By Rahim Abdul

Malawi’s development goals under the Malawi 2063 vision could get a significant boost from nuclear science, according to Dr. Felix Omonya, Programme Management Officer at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Speaking at a public lecture at the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS), Omonya highlighted the potential of nuclear science in agriculture, industry, and healthcare.

The lecture, which was attended by students and academics, aimed to demystify nuclear science and showcase its practical applications.

Omonya emphasized that nuclear science can be used to detect pests and diseases in livestock, develop climate-resilient crop varieties, and improve food safety.

This can have a significant impact on Malawi’s agricultural sector, which is a major contributor to the country’s economy.

Additionally, nuclear technology can play a vital role in industrialization by improving product quality and manufacturing processes.

This can help Malawi’s industries to become more competitive and productive, leading to economic growth and development.

Omonya urged Malawi to embrace nuclear science applications towards development, observing that many people still associate the technology with destruction rather than development.

Associate Professor Mphatso Kamndaya, Executive Dean of the School of Science and Technology at MUBAS, said the lecture helped students understand what nuclear science truly involves and what is required to pursue it as a field.

Many students, like third-year Environmental Physics student Evelyn Chopi, had their perceptions of nuclear science changed, realizing its potential to solve real-world problems.

“I used to think nuclear science was only about weapons, but now I have learnt how it can be used to solve real problems in agriculture and health. It was an eye-opening experience,” she said.

The lecture was held under the theme: Nuclear Science and Technology for Economic and Sustainable Development in Line with Malawi 2063.