What Can Be Gleaned From News Coverage to Improve Science Reporting and Enhance Public Literacy About Agricultural Biotechnology in Ghana?. Issue 2 (2nd July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rodriguez, Lulu; Lee, Suman
• Is Part Of: Journal of agricultural & food information. Volume 17:Issue 2/3(2016)
• Page Start: 91
• Page End: 109
• Publication Date: 2016-07-02
• Subjects: science reporting -- Ghana -- public perception -- agricultural biotechnology -- biosafety literacy -- news coverage -- genetically modified crops; Agriculture -- Information services -- Periodicals; Food -- Information services -- Periodicals; Agriculture -- Information resources -- Periodicals; Food -- Information resources -- Periodicals; Communication in agriculture -- Periodicals; 026.6305
• DOI: 10.1080/10496505.2015.1133309
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1049-6505

Abstract

ABSTRACT: A content analysis of print and online sources was conducted to assess the performance of the Ghanaian news media in reporting about agricultural biotechnology. The findings show the dominant presence of food security and food safety issues in the coverage of genetically modified organisms that was overwhelmingly negative toward genetic engineering and its agricultural products. Members of the food industry and government officials (mainly politicians) were the most commonly cited information sources. A qualitative examination of news discourse suggests ways to strengthen the effectiveness of communicating agricultural information that will enhance public literacy and foster intelligent decision making about this controversial topic.