05 May 2014

Ngamiland district agricultural show will take place this year after 20 years of absence thanks to a private entity alled Rachet Scapes, an event management company.

The four-day event, dubbed Ngamiland International Trade and Agricultural Expo, will run from July 30, 2014 to August 02, 2014 at Matshwane Show ground.

The expo would be hosted under the theme “Ngamiland for and beyond a wildlife based economy - exploring new avenues.

Currently preparations are at an advanced stage and stalls are on sale for people who want to showcase their products.

In an interview, the coordinator of the event, Mr Boyce Sekgoma explained that they decided to revive the agricultural show in the district which has been dormant for more than 20 years now.

Mr Sekgoma said the area was rich in natural resources, cultural activities and tourism activity.

“We intend to create a world class annual event for the Ngamiland community and we believe that the expo will grow in leaps and bounds in years to come,” he added

He indicated that they had approached the district leaders and different stakeholders and all had fully supported the prospects of the event.  He said they were working hand in hand with the department of agriculture in preparations, adding that the event would promote economic diversification, benefit tourism operators and even the entire community as they would have a platform to share ideas, information, and knowledge on issues of concern.

The even manager appreciated that traditionally the communities in Ngamiland district depended largely on the livestock industry as a livelihood and noted that they would have a chance to see other farming or agricultural opportunities.

Different companies, government departments, private and non-governmental organisations would be invited to sell their services and products to the public. Mr Sekgoma outlined some of the objectives of the events such as branding and marketing the tourism destination as a package to the national, regional and international markets to foster economic development.

He also said the event would promote food security in the district through the promotion of the agricultural sector.

Different activities are lined up during the four days which include a horse race, music festival, football tournament and an auction activity.

The coordinator also pointed out that mini-events around the district would be conducted to help build interest and attention for the event.

The chairperson of Hainaveld Farmers Association, Mr Philip Wright said they used to hold agricultural shows but the project collapsed as the show ground used paved way for the development of the sports complex and the fire station. 

He said they had been struggling to secure a plot for some years and later were allocated four to choose from.  He said the Matshwane show ground was an ideal plot and was included in the Maun Development Plan.

He said to revive the event was a good idea and urged the community at large to play their part as they would benefit.

“The event would give us an opportunity to improve the agricultural sector as some of us who are breeding for business will be able to sell our bulls,” he added. ENDS