The Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) proudly participated in the 2025 Mosisedi Harvest Day, reaffirming its dedication to agricultural innovation, education, and community engagement. The event provided a dynamic platform for BUAN to connect with the farming community, industry stakeholders, and the public. Our exhibition featured impressive student-led research and crop displays from the Crop Science Club, alongside the sale of fresh farm produce by INCUHIVE incubatees—demonstrating the practical impact of agripreneurship and applied learning. A highlight of the event was BUAN’s contribution to a panel discussion on “Farming in a Changing Climate,” where Professor Justin Chepete, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, shared expert perspectives on climate-smart agricultural strategies. The dialogue emphasized the importance of sustainable, climate-resilient farming practices in the face of global environmental changes. We extend sincere gratitude to the event organizers, stakeholders, and all visitors who engaged with our exhibitions and discussions. BUAN remains steadfast in its mission to lead in agricultural education, research, and innovation—driving positive impact in Botswana and beyond. #BUAN #MosisediHarvestDay2025 #ClimateSmartAgriculture #InnovationInAgriculture

  The Secretariat of the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) concluded a week-long visit to Botswana from 28th April to 3rd May 2025, as part of preparatory efforts for the upcoming RUFORUM Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled to take place in Gaborone from 1st to 5th December 2025. This high-level visit aimed to engage key national stakeholders and outline expectations for Botswana as the host country of one of Africa’s premier higher education and agricultural research events.   RUFORUM, established in 2004 by ten Vice Chancellors, is a consortium of African universities committed to enhancing the quality and relevance of higher education and research in agriculture and related fields. As of December 2022, the network had grown to include 170 member universities in 40 countries across the continent. The organisation is registered as an international NGO in Uganda, with its Secretariat based at Makerere University in Kampala.   Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN), a long-standing member of the RUFORUM network, successfully spearheaded the country’s bid to host the 2025 AGM. The event will bring together university leaders, researchers, policymakers, development partners, and students from across Africa to share innovations, best practices, and strategies to transform agriculture and rural livelihoods.   During the visit, the RUFORUM Secretariat held consultative meetings with government officials, academic leaders, and representatives of development agencies. These engagements served to communicate the goals of the upcoming conference, define coordination frameworks, and reinforce Botswana’s critical role as a host nation. The RUFORUM AGM is not just an academic event; it is a platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and forging partnerships that advance Africa’s agricultural agenda, thus all stakeholders need to be at par inorder to host a memorable event. The Secretariat also emphasized the importance of national-level coordination, logistical planning, and stakeholder engagement to ensure a successful and impactful event in December.   Botswana’s selection to host RUFORUM 2025 is a testament to its growing reputation as a leader in agricultural education and innovation. The country now stands poised to welcome delegates from across the continent for what promises to be a landmark gathering.   As preparations continue, the RUFORUM Secretariat and the Government of Botswana will work hand in hand to deliver a conference that reflects Africa’s shared aspirations for a resilient, food-secure, and knowledge-driven future

Today, 29th April 2025, the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN), in collaboration with the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), Botswana Academy of Science (BAS), and funded by UNESCO, proudly hosted the Postgraduate Female Research Fees Scholarship Awards in Gaborone.   The event is part of the transformative project: "Increasing Scientific Expertise and the Prominence of Females in STEM Academia and Research for a Knowledge-Based Economy."   In his opening remarks, BUAN Vice Chancellor Professor Ketlhatlhogile Mosepele emphasized the power of empowering women in science, echoing Kofi Annan’s words: “There is no tool for development more effective than the empowerment of women.” He highlighted the gender disparities in STEM and reaffirmed BUAN’s commitment to changing the narrative: “To empower a woman is to empower a nation.”   A special tribute was paid to Dr Motlalepula Tait, the project’s Principal Investigator and Chairperson. “Doc, academics like you give meaning and value to institutions of higher learning,” said Prof Mosepele. “Empowered women empower the world.”   Ms Gloria Baitshepi from the Botswana National Commission for UNESCO shared valuable insights on funding opportunities, emphasizing the organization’s support for projects that prioritize education, gender equality, and natural sciences—especially in STEM, where women’s representation remains at just 30%.   Dr Tait presented an overview of the project, underlining the importance of acknowledging and addressing the unique challenges women face in academia. “We believe in diversity and inclusivity,” she said, “but also in equipping women with the tools to succeed.”   Three BUAN students were awarded research funding as follows:   Ompelege Matenanga (PhD) – “The development of functional yoghurt using indigenous plants in Botswana” – P100,000   Kelebonye Ramolekwa (PhD) – “Dissecting gamma-irradiated induced polygenic mutation associated with yield and nutritional value in cowpea” – P100,000   Galalea Gaonosi – “Screening and introgression of Aphis craccivora resistance into cowpea” – P70,000   To boost academic publishing, three more students were awarded P10,000 each for publishing support:   Linda Mpofu-Dobo (BUIST)   Kelemogile Mmolawa (UB)   Rejoice Molosiwa (UB)   Additionally, a capacity-building workshop on academic publishing will be held for other students, ensuring wider impact.   As we celebrate these remarkable milestones, we leave you with this powerful reminder from Prof Ishmael Basesane, President of BAS: “Believe in yourself. You are capable. Let’s continue creating opportunities for women to rise.”   #WomenInSTEM #BUAN #OWSD #UNESCO #STEMforWomen #EmpoweredWomen #ResearchExcellence #BotswanaScience #ScholarshipAward #STEMLeadership