Botswana and Turkey join forces to boost climate-smart farming in Shakawe

The Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN), in partnership with the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey, has launched a transformative initiative to support small-scale farmers in the northwestern village of Shakawe.

At a ceremonial handover attended by BUAN Vice Chancellor Professor Ketlhatlogile Mosepele and Turkish Ambassador Ahmet Idem Akay, local farmers received tractors and modern farming tools, part of a broader project aimed at promoting climate-resilient horticulture.

The initiative, titled Empowering Small-Scale Horticulture Farmers Through Climate-Resilient Practices and Equipment, is funded by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), which contributed P318,000.00 to the project.

Each of the four tractors, valued at P67,800.00, was delivered with a full suite of implements including disc ploughs, planters, rotavators, and toolboxes.

The handover also marked the culmination of a three-day training workshop for 52 farmers, delivered by BUAN’s Centre for In-Service and Continuing Education (CICE), focusing on crop production techniques for vegetables such as cabbage, tomatoes, and potatoes.

The training emphasized climate-smart agriculture, from cropping plans to post-harvest handling, and was valued at P200,000.00.

“This is not just a handover.

We are putting into practice what we teach as a university,” said Prof. Mosepele.

“We’re enabling communities to build climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods, reducing our national dependence on food imports.”

Ambassador Akay emphasized Türkiye’s commitment to long-term rural development in Botswana, noting that partnerships like this one reflect shared goals in achieving global sustainable development.

The initiative supports several key UN Sustainable Development Goals, including zero hunger, quality education, and climate action.

The Shakawe region, known for its rich biodiversity and indigenous resources such as makhungara, tswii, and tlhapi, has traditionally relied on agriculture.

Prof. Mosepele encouraged the community to continue blending traditional ecological knowledge with modern sustainability practices and to work with institutions like BUAN to shape national policy.

BUAN’s involvement in the region is deepening, with initiatives like the Mongongo oil project in Shaikarawe and the soon-to-launch EcoRanger project, aimed at helping livestock farmers access premium markets.

The university is also leading the National Ecosystem Assessment under the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, engaging communities across the Okavango region in sustainable resource management.

The launch event in Shakawe not only highlighted the tangible impacts of academic and diplomatic collaboration but also reaffirmed Botswana’s path toward green, inclusive development.