
orange fleshed potatoes is one of
the key nutrition sensitive
interventions implemented to
address high vitamin A deficiency
among the rural population of
Zambia.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, Uganda is
the top producer while others
include Kenya, Mozambique,
Ta n z a n i a a n d D e m o c r a t i c
Republic of Congo,” Dr Kayimoya
said.
He explained that the orange
fleshed sweet potatoes have been
used to prevent vitamin A
deficiency which predominantly
affect pregnant mothers and pre-
school children especially in
Africa and South East Asia.
“Biotechnology has proved to be a
utility tool which has found its use
in all science based fields such as
medicine and pharmaceuticals
which include diagnostics,
vaccines and gene therapy.
Others include green biotech
which includes improved crops,
livestock, nutritional value,
dought and pest resistant crop
varieties,” he said.
Dr Kaimoya called for serious
investment in science research.
On the other hand, the media as a
fourth estate needs to have
adequate know- how -on science
issues for them to provide the
masses with the correct
information.
After the end of the orientation , a
WhatApp group called 'Media and
Science' was created to enable the
media communicators interact
and share pertinent information in
the social media platform.
January - June 2019
From left: University of Oxford Research Associate, Dr. Susann Stritzke, Unza Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Enala Tembo-Mwase and Dean in the School of Natural Sciences (NS),
UNZA SIGNS MoU WITH UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD IN
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOLUTIONS
The University of Zambia (UNZA) has
entered into a bilateral co-operation
agreement with University of Oxford
in Renewable Energy Solutions.
The MoU signed will allow UNZA's
Solar Energy Center (SEC) housed in
the Department of Physics, School of
Natural Sciences (NS) and Smith
School of Enterprise and
Environment (SSEE) at the University
of Oxford, collaborate in the field of
renewable energy solutions.
Speaking during the signing
c e r e m o n y, U N Z A A c t i n g V i c e
Chancellor, Prof. Enala Tembo-
Mwase, said the MoU signed will
allow UNZA and University of Oxford
to co-operate in finding solutions to
the challenge of rural electrification in
Zambia, where only 5% of the
population have access to electricity.
The Acting Vice Chancellor, added
that the signing of the bilateral
agreement between UNZA and
University of Oxford, reaffirms
UNZA's commitment to research
around renewable energy solutions.
Prof. Tembo-Mwase, emphasised
that the agreement signed with
University of Oxford is an exciting
chapter in UNZA's strategic objective
of promoting mutually beneficial
Dr. Habatwa Vincent Mweene
partnerships in the knowledge
economy.
She further stated that UNZA is
committed to contributing to Zambia's
attainment of the United Nations
Sustainable Development Goal
(SDG) number seven (7) that
stipulates the need to ensure
universal access to affordable,
valuable, sustainable and clean
energy by 2030.
Meanwhile, Dean in the School of
Natural Sciences (NS), Dr. Habatwa
Vincent Mweene, said it is an honour
for the School to collaborate with
University of Oxford. He stated that
UNZA has a lot of expertise in the field
of renewable energy and that the two
universities stand to benefit from each
other through research, workshops
and academic exchanges.
The Dean, explained that the MoU
signed, signifies the School of Natural
Science's resolve to undertake
research around the field of
renewable energy solutions. “Our
strength can be seen in the success of
the Solar Energy Center (SEC) which
today is churning out cutting-edge
research in the field of clean energy”
Dr. Mweene said.
Speaking at the same function,
12
University of Oxford Research
Associate, Dr. Susann Stritzke,
assured UNZA of Oxford's
commitment in the partnership.
She hinted that the co-operation
agreement is of significance to
University of Oxford as it accords the
university a chance to learn and work
with UNZA in an inter-disciplinary
area of clean energy access and
development in Zambia.
Dr. Stritzke, adds that University of
Oxford is happy to work with UNZA in
designing a holistic and inter-
disciplinary approach to solving the
challenges of rural electrification
through integrating various
infrastructure based on identified
community needs and opportunities.
The MoU signed between UNZA and
University of Oxford will promote co-
operation between the two
universities in finding solutions to the
problem of access to electricity for the
rural communities in Zambia.
Issued by:
Brenda Bukowa (Ms)
Spokesperson
University of Zambia
January - June 2019
 CBU Student comes up with firm called
Electron Research Labs.
By Jowit Saluseki
Feature Writer
Times of Zambia

