The Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural resources has a vision to be an Innovative and Research-Intensive University in Agriculture and Natural Resources, extensively, is on a mission to produce graduates and technological solutions, for sustainable development in agriculture and natural resources. Whilst Botswana Agricultural Science Professionals Association’s mandate is to revive Botswana’s Agricultural sector through the skills and knowledge of agricultural professionals. Having noted that they have similar mandate, BUAN and BASPA acknowledge the essential need to work together to further their shared goals and hence the need to provide a framework of collaboration to set out the responsibilities and expectations of both Parties. 

 

In his remarks the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ketlhatlogile Mosepele said that, BUAN’s operational philosophy is to not only contribute to making Botswana Food and Nutrition Secure, but also to inculcate the principles of Environmental Sustainability in Botswana. BUAN strategy prioritizes Food and Nutrition security through the development and adoption of novel Research and Innovation (R&I) approaches to ultimately inform food system transformation and serve as catalysts for change. He said that research centers of Bio-economy and Sustainable Resources are a testament to BUAN’s commitment to intensify research aimed at leveraging on the benefits of Agriculture and Natural Resources sectors to facilitate Botswana’s socio-economic growth. He believes that with this partnership, BUAN will live to its potential to facilitate Botswana’s socio-economic growth. He said that there is perfect synergy between BUAN and BSAPA as the services and activities of BASPA include, to Agricultural research, and capacity building in agriculture. 

 

It is foreseen that this MoU will facilitate the development of a mutually beneficial relationship between BUAN and its alumni. BUAN will consult BASPA where necessary during review of our programs for alignment with market needs. BASPA will also provide valuable feedback to BUAN on planning and development of new programs so that these are relevant.  Essentially, this MoU facilitates closer engagement between BUAN and its alumni which is important for the development of the Agriculture and Natural Resources sectors in Botswana.

 

The President of BASPA, Mr Mbiganyi Taka said that, with this MOU the two parties are obligated to  develop Mentorship programs as well as networking sessions and provision of expertise for BUAN current students to prepare them for life after university. The association will also support the university in all feasible ways through an active and recognizable presence and voice with regards to issues of mutual interest. The Association will ambassadors of the University through uplifting its image, recruiting prospective students to take up agriculture as a profession and a sector to create jobs and wealth, this may be through participating in BUAN Outreach programs. Through collaboration the two parties will raise the profile and enhance the reputation of the University: strengthen the Association’s role in the life of the university community. He also said that, BASPA will be a key resource in fund raising processes and commits itself to assistance in recruiting the alumni volunteer resources required to support prospect identification, prospect research, and the cultivation and solicitation of major donors. 

 

BUAN looks forward to the collaboration, as Vice Chancellor ended by quoting the words of Idowu Koyenikan, “There is immense power when a group of people with similar interests gets together to work toward the same goals”.