30 Aug 2015

Since the government introduced the Poverty Eradication Programme, many Batswana have embraced the opportunities it provides with the quest to improve their lives.

Even though some of the projects did not become successful, determination has pushed Ms Keemetse Kedisitse to turn hers into a success. Her experience with crops started at her home village of Topisi where she used to plough crops such as sweet reed, watermelon and beans from her small garden.

Her garden attracted a lot of people’s attention who encouraged her to apply for assistance under the Poverty Eradication Programme. After moving to Jwaneng she heeded the advises and started her business beginning of last year after she was given assistance by the government to startup a proper backyard garden.

Armed with a net, spade and wheelbarrow, Ms Kedisitse was ready to turn her passion into a profit making business..However, she decided to choose a different path from her competitors who plough common vegetables such as Spinach and Cabbage, so she ended up venturing into the production of Lettuce and herbs such as Parsley.

She says her market includes mainly lodges and individuals who are interested in buying her produce. She admits that supplying big supermarkets and chain stores has proved difficult since they have their own suppliers. Nonetheless, this did not deter her from increasing her market share as she continued to look for more clients.

High water bills, she says, have been her main challenge as she uses a lot of water in the garden.   She says this setback has motivated her to construct her own catchment tank to water the garden and consequently reduce water bills.

She also cites pests such as aphids as some of the challenges she encounters with her project. Despite all these, Ms Kedisitse has vowed to never give up because she has noted a great improvement in her life since she started the backyard garden.

She says even though a garden can be difficult to maintain and turn it into a profitable enterprise, it has uplifted her livelihood as she is now able to put bread on the table and can afford many things.

For it to be successful, she says, it needs a hardworking person with determination and perseverance. She therefore remains optimistic that in the long run her business will continue to enhance her financial standing.

She encourages other Batswana to utilise government initiatives to improve their lives as intended. ENDS