OWING to his knack in the field of
science John Zimba, 23, has come up
with an innovative firm called Electron
Research Labs that inverts electrical
appliances that consume less energy.
Zimba has also come up with a water
submersible pump, and a motor
powered electrical cooker, among
other appliances that use less
electricity.
While students in most institutions of
higher learning in the country seek to
learn the ropes of their chosen
careers in lecture rooms, Zimba a
second year student in
electrical/electronic engineering at
the Copperbelt University (CBU) in
Kitwe developed the interest of
making various electrical appliances
while in junior secondary school.
This year's Youth Day theme is
unlimited”. trained to ensure that they actualise
what they are taught in lecture rooms
Zimba is a self-taught young and not use the knowledge just to
innovator with big ambitions of acquire an academic qualification for
becoming a renowned engineer in the
field of science.
He has invented various appliances
such an eco-switch which is able to
switch itself on and off thereby
minimising on the usage of
electricity in various appliances.
“My dream has also been to provide
scientific and engineering solutions
to the country in line with the
Government's policy of encouraging
young people to be innovative and
creative,” Zimba says with a
chuckle.
He believes that the knowledge he is
acquiring from the university will be
worthless if he cannot put it into
practice by making things that are
energy friendly. John Zimba explains how a simple
water pump works.

Because of his tenacity to work with use in looking for employment.

John Zimba displays a simple water
pump.
“ Z a m b i a n Yo u t h ; G e n e r a t i o n
electrical appliances, the soft spoken
John's creative ideas even captured
the attention of institutions such as
Zesco and the National Scientific
Research Institute (NISIR) in Lusaka.
He was also accorded an audience
with the Office of the Vice President
where he was given chance to explain
his innovative ideas.
Zimba is hopeful that the powers that
be will be able to support his projects.
“I need all the support from
Government which will enable me to
actualise and implement my projects
because this will – in the long run –
benefit a lot of people,” he said.
He notes that students should be
Empowering entrepreneurs with
appropriate tools will easily translate
into developing a pool of skills to drive
the national economic agenda to
prosperity for the benefit of various
sectors of the economy.
This is how industrious nations such
as the United States of America
(USA), Japan and German, among
others, can boast of having self made
millionaires.
In 2017, the Zambian Government
introduced the Skills Development
Fund (SDF) to help empower
emerging entrepreneurs and
innovators.
So far, a total of more than K5 million

