19 Aug 2015

Department of Forest and Range Resources coordinator in Ngamiland, Mr Desmond Serero has expressed disappointment regarding the absenteeism of some key stakeholders at a training seminar organised for Hainavelt farms commercial farmers and their herdboys. 

The seminar, which was held at Mosuelele ranch, was meant to equip the participants with basic fire management skills, share ideas and information on how they could ensure sustainable land management and also to plan in advance, since their area is prone to veldt fires.

Mr Serero said in an interview that the five-day training was supposed to be a multi-approach event since commercial farmers were customers to the invited stakeholders. 

Also, he said stakeholders were informed in advance to come and share with the participants the latest developments, their roles and how they could assist the commercial farmers to grow their businesses.

The invited stakeholders included all local authorities, departments of Veterinary, Animal Production, Wildlife and National Parks, Red Cross, Botswana Power Corporation, Okavango Research Institute and Botswana Telecommunication Corporation among others.

“This is a terrible disappointment because the training had been long planned around May and all the invitees were informed on time, but surprisingly no one made an apology,” he added.

Mr Serero revealed that commercial farmers play a significant role in contributing to the growth of the national economy, adding that government has taken a decision to extend basic services such as roads, electricity and telecommunication for easy accessibility.

He said commercial farmers always complain about poor infrastructure in the ranches such as lack of electricity and telecommunication services, and they had high hopes that the relevant authorities would be in a position to answer their challenges.

He said the training was supposed to be a networking session, where the ranch owners and their herd boys would have a platform that keeps their businesses relevant and informed. 

In addition, he said the seminar was meant to incorporate the communities because they had a role in the development of the country.

Meanwhile, Mr Serero informed participants that conservation issues affect all, hence the need for all stakeholders to come forth and play a role. 

He said Hainavelt farms were prone to damage and urged farmers to safeguard some species such as Sexanana which is mostly common in Kgalagadi.

He said if Sexanana could invade their area, it would block the pipes that supply water to their livestock.

Another species, which he warned against was, Tlolela grass, which he said could affect their vegetation in the ranches. Ends