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.

In a compelling address at the recent Ghanzi District Council meeting, Professor Ketlhatlogile Mosepele, the Vice Chancellor of Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN), shared the institution’s vision and commitment to fostering a more prosperous and sustainable future for Botswana. His speech emphasized BUAN's strategic goals of agricultural innovation, youth empowerment, and community collaboration to address key challenges like food security and youth unemployment in Ghanzi District. “BUAN’s core mandate is teaching and research in agriculture and natural resources, with a vision to become an innovative and research-intensive institution. We aim to make Botswana food and nutrition secure and to empower Batswana through sustainable socio-economic growth,” Professor Mosepele stated, highlighting the importance of agriculture as a cornerstone of national development. The Vice Chancellor stressed BUAN's commitment to addressing issues such as high youth unemployment and underutilized productive land. He called for collective action in tackling these challenges, asserting that a collaborative effort between BUAN and the Ghanzi District Council could lead to tangible solutions for a brighter future.“We are here not only to talk about BUAN but to explore how, together, we can co-create a sustainable and prosperous future for the people of Ghanzi District,” said Mosepele, emphasizing that BUAN’s resources and expertise in agriculture could significantly benefit the district. He also mentioned the importance of aligning with Botswana's Vision 2036, which aims to create a thriving, inclusive economy. Professor Mosepele detailed BUAN's growth since its transformation in 2019, from the Botswana College of Agriculture into a dynamic university offering a wide range of programs in agriculture, natural resources, animal sciences, and agri-business. He also touched on BUAN's research efforts, including the establishment of two research centers focused on bioeconomy and sustainable resources, as well as various entrepreneurial initiatives that aim to drive local economic development. One key project discussed was BUAN’s ongoing Rangeland Improvement through Bush Control and Sustainable Intensification (RIBS) project, which seeks to rehabilitate bush-encroached rangelands, vital for the district's beef production. BUAN is also looking to develop a satellite campus in Ghanzi to deliver vocational training programs focused on livestock production, game ranching, and agro-tourism. Addressing the challenges of youth employment, Professor Mosepele spoke about BUAN’s initiatives such as the INCU-HIVE, an entrepreneurship program that has successfully transformed graduates into entrepreneurs. Additionally, he shared plans for the SECHABA program, which aims to support out-of-school youth in developing start-ups in the agriculture and natural resources sectors. In an exciting development, BUAN is working towards the establishment of a School of Veterinary Medicine, a partnership with international institutions, which could provide significant benefits to the beef farming community in Ghanzi.“We have the highest concentration of livestock experts in Botswana, and with partnerships like the one we have with Texas A&M University, we are positioned to make a significant impact on the local livestock sector,” Mosepele noted. Professor Mosepele also mentioned BUAN’s introduction of climate-resilient crops like safflower, which has shown great potential in other parts of Botswana. He encouraged the Ghanzi District to explore the possibilities of trialing these crops, suggesting they could be a game-changer for local farmers. In closing, he reaffirmed BUAN’s dedication to working closely with the Ghanzi District Council to foster long-term growth. “Together, we can enhance the agricultural value chain, promote food security, and ensure that the people of this district prosper while utilizing their natural resources sustainably,” he said. The meeting concluded with a call for partnership between BUAN and the Ghanzi District Council, aiming to create a resilient and sustainable future for the people of Ghanzi. The collaboration promises to leverage BUAN’s expertise and resources, offering an optimistic path forward for the district’s agricultural and socio-economic development. BUAN Legal Disclaimer: This message contains confidential information and is intended only for the individual(s) addressed in the message| If your are not the named addresse,you should not disseminate,distribute,or copy this email| If you are not the intended recipient,you are notified that disclosing,distributing,or copying this email is strictly prohibited.