The Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) is cultivating more than crops—it's cultivating partnerships. During a recent Full Council address in Maun, the Vice Chancellor of BUAN, Professor Ketlhatlogile Mosepele, laid out an ambitious and collaborative vision for the university’s engagement with the North West District.   Although BUAN officially attained university status only six years ago, it stands on a legacy of over 50 years of agricultural excellence. Today, it is rapidly emerging as a hub for innovation, sustainability, and socio-economic transformation, not just for Gaborone, but for the entire nation. “We are here in Maun because we believe in building with communities, not for them,” the Vice Chancellor emphasized, underscoring BUAN’s philosophy of inclusive development.   The university's growing footprint in the North West District is already evident. Ongoing research initiatives in the region include the use of traditional medicine in animal health, the study of wild edible and medicinal plants, and the groundbreaking EcoRanger Project, which equips local cattle farmers with tools to access premium markets. These projects reflect BUAN’s commitment to practical, research-driven interventions that enhance livelihoods, promote climate resilience, and unlock value from Botswana’s rich biodiversity.   BUAN’s strategic roadmap includes the establishment of a School of Veterinary Medicine, backed by international partners from Japan, the United States, and regional institutions. Plans are also underway for a satellite campus in Maun, contingent on land allocation, further cementing the university’s commitment to decentralised growth and access to education.   Through its commercial arm BUAN Enterprises, the university is pioneering income-generating ventures such as model farms and hands-on training platforms in agriculture, ecotourism, and entrepreneurship. One flagship initiative, the INCUHIVE startup incubator, is already transforming graduates into business leaders, providing a blueprint for job creation and innovation.   In his address, the Vice Chancellor proposed a strategic partnership with the North West District Council focused on high-impact areas: climate resilience, floodplain farming, livestock management, sustainable tourism, and agro-tourism. Recognizing shared challenges in financial sustainability, BUAN also offered complimentary technical expertise to help the Council design and implement a revenue-generating investment vehicle—an initiative poised to translate knowledge into tangible community benefits.   As BUAN continues to plant seeds of progress in Botswana’s regions, its vision remains clear: to co-create solutions that are sustainable, inclusive, and locally empowering.

Today marked a powerful milestone in community empowerment as Professor Ketlhatlogile Mosepele, Vice Chancellor of the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN), joined His Excellency Ahmet Idem Akay, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye, for the official handover of tractors and agricultural equipment to small-scale horticulture farmers in Shakawe. This handover forms part of the project: “Empowering Small-Scale Horticulture Farmers through Climate-Resilient Practices and Equipment”, spearheaded by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (T?KA) in collaboration with BUAN. T?KA contributed approximately P318,000.00, including: Four tractors, each valued at P67,800.00, disc ploughs, planters, rotavapors, and toolboxes – essential tools to build climate-smart productive farms. In addition, BUAN, through its Centre for In-Service and Continuing Education (CICE), contributed horticultural training to 52 local farmers, worth over P200,000.00, covering everything from cropping plans and budgeting to climate-resilient production of potatoes, cabbages, and tomatoes. Prof. Mosepele emphasized in his keynote address that this was not just a handover. “We are practicing what we preach as a university, helping communities build climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods.”This initiative directly supports 7 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Zero Hunger, Climate Action, and Decent Work & Economic Growth. With projects like: • The Mongongo nut oil project in Shaikarawe • The upcoming EcoRanger programme to uplift livestock farmers • The National Ecosystem Assessment across the Okavango region Kgosi Lekgowa Lekgowa of Shakawe expressed his gratitude to BUAN and TIKA for making the day possible. He encouraged the farmers to utilize the knowledge they gained from BUAN and the tractors to improve their farming and lives. “Let’s continue building a resilient, food-secure, and sustainable Botswana — together”, he said in conclusion

We are proud to announce the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) and the Ghanzi District Council. This partnership is rooted in a shared vision, mutual growth, and national impact. As Vice Chancellor Prof. Ketlhatlogile Mosepele stated during the ceremony: “We planted the seeds of hope in Ghanzi on the 24th of March. Today, the MoU we are signing represents the first crop of that seed—a crop defined by hope and faith.” This MoU marks the beginning of an ambitious journey to establish a commercial beef cattle enterprise in Bere, which aims to empower youth, enhance food security, and create sustainable income for BUAN. Additionally, it includes the development of an eco-tourism facility in Ghanzi, in collaboration with private investors, and the opening of a satellite campus in Ghanzi township to expand access to vocational and academic programs. We also aim to launch joint ventures through BUAN Enterprises to generate revenue and support local economic development. Above all, this partnership serves as a model for collaboration between academia and local government. As Prof. Mosepele emphasized, “Botswana’s socio-economic development requires a collective approach. We are pathfinders. This collaboration is a tapestry upon which we are creating the future we desire.” We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the leadership of the Ghanzi District Council, especially Council Chair Hon. Kebadile, for their visionary commitment to this partnership. Let this MoU not only serve as a blueprint for action but also as a beacon of possibility, where education, innovation, and community come together to shape a prosperous and self-sufficient Botswana.