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NOVEMBER 2004 Volume 6, Issue 4

Editor’s Memo

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Dear readers, this issue is the last one for Volume 6 of our Newsletter, which has been

running since the beginning of the year- next year we begin Volume 7. Issue 4 also marks

the beginning of yet another rainy season, with renewed expectations from the farming

community. The overall climate outlook for this season shows that we are likely to receive

NORMAL to BELOW NORMAL rainfall all over the country during the first half of the

season, while during the second half of the season most parts shall experience NORMAL

rainfall except Kgalagadi and Ghanzi, which are likely to have NORMAL to BELOW

NORMAL rainfall.

As usual all stakeholders in agricultural development (especially farmers) of this country

must be busy preparing for the season expectantly, with eyes in the sky for every passing

cloud and noses in the air for any smell of rain, every passing day. However the question

that should be popping up in every present day agricultural scientist is HOW WELL ARE

WE IN AGRICULTURE USING WEATHER FOCASTING INFORMATION TO PLAN

AND ADVISE OUR FARMERS? How responsive are we to predictions of the climatic

variables that are now becoming increasingly more accurate with the advances in

technology? It is now possible to have near-real-time daily weather information and up to

90 days predictions for any geo-referenced position and therefore factor this into our

planning. We have all along recognized that rainfall is the driving factor to agricultural

productivity and yet very little of the weather forecasting goes into planning our actions –

RESPONSE FARMING??? Who practises it in Botswana?

Secondly majority of the population is still rural, depending on small-scale subsistence

farming using traditional means of production. In order to achieve meaningful household

food security (a government policy that covers EVERY Motswana) we must focus on every

farmer. We are therefore challenged to come up with technologies that can empower this

determined yet resource limited majority to achieve household food security as well. At the

same time we should not lose the vision to bring the subsistence farmers into the

mainstream national economy for employment creation and poverty alleviation.

The editorial committee would like to inform the readers that the Chief Editor Mr.

Tonderai Chanakira left the Department on 8th

of September. We wish to express our

sincere gratitude for his efforts to revive this Newsletter early this year and for the sterling

job of leading the editorial team to where we are. We wish him every success wherever he

is.

The committee also takes this opportunity to thank the contributors of articles in this issue

and the Director for the continued support. We congratulate the Director and the entire

staff of DAR for a job well done at the last BITF! This issue also contains the profile of the

immediate former director Dr. Louis Mazhani, which should make an interesting reading

of the experiences he had at DAR and what he is doing in his retirement. His call that

‘agriculture cannot do without research’ is spot on. Lastly we wish our esteemed readers a

MERRY CHRISTMAS and PROSPEROUS 2005. Be safe and let us ALL meet again in

Volume 7 issue 1 when the year begins. Articles are highly encouraged to keep the printing

machines of this Newsletter rolling.

GOD BLESS!

INSIDE •Agric Tech. Dev & Dissemination Pg 2

•Technical Notes, Pg 3 o Integrated Weed Management

o Traditional Poultry in Botswana

o Organic Farming System

•Opinion, Pg 6 o Research/Extension Linkage

•DAR Events, Pg 7

•DAR Services, Pg 9

•Profile (Dr. Louis Mazhani), Pg 10

• Staff Movement, Pg 14

•Health Talk, Pg 14

•Obituaries, Pg 14

•Sports Corner, Pg 15

•Special interest, Pg 15

o BARIN

o Conference Announcement

DISCLAIMER

*Please note that the contents in this

newsletter do not necessarily reflect the

official positions and opinions of the

Department of Agricultural Research.

Articles from this newsletter may be

reproduced freely by the media and others

with attribution to Agricultural Research

Newsletter.

Ag. Chief Editor

Dr. Peter Wandera

Editorial Committee

Ms. Miriam Munamava

Mr. Onthusitse Ian Raditedu

@DAR, 2004

Contributions are welcome from

individuals and organizations that share

the same aspirations with the DAR in the

form of articles, news items, and

comments. The Editorial Committee

reserve the right to select or reject items

and edit for space available.

Contact Details:

Agricultural Research Newsletter

Committee

Department of Agricultural Research,

Private Bag 0033. Gaborone Botswana

Tel: +267-366 8100

Fax: +267-392 8965

E-mail:dar@gov.bw

http://www.dar.gov.bw

Circulation of subsequent issues of this Newsletter shall be

through electronic mail, to save costs. Only a few hard

copies shall be availed to our readers not on email Thanks

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Agricultural Technology Development and

Dissemination In Botswana – Views from UN

Volunteer Scientist

By: P. L. Tengco

The author is a United Nations Volunteer under ‘The

Tokyo International Conference on African Development

(TICAD) – UN Volunteers Programme. TICAD is an

initiative of the Government of Japan to promote and

facilitate developmental links between Asia and Africa,

primarily through South-to-South Cooperation.

With the support of the Government of Japan, UNV

established a facility to contribute directly to the TICAD

II Agenda for Action. The programme was designed to

support the TICAD II agenda for Action through:

promotion of Asia-Africa cooperation; support of African

development efforts through identification and placement

of suitable TICAD UN Volunteers Specialists from Asia

in African countries, in the context of the implementation

of programme, projects and institution-building, transfer

of knowledge in areas such as good governance,

information and communication technology, small-scale

agriculture and private sector development.

The TICAD – UN Volunteers programme seeks to

support the advancement of socio-economic

development, poverty eradication and sustainable

livelihood through the implementation of South-to-South

cooperation.

Before I came to Botswana I thought that the

environment, farming conditions here is very similar to

that in Malawi, which I served previously under the UN

Volunteer, my first assignment in the Africa Region. But

to my surprise, it is very much drier, semi-arid, drought

prone and the soil condition is very much different.

There are a lot of diverse problems/challenges ahead for

agricultural development. Challenges on how to make

crop or animal enterprises profitable for farmers to

indulge in it or otherwise. However, such challenges in

my opinion if properly understood, the country will attain

status of being self-sufficient in food supply considering

the population and the land area that can be devoted for

agricultural development. Further, Botswana can attain

food self-sufficiency with the coordinated efforts of all

the stakeholders in alleviating agricultural production in

the country. Efforts must be directed towards the

smallholder farmers that comprise the majority of the

farming community tantamount to uplifting the resource-

poor farmers and the nation as a whole.

As has been pointed out earlier that problems are diverse

hence, it requires interdisciplines to work together in

order to identify and develop production strategies

suitable under Botswana environment.

Technologies that are developed must reach the intended

clients, the farmer. For effective adoption of new

technologies developed by research, an equally effective

tool to disseminate and reach the end user must be in

place.

Dissemination of improved technologies had always been

the function of extension agents. In some instances,

difficulties arise because extension staffs were seldom or

not involved in the development of the technology.

Efforts, then, must be exerted to make farmers-research-

extension interface more explicit and definite so that

feedback from each of them can be effectively integrated

in the diagnosis-design-testing-redesign of alternative

production strategy.

