22 Nov 2016

Some farmers in the Ngamiland district have praised Botswana Institute for Technology, Research and Innovation (BITRI) for doing a wonderful job to develop innovative solutions that had potential of impacting on the lives of the communities and the world at large.

They showered BITRI with accolades after a presentation on the development of a Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) diagnostic tool kit which aims to improve the turnaround time.
 Initially, the samples had to be sent to a central laboratory in Gaborone for tests.

Farmers learnt that the kit had promising potential for use in the future as it would be used in the field once the farmers suspect any outbreak.

However, farmers welcomed the kit hoping it would take them to greater heights once implemented.

They appealed to government to assist BITRI with adequate funding in order to drive its mandate effectively.

BITRI’s mandate is to conduct needs-based research and development in focused areas by identifying, developing, adapting appropriate technology solutions that provide sustainable innovative solutions in line with national priorities and needs of Batswana.

They argued that with adequate funding, the organisation could develop more innovation solutions to address some of the challenges faced by the nation at large.

They appreciated that research was indeed expensive and noted that it was through innovative approaches that issues of economic sustainability could be attained.

Young farmer, Ms Galefele Ntsepe praised BITRI for coming to their rescue stating that she believed the kit would stop the practice of killing of cattle, which crossed the buffer zone, which had been an outcry to many farmers.

Another farmer, Mr Ezekiel Katjimune thanked the researchers for a job well done and wished another research could be conducted on how FMD could be managed.

He said the consequences of FMD were painful on farmers and believed the kit would make a difference.

Earlier on, Dr Boitumelo Mudabuka from BITRI, who was assigned to conduct the research, revealed that research was a very expensive business with high costs driven by the requirements for specialized equipment and reagents.

She explained that to carry out the assignment, it needed P19 000 000.

Presenting the findings of the innovation kit, she explained that they developed the innovation solution because FMD remains one of the world’s most widespread epizootic animal diseases.

“FMD is highly contagious and can host a wide variety of species from small stock, wildlife and cattle.”

“FMD virus is recognised as seven serotypes; O, A, C, Asia 1, SAT 1, SAT 2 and SAT 3 and outbreaks of SAT 1, SAT 2 and SAT 3 had been reported in Botswana, with SAT 2 more prevalen,” she said.

She informed farmers that the kit was promising with potential for use in the future.

“It is simple to use and would also help improve turnaround time,” she added.

Dr Mudabuka revealed that they intend to validate the innovation with samples from the field and once complete, they would submit to World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) for acceptance.
She said OIE has to assess the kit and approve it for use. BOPA