13 January - June 2019

has been disbursed for various
entrepreneurship activities by the
Ministry of Higher Education.
But these funds are not enough to be
accessed by the army of young
people which is itching to start their
own businesses.
Added to that is the fact that despite
its existence, very few people are
aware that they can access funding
through the SDF.
The SDF was established under an
Act number 46 of 2016.
It is administered by the Ministry of
Higher Education.
The fund is a long-term financing
strategy of the Technical Education,
Vocational and Entrepreneurship
Training Authority (TEVETA).
However, some emerging innovators
and entrepreneurs say the support
from the scheme is not enough to
benefit all those yearning to get some
start-ups.
The SDF promotes collaborations
with industry and other stakeholders
to improve accountability and
transparency in the disbursement of
the funds to would-be entrepreneurs.
Institutions funded include those
under the Zambia Correctional
Services (skills training section);
Youth Resource Centres under the
Ministry of Youth and Sport.
The ministry of General Education's
skills training centres (schools of
continuing education); community-
based skills centres are also
included.
Others are ministry of Higher
Education's TEVETA institutions;
private institutions and faith-based
skills training centres that are
registered with the authority.
As the country is striving to achieve
middle income status by 2030,
empowering visionary learners with
skills, like John, is a sure way to
achieve the feat to wean them from
the perpetual dependency syndrome
14
as the youth can become
entrepreneurs.
This is because following the rapid
growth of the informal sector after the
economic reforms of the early
1990's, a need for entrepreneurship
training was birthed in Zambia.
The shrinking of the formal
employment sector implied that
many TEVETA graduates were
unable to find jobs in the formal
sector.
T h e 1 9 9 6 , T E V E TA p o l i c y
highlighted this issue and provided
for interventions to be put in place to
assist the informal sector which was
an alternative to the shrinking formal
sector.
Due to the fact that the country has
an enabling business environment;
students and the youth can develop
and implement entrepreneurship
programmes when helped with
resources.
January - June 2019
 Food Safety is Important and should not be
Compromised
The National Biosafety Authority (NBA)
says food safety is important and of public
health significance. Speaking ahead of the
World Food Safety Day, NBA Chief
Executive Officer, Mr. Lackson Tonga, said
the need for safe and quality foods cannot
be over emphasized.
The first-ever World Food Safety Day, was
adopted by the United Nations General
Assembly in December 2018 and will be
celebrated on 7th June 2019 under the
theme "Food Safety, everyone's business".
“Food safety is of public health importance
and the NBA plays a big role in ensuring the
safety of the public, animals and the
environment, “he said.
“Our mandate is to regulate the import,
export, transit, research and development,
use and application involving genetically
modified products. Currently the stressful
conditions due to various factors including
climate change have resulted in human
beings finding solutions to mitigate this and
genetic modification has resulted into
increased production of Genetically
Modified foods. These foods cannot be
consumed without undergoing risk
assessment. Therefore, the NBA ensures
the safety of humans, animals and the
environment and this is done through a
scientific evidence based risk assessment
of Genetically Modified products.”
Mr. Tonga said risk assessment is an
essential tool in ensuring safe and healthy
foods. Safe and nutritious food is key to
sustaining life and promoting good health. If
the food is not safe, it does not only pose a
risk to the consumers but also the economy
and the health care systems of a nation.
“The NBA pledges its commitment to ensure
food safety as it regulates the use,
application, research, import, export, transit
of any products that may contain GMOs,” he
said. Mr. Tonga said the 2019 World Food
Safety Day theme aligns very well with the
Authority's mandate.
“It is our business to ensure that any product
that may contain or is made from genetically
modified organisms on the Zambian market
is safe. Such products do undergo risk
assessment through a consultative process
which also includes scientific evaluation by
the Scientific Advisory Committee. We
would also like to re-assure the nation that
GM food products that have been
authorised by the NBA on the Zambian
market are safe,” he said.
Mr. Tonga further said the NBA is cognizant
of the Food and Agriculture Organisation
(FAO)/ World Health Organisation (WHO)
Codex standards on Genetically Modified
foods and is working towards incorporating
those into some guidelines.
About NBA
NBA was established under the Biosafety
Act No. 10 of 2007. Through the Act the
15
12
NBA regulates the research, development,
application, importation, export, transit,
contained use, release or placing on the
market of any GMO/LMO whether intended
for use as a pharmaceutical, food, feed or
processing, or a product of a GMO also to
ensure that any activity involving the use or
a product of GMO prevents any socio-
economic impact or harm to human, animal
health and the environment in the country.
Some of the functions of the NBA include
processing notifications and applications of
GMOs or products of GMOs into the country,
in accordance with the requirements of the
Biosafety Act, promoting public awareness
and education concerning the activities
regulated under the Act such as risk
assessment, risk management and
authorization processes; keeping any GMO
or any product of a genetically modified
organism under review and to ban its
handling or release in Zambia. NBA
furthermore, establishes and maintains a
database of GMOs and their products as
well as making available such information to
the public.
Source:
National Biosafety Authority Zambia,
Link:
http://www.nbazambia.org.zm/?page_id=3
948
Website: www.nbazambia.org.zm
January - June 2019
 REGISTRATION AND RENEWAL OF REGISTRATON OF RESEARCH AND
DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTIONS /CENTRES AND ACTIVITIES

The National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) is a statutory body established by the Science and
Technology Act No. 26 of 1997, to Coordinate, Promote, Regulate, and Advise government on Science and Technology
Policy and Development. The functions of the NSTC among others include the regulation of research in science and
technology and to register institutes and centres in the science and technology sector in accordance with PART IV
section 9 of the Science and Technology Act No. 26 of 1997.