On-Farm Research (OFR) plays a potent role in rural and

agricultural development. It makes possible the

identification of appropriate location-specific

technologies. This is because OFR is, generally, a

process, which tests if a technology for introduction in a

given location is better than the existing farmers’

practices. The result of the OFR can, therefore, be vital

inputs for community-based planning. The OFR uses the

farming systems approach to research and extension. It

espouses a process, which involves participatory,

interdisciplinary, community-based, resource-based, and

decentralized planning, implementation and evaluation of

activities.

The target of OFR is to understand the existing on-farm

problems besetting farmers’ dilemma in increasing farm

productivity. Lay down specific solutions to constraints

that limit agricultural production at farm level.

The development of high yielding varieties (HYV) to

some extent, satisfies the interest of the nation (e.g. food

sufficiency). However, adoption among farmers was

only to a limited extent. The main reason for this is that

the yields of modern varieties that were developed when

grown in farmers’ management were frequently much

less than the possible or expected. Very few farmers

follow in their entirety the recommendations made by

researchers and extension workers since majority are

subsistence and are resource-poor and by way of their

capacity can not materially provide the necessary level of

management an HYV required to expect high yield

hence, their capability to adopt is very low. HYVs

adoption is generally concentrated on those farmers with

Guest Column

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enough resources and in those areas with greatest

potential for producing more food. Therefore, a concern

that something must be done for small and resource-poor

farmers to improve their welfare. Moreover, it is

necessary to modify the traditional approach.

Agriculture and food problems have become more

complex, thus the issues of economic survival and

national self-sufficiency. There is a need to increase and

stabilize income derived from small-scale agricultural

enterprises and improve human nutrition in the rural

areas. Agricultural research systems should understand

the truly existing complex dilemma that characterizes the

small farmers (in crop-animal enterprises.

Development/Identification of Appropriate Production

Technologies Suitable Under Botswana Environment

As Botswana is a dry, semi-arid and drought prone

environment, agricultural activities must be geared

towards the development, identification and use of

(technologies) species/varieties that are drought tolerant,

superior over the traditional or farmers’ varieties, and

gives yield/produce higher with little innovation from the

usual farmers’ management practices. It must be farmer

oriented, resource-based that even the subsistence

farmers can easily adopt.

Water is very scarce in Botswana and that efficiency of

water use is a must. Technologies concerning water

conservation and water use efficiency in crop production

should be undertaken i.e., mulching – this not only

conserve and reduce water needed for optimum

production but also improve soil quality upon

decomposition. Furthermore, studies regarding the

possibility of water recycling can be initiated using

treated effluent wastewater. One area that looks very

feasible for water recycling is the production of

vegetables and other crops in the backyard (commonly

known as ‘Backyard Gardening’) utilizing household

waste water. Accessibility to water even at time of

scarcity is at the household level. Water that is used for

washing and bathing (volumes and volumes of water is

being used at this level) can be utilized further for crop

growing at the backyard (without negative effect) instead

of just letting it drain into the sewage system. This

approach further creates greening effect (positive) in the

vicinity that immediately surrounds us.

There are other production systems techniques that can

be explored that are resource-based, low input

requirement like: cereal/legume intercropping, organic

farming, etc

Integrated Weed Management By: Dr. A.Abdulahi

Integrated weed management is defined as the

combination of mutually supportive methods to control

weeds. Its aim is to reduce weed competition with crops

by utilizing cultural, mechanical and chemical methods

as well as prevention of weed seed dissemination into un-

infested sites. This is based on the fact that no single

weed control method can alone effectively eliminate

problems and crop yield losses caused by weeds, in

addition to concerns about the effects of chemicals on the

environment. A combination of the following methods

of weed control will lead to the realization of the concept

and practice of integrated weed management:

Tillage. Tillage is the oldest method of controlling weeds

after hand-pulling. Tillage operations used to control

weeds include plowing, disking, and cultivating. Hoeing

can be classified as a form of tillage. Tillage kills most

annual weeds and many perennials when these operations

are carried out when weeds are still small. However,

tillage also brings weed seeds from deeper soil layers

into or near the soil surface where fluctuating

temperatures and light trigger their germination leading

into a new flush of weeds. Some perennial weeds capable

of regenerating from underground parts are often spread

by cultivation resulting in a more serious weed levels

than that before tillage was implemented. A good

example is Cynodon dactylon. Cultivation is primarily

used to control weeds between crop rows while the crop

is still at the vegetative growth stages. Cultivation does

not control weeds growing within the crop rows. Double

plowing is often more expensive than using chemicals to

kill weeds.

Herbicides. Herbicides are recent tools of weed

management. Herbicides control weeds where

machinery cannot such as within the crop row, along

fences and field edges. Unlike tillage methods, some

herbicides kill weeds even before they emerge from the

soil. Some herbicides e.g. glyphosate translocate to the

underground plant parts and therefore provide excellent

control of perennial weeds regenerating from rhizomes.

Glyphosate applied at 6 to 8 l/ha resulted in complete

destruction of C. dactylon in farmer’s fields in southern

and northern Botswana. However, if used

inappropriately herbicides can cause health problems to

operators and bystanders and damage the environment.

Technical Notes

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Integrated weed management seeks to reduce the amount

of herbicides applied by incorporating other weed control

methods into the weed management strategy.

Improving the competitive ability of crops. Crops

growing in low soil fertility or attacked by diseases and

insects do not vigorously compete with weeds as crops

growing in high soil fertility, and free from diseases and

insect pests. Application of optimum fertilizer rates gives

the crop a competitive edge in the face of weed

competition. Most weeds are more drought tolerant than

crops and prolonged drought can give weeds a

competitive advantage over crops. Fast growing crop

varieties can attain a differential height over weeds

thereby shading the weed and reducing the negative

effects of weeds. Thus choice of the crop and variety is a

management tool to reduce weed competition with crops.

Crop rotation: Crop rotation prevents the build up of

weeds adapted to a specific crop. It is well known, for

example, that grass weeds are more common and

problematic in cereal crops than they are in

dicotyledonous crops. In contrast broadleaf weeds are

more problematic in dicotyledonous crops such as

sunflower, cotton, cowpea and groundnut. Rotating crops

with different life cycles will prevent weeds with

particular life cycles from adapting to certain crops.

Rotating crops allows rotation of herbicide applications.

Rotating herbicides with different modes of action will

prevent or delay the appearance of herbicide resistant

weeds. In addition, changing planting dates will deny

some weeds from adapting to a predictable situation

where the planting date is fixed.

Preventing weed introductions. Many weeds are

introduced to field crops with crop seed. The most

important weed control method may be keeping weeds

out of your field. Planting weed-free crop seed is the

starting point in preventing new weeds from establishing

in your field. Weeds growing along field edges and

fences often act as a live source of weed infestations and

they should be controlled. Manure and hay can introduce

weeds to a field and may bring new weeds if these

materials are brought from distant regions. It has been

claimed that Cenchrus biflorus, an invasive alien weed,

was introduced into the Ghanzi ranches with hay

imported from South Africa. Aging the manure for more

than a year before spreading it in a field will reduce weed

seed viability.

Conclusion: in conclusion farmers should not rely on

any single weed control method but instead should use

mutually supportive methods to manage weeds. This

involves the use of cultural, mechanical, and chemical

methods as integral components of weed management

(hence the concept of Integrated Weed Management).

