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

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.   

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.