27 March, 2024
BUAN COMMITS TO NUTURING LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE
We are thrilled to announce that our very own Minister of Information, Communication, and Relations at BUAN SRC, Boitumelo Makhura has been selected as one of the top 5 leaders invited by Professor Gabila Nubong from North West University (NWU) through his initiative of Yakhanani Mentorship Project, aimed at grooming and raising the next generation of leaders. Out of the esteemed leaders chosen, only 5 hailed from Botswana, showcasing the exceptional talent and potential within our university community. We are immensely proud to see one of our own recognized on such a prestigious platform. In a remarkable show of support, the BUAN Vice Chancellor’s office has graciously sponsored her trip with a return ticket, ensuring that she can fully participate in this enriching opportunity. This achievement not only reflects the dedication and caliber of our students but also highlights BUAN's commitment to nurturing leadership excellence. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Minister of Information, Communication, and Relations, and wish her every success in this endeavour.
25 March, 2024
The Public Procurement Regulatory Authority conducts a workshop on Fundamentals for Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources
The Public Procurement Regulatory Authority conducted a workshop on Fundamentals for Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources on the 25th March 2024. The objective of the workshop was to capacitate BUAN Procurement Practitioners, i.e., those who are involved in Procurement work, i.e., buyers, evaluators, and buying departments. Present at the workshop was Prof Ketlhatlogile Mosepele, the BUAN Vice Chancellor, who gave welcome remarks. He said that every BUAN employee has a sacred duty to ensure that BUAN grows stronger and is expected to make daily decisions that will positively impact the financial sustainability of the university. These decisions are to be based on the oath of the procurement office and put duty above all and uphold the rule of law. "The PPRA values resonate deeply with BUAN’s commitment to Integrity, Transparency, and Accountability in public procurement," he said. Consequently, he encouraged the procurement practitioners to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct, not only as representatives of this institution but also as stewards of public trust. Flawed and irresponsible procurement practices pose significant challenges that can have profound negative impacts on BUAN and the nation as a whole. Some of these challenges include waste of public funds, unfair competition, diminished quality, erosion of trust, and, in general, hampers socio-economic growth. He challenged them to be advocates and role models for responsible decision-making in growing BUAN as a team.
22 March, 2024
BUAN signs a Memorandum of Understanding with Hokkaido University’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
On March 22, 2024, a significant moment in BUAN’s history occurred as we signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Hokkaido University’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. This collaboration signifies a step towards shared progress and achievement. We look forward to leveraging the expertise and knowledge from Hokkaido University to facilitate academic growth at BUAN. It is worth noting that Japan is well-known for the quality of its beef. Wagyu beef is a delicacy in the global culinary world and one of the most expensive meats. That notwithstanding, Botswana beef is also known for its top quality. Our free-range, grass-fed cattle produce full-flavored lean beef that is a delight to eat. It might not be at the level of Wagyu, but it is certainly enough to excite and titillate the taste buds. No wonder it has high demand in the European Union, among others. Therefore, the quality of our beef speaks of more similarities between Botswana and Japan. This MoU forms the foundation of a strategic partnership between BUAN and Hokkaido University that will help us realize one of our major growth areas. Recently, the BUAN Governing Council approved the establishment of a School of Veterinary Medicine, which is part of the implementation of the BUAN Strategic Plan. Therefore, this collaboration with Hokkaido University's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine will facilitate the establishment of our program. This will address the acute shortage of veterinarians, not only in Botswana but also in the SADC region and elsewhere. The signing was followed by a seminar with the following topics: 1. Concept Note: Establishment of Vet School - Prof. S. Ramabu 2. Lead Contamination Research in Zambia - Ms. Rio Doya 3. Introduction of Hokkaido University + Previous Collaboration Works with Africa - Prof. Z.M. Ishizuka
