The Department of Crop and Soil Science at Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) proudly highlights an MSc Crop Science (Agronomy) research project by BYA'UNDAOMBE L. Jean-Paul, a RUFORUM Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) scholar from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Assistant Research and Teaching Fellow at Université Espoir du Congo. His research, "Response of Upland Rice (Oryza sativa L.) to Intercropping with Grain Legumes under Semi-Arid Conditions of Botswana," is supervised by Prof. F. Pule-Meulenberg, Dr. T. S. Moroke, and Dr. Gloria N. Mashungwa. Botswana's agriculture faces increasing challenges from climate change, poor soil fertility, and recurrent droughts, while demand for rice continues to grow. However, local rice production remains low due to nitrogen-deficient soils, resulting in heavy dependence on imported rice and synthetic fertilizers. This study investigates the potential of intercropping upland rice with cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea) as a climate-smart strategy to improve soil fertility through biological nitrogen fixation, enhance rice productivity, and increase resource-use efficiency under semi-arid conditions. The research aims to generate scientific evidence on sustainable rice production systems that can help improve crop yields, reduce fertilizer use, strengthen climate resilience, and support Botswana's food security and agricultural sustainability. The findings are expected to provide practical recommendations for farmers, policymakers, researchers, and development partners. Through this innovative research, BUAN continues to promote sustainable agricultural solutions that contribute to resilient farming systems and improved livelihoods across Botswana.

The Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) has achieved a major milestone in its mission to strengthen skills development and agricultural education following the signing of the first phase of a grant from the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA). The funding will support the implementation of the University’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Programme, a strategic initiative aimed at equipping Batswana with practical, industry-relevant skills to contribute to national development. The partnership between BUAN and BADEA was initiated during the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) Conference hosted by BUAN in December 2025. The conference provided an opportunity for BUAN leadership to engage with representatives from BADEA on areas of mutual interest, particularly in advancing agricultural education, innovation and capacity building across Africa. Following these engagements, BADEA invited BUAN to submit a proposal outlining projects that could benefit from financial support. The University developed and submitted a proposal centred on expanding technical and vocational education to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in the agricultural sector. After a rigorous evaluation process, the proposal was approved, resulting in BADEA awarding the University a grant to be implemented in phases. As part of their visit to Botswana, a BADEA delegation paid a courtesy call on BUAN, where they were welcomed by the University’s leadership. During the visit, the delegation toured BUAN’s Solar Plant, one of the University’s flagship sustainability initiatives. The tour provided an opportunity for the delegation to appreciate the University’s commitment to renewable energy, innovation and environmentally sustainable development, while also gaining a broader understanding of BUAN’s infrastructure and ongoing transformation agenda. The first phase of the grant was officially signed by the Ministry of Finance in the presence of the BUAN Council Chairperson, Vice Chancellor Professor Ketlhatlogile Mosepele, members of the University’s Executive Management, officials from BADEA and other key stakeholders. The signing marks the commencement of the implementation phase of the TVET Programme and reinforces the confidence that international development partners continue to place in BUAN’s strategic vision. Through this funding, BUAN will establish and operationalise four TVET centres across Botswana. The centres will provide accessible, high-quality technical and vocational education designed to equip young people with practical competencies aligned with the country’s development priorities and labour market needs. The programme is expected to produce graduates with hands-on skills capable of supporting Botswana’s agricultural transformation, food security and economic diversification efforts. The University anticipates welcoming its inaugural TVET student intake in January 2027, marking the beginning of a new chapter in expanding opportunities for skills-based education and lifelong learning. The successful partnership highlights the importance of collaboration between institutions of higher learning and international development partners in addressing Africa’s skills and development challenges. It also demonstrates the value of platforms such as the RUFORUM Conference in creating meaningful partnerships that translate dialogue into tangible investments with lasting impact. Speaking on the significance of the milestone, BUAN leadership expressed appreciation to BADEA, the Ministry of Finance and RUFORUM for their continued support and confidence in the University’s vision. The partnership is expected to strengthen BUAN’s contribution to national and regional development by expanding access to quality technical and vocational education while promoting innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable agricultural development. As implementation of the project begins, BUAN remains committed to delivering transformative education and training programmes that respond to the evolving needs of Botswana and the African continent.

Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) today welcomed a delegation from Huzhou Sangtian Silk Co., Ltd. of China to discuss opportunities for collaboration in developing Botswana’s silk value chain through the promotion of sericulture. The visit formed part of BUAN’s ongoing commitment to establishing strategic partnerships that advance agricultural innovation, strengthen research and training, and support sustainable socio-economic development in Botswana. The delegation from Huzhou Sangtian Silk Co., Ltd., a company with extensive expertise in silk production and the global silk industry, engaged BUAN leadership and technical experts in discussions on the potential introduction and development of sericulture in Botswana. The proposed collaboration seeks to explore opportunities across the entire silk value chain, including mulberry cultivation, silkworm rearing, cocoon production, value addition through silk processing, and market development. During the meeting, both parties emphasised that the successful implementation of agricultural development projects requires more than investment and technology transfer. Sustainable outcomes are achieved when projects are anchored in local research, skills development, institutional partnerships, and the active participation of farmers, students, and communities. The discussions identified several areas for potential collaboration, including: Capacity building and specialised training programmes; Applied research and innovation in sericulture; Establishment of demonstration and pilot production sites; Student internships and experiential learning opportunities; Technical support and knowledge transfer; Farmer training and extension services; and Development of sustainable market opportunities for silk products. Under the proposed partnership, BUAN would play a central role in providing research expertise, academic training, student engagement, demonstration projects, and technical support. Huzhou Sangtian Silk Co., Ltd. would contribute its specialised technical expertise, support project implementation, facilitate technology transfer, and assist in developing markets for silk products. Sericulture presents significant opportunities for Botswana to diversify its agricultural sector, create employment, particularly among youth and rural communities, promote entrepreneurship, and contribute to economic diversification. Through research-driven innovation and strategic partnerships, the industry has the potential to become a new avenue for sustainable agricultural development. Speaking on the significance of the engagement, BUAN reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with industry partners whose expertise complements the University's mandate of advancing agriculture and natural resources through education, research, innovation, and community engagement. The meeting concluded with both parties expressing optimism about the prospects of working together to assess the feasibility of establishing a sustainable sericulture industry in Botswana, with further technical engagements expected as discussions progress. As Botswana continues to pursue agricultural transformation and economic diversification, partnerships such as this demonstrate BUAN’s dedication to driving innovation, developing local capacity, and creating opportunities that contribute meaningfully to national development.