This will, in the long run, minimize weed problems.

Prevention of weeds from entering or spreading into a

field is a further and important component of Integrated

Weed Management.

Traditional poultry production in Botswana,

whom does it benefit?

By: Slumber Socks Badubi

Indigenous chickens serve numerous functions, which

include provision of animal protein, manure and cash

through the sale of live chickens and eggs to

smallholders in developing countries. In some cultures

within Africa, indigenous chickens are used as gifts

during marriages and soothsaying. Statistics in sub-

Saharan Africa show that women own about 70% of the

chicken population. In Botswana the population of

chickens is estimated at about 15 million of which 3

million are traditional chickens. About 94% of

indigenous chickens are distributed among low-income

farmers and contribute significantly to food security of

these farmers in Botswana. Though these birds play a

significant role in poverty alleviation especially at rural

level, in the last decade efforts in diversifying the

economy of Botswana were vested in increasing the

commercial poultry sector. In view of the fact that

traditional chickens are raised by women at rural level

and the mandate of the Botswana government is to

reduce poverty by 24% by the year 2016, they should be

included as part of the poultry sub-sector in the

diversification strategy.

Currently these birds are raised under low inputs

management systems. In Botswana, they roam around the

homesteads searching for food, mainly insects, crop-by-

products and kitchen waste, and they are predominantly

not housed. As a result predation is high and the few that

survive take 6 months to reach mature live weight of 2.0

(hens) and 2.2 kg (cockerels). It is important that

research develop management strategies to promote the

productivity of these birds. It is perceived that predation

(which is a major contributing factor to mortality of these

birds) can be reduced with provision of housing.

Furthermore, better growth rates could be promoted with

supplementary feeding, which will result in achievement

of desired weights for sale in a shorter time.

Research on traditional chicken has started with

characterization of what is available in Botswana.

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Preliminary results have shown that female birds had an

average mature body weight of 1.55 kg while male birds

had an average mature body weight of 1.99 kg. The

average egg weight was 48 g with a range of 35 – 65 g.

On average a hen is able to hatch 12 chicks, but most of

them die because of predation and diseases, especially

New Castle Disease. The results also show variation in

morphological characteristics. The strains that were

realized are naked neck, leg feathering, rumpless,

creeper, frizzle and normal. These strains play an

important role in the adaptation to their environment. As

an example, the naked neck and frizzled feathered genes

were more concentrated in the north and eastern parts of

Botswana where the temperatures are high. It is

therefore, important for these farmers to exploit this

resource in their areas so as to increase productivity.

Though these birds may take a longer time to reach

maturity, an opportunity exists to exploit these resources

because their products fetch a premium price as on

average a point of lay pullet is sold at P30.00 Further,

an opportunity exists for farmers who invest in this

resource to penetrate international markets as

international consumers are now shifting to free range

poultry like the one from traditional sector. From the

above figures, it shows that within the traditional poultry

sector there exists a potential for improvement to produce

quality as well as biological products that can have

access to compete in the niche markets of the world.

The other aspect of the study is to compile an inventory

of feed resources available for feeding indigenous

chickens in Botswana, to characterize the feed resources

in order to advice farmers on efficient ways of utilizing

the feeds to increase productivity of indigenous chickens

in Botswana. This is seen as an incentive to turn this

enterprise around into a commercial production. These

achievements will be in line with the Agricultural Policy

objectives (1990), which promote diversification of the

agricultural sector, increase productivity as well as

product competitiveness. Improving the productivity of

indigenous chickens will also contribute to the

achievement of Vision 2016’s objective on poverty

alleviation. Furthermore, improving the nutritional status

especially protein of rural communities will contribute to

improved health of the rural community especially

among people suffering from HIV/AIDS. Protein is one

of the essential nutrients required for a healthy and

functional immune system of an individual.

Let us go for the HIDDEN TREASURE in the

indigenous poultry!!!!

Such an indigenous Cock surely harbours

HIDDEN TREASURE!

Organic Farming System “Fabulous Agri-business Opportunity for Botswana”

By: M.T. Kassa

According to FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius, 1999

“Organic Agriculture is holistic production management

systems which promotes and enhances agro-ecosystems

health, including biodiversity, biological cycles and soil

biological activity … and Organic production systems

are based on specific and precise standards of production

which aim at achieving optimal agro-ecosystems which

are Socially, Ecologically and Economically

Sustainable”.

Organic agriculture is a system of production that is

committed to the conservation of biodiversity within

agricultural systems, both from a philosophical

perspective and from the practical viewpoint of

maintaining productivity. Conventional farming puts its

focus on achieving maximum yields of a specific crop. It

assumes an understanding that crop yields are increased

by nutrient input and application of chemicals for

controlling pests, diseases and weeds. Organic farming,

on the other hand, is a holistic way of farming and aims

at sustainability through the successful management of

resources of agriculture to satisfy human needs without

jeopardizing the natural resources and the environment. It

maintains or enhances the quality of the environment and

conserves the existing natural resources.

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The holistic sense of sustainability in Organic agriculture

is reflected through Ecological, Economical and Social

significances. It should be understood that Organic

farming is not a step back to traditional methods rather a

blending of traditional knowledge and modern science

approaches to build new and innovative production

technologies. Nowadays there are Organic technology

packages for soil fertility (such as organic

fertilizers/Biofertilizers), useful microbial inoculants

(Nitrogen fixers and Phosphate solubilizers such as

Rhizobium, Azotobacter, Mycorrhizal fungi and other

microbes) disease, pest and weed Management

techniques and practices using biological control

principles (biological extracts/herbs collectively known

as BOTANICALS to cite some Bacillus thuringiensis

(Bt) – for stalk borer control, Azadirachta indica (Neem),

pyrethrium flower and traditionally such as Garlic,

Ginger and others. Generally the art of Organic farming

is to make the best use of ecological principles

Organic agriculture is an increasingly important part of

the agricultural sector and its Ecological, Social and

Economical benefits have captured the attentions of many

countries. Decreased Governments support to agricultural

inputs offer an opportunity for the conversion of low

input agricultural systems into more productive Organic

agricultural systems.

Biodiversity that is brought by Organic systems increases

agro-ecosystem stability and protects against

environmental stresses, which in turn improves resilience

of farm economies. Society’s demand for more

sustainable development provides new opportunity for

Organic farmers and businesses around the world. In

general Organic agriculture claims to be environmentally

sound, Resource-conserving, economically viable,

socially supportive and commercially competitive.

Global trend and Market

Organic Agriculture is currently practiced in more than

120 countries. It is estimated that world wide about 17

million hectares are managed organically. Rather than the

total acreage, it would be interesting to know the organic

area per crop, but very few of such data are available yet.

The share of land area under organic management

(percent) is highest in some European countries mainly

due to increased consumer awareness of health and

environmental issues, the mainstreaming of the market

(e.g. supermarkets) and increasing favorable national

policies.