09 March, 2024
BUAN participation Boteti West Cattle Management & Industry Expo
The BUAN multi-disciplinary team attended the Boteti West Cattle Management & Industry Expo held at Rakops on Saturday 9 March 10, 2024. BUAN participated in response to invitation by the BUAN Chancellor and His Honor, The Vice President Mr Slumber Tsogwane who was also the guest speaker. The event could not have been initiated at a better time due to the impending serious drought anticipated in the Boteti district and most of the country. The invitation of BUAN is in recognition of the role BUAN is playing and is expected to continue playing in the development of capacity in agriculture, food and sustainable natural resources utilization in Botswana. According to the organizers invitation, “The purpose of the cattle exposition involves the use of live demonstration, exposition interventions and communication of information in order to induce positive change on how farmers view cattle/beef production to improve their cattle herd and quality and in the process ensure that Boteti contributes to food security in Botswana.” Further to this statement, the program content sought BUAN to share research findings relevant to cattle production and research findings agricultural livelihoods in general. To this end, the composition of the BUAN reflected the specializations and holistic approach the University has embarked on to make its contribution to education, training, research and service to the communities. Professor Kebatenne Hulela of Agricultural Education was the Head Of Delegation for the day. Other members included Mr Mathengwane of Crop and Soil Science, Ms Masule from Academic and Student Services, Mr Motladiile from BUAN Farm Enterprise and Mr Ditlhokwa from CICE. The stall was equipped with a poster, specimens of feed ingredients, a cattle pregnancy diagnosis kit, and display of leaflets and flyers for academic programmes and short courses. The day was spent sharing information about BUAN services, an overview of BUAN mandate and demonstrating how to make feed blocks for ruminants.
06 March, 2024
BUAN JOINS NARDI AT TEMO EXPO
Illustrating their close-knit collaboration, the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the National Agricultural Research Development Institute have a longstanding history of working together on various ventures, notably the DIVAGRI project. They consistently lend support to one another's initiatives. Just recently, on March 6th, BUAN stood firmly behind the "TEMO EXPO" initiative, a platform highlighting advanced agricultural technologies. The event, officiated by His Honor the Vice President, Slumber Tsogwane, marked another milestone in their partnership.
01 March, 2024
WOMEN'S MONTH CELEBRATION
African Women play a vital role in Agriculture. They account for up to 52% of the people in the sector and roughly 50% of farming labour on farms in Sub-Saharan Africa. In fact, FAO reports that this number increases to over 60% in least developed countries. FAO further reports that 70% of small-scale farmers are Women. According to the Wilson Center, these small-scale farmers produce 70 % of Africa's food. This suggests that Women indeed feed Africa. According to UN-Women, Women in Sub-Saharan Africa collectively spend about 40 billion hours a year collecting water. Per week, Women in Guinea collect water for about 6 hours, compared to 2 hours for men; in Sierra Leone, Women spend 7 compared to 4 hours for men; and in Malawi this figure is 9.1 compared to 1.1 hours. The UN Inter-Agency Task Force on Rural Women reports that Environmental degradation has a more deleterious impact on Women than men. Generally, rural Women rely on natural resources because they tend to have limited occupational options. Therefore, we are challenged as a specialised University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, to empower Women in the Agriculture and Natural Resources sectors. Our task as a university is to assist Botswana to become Food and Nutrition secure. The most effective way to achieve this is to develop Strategies, Programs, and Plans targeted specifically at Women in the Agriculture and Natural resources sectors. After all, to educate a Woman is to build a nation. Therefore, the best way to feed Botswana is to teach Women how best to optimise the utility of agriculture and natural resources towards food production. The best way for Botswana to achieve Vision 2036, is through Women empowerment. The best way to revolutionise economic transformation in Botswana is to empower Women. Said Prof. Mosepele during BUAN's Women's Month Launch. The institution saw it fit to celebrate its women on 1st March. The aim of this event was to appreciate and encourage women within the instution.
