Africa-Press – Botswana. 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 73rd 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.
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