In the Picture: Prof. Simba Sibanda (FANRPAN) and Dr Gloria Somolekae ( Acting Executive Director, BIDP) Cementing the partnership with a handshake
FANRPAN Reignites Policy Engagement in Botswana Through BIDPA Partnership Revival
On 8 April 2025, the Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN) participated in a high-level Policy Development Dialogue convened by the Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis (BIDPA) in Gaborone. The event marked a significant step in rejuvenating the BIDPA-FANRPAN partnership, positioning it to strengthen evidence-based policymaking within Botswana’s food, agriculture, and natural resources (FANR) sectors.
Botswana’s development agenda prioritizes inclusive growth, climate resilience, good governance, and sustainable food systems. However, the lack of institutionalized use of evidence in policy processes remains a challenge. The dialogue responded to this by showcasing BIDPA’s draft national policy development framework and engaging policy unit officials, civil society, and other stakeholders in constructive discussion. Key recommendations included elevating the role of policy coordination units, ensuring multi-stakeholder engagement, and integrating cost-benefit analysis and M&E feedback into policy design.
The latter half of the day focused on reviving the BIDPA-FANRPAN partnership. Presentations by BIDPA’s Acting Executive Director, Dr. G. Somolekae, and FANRPAN’s Prof. Simba Sibanda highlighted the critical role of strong national nodes in regional policy networks. With BIDPA reaffirming its role as FANRPAN’s node-hosting institution in Botswana, the partnership is set to accelerate national dialogues and tap into continental platforms for cross-country learning.
Notably, Botswana has been selected as one of five pilot countries under the AU-BMEL Agriculture Policy Dialogue initiative to lead the domestication of the newly adopted CAADP Strategy and Action Plan (2026–2035), also known as the Kampala Declaration.
This milestone signals renewed momentum for Botswana’s leadership in inclusive, evidence-driven food systems transformation.
In the picture: Dr G Somolekae, BIDPA Acting Executive Director, making a presentation on the BIDPA-FANRPAN partnership
In the picture: Prof Simba Sibanda making a presentation about FANRPAN
In the picture: Prof Simba Sibanda (FANRPAN) and Dr G Somolekae, Acting Executive Director, BIDPA, signing the MoU to renew the partnership