According to a survey in 2001, the top 10 countries

covering the highest area under organic farming are

Australia, Argentina, Italy, USA, Brazil, Germany, UK,

Spain, France and Canada. In percentage of farmland

(Continued on P. 8)

Opinion Research/Extension Linkage Plays a Vital

Role in Agricultural Development

By: B.J Mmusi

Low adoption of Agricultural Technologies to enhance

Productivity has been listed as one important factor

contributing to decline in performance in Agricultural

sector the National Development Plan 8(NDP8).

Agricultural research must be innovative and relevant but

more importantly its results must be widely disseminated.

This means that research should maintain close contact

with and be respond to the users of agricultural

technology (farmers and technology transfer workers).

Links between researchers, farmers, technology transfer

workers are not merely a matter of efficiency, they are

very vital for successful technology delivery and

development. This is because they ensure that, research

results are disseminated and subsequently applied in

solving farmers’ problems, and available technologies are

adapted to local agro-ecological and socioeconomic

conditions. Once proper links are established successful

technologies can be promoted and distributed widely to

farmers. Furthermore users of technology will also have

access to the information, inputs and services required to

support a technology. Links also ensures that researchers

capitalize on users’ knowledge and obtain feedback on

the relevance and performance of a particular technology.

The outcome of inadequate linkage between stakeholders

is lack of appreciation between Extension, Research and

Farmers. The tasks of producing and transferring relevant

technology are carried out by two independent

institutions—research and extension and that these

institutions differ in mandates and the officers also differ

in attitudes, interest etc.

There are a series of mechanisms, which can be used to

promote links among researchers and technology transfer

workers. Among these are: committees, liaison-persons,

Coordinating units. However experience has shown that

committees and coordinating units often have difficult

time in creating effective links unless the linkages are

institutionalized. Thus linkages should start from the top

officials and cascade down.

Lastly I would like to urge research staff and extension

people to recognize the importance of linkage and

publicity structures and its contribution on the

improvement of Agricultural development.

In the next edition please follow we shall be looking at

links approaches and linking researchers and farmers

through developmental on farm research.

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Managed organically, the leaders here were Switzerland

(9%), Austria (8.6%), Italy (6.8%), Sweden (5.2%), the

Czech Republic (3.9%) and the UK (3.3%). This trend

may change as countries are taking bold decisions to

increase the organic share of the total farm area e.g.

Sweden and Germany have set a target of 20% of all

farming to be organic by 2005 and 2010 respectively.

In most countries in the South, Organic farming is still

very much a minority activity; however, there are some

traditionally farmed areas where few or no agro-

chemicals are used which could be easily brought to full

compliance with Organic standards’ requirements.

Organic trade is growing rapidly and according to

UNCTAD/WTO (ITC) the world retail market for

Organic food and beverages reached an estimated USD

21 billion in 2001 and increased by 10.1% to USD 23

billion in 2002. In latest survey in the US for example,

sales of organic products grew by 27% a year and

conventional food sales grew 0% to 1% a year over the

past decade.

Globalization is having a profound effect on international

business by bringing world markets closer together. The

organic food industry is also becoming increasingly

global in that large Multinational Corporations (MNCs)

like Heinz, Danone, and PepsiCo are wielding increasing

influence. Most of these companies have entered the

organic food industry via the acquisition route or by

investing in dedicated organic companies. The recent

announcement that Dean Foods, America’s largest dairy

company, is to acquire Horizon Organic, the leading

organic company in the USA, epitomizes the growing

power of the MNCs in the industry.

There are good market opportunities for developing

countries for exporting Organic products that are not

produced in Europe or USA, such as Coffee, Tea, Cocoa,

Spices, Tropical Fruits, Vegetables and Citrus fruits. The

demand for organic livestock products (beef, smallstock,

poultry and dairy) is also increasing. In general the

biggest markets for Organic products world-wide are in

the USA, Europe and Japan.

Opportunities and Challenges in Botswana

Botswana is fortunate in that it is a young but vibrant

economy, which still has scope to choose a sustainable

development path without commitment to any major

historical paradigm. The synergy co-existence of huge

potential lands and the associated wealth of the livestock

sub-sector create unique and optimal opportunities for

the development of Organic Agriculture in Botswana.

The untapped big “niche” opportunity to develop

Organic Agriculture in the country will give a good

advantage for generating sustainable economical returns

for the rural community in general and Organic farmers

in particular. To cite a case in a point, Botswana can

continue to access lucrative niche market with premium

prices for organic beef in Europe and other markets

easily and add to this horticultural produce through

developing this unique advantage of organic farming.

Research can develop viable technologies applicable in

Botswana to enable a vibrant organic farming enterprise.

The challenge for organic industry may be recognizing

what organic system means for the larger population and

convincing the government of the benefits of organic

farming to resource poor farmers. There is a need for

series awareness creation forum and demonstrating the

real benefit of the system on the field to overcome this

challenge. The challenge to stringent quality control

organic system and the associated cost could be tackled

through government-assisted formation of local

certification body through consultation with relevant

expertise in the field.

Champion Agricultural Institution - Department

of Agricultural Research

By: Onthusitse Ian Raditedu

Department of Agricultural Research (DAR) was

crowned the Overall Best Agricultural Stall at the

Botswana International Trade Fair (BITF) 2004 prize

giving ceremony. DAR was also scooped the Best

Agricultural Institution prize which it has won in two

successive Trade Fairs DAR was competing in Category

A (Agricultural Institutions) with Botswana College of

Agriculture, Rural Training Centre’s, Prisons and

Cooperative Development. However, it may not be

surprising that DAR snatched all the prizes in all the

categories it was competing, because it was the only

department in the Ministry of Agriculture that exhibited

as a department. Most departments exhibited as

Divisions and Sections.

DAR EVENTS

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Explaining exhibits to the panel of Judges during the

judging session, the Departmental Chief Steward for

DAR Mr. Baitsi Podisi emphasized the following;

- The need to conserve indigenous animal

and plant diversity, which he said is the

foundation for plant and animal

improvement.

- That through selection the department had

been able to improve the indigenous

Tswana Cattle.

- That through breeding Composite breed

have been developed which weighs 299 kg

at 18 months and performs very well under

feed conditions.

- That sustainability of livestock

productivity is dependent on proper

management of both introduced and

natural pastures, complemented with

adaptable fodder crops he added.

- He said the department of Agricultural

Research has established the National Beef

Recording Scheme to add value to the

breeding herd thereby improving

performance and therefore trade.

As with crops research he said as an effort to improve

trade the following crop varieties have been released to

the farming community;

- A high yielding sorghum hybrid BSH 1.

- An early maturing groundnut varieties -

Nakwana, Tsosabana and Peolwane, and

that there is a potential open pollinated

sorghum variety to be released soon.

- He further said that several citrus,

vegetable varieties, and drip irrigation

system have been recommended to farmers

to enhance production.

- Problematic, Corn Cricket and Sorghum

witch weed (Striga) were identified as a

potential threat to trade and as such the

department has come up with a plan to

manage their impact.

His presentation clearly interpreted the theme of this

year’s BITF – “TRADE: the key to sustainable

economic growth, diversification and Prosperity” and

no wonder DAR scooped these trophies.

