15 Jun 2023

Botswana Agricultural Science Professional Association (BASPA) in partnership with SPEDU has capacitated farmers in the Mmadinare area to increase production and create more employment opportunities.

The relationship between the two organisations started in 2022 after they signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate in agricultural training, technical advice as well as research and innovation, among others.

The capacity training was intended to assist farmers to implement sustainable projects that would contribute to national food security.

Acting CEO of SPEDU, Mr Gideon Mmolawa urged the farmers to take advantage of the training to improve production. 

He advised them to benchmark and network with other farmer.

“Farmers should also revive farm walks, farmers days, agricultural shows and market days for their produce,” he said.

The capacity building workshop also addressed marketing, the handling of agricultural produce, project sustainability and good practices.

He applauded the French and New Zealand embassies for their help and urged them to continue supporting the under-privileged. 

He also applauded BASPA for assisting local farmers.

Mr Mmolawa noted that BASPA was launched by the Minister of Agriculture as a recognised association.

Acting director of agricultural projects at SPEDU, Mr Maiba Samunzala said through the MoU they made a commitment to profile farmers and to identify gaps that required mentorship and extension support as well as to mobilise farmers to participate in capacity building programmes in order to ensure the growth of the agricultural sector.

He said SPEDU also undertook to facilitate research and innovation and to ensure the adoption of technological advancements in the agricultural sector as well as facilitate access to agricultural land.

For his part, BASPA president, Mr Mbikanyi Taka said they had a 10-year partnership with SPEDU to diversify the economy through agriculture.

He said the partnership was intended to grow agribusinesses in the SPEDU region, particularly those supporting women, youth and marginalised groups of society.

Mr Taka also explained that BASPA would serve as an extension of SPEDU to assist farmers with technical advice. ends