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

    Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) recently had the pleasure of hosting Mr. Clas Dahlen, CEO of Hemp Innovation, a Swedish company specializing in hemp-based products.   Mr. Dahlen’s visit aimed to introduce his company and engage in meaningful discussions with BUAN on potential areas of collaboration. One key opportunity identified was conducting a feasibility study — assessing which hemp varieties are best suited to Botswana’s climate, where to cultivate them, and evaluating potential market demand.   BUAN has a strong track record of pioneering new crops in Botswana, including rice and safflower. In that spirit, the team welcomed the opportunity to explore hemp as a sustainable and commercially viable crop for local farmers — backed by research and data.   Present at the meeting were Vice Chancellor Professor Ketlhatlogile Mosepele, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture Professor Justine Chepete, and Director of Business Development Mr. Kealeboga Pifelo. The team expressed great enthusiasm about the potential of hemp and its promise for economic development and environmental sustainability in Botswana.   Hemp is an incredibly versatile plant — used for textiles, wellness products, and protein-rich food — and offers significant environmental benefits such as soil regeneration and carbon sequestration. Introducing it to Botswana in the right way, with the right research, could open exciting new doors for local agriculture and industry.   At BUAN, we’re committed to innovation, sustainability, and bringing impactful agricultural solutions to Batswana.   #SustainableAgriculture #Innovation #BUAN #HempInnovation #

Today, the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations marked a truly historic moment with the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI), solidifying their commitment to sustainable agriculture and natural resource management. This crucial collaboration arrives as the world confronts unprecedented challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, and economic downturns. The LOI embodies a shared vision to transform agro-food systems for the sustainable management and utilization of natural resources, ensuring a better future for present and generations to come. Prof. Ketlhatlogile Mosepele, BUAN’s Vice Chancellor, emphasized that this partnership will be instrumental in the university’s ambitious transformation into a leading hub for research, innovation, and sustainability. This strategic alignment promises to accelerate Botswana’s socio-economic growth by effectively leveraging its agricultural and natural resource potential. Ms. Carla Mucavi, FAO’s Representative in Botswana, underscored that partnerships are central to FAO’s global mission to eradicate hunger and malnutrition. She reinforced that FAO’s 2022-2031 Strategic Framework, with its focus on better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life for all, deeply resonates with BUAN’s own mission. The LOI establishes a strong foundation for future collaborations in vital areas such as urban greening initiatives in Gaborone, enhancing the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, and advancing fodder production strategies to bolster national food security. These represent just a glimpse of the impactful projects where BUAN and FAO will unite their expertise to drive meaningful change. This marks the beginning of a promising journey. Moving forward, our partnership will empower capacity building, foster technological innovations, and promote inclusive development within the agriculture and natural resources sectors. Together, we are planting the seeds for a resilient and sustainable future, not only for Botswana but also for the wider world.