18 Apr 2024

Farmers have been encouraged to expand their agricultural pursuits by incorporating climate-smart crops that demonstrate resilience in the face of climate change. 

During a recent visit by the National Defence College of Nigeria to the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN), Botswana’s ambassador to Nigeria, Ms Philda Kereng emphasised the importance of transitioning towards climate-smart crops. She highlighted how the shift could not only open up new economic avenues but also play a significant role in fostering sustainable development. 

Ms Kereng specifically mentioned safflower as a prime example of a climate-smart crop, pointing out its ability to withstand drought conditions and thereby help in mitigating the impacts of climate change.

Furthermore, she stressed the necessity of enacting policies that would incentivise farmers to embrace climate-smart agricultural practices. Ms Kereng underscored the need for a change in both approach and mindset, advocating for Batswana farmers to leverage their land by cultivating safflower.

Presenting on safflower production and food security as well as improving income of small scale farmers in Botswana, Professor Vallantino Emongor of BUAN said safflower was underutilised, neglected and a minor crop compared to other oilseed crops despite its tolerance to drought and extreme temperatures. 

Prof. Emongor said that safflower was beneficial to human health and that it should be adopted in Botswana. 

He said safflower production would improve food security, reduce hunger and reliance on food imports, improve income levels of farmers therefore reducing poverty and improving the health and well-being of Batswana. 

On clinical uses of safflower, Prof. Emongor said safflower dilated arteries, reduced hypertension and increased blood flow. 

“It has proven to inhibit thrombus formulation and overtime dissolve thrombi,” he said. Furthermore, he noted that many prescriptions for invigorating blood circulation and treatment of heart diseases included safflower, adding that the crop could also be used as a vegetable.

 The National Defence College of Nigeria officials were on a benchmarking exercise to learn about climate smart crops as well as to strengthen relations between the two countries. 

The team toured BUAN facilities to appreciate efforts made.  Ends