It is therefore a legal requirement as prescribed by the Science and Technology Act No. 26 of 1997 that All Research
and Development (R&D) institutions and Centers in Zambia are to be inspected and registered with the NSTC. Any
contravention in respect of the rules and regulations set out in the Science and Technology Act No. 26 of 1997 will be
liable to a fine not exceeding twenty thousand penalty units or a term of imprisonment not exceeding five years or
both.

All institutes or centres which are not established under the Act and which are involved in research activities in the
following areas shall apply for registration with the Council.

(a) Health research (l) Wildlife research

(b) Industrial research (m) Fisheries research
(c) Agricultural research (n) Archeological research
(d) Energy research (o) Transport and Communication research
(e) Environmental research (p) Construction and Building Material research
(f) Food and Beverages Production research (q) Biotechnology research
(g) Mines and Minerals Development research (r ) New and Emerging Technologies research
(h) Veterinary research (s) Chemical research
(i) Water Development research (t) Information Technology research
(j) Engineering research (u) Any other type of research as the Council
(k) Forestry research may determine

Such registration of Research and Development Institutions/Centers and Research activities is conditional upon
fulfillment of registration requirements and payment of registration/renewal of registration fees.

Kindly take note that the registration period is between January and March, of every year and as such, the NSTC
strongly advises that such registration is done within this period. For any further details and application forms on the
registration exercise, R&D Institutions and Centers are advised to contact the undersigned:

The Executive Secretary,

National Science and Technology Council,
Curriculum Development Center Building,
Haile Selassie Avenue, Longacres,
P.O. Box 51309,
LUSAKA.

Telephone: (0211) 255854

Fax: (0211) 257194

Please note that application forms can also be obtained from the NSTC website at www.nstc.org.zm
or you can email nstc@nstc.org.zm for any further clarifications.

Benefits of Registration

1. Registration with the NSTC further promotes collaboration and sharing of information between and/or among
institutions.
2. Institutions stand to benefit from the competitive research grants offered by the National Science and Technology
Council.