28 February, 2024
MEETING WITH THE BRAZILIAN AMBASSADOR
The meeting was held to forge partnerships between BUAN and Brazilian Universities and private Institutions. It was highlighted that BUAN has an MoU with University of Sao Paulo in areas of research, staff/ students exchange, joint publications, assistance in capacity building and development of joint academic programs. The Daniel De Franco Institute has shown interest to work with BUAN in the areas of agriculture and Natural Resources. BUAN expressed interest to work with universities and private sectors in Brazil and The Ambassador, agreed to assist BUAN to find more partners that could work with BUAN in areas of agriculture and natural resource.
23 February, 2024
Building a new relationship across borders
Today we welcomed delegates from Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Zambia. We had the opportunity of exploring collaboration opportunities to enhance both nations' agricultural and natural resources sectors. The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ketlhatlogile Mosepele said that it is always warm and refreshing to welcome foreign delegates to the university as it gives BUAN an opportunity to internationalize itself and extend its reach beyond our national borders. "Today, as we meet to explore opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange, we are reminded of the profound impact that partnerships can have on advancing agricultural practices and addressing pressing and emergent challenges in the world around us." said Prof. Mosepele as he gave the delegates a brief background on BUAN's establishment. The development of partnerships, at local, regional and global levels, is a core tenet of the BUAN strategic plan. Therefore, we look foward to our journey with the nation of Zambia.
22 February, 2024
Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources joins forces with Botswana Institute for Technology Research and Innovation
The collaboration between the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Botswana Institute for Technology Research and Innovation marks a pivotal moment in advancing national agricultural, scientific, and technological development. Through this memorandum of understanding, both institutions pledge to align their efforts towards common strategic goals, emphasizing innovation in agriculture, food security, medicine, natural resource management, and environmental protection. By promoting research, knowledge exchange, staff and student engagement, and the sharing of facilities, they aim to drive impactful advancements in these critical areas. This partnership signals a promising journey towards sustainable development and societal progress.
13 February, 2024
AUTHORS WORKSHOP FEBRUARY 2024
BW-NEA team, with support from UNEP-WCMC, (NEA Initiative), and UNESCO are conducting an Authors Team workshop from 12th to 16th Febryary 2024. The overall objective of this workshop is to provide effective support to the authors' team, enabling them to fulfill their roles and produce a comprehensive and well-executed technical assessment report. The outputs of a National Ecosystem Assessment are a scoping report, national biodiversity platform, technical assessment report, summary for policy makers, and action plan for the dissemination and use of assessment findings. #capacitybuilding #NEA #BUAN
08 February, 2024
BUAN HOSTS CONSULTALTIVE WORKSHOPS
BUAN held two consultative workshops for new qualification and learning programs. The Faculty of Agriculture held the workshop at Travel Lodge, Gaborone while the department of Agricultural and Applied Economics (AAE) held the workshop inhouse. The duo were joined by the Curriculum Development department from the Ministry of Education, the department of Water and Sanitation, Irrigation department from Crop Production, Program Coordinator (Industrial Engineering) from University of Botswana Botswana Examinations Council, other parastatals and the private sector. The purpose of these workshops were to present the qualifications and learning programs from the departments, solicit inputs from different stakeholders in order to improve the programs and discuss way forward for future collaborations in research and student attachment. The workshops were very productive as stakeholders gave very valuable inputs. #inspiringsustainablegrowth
06 February, 2024
INCU-HIVE GRADUATE KAGISO GABAFEDIWE EMBARKS ON PIGGERY VENTURE WITH INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT
