Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources

Let's join hands and make a heartfelt effort to save energy for the sake of our future and the well-being of our planet.

BUAN is excited to celebrate Big Energy Saving Week! This wonderful annual campaign highlights the importance of energy efficiency, helps lower energy bills, and works to alleviate fuel poverty. Let's embrace a greener future together! #BigEnergySavingWeek #SaveBigSaveEnergy #EnergyEfficiency #GreenerFuture

BUAN, Green Climate Fund, Conservation International, and the Botswana Government commit to Preserving Botswana’s Communal Rangelands The recent impacts of climate change have led to significant changes in agricultural practices among Batswana. Challenges such as securing adequate feed for livestock and achieving satisfactory crop yields have become increasingly common due to severe droughts and floods. These adverse conditions have negatively impacted the ecosystem, making it difficult for wildlife to find sufficient food, leading to escalating human-wildlife conflicts and causing significant degradation of our rangelands. In response to these pressing challenges, the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) has partnered with Conservation International (CI) and the Botswana Government to implement the Ecosystem-Based Adaptation and Mitigation in Botswana’s Communal Rangelands project. This initiative is funded by the Green Climate Fund, Conservation International Foundation, and the Botswana Government. The project's goal is to drive substantial improvements in rangeland management, creating a sustainable framework that enhances the socioeconomic well-being and climate resilience of our communities, improves ecosystem health, and reduces national GreenHouse Gas (GHG) emissions. The planned interventions are specifically designed to significantly boost the adaptive capacity of Batswana as they navigate the effects of climate change on communal lands in the Ngamiland, Kgalagadi, and Bobirwa regions. These areas have been identified due to their high vulnerability to climate change and their socioeconomic challenges. This initiative aims to strengthen institutions and support systems for climate-responsive planning and management within communal rangelands. BUAN's role in this project is to empower communities in the sustainable conservation of rangelands by developing targeted short programs that address their specific needs. Participants will gain insights into their ecosystems, understand the importance of conservation, and recognize the role of each organism within that framework. These programs will be inclusive and will incorporate Indigenous knowledge, fostering a comprehensive understanding of ecological balance and sustainable practices crucial for the future stewardship of Botswana’s rangelands. Before implementing these programs, on January 14 and 16, 2025, the project team will visit the communities in Habu and Eretsha in Ngamiland to gain an understanding of their needs regarding the mitigation of issues arising from harsh climate conditions. As part of the exercise the team will also be meeting with different communities in Bobirwa and Kgalagadi.

Monday motivation from BUAN. Have a wonderful week!

PUBLIC NOTICE: Kindly note that the University will open on the 7th January 2025 not the 6th January 2025 as earlier communicated. We apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

Bakang Kgasudi makes it to the top 25 PhD candidates at the 15th L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talents Sub-Saharan Africa Awards Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources ‘s mission is to produce innovative graduates and technological solutions, for sustainable development in agriculture and natural resources sectors. Today, we stand proud as BUAN and celebrate Bakang Kedumetse Kgasudi, who is amongst the top 25 PhD candidates at the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talents Sub-Saharan Africa Awards. Bakang was awarded for her scientific research that focuses on Cowpea improvement. Her research is an effort to help farmers in Botswana raise yields by creating more climate-resilient, productive varieties of cowpea, a staple legume crop. Her research will help to improve farmer livelihoods, support agricultural development and promote food security in Botswana.  At BUAN we are keen on supporting this research as our mandate is to inspire sustainable growth of the Agriculture and Natural Resources sectors. Join us today in celebrating Bakang for her work and inspiring young women to work hard and believe in their capabilities #ForWomenInScience #Foundation L'Oréal and @UNESCO  #FWIS2024

BUAN celebrates BOU’s 7th graduation ceremony. Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources proudly celebrated the 7th graduation ceremony of Botswana Open University, honoring the achievements and hard work of the graduates. The event brought together students, faculty, and families to recognize the significant milestones reached throughout their academic journeys. It was a day filled with pride, encouraging the graduates to pursue their dreams and contribute to their communities. The ceremony served as a reminder of BUAN's commitment to academic excellence and the empowerment of future leaders as it came to celebrate with BOU During the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor of BUAN delivered a keynote address to the graduating class, emphasizing the importance of their achievements and urging them to reflect on their roles in shaping Botswana's future. He encouraged the graduates to take pride in their accomplishments as they transition into their future roles. The Vice-Chancellor highlighted the economic challenges facing Botswana, particularly due to a slump in the diamond market, where sales have dropped over 50% in early 2024 compared to 2023. Contributing factors include competition from lab-grown diamonds, reduced demand from China, and supply chain disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions. Additionally, the unemployment rate stands at 27.6%, with youth unemployment seeing a significant increase. He called upon the graduates to take action, echoing the Minister of Higher Education Honorable Mooketsi Prince Maele's statement, “There is nobody who can play your role better than yourselves,” emphasizing that every graduate has a vital role in the economic development of the country. Professor Mosepele stressed the importance of graduates overcoming these challenges, as their education positions them as key contributors to the revitalization of Botswana's economy. He noted that the government has outlined strategies for social development, food security, and youth empowerment that require active participation from new graduates. Education is highlighted as a catalyst for economic transformation and competitiveness; countries with higher rates of higher education enrollment tend to achieve better economic outcomes. He encouraged graduates to engage in initiatives that leverage technology and innovation, particularly within the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Overall, the message combined the celebration of academic success with a strong call for responsibility and engagement in national development. BUAN shares in the excitement of the graduates' success and wishes them well in their future endeavors.