12 February, 2025
LAC VISITS BUAN ON A BENCHMARKING EXERCISE
Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) recently hosted a three-day visit from Lesotho Agricultural College (LAC). The primary objective of LAC's visit was to benchmark best practices in various areas, including program development, teaching methods, student assessments, research initiatives, and community outreach efforts. As LAC aims to enhance its academic offerings, the college is looking to reenergize its programs and introduce Bachelor of Science degrees, transitioning from its current focus on diploma courses in agriculture. During the benchmarking exercise, LAC representatives toured the BUAN campus to observe the available machinery and agricultural fields. The visit also facilitated a valuable exchange of ideas concerning the accreditation of educational programs
10 February, 2025
The Ecosystem-Based Adaptation and Mitigation of Communal Rangelands project team participated in the 2025 Herding for Health (H4H) Indaba
The Ecosystem-Based Adaptation and Mitigation of Communal Rangelands project team, comprising members from the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) and Conservation International (CI), participated in the 2025 Herding for Health (H4H) Indaba held in Hoedspruit, South Africa. This engagement served as part of a benchmarking exercise focused on the H4H initiative which is aimed at supporting rural communities by promoting sustainable livestock management. The Ecosystem-Based Adaptation and Mitigation of Communal Rangelands project is sponsored by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the Government of Botswana and is implemented by Conservation International in collaboration with BUAN. BUAN's role in the project include the development of professional herders curricula and the provision of training to the herders across three designated districts: Ngamiland, Bobirwa, and Kgalagadi. The training will be facilitated through the Centre for In-Service and Continuing Education (CICE). The Indaba featured the participation of esteemed representatives: Dr. Israel Legwaila, Dr. Keneilwe Kgosikoma, and Dr. James Machete. The team presented a summary of curricula developed by a Team of 15 experts from BUAN covering several topics. Additionally, various teams from several Southern African countries currently implementing the H4H projects shared their experiences, challenges encountered, and proposed solutions. Participating countries included South Africa, Madagascar, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Mozambique, Germany (represented by GIZ), the United States of America (through Conservation International and the Peace Parks Foundation), and Kenya.
07 February, 2025
Fostering Regional Collaboration in Agriculture and Technology: The BUAN-MUAST Partnership for Advancing Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resource Management
On February 7, 2025, the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) and Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (MUAST) convened for a collaborative meeting aimed at exploring potential areas of partnership. Both institutions are dedicated to advancing agriculture, technology, and natural resource management in Botswana and Zimbabwe, respectively, and this meeting marked their second engagement focusing on shared objectives. During the discussions, Professor Ketlhatlogile Mosepele, Vice Chancellor of BUAN, underscored the critical role both universities play in conducting innovative research and cultivating future leaders in the agriculture and natural resources sectors. He emphasized that a collaboration between BUAN and MUAST will offer valuable opportunities for mutual learning, which is essential for developing effective solutions to the pressing challenges faced by both nations. Professor Justice Nyamangara, Vice Chancellor of MUAST, acknowledged the significance of this partnership, especially in the context of climate change and its impact on soil quality and agricultural productivity. He spoke about the revelations brought about by the recent floods that took place in Zimbabwe and Mozambique. He noted that the floods made them realize that agricultural education encompasses many aspects that require serious consideration, including psychology and cultural education. This sparked a discussion about how BUAN conducts its farmers and students outreach programs. BUAN has a business center called Centre For In-Service And Continuing Education, which is an outreach arm of the university that offers professional short courses developed based on the needs of various stakeholders. Different communities are engaged in the development of these courses. Additionally, the center provides a platform for panel discussions on topics that affect different stakeholders. Both institutions recognized their commonalities and the potential for joint research initiatives to drive transformative changes in agricultural practices, ultimately enhancing food security in their respective countries. The MUAST delegation included the Dean of the Faculty of Plant and Animal Sciences and Technology, the Director of Marketing and Agri-Work Related Learning and Outreach Programs, the Deputy Registrar for Academic Affairs, and the Manager of Public, International Relations, and Resource Mobilization from MUAST, alongside BUAN’s executive management and faculty representatives. The meeting concluded with a tour of BUAN's facilities, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas on further enhancing their institutions and advancing their shared mission. This partnership stands as a beacon of hope for agricultural innovation in Southern Africa, inspiring creative solutions to the challenges faced in contemporary agriculture and beyond
31 January, 2025
BUAN PARTICIPATES AT THE MEDICINAL CANNABIS AND INDUSTRIAL HEMP CONFERENCE