In a testament to the efficacy of the INCU-HIVE programme offered by BUAN, Mr. Kagiso Gabafediwe, a graduate, celebrated a significant milestone today as he received the handover of four pigs.The event marked the end of his journey with the INCU-HIVE programme which started back in January 2021. When the INCU-HIVE programme commenced, the institution initially had a few pigs primarily for educational purposes, aiding in the practical learning experience for students. However, under Kagiso's stewardship and the resources provided by BUAN, the piggery venture has flourished, now boasting of over 150 pigs. During the handover ceremony, Dr Israel Legwaila iterated that the INCU-HIVE, a three year entrepreneurship incubation programme at BUAN aims to develop BUAN graduates into bussiness men and women who can run succesful and sustainable enterprises with cofidence. He further stated that upon completion, the programme provides benefits to graduates as a motivation towards migration of their enterprises out of the University. The case in point now being the handover of four pregnant sows to Kagiso. For his part, Mr. Monkgogi Motladile, who directly supervises licestock enterprises, extended his congratulations to Kagiso, acknowledging his pivotal role in the growth of the piggery venture within the INCU-HIVE programme. He emphasized the importance of Kagiso's dedication and encouraged him to continue his efforts, expressing optimism for the future of "Bantaro Porkers" (Kagiso's bussiness name) products in retail stores. In his closing remarks, Director, Business Development Mr Kealeboga Pifelo urged fellow INCU-HIVE participants to draw inspiration from Kagiso's journey and emphasized the importance of hard work and utilizing available resources, including government youth programs, to establish themselves post-INCU-HIVE. Expressing his gratitude, Kagiso thanked BUAN for the opportunity and pledged to continue his pursuit of excellence. Reflecting on the initial challenges he faced, he highlighted the growth and transformation witnessed within the BUAN INCU-HIVE programme. Mr. Gabafediwe's journey underscores the effectiveness of the INCU-HIVE programme in nurturing entrepreneurial talent among BUAN graduates. With institutional support and dedication, he has transformed an entreprenurial incubation initiative into edge to run thriving piggery venture. His success serves as an inspiration for future participants, demonstrating the potential for growth and achievement within the BUAN INCU-HIVE community. BUAN wishes Kagiso all the best in his endeavour
02 February, 2024
Professor Wame Lucretia Hambira speaks at the World Wetlands Day webinar
We take great pleasure in announcing that Professor Wame Lucretia Hambira had the privilege to speak at this year’s World Wetlands Day webinar organised by the Botswana Climate Change Network (BCCN) on 2nd February 2024. The theme for this year was “Wetlands and Wellbeing: Exploring the potential for climate resilience and adaptation”. The objectives of the Webinar were to raise awareness about the importance of wetlands in the local climate agenda, discuss national strategies for the conservation and protection of wetlands. Furthermore, to determine how different stakeholders could work together to advance wetland protection in a way that enhances livelihoods and human wellbeing. Wame Hambira an Associate Professor of Environmental Management here at Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources indicated that Wetlands play a pivotal role in Botswana's economy and community livelihoods and studies show that some of the wetlands are vulnerable to climate change. She said that, conserving wetlands helps to mitigate against climate change and build resilience in pursuit of human wellbeing. She asked the audience to take a moment and think about the ecosystem goods and services derived from the Okavango Delta, water falls of the Moremi gorge, Gaborone Dam, Chobe River, Lake Ngami, Notwane River and other wetlands in the country. She asked them to imagine what would become of the country’s economy and rural livelihoods should the ecosystem services provided by these iconic wetlands be disrupted by either natural or anthropogenic drivers including climate change and pollution. This would have a negative impact on the communities would bear the brunt. The university appreciates all those who joined in on the webinar, since their contributions were valuable, and will translate into positive actions.
26 January, 2024
BUAN STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION FORUM
Today BUAN was joined by stakeholders from various government ministries and departments for a consultative forum. Amongst these stakeholders were representatives from Ministries of Local Government, Agriculture, Lands and Water Affairs, Environment and Tourism, Botswana Prison Service, Tlokweng and Kweneng District Councils. The forum was organized by the Department of Academic and Students Services, and the objective of the forum was to share with stakeholders information about the programmes offered by the university, both old and new. Stakeholders had an opportunity to give feedback following the presentations made by various deans of Faculties. In the forum, discussions for potential collaboration were identified. It is from these very stakeholders, that BUAN has been receiving in-service students, and have pledged that they would continue to support the university as well as ensure that vulnerable communities in rural areas also gain access.