In her message to staff, the Director of Agricultural

Research Dr. G. S. Maphanyane thanked everyone for

their contributions in whatever small way that eventually

led to the department bringing home the two trophies.

She particularly thanked the Publicity Committee who

worked tirelessly to coordinate the staff’s efforts.

A deservingly elated DAR Dr. Maphanyane receiving the first trophy from Mr. Seloma, former Assistant Minister for Agriculture

9

SEED DISTRIBUTION 2004/05 SEASON

By: Miriam Ina Munamava

Introduction In the month of July 2004, the president of Botswana

announced that the past season (2003/04) was a drought year

and that farmers did not harvest. For this reason among other

things as a drought relief measure farmers were to get free seed

of sorghum, maize, millet and cowpeas, enough to cover 5

hectares in total.

Distribution Seed distribution is done by SMU in collaboration with the

department of Crop Production and Forestry (CP&F). CP&F

department gives seed demand for different crops per

agricultural districts. A task forced formed by the two

departments co-ordinates the distribution. The table below

gives a summary of seed demand, seed distributed, available

seed at SMU and balances per crop. All districts except for two

in Gaborone region received the seed required. As shown in the

table Kgalagadi agricultural region is the only one that got

cowpeas. Millet seed was not available.

DAR Services

Seeds (in Bags) required by Districts Seeds (in Bags) issued to Districts by SMU Balances of seed still to be issued

to Districts by SMU DISTRICT

Sorghum Maize C/peas Sorghum Maize C/peas Sorghum Maize C/peas

Barolong 700 1400 700 1400 0 0 0

Ngwaketse North 1200 5000 1200 5000 0 0 0

Ngwaketse South 2000 3000 2000 3000 0 0 0

Ngwaketse West 2300 3600 2300 3600 0 0 0

Ngwaketse Central 1700 3600 1700 3600 0 0 0

Sub total 7900 16600 0 7900 16600 0 0 0 0

Kgatleng 4000 2900 4000 620 0 0 0

Kweneng North 4000 5800 4000 5820 0 0 0

Kweneng South 4500 5500 4500 5500 0 0 0

Kweneng West 3200 4000 3200 3900 0 0 0

Bamalete/Tlokweng 1300 2800 1300 2800 0 0 0

Sub total 17000 21000 0 17000 18640 0 0 0 0

Bobonong 2200 3500 2200 3500 0 0 0

Letlhakane 600 4500 600 4500 0 0 0

Machaneng 4200 5000 4200 5000 0 0 0

Mahalapye 3100 4000 3100 4000 0 0 0

Palapye 2000 3800 2000 3800 0 0 0

Selibe Phikwe 1200 3000 1200 3000 0 0 0

Serowe 1900 4000 1900 4000 0 0 0

Sub total 15200 27800 0 15200 27800 0 0 0 0

Tati/Masunga 5200 4700 5200 4700 0 0 0

Tutume 7500 7500 7500 7500 0 0 0

Tonota 2300 4500 2300 4500 0 0 0

Sub total 15000 16700 0 15000 16700 0 0 0 0

Okavango 1000 3000 1000 3000 0 0 0

Ngamiland West 1500 4500 1500 4500 0 0 0

Ngamiland East 1500 4000 1500 4000 0 0 0

Chobe (Kasane) 450 2600 450 2600 0 0 0

Sub total 4450 14100 0 4450 14100 0 0 0 0

Gantsi 450 0 500 450 500 0 0 0

Hukuntsi 490 0 200 490 200 0 0 0

Tsabong 350 0 200 350 200 0 0 0

Sub total 1290 0 900 1290 0 900 0 0 0

GRAND TOTAL 60840 96200 900 60840 93840 900 0 0 0

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OFOFOFOF

Louis Mazhani (PhD) – Former Director DAR.

1. Could you kindly shed light to your educational

background?

I would like to start at the level of Diploma in

librarianship, which I obtained from Evelyn Hone

College in Zambia in 1970. Later when I switched to

agriculture I got a scholarship to do another diploma in

Agriculture at University of Botswana, Lesotho and

Swaziland and completed in 1973. Successful

completion of this diploma marked the starting point of

my career in agriculture. This was followed by a BSc

degree in agriculture from California State University

(USA) in 1981 and an MSc degree at University of

Nebraska USA in 1986, specializing in plant breeding. A

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) followed in 1990 at the

same school (with two majors – Plant breeding and

biometrical genetics). Title of the thesis was - Evaluation

of Performance of Diverse Grain Sorghum Genotypes.

2. When did you join DAR?

In 1968 as an assistant librarian.

3. Could you please tell us how you progressed in your

career at DAR?

As I have just stated I joined as an assistant librarian

from Botswana National Library Services, to set up a

special departmental library for DAR. After a diploma

course in agriculture I was appointed as an Assistant

Agricultural Research Agronomist and also served as a

Research Extension Liaison officer. I was upgraded to

Agricultural Research officer after completing my BSc

degree (1981), and made responsible for the development

and evaluation of cereal (sorghum, maize and millets)

varieties. The work included selection for drought

resistance and analysis of genetic stability of varieties

and hybrids. I was appointed to the position of Senior

Agricultural Research Officer (1986) after my MSc

degree and continued with breeding work. After

completing my PhD I was upgraded to the post of Chief

Arable Research Officer (1990) and served as head of

Crop Research Division to provide professional and

technical leadership. In 1993 I assumed the position of

Deputy Director of Agricultural Research and also

served as Coordinator of Technical Services and

Administration. I was involved in planning, budgeting,

manpower and financial management as well as

integration of animal and crop research programmes. I

also liaised with National and international organizations.

Six years later (1999) I was appointed Director of

Agricultural Research a position I held up to my

retirement in 2003. As the DAR I provided

administration and professional leadership to the

department - develop policy and strategic plans and had

overall responsibility for financial and personnel

management.

4. What technical contributions did you make during

your time as a researcher?

I initiated a fully-fledged sorghum breeding programme

in Botswana, established random-mating populations and

initiated a sorghum conversion project to develop local

cytoplasmic male sterile lines. Through this work I

developed diverse sorghum varieties and a hybrid. I

developed a hybrid – BSH 1 jointly with ICRISAT, 3

varieties (two of which are var. Mahube and var.

Mmabaitse – a synthetic from miscellaneous materials.

These varieties had to be good for food and brewing. I

believe var. Mmabaitse was a very good variety, which

should have benefited the farmers, but was not

popularized. This work generated several scientific

articles that were published in Zimbabwe Journal of

Agricultural Research, proceedings of International

Association for Cereal Science and Technology and

Botswana Bulletin of Agricultural Research.

Q – Right now Var. Mmabaitse is not grown by

farmers, how do you feel since this is your

variety, which you have so much passion for?

Do you feel we are depriving our farmers good

material?

A - I am convinced that this is a good variety. It

went through all stages including agronomic

work, palatability and acceptability tests and

farmers accepted it. Variety Mmabaitse also has

very attractive flour and rated high on flavor.

However, farmers never really took it up simply

because they did not know about it. Therefore in

my opinion it should be promoted. The other

var. Mahube passed the test for brewing. It

should have been promoted, especially with

brewers, who could have been encouraged to

contract local farmers to grow it for them.

