Boosting Botswana’s innovation through the Science Granting Councils Initiative

The Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) fosters collaborative research across Africa. The initiative promotes evidence-based innovation and policies. In so doing, it empowers science granting councils to drive economic and social progress. One notable partnership has been with Botswana’s Ministry of Tertiary Education, Research, Science, and Technology. Here, four projects, focusing on various technologies, have boosted Botswana’s innovation:

• Processing of goat milk into yoghurt enriched with moringa leaf extract and marula pulp to improve nutrition, health and food safety
• Bioconversion of waste to energy as a means to advance circular bioeconomy in Botswana
• Low-cost intensified torrefaction system for valorization of encroacher biomass into a clean renewable energy
• Community empowerment through value addition and agro processing of indigenous fruits in Botswana

Monitoring, Learning and Evaluation (MEL) was conducted on each of the projects through field visits. Monitoring, Learning and Evaluation (MEL) was conducted on each of the projects through field visits by the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS). MEL’s main goal is to assess if activities, outputs and outcomes align in an impactful way. MEL can show progress toward an end goal while identifying risks. BDIH Science and Technology Park Council organized the MEL visits in consultation with the projects’ Principal Investigators. A report followed, which aimed to document the execution and structure of MEL activities for the four projects. This year, the SGCI Annual Forum takes place in Botswana. In this blog, on the occasion of the Forum, we look at the four SGCI-funded projects for which MEL visit were held.

Transforming goat’s milk into moringa- and marula-enriched products in Botswana

An innovative food-focused project, this research considered goat’s milk and its by-products. Dr. Ntshepisa Lebetwa from the National Agricultural Research and Development Institute (NARDI) led the project and acted as Principal Investigator. The objective was to enrich the products with moringa leaf extracts and marula pulp. This helps to improve the shelf life of milk while also enhancing its medicinal and nutritional benefits. However, the project also contributed to important national goals in Botswana. These included food safety and security, public health and household income generation. For example, the project supported local communities and marginalised groups on goat milk product development. This work supported government strategies to increase employment, boost economic growth and address climate adaptation and mitigation.

Converting waste to energy to boost Botswana’s bioeconomy

Waste products can provide valuable sources of renewable energy. This project enhanced biogas production by mixing different kinds of waste streams. In some instances, the research also considered additives such as nanoparticles. The project’s Principal Investigator and project lead was Dr Lesedi Lebogang from Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST). The ultimate goal was to boost economic and environmental sustainability. The project created awareness and uptake about the benefits of bioenergy through a workshop. Attending the workshop were potential end users of bioenergy. Government officials and representatives from non-governmental organisations also took part. The aim of the workshop was to create a platform for sharing the results of the study with the public at large. In this way, the research and science of biogas were shared more widely.

Producing Botswana’s biofuel using agricultural ‘encroacher biomass’

Cleaner fuel is critical for climate action. This project was led by Principal Investigator Prof. Gwiranai Danha from Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST). The research explored new methods to convert fast-growing plants into a valuable energy source. These plants otherwise crowd land. At the same time, the methods also generated potentially useful by-products. Specifically, the project looked at alternative processes for using superheated steam in ‘torrefying’. This is the process of roasting biomass at high temperatures to make it more suitable as fuel. Examples include turning ‘bush encroacher biomass’ into a cleaner, renewable solid fuel. Encroacher biomass is plant matter derived from encroaching or fast-growing plants.

Empowering Botswana’s communities through value-added fruit products

Indigenous fruit can contribute to Botswana’s economy. This project looked at different ways to add value to products derived from local fruits. This was achieved by developing fruit production systems suitable for small-scale processing in rural areas. Principal Investigator, Dr Gaolatlhe Rantong from Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) led the project. Production systems allow for the creation of new products and for the improvement of existing ones. Subsequently, small-scale producers can promote new and improved products to markets. This opens up new possibilities for economic growth in rural areas. The project also considered environmental conservation and sustainability. Moreover, it developed communities’ capacity for adding value to fruits through knowledge sharing.

The transformative power of innovation and science

Collaborative projects in Botswana have the potential to develop the country’s economy. The SGCI demonstrates the transformative potential of targeted research and development. The projects have been diverse, from sustainable energy solutions to community-focused agro-processing. Each project drives economic and social progress. They support both local communities and national priorities. This impactful work highlights SGCI’s commitment to Africa’s development through innovation and science.