25 January, 2024
China-Botswana Collaboration: Bridging Economic Divide Through Partnerships Agriculture and Natural Resources
In a significant step towards strengthening bilateral ties, Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) engaged in a collaborative discussion with the Chinese Embassy, paving the way for innovative agricultural partnerships between the two nations. The meeting, held at the China Ambassador's official residence on the 23rd of January, underscored the commitment of both parties to address key issues central to cooperation. The BUAN delegation, led by Prof. Ketlhatlogile Mosepele (Vice Chancellor of BUAN), included esteemed members such as Prof. Goemeone Mogomotsi (Council Secretary & Head of Legal), Prof. Utlwang Batlang (, Mr. Kealeboga Pifelo - Director of Business Development, and Mr. Kabelo Mosarwe - Executive Coordinator (Office of the Vice Chancellor). The Chinese Embassy Delegation, led by H.E. Wang Xuefeng, included representatives from various departments, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the collaboration. The substantive agenda covered a wide array of topics, reflecting the depth and breadth of the cooperation. Discussions ranged from developments at BUAN and a review of China-Botswana cooperation to Botswana's agricultural scenario and challenges. Notably, the meeting delved into collaboration in traditional medicinal plant cultivation, emphasizing the importance of leveraging agriculture and natural resources as key pillars for Botswana's food sustainability. In his opening remarks, Ambassador Wang Xuefeng highlighted the ongoing agricultural cooperation between BUAN and Chinese institutes, emphasizing the untapped opportunities awaiting exploration. He stressed the need to map out future initiatives, especially in the context of agriculture and natural resources, which are crucial for Botswana's long-term sustainability. Prof. Ketlhatlogile Mosepele, the Vice Chancellor of BUAN, provided insights into BUAN's formation, strategy, and mission. He underscored the importance of research intensiveness and the development of partnerships at local, regional, and international levels. The Vice Chancellor also outlined current initiatives, including collaborations with Chinese companies involving drone technology, tractor donations, and signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs). Emphasizing the need for increased collaborations, he reiterated BUAN's commitment to research, particularly in medicine and medicine production technologies. BUAN's wish list, presented during the meeting, included aspirations for infrastructural developments, academic collaborations, reserved slots for BUAN in China Government scholarships, commercialization of BUAN's agriculture and natural resources activities, pursuit of technology and expertise, and research advancement. The meeting concluded with both parties expressing their commitment to the successful implementation of discussed opportunities. A symbolic handshake between the heads of the delegations signified the spirit of cooperation between Botswana and China. As the collaboration moves forward, it holds the promise of not only bridging economic divides but also fostering a sustainable and mutually beneficial partnership between these two nations. The exchange of knowledge, technology, and resources is set to leave a lasting impact on the agricultural landscape of Botswana, showcasing the potential for international cooperation to address global challenges.
24 January, 2024
Modelling BUAN Adopted Villages for Extension and Integrated Sustainable Development in selected communities in Botswana (BAVE-Project)
A BUAN delegation consisting of Prof. Samodimo Ngwako, Prof. Dixon O. Torimiro, Dr. Nelson M. Tselaesele, Dr. Masa V. Motaung and Onkgopotse Moreri made a familiarisation visit to Kgatleng District Commissioner’s office in Mochudi on Wednesday 17th January, 2024 in preparation for kick-starting BUAN Adopted Village Extension (BAVE) project in Botswana. As head of delegation, Prof. Samodimo Ngwako introduced the project to the District Commissioner Kolobetse Sejakgomo and her assistant Tebogo Modise, by explaining that the goal of the project is to pilot - model Oliphant’s Drift community as one of the ten selected villages with a view to connecting the University and other related institutions with local communities. To highlight the objectives of the project, Prof. Dixon Torimiro, the Project Leader and Principal Investigator, explained that BUAN wishes to conduct a scoping exercise in the Oliphant’s Drift area, which will be used as extension laboratory for transferring BUAN technologies which will mitigate sustainable development challenges, especially in the agriculture and natural resources sectors. Dr. Nelson Tselaesele, a Co-Investigator, mentioned that the modelling activities, which is structured into eleven thematic areas based on the project objectives will cover 2 years (and perpetual afterwards). The agricultural technologies and innovations developed through the project are expected to increase agricultural productivity, production, enhance gender equity, youth/women empowerment and improve agricultural marketing channels through the commodity cooperative groups; and it will also engender needs-based innovative research and scientific publications of the University.
