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

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.

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