26 May 2014

Ms Keneilwe Mpugwa (25) from Tutume is one of the fortunate Batswana to have been selected to benefit from the poverty eradication programme. 


In 2012, she got assistance from Lesoma’s social worker and the department of forestry and range resources to pursue her passion for plant life.

She was granted the chance to carry out a backyard nursery. Although her application was immediately accepted, her progress was delayed due to lack of land. She stated that her new venture was not popular and highlighted that she was one of only two people who opted to pursue backyard nursery.


Whilst waiting to acquire a piece of land, she explained that the department of forestry and range resources enrolled her in a short course at the Francistown Rural Training Centre. She completed the course and acquired a certificate in Nursery Establishment, Tree Growing and Care.


Ms Mpungwa said the knowledge and skill she possesed ranged from soil suitability to tree pricing that boosted her confidence in working with trees.

She explains that the qualification will also likely open doors especially in the hotel and campsite industry and allow her to take care of herself and her family.

“I have spoken to a few lodges, some such as Tilodo in Lesoma, have shown great interest in purchasing a few trees when everything is up and running,” boasts Mpugwa.


Ms Mpugwa was recently allocated a piece of land in the heart of the village exclusively for the nursery. “Seeing my plans come to life is unbelievable, I can anticipate success,” says an excited Mpugwa.  A few poles have been erected where the nursery will be located, and she is expecting mother plants to be supplied very soon.


Her biggest concern is that with a variety of trees that will be in her nursery, she may have trouble with elephants that roam in and out of the village.

She mentions that she is yet to visit the Department of Wildlife and National Parks in Kasane to utilise their Chilly Pepper Program as a preventative measure.

She adds that she has approached a few individuals to help her set up a suitable fence around her nursery.
 She believes that with hard work, she will succeed and banish poverty from her life. ENDS