News

The Vice chancellor of the University of Botswana (UB), Professor David Norris, together with his team recently met with the Pandamatenga Commercial Farmers Association (PCFA) Board Members, village leadership as well as small scale farmers with the aim of exploring areas for partnerships and collaborations.

The meeting was part of the UB stakeholder engagement activities in the Chobe area in line with University’s strategic intent of Enhancing Economic, Societal Engagement and Impact.

Speaking during the meeting, Professor Norris indicated that the role of a University was to be at the forefront of societal development through positive impactful research. He continued that the University was endowed with researchers and experts in various fields who can help advance the agricultural industry through its groundbreaking research in areas such as production of biodiesel as a green energy source.

“This is one area that the University and yourselves should have conversations around with a view to creating an alternative ecosystem for your energy needs. The biodiesel is environmentally friendly as it has low carbon emissions,” said Professor Norris

In addition, Professor Norris indicated that through the UB Innovation Centre, the University has developed organic pesticide which was 100 percent natural and effective pest control as well as fungi besides other related plant diseases.

 “For us to be able to achieve sustainable farming as a country, we need to reduce our heavy reliance on chemical pesticides for the preservation of the soil’s health but most importantly overall environmental balance,” he added.

Further, he said the University could play an advocacy role influencing policy makers to make the farming industry profitable and sustainable while addressing food security in the country.

In response, PCFA Chairperson, Ms Lillian Scheepers, indicated there was need to look at farming not only as just growing plants but as a business.

“The farmers have been doing their own investigation, research and consultations, and that is where we need partnerships and collaborations that will advance our farming enterprises,” said Ms Scheepers.

She said the PCFA represented almost 99 percent of commercial farmers in Pandamatenga. She noted that there were hundred millions of pula that circulated in one ploughing season.

“We are talking about business, we are talking about sustainability, we are talking about the best crop, seeds, terrain, climate here,” she noted.  However, Ms Scheepers said most farmers struggled with data collection which she indicated could be another area for collaboration.