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This week, the Agricultural Research Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) at the ARC head office in Pretoria. The objective of the MoU is to promote co-operation between the two institutions and share expertise in the agricultural innovation field.
Read more about the recent Master Dairy Farmer awards here.
The ARC team of agricultural scientists was led by president and CEO of the council, Dr Litha Magingxa. This is undoubtedly an important milestone for the ARC, particularly in the Southern African Development Community region.
Over the years, both the ARC and BUAN have had a collaborative relationship in various areas of skills development and research projects. Formal relations with BUAN were initiated in 2016 which manifested in the signing of the MoU on co-operation in the field of animal production. The relationship matured over the past five years, resulting in collaborations in other areas of common interest and expertise.
Read more about the introduction of hybrid true potatoes in South Africa here.
Furthermore, the latest MoU covers co-operation in the following fields:
- Students and staff exchange.
- Postgraduate students’ co-supervision.
- Joint organising of events including seminars, conferences, and public lectures.
- Exchange of scientific information, technologies and other information.
- Training and capacity development programmes.
- Application for joint call for research proposals.
- Joint quality assurance and benchmarking.
- Any other projects for mutual benefit that are agreed upon by both parties.
Read more about the recent successful OVK ladies’ farmer’s day for women here.
“We look forward to playing a valuable role in eradicating poverty on the African continent and fast-tracking youth empowerment and participation in the agricultural sector. This collaboration will enable both South Africa and Botswana to share scientific knowledge to help provide sustainable solutions,” said Dr Magingxa. – Press release, Agricultural Research Council
