24 Aug 2023

Government is committed towards exploring  agricultural innovation and research sector, in an  effort to attain the National Vision 2036 aspirations.

Speaking during a courtesy call meeting with Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Director Dr Cliff Lamb yesterday, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi said Botswana was keen to propel to every aspect of a knowledge based economy with robust interest to venture into agricultural research and innovation.

He said government’s intention was to forge partnerships with reputable academic institutions hence the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with Texas A&M AgriLife Research to establish collaborative initiatives for improved agricultural and natural resource sectors.

President Masisi highlighted that the MoU between the two parties was nurtured by the strong bilateral relation that existed between Botswana and US.

“The strong bonds that exist between Botswana and the US played a pivotal role in soothing some of the components entailed in the MoU,” President Masisi said.

For his part, Dr Lamb said his  institution  was  looking forward  to  collaborating  with  local  universities  on areas  of curriculum development and modern agriculture  technology  adaptation.  

Dr  Lamb  said Texas A&M AgriLife research covered agriculture  economics  which deals with technology  adaptations using  solar irrigation and water  extraction, a process  which could resolve  some of the  water challenges in Botswana.

“This area  of focus  is a  product  development  in the  update  of  technology  by farmers  with high tech for  experimental  technology, thus  collaboration in this area  could help the  University of  Botswana  utilise  available  radiation  and participate in the  value ecosystem  beyond publication to  product development  services  to address societal needs,” Dr  Lamb  said.

Equally important, he said, was the need to advance agriculture to attain food sustainability and ensure food security.  

President Masisi also met with World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director, Dr Matshidiso  Moeti as Botswana readies  to host  the 73^rd session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa from Monday to Friday.

 Dr Moeti said close to 1 000 delegates had registered to attend the summit, with 200 of whom being virtual attendees.

She highlighted that the event intended to address a variety of major health issues confronting the continent, adding that it was commendable for Botswana to have availed its facilities to host  such a high  level  event. ENDS