Food and Nutrition Security Top of BUAN Agenda

• BUAN signs MoU with BASPA for employability of its graduates and increased and relevant research
• BASPA looks to MoU for development of a mentorship programme and networking with BASPA

The Vice-Chancellor of BUAN, Professor Ketlhagogile Mosepele, said this  at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between BUAN and the Botswana Agricultural Sciences Professionals Association (BASPA). He  said  BUAN’s research centres of Bio-economy and Sustainable Resources are a testament to its commitment to intensifying research aimed at leveraging the benefits of the agriculture and natural resources sectors to facilitate Botswana’s socio-economic growth.

Food insecurity

“According to the latest Statistics Botswana report, approximately 53 percent of Batswana were affected by moderate to severe food insecurity in the 2021/2022 period,” Prof. Mosepele pointed out. “Furthermore, total food imports in May 2023 amounted to just under P1 billion, from just over P1 billion in April 2023. This is a perfect storm of challenges that requires our concerted efforts to address for the future sustainability of Botswana.”

With Botswana aiming to achieve high-income status by 2026, Mosepele said agriculture and natural resources are key sectors that can propel the domestic economy to that end. “It falls squarely within BUAN’s mandate,” he asserted. “Food and nutrition security and environmental sustainability are the key drivers that can and will create a robust and dynamic Botswana.”

Community participation

Turning his attention to the MoU, Mosepele said BUAN expects a number of benefits from collaboration with BASPA.

He identified them as increased visibility, increased employability of BUAN graduates, increased research activities that are relevant, impactful and engaged, as well as increased community participation and recognition of BUAN through its collaboration with BASPA. “This partnership brings together expertise and knowledge that will facilitate the improvement of agricultural production and therefore contribute to the socio-economic growth of Botswana,” Prof. Mosepele said.

Wide gap

The president of BASPA, Mibiganyi Taka, noted that in the history of BUAN, there has always been a wide gap between the university and its graduates, hence the partnership.

Taka stated that BASPA exists to transform the agricultural sector through the skills and knowledge of agricultural professionals. “This collaboration is a step in the right direction to realise our vision and address key issues in our strategic plan,” he said. He identified development of a mentorship programme and networking sessions, as well as provision of expertise for current students to prepare them for life after university as some of the areas that BASPA has commited itself to working with BUAN in.

Issues of mutual interest

The professional organisation will also support the university in all ways possible through an active and recognisable presence and voice in issues of mutual interest. “Through collaboration, we will raise the profile and enhance the reputation of the university, as well as strengthen the association’s role in the life of the university students,” said Taka.