PROFILE

11

RESEARCH

OFOFOFOF

As a young research scientist during your days what were

the challenges then?

• One of the challenges was inadequate financial

support. Research requires adequate funding to

acquire equipments and for operations.

• Secondly technical support staff members were not

properly trained to handle specialized tasks in

breeding such as crossing, which must be done

properly by appropriately trained staff.

• Understaffing has always been a constraint in the

department, thus I was always forced to be in the

field to do practical work – one thing that I will be

remembered with is that I was always in the field

doing practical work. However there is also office

work that goes with field work in research, so due to

understaffing, I was forced to work overtime even

during weekends to make up for time.

• Lack of scientific interaction due to few people

trained to MSc and PhD levels. As a researcher one

needs to give seminars and be challenged by

colleagues. You could be working thinking that you

are on course when in actual fact you are off. So that

challenge was limited.

Q – On that note what would you say about us?

the scientists of today?

A – I think you are better off because you have

better trained support staff. Over time we were

able to send people for training even for short

courses in international research centers such as

ICRISAT and CIMMYT and they understand

what they are doing. You also have a number of

professional staff now with MSc and PhD so

there is more professional interaction.

Q – But as a breeder what would you say about

our output at the moment?

A – I think the department has a problem that

people have left and a gap has been created. If I

mention just two, Peter Setimela was a breeder

whom I worked with has since left, and Gloria

Mashungwa I knew she was doing a good job,

has also left. Recently the department has lost

the late Mr. Michael Mokgorosi. A gap has

really been created and the department cannot

move forward. So unless the department does

something to fill the gap either by hiring

expertise from outside or accelerating training

programme, the department will continue to

suffer.

5. What challenges did you face as DAR, during your

tenure in office?

• Securing enough financial support for the research

staff was a problem. I feel I needed to do more to get

well-trained support staff as well as equipment. I

had a difficult time to acquire adequate support due

to budgetary ceiling from the ministry of Finance

and Development Planning. We found that we could

support only half of what the programs required.

• I was unable to motivate productive members of my

staff as much as I could have wished. I would have

liked to promote them much more to motivate them

but I was unable to. The problem was that it took

too long to promote staff. It was slow and difficult

to create posts basically due to budgetary ceiling.

• Training opportunities were very limited, due to the

same budgetary ceiling.

• The other challenge, which was a very big one, was

competition with parastatals for highly trained staff.

The fact that the department is within the Ministry,

places it at a disadvantage when competing for staff

with parastatals. I worked very hard to get people

trained and I got many trained, but when they got

back they left to join parastatals. This was due to the

huge differences in grades between civil service and

parastatals, for the same qualification. For example

I could promote a staff member to C1 but the same

scientist is offered a post by BCA, equivalent to D2.

It was impossible to convince such a scientist not to

leave. So obviously as DAR I could not compete. I

tried to work on that one by convincing the ministry

that the department be considered to become a

parastatal. This was very hard since I had also to

convince other departments why DAR must be made

a parastatal so that they support me. Initially they

did not want to hear that because they also would

have wished to become parastatals, but finally they

supported me. The next step was to convince DPSM

– that was also achieved. However with the creation

of the new Ministry of Communication Science and

Technology, it was not yet clear whether research

was to be organized under the new ministry. That is

where I left the issue pending.

6. As a director of Agricultural Research, you must

have made several trips to other countries (both

industrialized and non-industrialized), to benchmark

agricultural research in Botswana and establish

linkages with other NARS and also IARS. How

much linkage do you feel this created?

12

RESEARCH

OFOFOFOF

I managed to attend many international fora

especially in Rome as a chairman of the SADC

board on plant genetic resources. I was also a

member of the board of INTSOMIL and in my

capacity as DAR I was a member of Botswana

Diversity Authority and Botswana Bureau of

Standards. I was and still am a member of BOTEC

board. These interactions provided opportunity to

solicit and get support for staff (sponsorship) to

international conferences, workshops and seminars.

It also enabled us to forge collaborative work with

international centers.

7. How would you view the DAR positioning itself to

benefit from regional and international partnerships?

The DAR should plan to have a budget for the

director and staff, to attend international fora.

Secondly the standard of local fora should be

improved to attract international scientists to

participate. That is one way of establishing linkages

and partnerships. I think we should stop holding

research meetings for ourselves only.

8. In your view what commodity (ies) and/or factor

research would give Botswana a competitive edge /

comparative advantage in agriculture?

I think we should concentrate on what we can do

best. Botswana is a livestock country so I think we

should concentrate on livestock products or what we

have capacity to do well and that which is suitable

for our environment. Continue to do research on

indigenous livestock breeds. The environment can

support that, if properly done. I also still feel that

Botswana can play a role in crop production. I know

that there are droughts and the environment is

difficult but that is what we have so we must work

within it. There are crops that are hardy and farmers

should be encouraged to grow them. Research

should therefore concentrate on those, to enable

farmers to compete. Some of these products have

high demand, e.g. cowpeas – research should create

varieties that would make them competitive. I think

that is the way to go.

9. What was your greatest achievement as Director of

Agric Research?

It is very difficult to say but there is one thing that I

achieved as a director. I managed to get people to

start talking to me and tell me the problems in the

department. I deliberately listened because I wanted

to know where the problems were. We also created

(I do not think it was director alone) an atmosphere

that allowed people to identify themselves as

researchers rather than from APRU or CROPS. I

could now see little divisions between crops and

livestock people.

10. What was your biggest disappointment?

To convince people that things can change for the

better. That one day this DAR will be an attractive

place to work. You try to get people to understand

that you mean that, because I really meant that I

would like to see the DAR change and be a good

environment to work in. I believed that conditions

of service would improve.

11. What is your view on NAMPAADD?

I would not want to predict, however people should

not take it as the only solution.

12. Do you think that research should re-orient itself to

develop technologies for large-scale commercial

production at the expense of subsistence agriculture?

I think I want to differentiate between subsistence

agriculture and small-scale. I do not subscribe to

subsistence agriculture but small-scale commercial

agriculture can be very efficient. Research should

continue to develop technologies for both small-

scale and large-scale. I am not saying that we should

promote subsistence farming because that is out.

Farming should be a business whether small or large.

13. Now that you are away from mainstream research,

how would you want to see the delivery of agric

research results to end users organized?

I think let us take research to the farmers. I support

on-farm research. That would make us understand

farmers’ problems better and therefore work on real

problems. It will also make us more focused. I

think research should also participate in extension.

What I would like to see is researchers identifying

farmers with specific problems and work with them

on their problem on their farms. For example, if a

farmer is a livestock breeder the researcher should

work with him/her to achieve what he/she wants.

14. Why did you decide to retire from research at a time

when research could have benefited from your long

experience?

I had reached a stage when I felt I must retire and

start something different. I was left with 3 years to

reach mandatory retirement age of 60, so I thought I

should use the remaining time to establish myself

elsewhere.

13

RESEARCH

OFOFOFOF

How do you spend your time these days?

