Over the years, community trusts in different parts of Botswana have been instrumental in representing the interests of local communities and implementing effective natural resource management. One key challenge these trusts have helped tackle is Human-Wildlife Conflict. Today, Professor Ketlhatlogile Mosepele and his expert team visited the Wild Cru Trust and Chobe Enclave Conservation Trust (CECT) in Kavimba and Kalepa Community Trust to explore potential areas for collaboration, as Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) looks to expand its impact. As BUAN, we aim to support sustainable agriculture and tourism development in the region. Our goal is to help preserve the natural resources, ecosystems, and biodiversity that make this area so attractive to tourists and conducive for farming. We believe in the power of collaboration to make this happen! Some exciting areas of collaboration include training and research which will lead to the development of climate-resilient agricultural and tourism practices that ensure the long-term viability of both industries, benefiting local communities and the environment alike. BUAN is also proud of its Agrivoltaic plant, the largest in Africa, which combines solar energy production with horticultural production on the same land. This is just one example of the advanced technologies we bring to the table to support infrastructure, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture. Climate change presents a significant challenge across Botswana, prompting enthusiasm among community trusts regarding the potential benefits of collaboration with BUAN. The Trusts anticipate that this partnership will facilitate the sharing of knowledge, promote sustainable land use, and enhance socio-economic development through innovative research initiatives tailored to their specific contexts. At BUAN, we are committed to being more than just an academic institution – we’re a catalyst for sustainable economic growth, agricultural development, and environmental stewardship.

In today's address to the Chobe District's full council meeting, the Vice Chancellor of the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) emphasized the university’s commitment to sustainable development and its potential role in driving socio-economic growth in the region. As the university aligns itself with the key pillars of Vision 2036, BUAN aims to foster strategic partnerships that bridge the gaps between agriculture, natural resources, and tourism. Through research, innovation, and hands-on training, BUAN is not only contributing to the development of local communities but also positioning itself as a leader in sustainable solutions for the future. The Vice Chancellor highlighted BUAN’s dedication to creating a food-secure and climate-resilient future, emphasizing that a collaborative approach is essential for success. This vision includes harnessing the power of agro-tourism, promoting eco-friendly tourism, and advancing renewable energy projects such as BUAN’s groundbreaking Agrivoltaic plant. With an ambitious strategy focused on entrepreneurial growth, BUAN is expanding its educational offerings and strengthening its commitment to vocational training, particularly for the youth in the Chobe District. This includes the development of a satellite campus in Kasane, which will provide practical, locally relevant programs in agriculture, tourism, and sustainability. Through these efforts, BUAN aims to be a cornerstone in creating a self-sufficient, resilient, and sustainable future for Botswana.

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