Botswana University of Agriculture & Natural Resources

From the Classroom to the Farm: BUAN Students Putting Knowledge into Practice

Yesterday, BUAN joined stakeholders from the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture, the Kanye Farmers Association, and the District Agricultural Office to engage with students undertaking industrial attachment on farms in Kanye.

Unlike traditional attachment placements, these students are working on developing farms, providing them with a unique opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge to real-life agricultural challenges. From planning and problem-solving to implementing practical farming techniques, the students are gaining firsthand experience in transforming agricultural enterprises from the ground up.

This hands-on approach to learning equips students with the skills, confidence, and industry exposure needed to contribute meaningfully to Botswana's agricultural sector upon graduation.

Through partnerships with farmers, BUAN continues to strengthen experiential learning and produce graduates who are ready to drive innovation and growth in agriculture.

Today, BUAN staff proudly wore their former school uniforms to commemorate African Child Day. The initiative served as a meaningful reminder of our educational journeys while celebrating the rights, potential, and aspirations of every African child.

Together, we honour the importance of providing every child with access to quality education, protection, and opportunities to thrive.

BW-NEA Visit to New Xade

The BW-NEA team visited New Xade to share feedback on their environmental assessment findings. The team was warmly welcomed by Hon. Moeti, sent by the New Xade Kgosi, Hon. Galomphete of New Xade East, the ITangoo Community Trust, and community members.

The findings highlighted positive progress in natural resources, including a 2% increase in the agro-ecosystem. Key drivers of environmental change identified were climate variability, land-use change, unsustainable grazing, and veld fires.

The visit provided an important platform for sharing knowledge and discussing sustainable solutions for the future of New Xade.

BW-NEA Visits East and West Hanahai to Share Natural Resources Assessment Findings
10 June 2026

On 10 June 2026, the BW-NEA team visited the communities of East Hanahai and West Hanahai to provide feedback on the findings of the Natural Resources Assessment conducted in the area. The visits formed part of ongoing efforts to engage local communities and share insights gathered through the assessment process.

In East Hanahai, the team was warmly welcomed at the Main Kgotla by Kgosi Dabe Sakarea, Hon. Omphile, Principal Ms. Ketshabile, Mr. Tsopane of Raboipelego, VDC Chairperson Mr. Mabina, and community members who attended the feedback session.

In West Hanahai, the BW-NEA team was received by Chief Mr. Khonxo Xase, Councillor Mr. Banyenyane, SET Chairperson Mr. Moragoshele, VDC Chairperson Mr. Kaekane, VDC Member Mr. Katima, and members of the community. Residents gathered to receive feedback on the assessment findings and to discuss potential opportunities arising from the project.

The Natural Resources Assessment was initiated in response to concerns about the decline of natural resources within the area. The project was supported through funding from Germany and followed a comprehensive process consisting of four key stages: Scoping, Assessment, Reporting, and Approval. The assessment and reporting process took approximately two years to complete.

A key area of discussion during the meetings was the value addition of locally available natural resources. Community members were encouraged to explore opportunities for processing and marketing indigenous products, including Mosukujwane, Mokgalo and Motlopi teas, Morama products, Kgengwe sweets, jams and juices, as well as products derived from Mahupu, Mogose, Morula, and Motsutsujane. Medicinal plants and other wild plant-based products such as lotions and soaps were also identified as having potential for income generation and community-based enterprise development.

The BW-NEA team highlighted that the successful development of these opportunities will require training, skills development, and access to appropriate equipment, including oil extractors, juice-processing machines, and packaging machinery. The importance of working with committed, innovative, and energetic community members was emphasized as a key factor in transforming these opportunities into sustainable livelihoods.

Community members were further encouraged to engage with the Department of Environmental Protection page for updates, information, and responses to questions related to the assessment. To ensure wider accessibility, the full Natural Resources Assessment Report will be made available through a QR code.

Protecting natural resources while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities remains essential for the long-term well-being of communities. Through collaboration, innovation, and responsible resource management, communities can safeguard their natural heritage while building a more sustainable and prosperous future for generations to come.

BW-NEA Defies Cold Weather to Deliver Ecosystem Insights in Middlepits

The Botswana National Ecosystem Assessment (BW-NEA) team continues to brave the cold weather to engage communities across the Tsabong District.During a meeting in Middlepits on Thursday, 11 June 2026, the BW-NEA highlighted that the Desert Ecosystem is rich in natural capital. This ecosystem holds massive potential for value-addition ventures, such as herbal teas, traditional brews, medicinal plants, and cosmetics—all of which could be scaled up with the right structural support.

However, community members expressed concern that local disunity could hinder their progress, and they were strongly encouraged to unite to fully unlock the benefits of their natural environment.Residents also emphasized the critical role of traditional knowledge in conserving biodiversity.

Supporting this, Ms. Seele shared a personal experience: "We received excessive rainfall in recent years, leading to a proliferation of plant species that were harmful to our livestock. I managed to save my animals only through the guidance and traditional knowledge of a community elder." Driven by such experiences, the community warmly welcomed the BW-NEA’s findings, which explicitly call for the institutionalisation of traditional knowledge.The dissemination exercise moves to Khawa.

The Botswana National Ecosystems Assessment continues in Tsabong and Ghanzi District.

Struizendum Tuesday 9/6/26

The BW-NEA team was warmly welcomed in Struizendum by the Acting Chief Kgosi Paul Matthys.

Dr Keoikantse Sianga and Prof Wame Hambira presented on the key findings outlining the status of the ecosystems with special focus on the Desert Ecosystem. The community had mixed feelings on the economic opportunities that could be derived from Prosopis spp, an invasive plant terrorizing the area. They decried that while they have been able to derive value addition from it through fodder and charcoal production, they struggle with access to markets. "We're competing for market with other communities producing charcoal therefore we welcome the assessment findings which call for diversification of products derived from sexanana invasive plant" Kgosi Paul Matthys said.

Prior to proceeding to Struizendum, the team met with the Tsabong District Leadership from the office of the District Commissioner, Tribal Admin, District Council and various government departments who form the District Technical Advisory Commitee on the 8th June 2026. Key findings were presented Tsabong District Leadership.

🇧🇼 BW-NEA Project updates from Ghanzi!

This morning, the Botswana National Ecosystem Assessment (BW-NEA) Project team kicked off with crucial stakeholder engagements in Ghanzi to share vital environmental findings.The delegation paid courtesy calls to key district leadership, meeting with:Ghanzi District Council (RAC): Council Chairperson, Mr. Ramotadima Molaodi, Ghanzi Land Board: Ms. Coetzee, Deputy Landboard Secretary The Main Kgotla: Dikgosi Mr. Ndoze, Mr. Mothibi, Mr. Molehele, and Mr. Moseki.

Following the courtesy calls, the team met with the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) for the Presentation of Prioritised Ecosystems in Botswana.During the session:Ms. Monamati (Project Manager): Outlined the project's objectives and funding, highlighting the core mandate to conduct baseline assessments of resources across Botswana's six distinct ecosystems.

Dr. Tselaesele presented the technical findings of the BW-NEA to the committee to guide future project advisory decisions.By combining scientific data with local, civic and traditional leadership, we ensure sustainable management of our national resources!