24 January, 2024
YET ANOTHER PHD CANDIDATE – Kelly !!!
Kelebonye Ramolekwa is studying PhD in Crop Science under Agronomy stream, in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences. Her Ph.D. research project is on “Dissecting gamma irradiated induced polygenic mutations associated with yield and nutritional value in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)”. This is a collaborative project between BUAN and NARDI, and she is under the supervision of Dr. Tait (BUAN), Dr. Lekgari (NARDI), Prof. Ngwako (BUAN) and Dr. Malambane (BUAN). The study aims to investigate the induced genetic variability and nutritional value of gamma- irradiated cowpea mutants to inform their food applicability. This is to find out if there is a any genetic variation or improved nutritional value of these cowpea mutants lines whether to be used directly by farmers or for biodiversity for future breeding programme. Her project has adopted morpho-physiological, biochemical, metabolomics and transcriptomics approaches to unravel the genetic variations associated with growth, grain yield and nutritional factors. Ms. Ramolekwa uses cowpea mutants irradiated at 300GY, 400GY, and 500GY doses with the background of Tswana cowpea. She is currently collecting photosynthetic-related parameters from the field experiment using multiSpeQ. These include data parameters such as light intensity, relative chlorophyll fluorescence, linear electron flow, photosystem II quantum yield and non-photochemical excitation quenching. After that, she will be conducting wet laboratory experiments consisting of biochemical analysis of enzymes, metabolite quantification, marker-assisted genotyping, and the transcriptional analysis of specific genes using real-time PCR. This is her 2nd field trial for the 2023/2024 growing season. The trial will be completed in March 2024. She is very determined and puts a lot of hard work to ensure that her project looks this beautiful to yield the expected results associated with improved growth, grain yield and nutritional value in cowpea.
16 January, 2024
BUAN GRADUATE STUDENT PROFILING - Meet Our PhD Candidate - Sam!!!
Garmonyou Aloysius Sam is one of BUAN's international post graduate student. He comes from Liberia. He is studying PhD in Crop Science (Crop Protection Stream) at the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources. His supervisors are Prof. Bamphithi Tiroesele and Prof. Adebayo A. Omoloye. He is currently carrying out a research project titled ‘Bioecology and Management of Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera Frugiperda) in Botswana’. The FAW (Fall Armyworm) for the first time arrived and was officially confirmed in Botswana in 2017 (CABI, 2019). According to CABI, 2019, the pest is present in all regions of Botswana, where maize is cultivated. Since 2017, the FAW has become a significant pest in Botswana, notably for maize growers. For example, a severe damage impact on maize was reported by Makale et al., (2022) compared to sorghum. For this reason, most farmers rely on the use of assorted synthetic insecticides, some of which include (Deltamethrin, Cypermethrin, Chlorpyrifos, etc.) as an exclusive option for its containment. Farmers have expressed dissatisfaction regarding the inability of these insecticides against FAW. This could be due to lack of knowledge on FAW early identification, its biology (lifecycle) and feeding behavior, as well as overuse and improper application. A baseline study (survey) was done in six districts of Botswana to assess farmers’ knowledge, attitude, and practices of FAW management in order to inform research decisions for its sustainable control. The project comprises of five studies which will be carried out separately in order to ascertain a holistic answer to the research questions. One of the studies which is “To Evaluate the Efficacies of Selected Synthetic Insecticides and Entomapathogenic Insecticides against FAW under Laboratory and Field Conditions” is currently on going. The experiment started in October 2023 and is expected to end in February, 2024. The experimental site is located in BUAN Garden in Selebe. Seed-Co (SC 506), a hybrid maize variety from Seed-Co is used in the study. The experiment is a 6 x 3 Factorial Design laid in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) replicated three times. Insecticide and Control is the main plot (Factor A) and Concentration is the subplot (Factor B). The size of the field is 