News Date : 11 August, 2026

BUAN Showcases Innovative MSc Research Advancing Climate-Smart Rice Production in Botswana

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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.