16
6
15 January - June 2019
 Climate Change Zambia
1) What is the climate system and
what are the forces that drive it?
The climate system consists of five
major components: land, water and
ice on the surface of the earth, the
atmosphere that overlies and
radiation from the sun that provides
e n e r g y. T h e c l i m a t e s y s t e m
continues to evolve over time,
influenced by: its own internal
dynamics, external forcings such as
volcanic eruptions, solar variations,
and human-induced forcing such as
fossil fuel burning and land use
change. The interaction between the
five components and the forcings are
what make up the climate system.
2) What is climate change?
This is any change in climate over
time, whether resulting from natural
causes or from human activity.
These changes typically persist for
decades or longer, and may affect
either the mean state of the climate
or its variability. The UN Framework
Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC) draws a distinction
between climate change attributable
to human activities, and climate
variability attributable to natural
causes.
3) What is natural variability?
This is change due to natural causes.
The changes occur naturally and are
not because of human influence.
Example, a volcanic eruption.
4) Greenhouse gases: the basics
A greenhouse gas is a gas in the
Earth's atmosphere that absorbs
and reflects infrared radiation in all
directions including downward to the
Earth's surface thus warming the
lower atmosphere. These gases
include carbon dioxide, nitrous
oxide, methane, ozone, and water
vapor.
5) What are the human effects on
climate?
Human activities are increasingly
altering the Earth's climate. There
h a s b e e n a n i n cre a se in th e
atmospheric concentration of
greenhouse gases due to human
activities such as burning of fossil
fuels, deforestation (clearing of
forests to accommodate human
settlements), and agriculture where
the trees are cut down and burned
releasing most of the carbon stored
in vegetation immediately into the
atmosphere. These gases are
damaging to the earth's climate.
17
T h e s e e ff e c t s a d d t o n a t u r a l
influences that have been present
over Earth's history; however
scientific evidence strongly indicates
that natural influences cannot
explain the rapid increase in global
near-surface temperatures
observed during the second half of
the 20th century.
6) Consequences of climate
change.
The earth is getting warmer and
warmer and this is causing glaciers
and icecaps around the globe to melt
thus increasing sea levels. The
change in climate brings about
extreme weather events include
droughts, heat waves, heavy rainfall,
floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes.
Extreme weather events have the
potential to take lives and cause a
great deal of damage which can
carry heavy economic costs. As the
Earth's human population continues
to grow over the coming century,
many of these effects will become
more dramatic. As humans stretch
the planet's resource base as far as it
will go, we are also likely to find that
we have become more vulnerable to
some of the climate effects we have
created.
January - June 2019
7) Who will be affected by climate
change?
In one way or another every country
will be affected negatively by climate
change. People living in Low
economically developed countries
will be at high risk because most of
them will not be able to afford to
relocate when extreme weather hits
their area. Places such as Iceland will
become extremely cold, that people
will no longer be able to live there. Hot
countries like Sudan will have longer
and hotter summers causing
droughts and heat waves. People in
tropical countries will experience
extreme rainfall which will cause
floods. In its Fourth Assessment
Report, the Intergovernmental Panel
on Climate Change (IPCC) notes
migration and displacement as being
likely key impacts of climate change
due to changing patterns of extreme
weather and climate events.
8) Who's to blame for climate
change?
Developed countries have played a
huge role in climate change. They
have a high percentage of
greenhouse emissions and have
been a part of the fossil fuel pollution
expansion. Over the course of the
20th century China accounted for
7% of the world's CO2 emissions. In
contrast United States of America
which accounted for 30%.
9) Can climate change be
reversed?
It will take a worldwide effort in order
to combat climate change.
Scientists consider even the targets
set by the Kyoto Protocol (the
international agreement to limit
greenhouse gas emissions)
inadequate compared to the
urgency of the problem. Enhanced
national and international research
and other efforts are needed to
support climate related policy
decisions. These include
fundamental climate research,
improved observations and
modeling, increased computational
capability, and very importantly,
education of the next generation on
climate change. "Science provides
society with information useful in
dealing with natural hazards such
as earthquakes, hurricanes, and
drought, which improves our ability
to predict and prepare for their
adverse effects.
Understanding Climate Change
1820
10) What can be done to save our
planet?
International agencies, some
governments, researchers and
many campaigning organizations
need to drastically reduce the levels
of CO2 released into the
atmosphere- a process of mitigation
and improve land management
practices. The global climate is
changing and human activities are
contributing to that change.
Scientific research is required to
improve our ability to predict climate
change and its impacts on countries
and regions around the globe. It is
important to provide a basis for
mitigating the harmful effects of
global climate change.
Technological advancement (e.g.,
