"Improving food security supports progress across multiple SDGs"

Growing up on her grandparents’ farm in Botswana, crop science PhD student Kelebonye Ramolekwa witnessed how low-yielding crops led to repeated poor harvests, experiences that sparked her long-standing interest in agricultural science. Those early losses planted the seed for an academic journey that included a bachelor degree in crop science in 2014 and a masters degree in agronomy in 2018, both from the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

University World News: Ms Ramolekwa, what sparked your interest in agricultural research?

Kelebonye Ramolekwa: I was born and raised in a community where agriculture directly shaped livelihoods, which sparked my early curiosity about how crops grow, what affects their health, and how science can be used to improve food quality and productivity. I also became aware of the challenges faced by local farmers. This curiosity developed into a strong desire to understand the science behind sustainable agriculture and to contribute practical solutions to food security challenges.

As my studies progressed, I gained a deeper appreciation of how modern technologies can be applied to crop improvement. In particular, I became interested in the potential of induced mutation breeding using gamma radiation to improve crop productivity. This interest shaped my PhD research, which focuses on evaluating the effects of gamma radiation on cowpea to improve both yield and nutritional quality. Through this work, I aim to contribute to sustainable agriculture and improved livelihoods, which continue to drive my passion for agricultural research.

UWN:  Can you walk us through the research that earned you the L’Oréal-UNESCO award?

KR: The research is titled, ‘Unlocking cowpea potential: Evaluating enhanced mutant lines for yield and nutritional quality’. My study investigates the agronomic performance and food-related biochemical profiles of cowpea mutant lines developed through an induced mutation breeding programme. The primary objective is to assess their yield performance and food applicability, with the aim of supporting their potential release as improved varieties.

The research involves a comparative analysis of growth and yield parameters between the mutant lines and a locally preferred Tswana cultivar. It will help farmers identify high-yielding lines and inform consumers about their nutritional value, including nutrient bioavailability and digestibility. Overall, the work lays the foundation for developing a high-yielding cowpea cultivar with enhanced nutritional value that is suitable for dryland farming and food security. It also has broader relevance for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

UWN:  What drew you to researching this particular crop?

KR: I was drawn to cowpea research because of its critical role in food security, nutrition and sustainable agriculture, particularly in semi-arid and resource-limited environments. Cowpea is a climate-resilient crop that can thrive under drought conditions and in poor soils, making it well suited to regions vulnerable to climate variability, such as Botswana. Cowpeas are often grown as intercrops with cereals and contribute to long-term environmental improvement through biological nitrogen fixation, which enhances soil fertility and microbial diversity. This process converts atmospheric nitrogen into forms that plants can use, reducing dependence on synthetic fertilisers and supporting sustainable cropping systems.

From a nutritional perspective, cowpea is an affordable source of high-quality protein, micronutrients and dietary fibre, contributing significantly to household nutrition and livelihoods. Despite its importance, cowpea productivity remains constrained by biotic and abiotic stresses and suboptimal agronomic practices, resulting in low yields and limited nutritional outcomes. Bridging the gap between its potential and actual performance is what motivates my research, which aims to improve cowpea productivity, resilience and adoption.

UWN:  In your view, what are the most pressing food security issues that need urgent attention, and what solutions do you propose?

KR: The most pressing food security challenges include the impacts of climate change on agricultural productivity, declining soil fertility, limited access to affordable and nutritious food, and the low resilience of smallholder farming systems. Increasingly frequent droughts, erratic rainfall and rising temperatures are already reducing yields, particularly in semi-arid regions, while land degradation and nutrient depletion continue to threaten long-term sustainability.

Addressing these challenges requires an integrated approach that combines climate-smart agriculture, sustainable soil and water management, and the cultivation of resilient, nutrient-rich crops such as legumes. Research and promotion of drought- and pest-resistant varieties, alongside improved agronomic practices and farmer capacity-building are essential. Together, these measures can enhance productivity, strengthen resilience and support long-term food and nutrition security.

UWN:  How does food security intersect with issues such as education and poverty eradication, and what are the implications for sustainable development?

KR: Food security is closely linked to broader development challenges, particularly education and poverty reduction, with significant implications for sustainable development. Reliable access to nutritious food is essential for health and cognitive development. Food insecurity is often associated with malnutrition, which can undermine learning ability, school attendance and educational outcomes, ultimately limiting human capital development.

At household level, food insecurity and poverty reinforce one another. Many poor households depend on agriculture, yet low productivity and climate-related shocks restrict incomes and food availability. This, in turn, limits investment in education, healthcare and productive assets, perpetuating intergenerational poverty. Improving food security, therefore, supports progress across multiple SDGs, including zero hunger, quality education, poverty eradication and climate action, and requires a coordinated, cross-sectoral approach.

UWN:  What strategies can researchers and policymakers use to translate research into effective policies and practice?

KR: Researchers and policymakers can strengthen impact by creating collaborative platforms that enable early and continuous engagement throughout the research process. Co-designing research agendas helps ensure that studies address policy-relevant questions, while clear communication of findings through policy briefs, stakeholder forums and extension systems supports uptake.

In addition, pilot projects and impact evaluations can help bridge the gap between research and implementation by demonstrating what works in practice and enabling evidence-based scaling of successful interventions.

UWN:  Looking ahead to the next decade, what opportunities and challenges do you foresee, and how can they be addressed?

KR: Over the next decade, opportunities are likely to emerge from advances in agricultural research, digital technologies and climate-resilient innovations. At the same time, major challenges will include climate change, resource constraints and rising food demand.

Addressing these issues will require interdisciplinary collaboration and strong links between researchers, policymakers and farmers. Co-developing and scaling locally appropriate solutions can help improve resilience, productivity and sustainable development outcomes.

UWN:  What advice would you give to emerging agricultural researchers and students?

KR: Emerging researchers should focus on real-world agricultural challenges by conducting problem-oriented research rooted in local contexts. Strong foundations in research design, data analysis and scientific communication are essential, as are interdisciplinary collaboration and engagement with stakeholders.

Practical field experience, adaptability, and an understanding of policy and extension systems are also critical for translating research into meaningful and lasting impact.

Mary Abukutsa was interviewed by Clemence Manyukwe. The interview was first published in the Africa edition of University World News.