Development of the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Programme at the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN)

Abstract

This chapter discusses the agricultural and biosystems engineering (ABEN) programme at the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN). It covers the progression from the initial engineering courses, offered as part of a BSc Agriculture programme, to a diploma programme in Agricultural Engineering (DAEng), and eventually to a higher diploma in Agricultural Engineering (HDAEng). The HDAEng programme was introduced to strengthen the capacity of graduates as there was a glaring inadequacy of engineering skills among the BSc programme graduates, especially those employed in engineering related fields in the agricultural sector. Because of the urgent needs of the agricultural sector resulting from the implementation of sector improvement strategies and the lack of engineering teaching capacity at the Botswana College of Agriculture (BCA), two technology programmes were introduced in 2004. Although not being fully fledged engineering programmes, these technology programmes produced graduates who assisted greatly in the implementation of the National Master Plan for the Arable Agriculture and Dairy Development (NAMPAADD) programme. With the transformation of BCA to BUAN in 2018, strengthened human capacity (such as a PhD qualification), the establishment of the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC), and the establishment of the Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA), there was a need to develop a professional programme in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering. The objective of the programme is to address sustainable agricultural production and environmental and natural resources management. This programme is envisaged to also open diverse job opportunities for the graduates. The developed programme embraces the developmental needs of Botswana and the profile of the graduate and the accreditation requirements by BQA and the Engineers Registration Board, which calls for the programme to be in line with the Washington Accord.