removing carbon from the
atmosphere) and finding ways for
communities to adapt and become
resilient to extreme events.
Source:
Climate Change Zambia
http://climatechangezambia.org/cli
mate_change_101.html
January - June 2017
 UNZA, LWSCO sign MoU focusing on
research, water supply and sanitation
The University of Zambia (UNZA)
through the School of Engineering has
signed a memorandum of
understanding with Lusaka Water and
Sewerage Company (LWSC) to work
together on research that focuses on
water supply and sanitation. Speaking
during the signing ceremony UNZA
Vice-Chancellor Professor Luke
Mumba said the University of Zambia
was delighted to join hands with
L u s a k a Wa t e r a n d S e w e r a g e
Company in order to supply the water
and sanitation services to the people
of Lusaka Province in a more effective
and efficient manner. "We are aware of
the significance of water supply and
sanitation services to Zambian
citizenry. Water supply and sanitation
are at the centre of national
development, they ensure public
health as well as personal hygiene to
our people," he said.
Prof Mumba added that UNZA in line
with its vision "To be an eminent
university driven by the pursuit of
knowledge, innovation and social
responsiveness" was ready to share
the challenges and find solutions
aimed at enhancing effectiveness and
efficiencies in the delivery of water and
sewerage services by the utility
c o m p a n y. H e f u r t h e r s a i d t h e
university through the five
departments under the School of
Engineering namely; Agricultural
Engineering, Civil and Environmental
Engineering, Electrical and Electronic
Engineering, Geomatic Engineering,
and Mechanical Engineering had the
ability, knowledge and skills to work
with LWSC to address various
challenges.
A n d LW S C M a n a g i n g D i r e c t o r
Engineer Jonathan Kampata said the
utility company was happy to formerly
work with UNZA through the signing of
the MoU. Eng Kampata noted that
although the collaboration between the
two institutions existed for many years
through training, consultancy, research
and technical assistance; signing the
MoU was important in order to enhance
the partnership. Eng Kampata said the
utility company decided to work with
UNZA because of its reputation and
high profiled track record in research
and consultancy. "I am aware that there
is no challenge that research and an
academic institution like UNZA can fail
to solve," he said.
Eng Kampanta added that LWSC was
looking at having more homegrown,
sustainable and cost-effective solutions
to be developed through this
partnership. "We are confident that the
pool of knowledge at UNZA will be an
invaluable resource to our company in
our quest for improved service delivery
to all. We can only achieve this by
undertaking joint research in areas of
common interest and sharing best
practices and developing innovations,"
he said.
Eng Kampata said UNZA and LWSC
had unique intrinsic knowledge and
skills in the areas of water supply and
sanitation, which could be mutually
exchanged for the benefit of the two
institutions. He said the signed MoU
was seeking to increase the capacity of
LWSC to develop and implement
innovative and effective strategies for
delivery and management of water
supply and sanitation services through
joint research, sharing of knowledge
and skills. "A relatively new area of
interest we are entering into is the onsite
sanitation/non-sewered sanitation.
Solutions on how best to manage this
are urgently needed," he said.
He further said LWSC expected that the
cooperation will encourage applied
linkages with university students and
19
that it will help to generate students'
interest in the utility services and
provide possible recruitment
opportunities.
Meanwhile, the Dean School of
Engineer Dr Michael Mulenga thanked
LWSC for choosing to work with UNZA
particularly the School of Engineering.
Dr Mulenga noted that the collaboration
efforts were important to facilitate the
growth of engineering education and
practices in Zambia. He said the signing
of the MoU consolidated the
collaboration and partnership for the
mutual benefit of the school and the
industry. He revealed that LWSC
supports the School of Engineering in
several ways among others conducting
industrial training for students, and
sitting on the School of Engineering
Advisory Board, which draws
membership from government entities,
industry and the professional
institutions.
"Through this MoU, we believe as a
School of Engineering that LWSC with
its extensive experience in the areas of
maintenance of water supply and
sanitation infrastructure, will assist us in
the rehabilitation and recapitalisation of
our laboratory infrastructure, especially
in the area of hydraulic and water
resources engineering,'' he said.
The signed MoU will cover the following
areas of cooperation:
-Energy Management
-Reduction of non-revenue water
-Water conservation (Rainwater
harvesting, Demand management
etc)
-Water Quality management
-Optimisation of water supply
operations
-Optimisation of sewerage system
-Sustainable sanitation for low
income communities
-Water safety
-Quality and Environmental
Management System
-Information and Communication
Technology
-Project Management
-Monitoring and Evaluation
Source:
https://www.unza.zm/news/2019-
05/unza-lwsco-sign-mou-focusing-
research-water-supply-and-sanitation
January - June 2019
 Launch Of The Flying Lab Cheers Government
Minister of Transport and
Communication and now Minister of
Higher Education Engineer Dr Brian
Mushimba has commended the
University of Zambia for setting up the
first-ever Flying Lab in Zambia and
has called on UNZA through the
School of Engineering to establish a
remote pilot training centre for drones
to train Zambians who are interested
