Developing countries today face a wide range of needs, from more secure food supplies to cheap and effective medicines. One factor that almost all these needs have in common is that satisfying them adequately will not occur without the use of modern science. These same countries also face a range of political dilemmas such as how to adapt to the impact of climate change that also requires the knowledge of science.

It is important that the practice of science communication reflects the fact that it takes place in social context meaning that it is not just a question of conveying information, but also engaging the potential users of that information. The Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (Ruforum) to address the underlying problem has partnered with Foundation for Science (IFS) and the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation to start a campaign in which they would develop Africa through science, technology and innovation in agriculture fronting women as key drivers.

"The science done under Ruforum is creative science because it fronts women who form the greater majority of the resource- poor agricultural producers," Prof. Adipala Ekwamu, the regional coordinator Ruforum says.

He says that while Africa is committed to adapt, mitigate and overcome its problems, it's imperative that academic isolation of women scientists, limited access to scientific networks, funds for carrier development and social-cultural factors that have constrained women's participation in science, technology and innovation be redressed.

Prof Ekwamu says it's important for various stake holders to review policy programme implementation to create an enabling environment and commit resources to support women's participation in science. Ruforum is a consortium of 12 universities in Eastern and Southern Africa established in 2004 to oversee graduate training and networks of specialisation in the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa countries.

"We have started a regional hub in East Africa by the International Foundation for Science to enhance research capacity and encourage women participation and leadership in science and technology innovations," Prof. Adipala adds.

He recommends the institutionalising of mentoring programmes to encourage young girls and women to embark on scientific careers.

Prof says: "Africa should stop being consumers of technology but be innovators in order to break through like other countries that have managed to make it".

Ms Jane Bemigisha from Ruforum says that the achievement of women in science, technology and innovation depends to a great extent on the enabling environment at the family, community and policy levels. "It's of utmost importance to formulate and implement gender responsive policies at the national and institutional levels, including affirmative action to bridge the gender gaps in women's participation in science, technology and innovation," Ms Bemigisha says.

She adds that they are committed to take action to sensitise and raise awareness on issues of diversity, including gender, ethnic and disciplinary diversity among all stake holders at all levels to empower the girl child to attain self confidence, form alliances with boys and men and promote life-long learning as well as positive competition.