Most of my time is taken up by establishing my

commercial farm. It has not been easy. I spend a lot

of time researching on what I should concentrate on.

I read a lot and consult a lot to find viable projects to

concentrate on. I have hired people here to assist

and must be supervised. Since it is a commercial

farm I must also find market for what I produce here.

These have kept me very busy and I am quite happy

with what I am doing and the progress made.

15. We see you have established a commercial vegetable

farm, how is it doing?

Yes, I have formed a company called Sunpride

Irrigation Entity of which I am the Director. The

project shall include vegetable production

(vegetables and seedling supply), fruit tree, cut

flowers, dry land farming, small stock rearing and

local chicken rearing. It took me almost the whole

year to get electricity on the farm. So most of the

time since my retirement I have been working on

getting it established. At the moment we are raising

vegetable seedlings, and transplanting on quarter of

the area reserved for vegetable production, mainly to

test the borehole and develop water management

practices. Currently we are using a hosepipe for

watering with garden sprinklers, but in future drip

irrigation will be the system used. As you can see

the hydrants are already in place in both vegetable

and citrus fields. The field here where I intend to

have citrus had been abandoned due to Cynodon

grass. I have managed to control it using a herbicide

(Glyphosate)

16. What are your future plans?

I want to continue participation in research fora. I

feel I can still participate in research by just sharing

ideas. I will be more willing to attend all fora that the

department organizes. I continue to be BOTEC

board member.

Hobby breeding is an attractive idea and I must say I

will continue to exercise my profession, probably in

sweet potatoes not Sorghum.

17. Now with your focus of DAR from outside what can

you say to former colleagues still with DAR?

I think it is up to the staff of the department to

overcome the problems that face it. I think the idea

of becoming a parastatal is good and staff should

continue working on that. It will not just come on its

own, and people should not lose hope. Research

must continue to produce good technologies to

enable farmers to produce and make them

competitive. Furthermore if research produces good

products and technologies, you will find the

environment will become conducive.

18. What do you miss most about DAR?

To me DAR was now like a family. I enjoyed

working with professionals as well as support staff.

I was happy with there support and we were getting

somewhere. THAT is what I miss most.

FINALLY I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THIS;

TO BATSWANA: - WE CANNOT SUCCEED WITHOUT

RESEARCH

Switchboard for an electrified borehole pump on the farm – running costs cheaper than diesel

14

RESEARCH

OFOFOFOF

The Department regrets the lose of a number of dear

colleagues in the last three months, who have been

promoted to higher glory;

1. Mr. Zachariah Modise (stockman Mahalapye) on

01/09/04

2. Mr. Michael Mogorosi (SARO Sebele) 0n

21/09/04

3. Mr. Setlalemang Freddy (Field crops warehouse

EMU) 0n 05/10/04

4. Mr. Ratsela Ramomtsho (Field assistant EMU) on

05/10/04

5. Mr. Tatlhego Simane (Field assistant Masiatilodi

ranch) on 30/10/04

May their Souls remain in internal Peace AMEN!

Promotions:

1. B. Motlhankane Senior Technical Assistant I to Principal

Technical Assistant

2. C. Modise Senior Technical Assistant II promoted to

Senior Technical Assistant I

3. J. Luzani Agric. Research Officer I promoted to Senior

Agric. Research Officer

4. K. T. Mosinkie Agric. Research Officer I promoted to

Senior Agric. Research Officer

5. O. Roy Agric. Research Officer promoted to Agric.

Research Officer I

6. T. Mogotsi Technical Assistant promoted to Senior Tech.

Assistant II

7. P. Tjimunee Technical Assistant promoted to Senior

Tech. Assistant II

8. O. I. Raditedu Agric. Research Officer II promoted to

Agric. Research Officer I

9. M. T. Mongwa Principal Technical Assistant promoted to

Chief Tec. Assistant

10. B. K. Podisi Senior Agric. Research Officer promoted to

Principal Agric. Research Officer

11. L. M. Phiri Agric. Research Officer II promoted to Agric

Research Officer I

12. E. L. Monamodi Agric. Research Officer II promoted to

Agric. Research Officer I

13. M. G. Ramaphane Agric. Research Officer I promoted to

Senior Agric. Research Officer

New Staff Members:

1. Olopeng Ralehika (from Karakubis) - Technical Officer -

posted to F/Town RARO

2. Baboloki Rankgoane (from Mahalapye) - Technical

Assistant - posted to Goodhope

3. Tshepiso Motsewabeng (from Mankgodi) - Technical

Assistant - posted to Pelotshetlha

Visiting Scientists:

1. Mr Julian Robert (from Australia) - a PhD candidate will

be housed by DAR till the end of the cropping season

next year. 2. Mr. Tengco, P.L. – a United Nations Volunteer

Termination of Contracts:

1. Mr. Tonderai Chanakira – Former Librarian -

terminated contract on 8th September

2. Mr. Kawonga C. Kalipochi – Range and Pasture program

– terminated contract 10th October.

Transfers: 1. Mr. Marumo – From Sebele to Morale ranch (Mahalapye)

HIV/AIDS Awareness Campaign

The Department is continuing taking part in the fight

against the pandemic (HIV/AIDS) by training the peer

educators. The Peer educators are trained to share what

they had learnt with their peers and also to refer them to

relevant authorities for more information and advise.

Doing that is one way of reversing the virus. A total of

ten peer educators had been trained this year.

Leadership is about touching people and organizations

through empowering, conversations and interpretations

Now leaders must be able to confront the facts, even the

painful ones and help others to do the same .We need to

be able to help people see just the facts apart from their

reactions, beliefs, opinions, interpretations.

Our current problems cannot be solved with the same

level of thinking which created them -by Albert Einstein

I am in encouraging each and everyone to take part in the

fight against HIV/AIDS because if you are not infected

you are affected.

Staff Movements

Health Talk (with Moleti Noge)

OBITUARIES

15

RESEARCH

OFOFOFOF

Sweet revenge – BCA too smart for DAR

Despite their loss in their last game BCA Staff football

team put up a gallant fight against DAR Staff football

team in their institutional encounter at BCA grounds on

the 18th

of October 2004. Since the season started after a

short winter break DAR staff team have been performing

below bar, losing most of the games and marginally

wining some.

The first half started on a low note and the score line did

not reflect the efforts and determination that the BCA put

into the game. BCA broke the ice via a student striker

‘Pat’ who was left unmarked when BCA took a corner.

The former DAR winger Patrick benefited from a

rebound that took a reflection. DAR leveled the matter

in the 31st minute. BCA remained resolute and pilled

pressure on DAR forcing them to retreat and defend.

DAR escaped the first half still hanging to one all.

Given more room to maneuver, BCA gained confidence

and displayed beautiful football in search for more goals

in the second half. Gates were opened in 55th

when BCA

took the lead from a well taken strike again by Patrick.

From then on it was all systems go for BCA as they

raided the All might green’s goal area minute after

minute forcing DAR bench to bite their nails for the

better part of the gain. DAR defense were completely

disorganized committing silly mistakes of which BCA

took full advantage and thrashed them 6-1 at full time.