819m2. The field is divided into three blocks of 64m x 3m (192 m2) each with a spacing of 2m between blocks. The blocks are sub-divided into plots of 3m x 3m (9m2) with spacing of 1m between plots. Each block contains 16 experimental plots, making it a total of 48 plots. Each plot contains five rows at a spacing of 0.75 m between rows with 10 plants on each row at a spacing of 0.3 m between plants, making it 50 maize plants per plot. The plots are drip-irrigated, and all other recommended agronomic practices, such as fertilizer application, weeding etc. are carried out. The study comprises of five insecticide-treatments, including two synthetic insecticides (Cyperfos, which is a combination of Chlorpyrifos 450 g/l and Cypermethrin 50 g/l and Ampligo, which is a combination of Chlorantraniliprole 100 g/l and lambda-cyhalothrin 50 g/l) and three entomopathogenic insecticides (Beauveria bassiana [2x109 spores/gram], Bacillus thuringiensis [Var Kurstaki Strain ABTS-351], and Nucleopolyhedrovirus-NPV [HearNPV 7.5x1012 Occlusion body/litre]) and one control. Each of the insecticides has three concentrations (Conc 1: Below recommended, Conc 2: Recommended and Conc 3: Above recommended), making it a total of 15 concentrations and a control. Each concentration is diluted with 1 litre of clean water and applied. The control plot is sprayed only with clean water of equal volume. Except for the insecticides used in the study, no other insecticide was applied. All treatments are applied at fourteen-day intervals beginning 25 Days After Planting (DAP) and repeated at 39 and 53 DAP. For each insecticide including control, a separate knapsack sprayer is used to avoid the combined effects of active ingredients. Sam worked tirelessly since the beginning of the experiment and during the December 2023 holidays to ensure the project bares the expected results. The following are the expectations of the study: The study will avail data that would credibly influence government policy decisions to strengthen pest management programs; Contribute to the critical crop protection needs of maize farmers; Highlight areas farmers struggle to recognize the FAW and negate misconceptions; Utilize novel management techniques; Develop compatible IPM-strategies under small-scale holdings; Farmers' choice of insecticide and dosage application will be enhanced. All the best in your research Sam!! Look out for his findings in the not-so-distant future.
12 January, 2024
BUAN Strengthens International Ties: Ambassador Chingapane Explores Collaborations for Academic Excellence"
In recent years, the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) has demonstrated significant growth, establishing new partnerships both locally and internationally. BUAN had the distinct honour of hosting Her Excellency, Ambassador Benetia Tumelo Chingapane, the Ambassador of Botswana to Brazil. This marked another milestone as BUAN took a progressive step in fostering a new international relationship. The Ambassador’s visit aimed to gain insight into BUAN's offerings and acknowledge the collaborative partnerships it has fostered internationally. The Ambassador also explored potential collaborative opportunities with Chile, Argentina, Guyana, Venezuela, Colombia, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) which fall under her jurisdiction. Present at this significant meeting were the Acting Vice Chancellor, Ms. Rebecca Mgadla and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellors (DVC) for Academic Affairs and Research, Professor Othusitse Madibela. They provided insights into BUAN's establishment, progress in developing new academic programs, ongoing research initiatives, and infrastructure development. During the meeting, Prof. Madibela highlighted the university's commitment to cultivating both local and international collaborations, emphasizing the pursuit of funding from NGOs and other institutions. He cited the successful partnership with Sao Paulo University, focusing on bioeconomy research, and expressed optimism for additional collaborations in the future. BUAN deeply appreciates Ambassador Chingapane's visit as a crucial step toward establishing more partnerships. These collaborations are integral to the institution's overarching goal of becoming research-intensive and achieving academic excellence. The university looks forward to building on these connections to further its mission and contribute meaningfully to the global academic and research community.