MOU SIGNING BETWEEN (BUAN) AND MOENG ALUMNI AGRIBUSINESS CO-OPERATIVE ON HORTICULTURAL PRODUCTION AND VALUE CHAIN DEVELOPMENT
25 May, 2023
The 25th of May 2023 did not only mark the African Day celebration at BUAN, but also marked an important milestone for BUAN and Moeng Alumni Agribusiness Co-operative as the duo signed a memorandum of Understanding on Horticultural Production and Value chain development. For his remarks, the BUAN Vice Chancellor, Professor Ketlhatlhogile Mosepele stated that according to Statistics Botswana import bill reflected that the country was a net importer of food which called for BUAN to lead a change in building a food and nutrition secure nation. “Our vision is ‘To be an Innovative and Research-Intensive University in Agriculture and Natural Resources’, however innovation and research on their own will not make Botswana food and nutrition secure,” explained Prof Mosepele. He went on to state that the institution’s mission is ‘To produce innovative graduates and technological solutions for sustainable development in agriculture and natural resources’, but producing graduates on its own won’t make the country food and nutrition secure. The missing key is knowledge translation and transfer. There is need to transfer knowledge to society, to work with communities in the country to share expertise and knowledge for the benefit of all. “Community service is a key component of our functions at BUAN and today’s event is a manifestation of that vital key in contribution to food and nutrition secure Botswana”, said the Vice Chancellor. BUAN’s strategic themes are research intensification, academic excellence, entrepreneurial drive and agile operations. The signing of the MOU resonates well with the first three pillars. Also, the MOU affirm the institution’s tagline of ‘Inspiring Sustainable Growth’, as BUAN inspire through knowledge sharing, community service, partnerships, and collaborations. He said he felt honoured for BUAN to be partnering with Moeng Alumni Agribusiness Cooperative to address challenges that have dampened agricultural productivity as Botswana encourages farmers to form clusters and cooperatives to engage in agriculture productivity as there was value in partnerships. For his remarks, the Board Chairman of Moeng Alumni Agribusiness Cooperative, Dr Howard Sigwele informed all that the cooperative was formed by Alumni of Moeng two years ago. The cooperative has around 100 members which included farmers and was open to anyone to join for its growth. The Cooperative has acquired land in Serowe which will be beneficial for the MOU. “The contribution of agriculture on the country’s GDP was only 3% due to low productivity, African union has a set standard for its member countries to meet and Botswana does not meet that standard”, he said. Dr Sigwele went on to sight import bill statistics for fresh vegetables and fruits which proved that there was low production in the country. He explained that there was need to increase productivity through transfer of knowledge and skills and collaborations and the major player was BUAN. “If we joint hands properly, transparently and consistently, we can do better”, he stated. He said that a university should be seen to make an impact in the country and that through the MOU it will be doable adding that there were funds available to kick start the activities of the MOU and was looking forward to possibility of joint venture. The technical team from BUAN will be led by Dean of Faculty of Agriculture, Prof Justin Chepete who welcomed initiative with both hands and was looking forward to the implementation and facilitation of the partnership to transfer knowledge into skills. The following are the objectives of the MOU: a) allow BUAN to provide end-to-end technical support to Moeng Agribusiness Co-operative in order to establish and undertake horticultural production at commercial level; b) establish cooperation for research and knowledge sharing in order to attain sustainable utilization of horticultural production resources; c) strengthen capabilities of the participants through collaborative projects, research, education, and training on horticultural production value chain; d) provide expanded and improved opportunities for participants and students involved in the field of horticultural production value chain through training; e) use the resources of the participants effectively and efficiently towards implementation of the projects and advancing the development of horticultural production and value chain development. The areas of cooperation are: The participants will cooperate in among other things, horticultural production resources and value addition, research, and other forms of cooperation which may include; a) education and training in the field of horticultural production and value addition; b) information sharing; c) joint project implementation; d) joint use of participants resources and facilities; e) development of opportunities for research and enhancement of educational exchange programmes; and f) other activities and projects that may be jointly decided upon by the participants.
BUAN Vice Chancellor motivates the Lobatse Brigade Centre students
16 May, 2023
The Lobatse Brigade Centre hosted its Business expo on the 16th May 2023 under the theme 'innovation and creativity wheels towards sustainable entrepreneurship'. This Business expo's main objective was to have stakeholders encouraging students who are about to graduate to become entrepreneurs. BUAN's Vice Chancellor Professor Mosepele had the honour of giving a speech as a guest speaker. Professor Ketlhatlogile Mosepele encouraged the students to change their mind-set and look into creating employment as entrepreneurs. He said that the journey to success is not easy but they must remember that they are the masters of their own fate. Ms Sylvia Releseng of Woodhall pleaded with parents and guests present to continue to motivate the students and set them in the direction that they must follow. she also urge other stakeholders to engage the brigade students. They expo ended with a tour of student stalls show casing their different projects.