Today, the Canada-Botswana City Partnerships hosted an important conference on Medicinal Cannabis and Industrial Hemp, featuring a keynote address by Professor Ketlhatlogile Mosepele. The conference was themed “Enhancing Local Entrepreneurship and Innovation Ecosystems: Unlocking the Potential of Medicinal Cannabis and Industrial Hemp.” Its primary goal was to gather ideas and promote knowledge-sharing about the significant role these sectors play in national development. Professor Mosepele emphasized the necessity for Batswana to embrace innovative approaches to socio-economic growth. He articulated that this conference represents a pivotal moment for Botswana to take advantage of the benefits of the Green Economy, particularly by integrating medicinal cannabis and industrial hemp into agricultural production systems. He stressed that exploring alternative crops is crucial for enhancing resilience within Botswana's agricultural framework. Quoting an African proverb, he stated, “Opportunity does not wake those who are asleep,” underscoring the importance of seizing emerging opportunities for maximum benefit. He referenced a 2023 report from the UK House of Commons Library, which noted that the UK is the largest global producer and exporter of medicinal cannabis, with a market valued at $239 million. In contrast, a report from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development indicated that China leads in industrial hemp production, with its market worth nearly $1 billion in 2022. These statistics highlight the significant economic potential that Botswana could harness from these industries. Discussions at the conference focused on how medicinal cannabis and industrial hemp could revitalize Botswana’s economy by driving diversification, creating employment opportunities, and promoting sustainability. The potential for these sectors to position Botswana as a regional leader in agricultural innovation was a recurring theme. Panel discussions included insights from experts from Zimbabwe and South Africa, who shared their experiences in developing sustainable cannabis and hemp industries. A key takeaway from these discussions was the recognition of medicinal cannabis and industrial hemp as viable pathways for job creation in rural areas. The Medicinal Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Conference served as a platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing among stakeholders interested in advancing these sectors within Botswana. As highlighted by Professor Mosepele, embracing these opportunities is not only vital for economic growth but also essential for fostering sustainable development in line with global trends. The event concluded with a call to action for all participants to collaborate in realizing the transformative potential of medicinal cannabis and industrial hemp in Botswana's economy.
16 January, 2025
BUAN, Conservation International, Green Climate Fund and the Botswana Government commit to Preserving Botswana’s Communal Rangelands
The recent impacts of climate change have prompted notable shifts in agricultural practices for Batswana. Challenges such as securing adequate feed for livestock and achieving satisfactory crop yields have become increasingly prevalent due to severe droughts and floods. These conditions have adversely affected the ecosystem, leading to difficulties for wildlife in finding sufficient food, escalating human-wildlife conflicts, and causing significant degradation of our rangelands. In response to these critical challenges, the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) has partnered with Conservation International (CI) and the Botswana Government to implement the Ecosystem-Based Adaptation and Mitigation in Botswana’s Communal Rangelands project. This project is funded by the Green Climate Fund, Conservation International Foundation, and Botswana Government. The project aims to drive significant improvements in rangeland management, creating a sustainable framework that bolsters our communities' socioeconomic well-being and climate resilience, enhances ecosystem health, and reduces national Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. The planned interventions under this project are designed to significantly enhance the adaptive capacity of Batswana as they navigate the effects of climate change on communal lands in Ngamiland, Kgalagadi, and Bobirwa. These regions have been specifically identified due to their high vulnerability to climate change and their socioeconomic sensitivities. This initiative aims to reinforce institutions and support systems for climate-responsive planning and management within communal rangelands. Community engagement is a critical element of this project because the community is the one that experiences firsthand the impacts of climate change in their area. Therefore, the first thing the project team had to do to initiate this endeavor was engage with the communities in Ngamiland. On January 14th, BUAN and CI visited Habu village in Ngamiland to engage with village leadership and the trustees of Wild Entrust. Established to address human-wildlife conflict and promote community development, Wild Entrust focuses on education, intergenerational development, and the sustainable conservation of local resources. Given the community's struggles with livestock predation by wild animals, the trust has employed a team of scouts to oversee livestock herding and manage in wildlife grazing and movement. However, there is a recognized need for additional community members to receive training in wildlife management to empower them to respond effectively to wildlife encounters while promoting coexistence. On January 16th, the team set off for Eretsha with the CLAWS Conservancy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to mitigating human-lion conflict in the Okavango Community Trust villages, which include Seronga, Gunotsoga, Eretsha, Beetsha, and Gudigwa. Similar to the Wild Entrust, the CLAWS Conservancy has introduced livestock herding in these villages. Since 2019, attacks on livestock have significantly decreased, with only two cattle lost from the herd. Despite this success, the communities have communicated to BUAN and CI that they need training in animal husbandry, financial management, and wild animal behavior The role of BUAN in this project is to empower communities in the sustainable conservation of rangelands by designing targeted short programs that address their specific needs. Participants will gain insights into their ecosystems, the importance of conservation, and the role of each organism within that framework. These programs will be inclusive and will acknowledge and incorporate Indigenous knowledge, fostering a comprehensive understanding of ecological balance and sustainable practices essential for the future stewardship of Botswana’s rangelands