Discussing the aftermath of the game, the team

management blamed their loss to player’s commitment,

and to the entire members of staff of the department

Agricultural Research for their poor participation and

support to the team’s affairs.

Botswana Agricultural Research Information

Network (BARIN)

By: Dr. Joyce Macala

Background Information

The Botswana Agricultural Research Information

Network (BARIN) is a technical committee of scientists

from institutions involved in the development of the

agricultural sector through research. This technical

committee is responsible for coordinating the

dissemination of agricultural research information to

stakeholders. The committee was established following

a decision made by stakeholders at the agricultural

research seminar held in Sebele in October 2002. The

benefits for establishing BARIN include among others,

cost saving on government’s scarce resources,

encouraging dialogue and collaboration among scientists

involved in agricultural research and development in the

country.

Membership

• The Department of Agricultural Research

• The Botswana College of Agriculture

• Botswana Community Based Organizations Network

• National Food Technology Research Centre

• Rural Industries Promotions Company

• Botswana Institute of Development and Policy

Analysis

• Botswana Environmental and Natural Resources

Observatory Network

Steering Committee Members

Committee members consist of the following officers:

Dr. J. P. Macala (Chairperson) -DAR

Mr. O. R. Madibela (Secretary) -BCA

Ms B. Sekhute-Batungamile (Secr) -BOCOBONET

Mr. S. Mopotokwane -NFTRC

Mr. M. Samson -RIPCO

Mr. E.B. Thibedi -BENRON

Dr. C. Kerapeletswe -BIPDA

The committee is mandated to implement the following

tasks:

• Dissemination of agricultural research

information;

• Establishment of linkages between government

parastatal, private institutions involved in

agricultural research and development in

Botswana; and

• Identification of priority areas of research in

agriculture in collaboration with stakeholders.

In order for the committee to fulfill its mandate, it has

developed a work plan for 2005/2006 financial year.

This includes implementing the following activities.

� Organize and implement the first bi-annual

conference in agricultural research and

development in Botswana.

On the Ball with Ian Raditedu

Special Interest

16

RESEARCH

OFOFOFOF

� Prepare a database of scientists and

institutions addressing agricultural issues

through research and extension in

Botswana.

� Publish conference proceedings.

� Produce a document on priority research

areas in agriculture and ensure such a

document is made available to the heads of

agricultural institutions.

Title/Theme

Dissemination of Agricultural Information to Stakeholders to

enhance Productivity, Competitiveness and Diversification

of the Agricultural sector

First National Conference in Agricultural Research and

Development

24-26 May, 2005

Gaborone, Botswana

Sub-Themes:

• Livestock Production Technologies

• Agriculture and biotechnology

• Crop Production Technologies

• Farm Mechanization

• Agro-processing and commercialization

• Science and Indigenous Knowledge

• Urban Agriculture

• Agriculture and sustainable utilization and

management of natural resources

• Intellectual Property Rights, Patents and Protection of

Indigenous Knowledge and Scientific Innovations.

• Agricultural Policy Analysis

Introduction

Agricultural scientists in Botswana in the past have been

working in isolation from each other and from users of research

technologies. Poor integration among scientists and other key

stakeholders involved in the development of the agricultural

industry in Botswana has lead to generation of technologies that

either are sitting on the shelves unknown to users or cannot be

adopted. As a result, this has delayed progress in developing

the sector into a dynamic and a competitive industry. Building

strong linkages amongst agricultural scientists and users of

research technologies improves communication and technology

adoption and encourages teamwork.

Stakeholders, in recognition of benefits for strengthening

linkages proposed the need for a network. The committee

(Botswana Agricultural Research information Network) is

mandated to coordinate the dissemination of information on

science and technology development in agriculture. This kind

of arrangement will benefit Botswana in a number of ways,

which include among others improving dialogue and

communication among stakeholders.

To initiate this process BARIN has found it essential to

organize the first biennial Conference in Agricultural research

and development in Botswana. The main objective of the

conference is to bring together researchers and other

stakeholders involved in agricultural research and development

to discuss challenges of agricultural sector and develop

strategies for addressing identified challenges.

Specific Objectives of the conference

1. Share information on research technologies for

promoting agricultural development in Botswana.

2. Identify and prioritise key research areas for

agricultural development in Botswana

3. Identify areas for collaboration and partnership

among scientists.

4. Provide information that can support national policy

and planning mechanisms for sustainable and

competitive agricultural development.

5. To provide a forum for scientific information

exchange on food, and agriculture.

6. Strengthening agricultural policy, research and

markets

7. Identify ways of networking nationally, regionally

and internationally

Expected Output

1. An inventory of local scientists and areas of

specialization

2. Outline of researchable areas that needs concerted

efforts from multi-disciplinary teams

3. Establishment of a framework for collaboration

among scientists, decision-makers and planners

Conference Announcement By BARIN

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RESEARCH

OFOFOFOF

4. Publish conference proceedings including

recommendations for applying science and

technology in agricultural development

5. Refereed papers for special journal issues

Call for Papers

Scientists involved in agricultural research and development in

Botswana are invited to present papers and posters in any of the

listed sub-theme areas. Interested scientists should submit an

abstract of not more than 250 words by the date indicated

below. Abstracts will be reviewed and authors of accepted

abstracts will be advised to prepare full papers. Papers should

be of high scientific standard aimed at publication in special

issues of refereed journals, and/or any other edited publication

of high standard. Authors are encouraged to get their papers

peer reviewed before submission.

All Submissions should indicate the appropriate theme (from

the list) under which the paper falls, the title of the paper, the

author's names, affiliation, full mailing address, phone/fax

numbers and e-mail address. Submissions should be prepared

using Microsoft Word, with original and legible graphics that

can be reduced and reproduced without loss of readability.

These should be sent to the address of the Secretariat provided

below.

In line with the objectives of BARIN that emphasize

availability and accessibility of information for development

purposes, abstract and papers will be evaluated on the

applicability of science and technology to enhance the

productivity of the agricultural sector. Papers should therefore

highlight the scientific and the socio-economic benefits of the

research. Papers that do not have conclusive recommendations

can be presented under the poster session.

Key Dates:

Abstracts Submission Deadline: 15th

Jan 2005

Notification of Authors: 29th

Feb 2005

Submission of Papers: 15th

April 2005

Conference: 24-26th

May 2005

Organising Committee

Dr Joyce Macala - Dept. of Agric.Research

Mr. S. Mpotokwane - NFTC

Mr. Edwin B. Thibedi - BENRON

Mr. O. R. Madibela - BCA

Mr. M. Samson -RIPCO

Ms. Sekhute-Batungamile- BOCOBONET

Dr. C.K. Kerapeletswe - BIPDA

Secretariat, (omadibel@bca.bw)

C/o BCA, Private Bag 0027, Gaborone

Tel: 3650185 Fax: 3928753

Theme convenors: Please indicate your sub-theme and

also consider organizing a pre-conference mini-workshop

on issues of concern in the area and possible

recommendations for further consolidation in the

conference, and for inclusion in the proceedings. Post

conference policy seminars can also be considered for

informing policy formulation process.

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