In a landmark community empowerment event held in the northwestern village of Shakawe, the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN), in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye, officially launched a joint agricultural support initiative aimed at boosting small-scale horticulture through climate-resilient practices and modern farming equipment.
The ceremony was graced by the Vice Chancellor of BUAN, Professor Ketlhatlogile Mosepele, and His Excellency Ahmet Idem Akay, the Ambassador of Türkiye to Botswana, who presided over the official handover of tractors and farming implements to local beneficiaries. This initiative, titled “Empowering Small-Scale Horticulture Farmers Through Climate-Resilient Practices and Equipment,” is part of a strategic partnership between BUAN and the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA). TİKA has contributed a total of P318,000.00 towards this project, which includes four tractors, each valued at P67,800.00, along with essential equipment such as disc ploughs, planters, rotavators, and toolboxes.
In his keynote address, Prof. Mosepele highlighted the importance of homegrown strategies to enhance food security and reduce Botswana’s dependency on food imports. He stated, “This is not just a handover, we are putting into practice what we teach as a university, helping communities build climate resilience and achieve sustainable livelihoods.” Prof. Mosepele also stressed BUAN’s transformation into a leading force in sustainable development and innovation, grounded in its mandate to support food systems and natural resource management in Botswana. He reaffirmed the university’s vision to steer the nation toward a green economy and reduce its economic reliance on mineral exports.
The event also included the donation of training by BUAN’s Centre for In-Service and Continuing Education (CICE), which facilitated a three-day horticultural production workshop for 52 local farmers, valued at P200,000.00. The training covered production techniques for various vegetables such as potatoes, cabbage, and tomatoes, with a strong focus on climate-smart agriculture, including cropping plans, budgeting, and post-harvest handling.
The combined contribution from TİKA and BUAN aligns with several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:
- SDG 1: No Poverty
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
His Excellency Ambassador Ahmet Idem Akay noted that the Turkish government, through TİKA, is committed to strengthening rural livelihoods in Botswana through sustainable, long-term partnerships.
The Shakawe area, rich in natural resources such as makhungara, tswii, and tlhapi, has long depended on agriculture and indigenous knowledge systems. Prof. Mosepele encouraged the community to continue managing these resources sustainably and to work with institutions like BUAN to ensure their traditional ecological knowledge is translated into national policy.
BUAN’s history of engagement in the region includes the Mongongo oil project in Shaikarawe, which supported communities in nut cultivation and processing. The university is also launching the EcoRanger project, which will help livestock farmers in the region secure premium market access through improved production systems.
In addition, BUAN is leading the National Ecosystem Assessment project under the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, engaging communities across Tsodilo, Shakawe, Nxamasere, Samochima, Shaikarawe, and Chukumuchu, further cementing its commitment to driving sustainable socio-economic development.
This event marked a significant step forward in the shared vision of BUAN and the Turkish Embassy to build capacity, strengthen community resilience, and contribute to the long-term food and economic security of Botswana