DIVAGRI HOSTS VISTORS FROM GERMANY AND SOUTH AFRICA
12 May, 2023
On 10th May 2023 BUAN’s Revenue Diversification Pathways in Africa through Bio-Based and Circular Agricultural Innovations (DIVAGRI) team had the pleasure of hosting visitors from Germany and South Africa. Amongst the guests were Dipl.-Ing. Lothar Vigelahn from Robert-Schmidt-Institute, University of Applied Sciences Technology, Business and Design (Germany), Dr Ian du Plooy from Agriculture Research Council (ARC) (Pretoria), Dr Pharaoh Mosupi and Dr Martin Kebakile from National Agricultural Research and Development Institute (NARDI). The purpose of the visit was to view the DIVAGRI pilot project sites at BUAN Notwane farm. These pilot projects include research on soil water dynamic and profitability of companion farming, use of self-regulating, low energy and clay-based irrigation, biochar technology and biorefinery technology. On 12th May farmers from across the Community Of practice (COP) and Demonstration Site at Glen Valley were also invited to view and learn about the projects and see which ones they can adopt in their farms. After these farmers have adopted the projects they will be monitored to ensure smooth sailing of projects.
University's Business Centres
CICE
Background The Centre for In-service and Continuing Education (CICE) is the outreach arm of the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN), the former Botswana College of Agriculture (BCA). It was opened in 1995 to extends BCA’s mandate through provision of quality in-service and continuing education in agriculture and natural resources. The CICE designs, develops and delivers training in Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA) accredited courses that are market driven. The mode delivery for the courses includes lectures, practical work, demonstration, discussions and excursions with a 30:70 Theory to Practical proportions. The CICE operates with a team of highly qualified, experienced and dedicated staff of Botswana University of Agricultural and Natural Resources (BUAN) academic staff. Other expertise is sourced locally from the Ministry of Agriculture Development and Food Security, other ministries, parastatals, private organizations and international organizations, as and when necessary. Mission Statement The Centre for In-service and Continuing Education (CICE) is the outreach department of the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources with responsibilities to: Promote, co-ordinate and deliver short-term courses in Agriculture and related fields; Produce, develop, publish and disseminate training, extension, information and other materials Promote and conduct pilot studies, projects, workshops and other outreach activities Promote linkages between agricultural research, extension services and training Liaise with different establishment CICE committees that direct, manage and advise in respect of the administration and activities of the Centre.
MITI
Ag Director : Dr Kerapetse Sehularo DAHP, BVMS, MVM History The Meat Industry Training Institute (MITI) was established in 1984 through an agreement between Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Rome (working in conjuction with the government of Denmark) and the government of Botswana. At that point it was called the Regional Training Centre for Meat Inspectors and Meat Technologists in Africa. In 1991, the FAO handed over running of the training institute to the govermentof Botswana and managed by the Department of Veterinary Services of the Ministry of Agriculture. The institution was re-named Meat Inspection Training Centre (MITC). In order to enhance the academic profile of the institute so as to meet the demands of its main stakeholders, the Institute was taken-over by the Botswana College of Agriculture now Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources on the 01 st of April 2012. Since its establishment, over 1,900 participants from 45 African countries have undergone training at the Institute. MITI also recieved students from the European Union on internship programme in the area of Veterinary Public Health. MITI Strategic Intent MITI envisages becoming a Centre of Excellence for the meat industry in Africa. The Institute will focus on cutting edge research and training. The institute will interact with its stakeholders through provision of excellent service in the areas of accommodation, abattoir services, meat and meat related consultancies and events hosting . This is in line with BUAN vision-mission of vibrant world class university that produces market ready graduates for agricultural and natural sectors. Existing Programmes Certifcate in Meat Inspection: A six (6) months intensive programme with focus on food safety management system (HACCP) in particular meat and meat products, meat inspection, animal welfare, zoonosis, animal health and food safety legislation. Upcoming academic programmes: expected to be offered in academic year 2021 Diploma in Meat Inspection: (DMI) Diploma in Leather Products Manufacturing Technology: (DLPMT) Diploma in Meat Processing Technology: (DMPT) Short courses: expected to be offered in academic year 2020 Refresher course for meat Inspectors Meat Handlers Course Level 1 Meat Handlers Course Level 2 Meat Handlers Course Level 3 Meat Processing Course Level 1 Reaserch focus Food safety especially meat and meat products Meat science Animal welfare Animal health Legislation Contact details Postal Address: Meat industry Training Institute Private Bag 45 Lobatse Physical Address: Boswelatlou Plot 13725 Telephone number: +267 5330671 FAX: +267 5332259 Email:miti@buan.ac.bw
FARM
Objectives of the farm The first and major objective of the BUAN Farm is to provide facilities and services for teaching: Provide student-managed practical plots Provide demonstration plots for practical classes Provide structures for both crop and livestock demonstrations Provide structures and animals for practical training in animal production Be a facility for Field Practical Training The second objective of the University Farm is to provide facilities for research by: Providing research plots for staff and student projects Providing structures and experimental animals for staff and student research projects Permitting students to carry out meaningful and well-planned research projects during which a lot of practical skills can be acquired. The third objective of the Farm is in commercial production in areas where, there is comparative advantage to produce. This objective will be realized by: Engaging in production areas which are profitable under Botswana conditions. Developing the attitudes of students towards working with their hands to acquire some good working habits. Serving as a model to the farming community in Botswana and thus send the message that farming in Botswana can be a viable economic option