in becoming licensed remote pilots.
Speaking when he officiated during
the launch of the Flying Lab at UNZA,
Dr Mushimba said the story
technology and innovation have
continued to be that of revolution and
evolution, hence, the coming in of
drones was fascinating as drones had
a peculiar story to tell. He added that
transport had a critical role in
supporting economic growth,
therefore, the coming in of remotely
piloted aircrafts such as drones was a
perfect fit in supplementing transport
challenges, especially when trying to
reach remote areas. "For instance, a
company called Zipline is already
using small robot planes to drop
medical supplies to areas of Rwanda
where there are no roads," he said. Dr
Mushimba said Zambia, on the other
hand, has seen the emergence of
using drones for agricultural crop
spraying by companies such as
Sunagri.
He further noted that the launch of the
Flying Lab was coming in handy
because Zambia was on the horizon
of a paradigm shift in the use of
remotely piloted aircraft especially for
land surveying and mapping, urban
planning and land management,
construction and earthworks,
infrastructure management and
mining.
"A good example, in the use of the
drones has been exhibited by
Kalumbila Mines in North-Western
province. There is also interest from
Zambia Electricity Supply
Corporation (ZESCO) in the use of
drones. In agriculture, drones are a
natural fit where farmers can benefit
from real-time information," he said.
The Minister added that drones could
also help track almost everything
including water use, crop health, heat
signatures, soil analysis, natural
resource conservation, policing of
poaching, disaster management as
well as crime prevention.
He said to support this forwarding
looking initiative instituted by UNZA
t h e M i n i s t r y o f Tr a n s p o r t a n d
Communication through the Zambia
Civil Aviation Authority will provide the
necessary regulatory services to
ensure that legal compliance and
safety during the operations.
And Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor
Enala Tembo Mwase said with the
strong emergence of drones in the
country, UNZA intend to create a base
in the increase of social and economic
impact of drones by facilitating the
growth a strong and diverse local
drone ecosystem which will provide
opportunities for job creation; and
building of entrepreneurship skills for
graduates.
Prof Mwase said UNZA had great
potential of becoming the anchor the
country needs in research and
development in drone technology.
"We already have the capacity to
develop pilot and research projects to
further the use of drones and data to
address social challenges of our
country, ranging from disaster
management to sustainable
agriculture, rural and urban
development to nature conservation,
however, without the support from our
government all our brilliant ideas and
innovations we will have a much
lesser impact in our country's socio-
economic development," she said.
Prof Mwase added that in order for
such innovative ideas to see the light
of the day there was a need for
government to award contracts for
research and consultancy projects
related to drone technology and
innovation to UNZA. "We plan on
establishing a training centre and
drone eco-laboratory at the School of
Engineering. Financial support from
the government and other
stakeholders would help us achieve
our dream of having a Centre of
20
Excellence in drone technology in
Zambia. as a research institution, our
involvement in advisory committees
for use and regulation of drones not
excluding taxes and insurance
policies among others is key for us to
make a difference in our country's
drone ecosystem," she said.
And Dean School of Engineering Dr
Michael Mulenga said the Zambia
Flying Lab was a partnership of three
institutions namely the University of
Zambia (School of Engineering),
iDrone Services, and iKAN Konsult
and that the aim for establishing this
partnership was to inform, educate
and develop a sustainable ecosystem
for drones in Zambia; and that the
goal was to accelerate the positive
impact of local aid, health,
development and environmental
projects by sustainably localising
appropriate robotics solutions
through training of local partners on
the use of robotic technology.
Dr Mulenga hoped that the launch of
the Flying Lab would help to
champion research, development
and consultancy related to drones for
social good in Zambia and beyond.
He also added that the school intend
to facilitate improvements in the
learning experience for students at
UNZA and other learning institutions
by including drones and robotics as
p a r t o f S c i e n c e Te c h n o l o g y
Engineering and Mathematics
(STEM) Education.
Source:
https://www.unza.zm/news/2019-
07/launch-of-flying-lab-cheers-
government
January - June 2019
 Photo Gallery

NSTC Participates in the march commemorating the International The Programme Officer- Promotions, Mrs. Nsama Mataka
Women’s Day on the 8th of March, 2019 hands over a gift to visiting officers from COSTECH
Tanzania as Manager PDI, Mr. Filipo Zulu looks on.

NSTC Staffer inspecting inventions during the 2019 Copperbelt NSTC Staff during the 2019 Zambian International Trade Fair.
Investment Expo.

NSTC Staffer inspecting projects during the 2019 North-West Expo NSTC Participates in the 2019 Labour Day Commemorative March.

January - June 2019

 NATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL

OUR FUNCTION
The functions of the Council shall be to promote science and technology so as to improve the
quality of life in Zambia

The Executive Secretary

P.O.BOX 51309,Haile Sellasie Avenue,
Curriculum Development Centre Building, Longacres
Tel: +260 211 255854
Fax: +260 211 257194
E-mail : nstc@nstc.org.zm
Website: http://www.nstc.org.zm