Crop theft and vandalism are frustrating government efforts to train farmers and try out new farming technologies at the Ngamiland Rural Training Centre situated in Nxaraga.

According to centre administrator, Mr Moreri Sebolao, this is rampant during winter season as the thieves cut the centre fence to enter the farm and steal produce such as fruits, eggs and vegetables.

He said in an interview that the thieves also stole government diesel.

This week, some oranges were stolen from the farm and later recovered by some residents along the school road.

The Centre is responsible for training farmers in the transfer of technologies and offers training in all aspects of crop production,animal production such as piggery, poultry, bee keeping, marketing of agricultural produce, hides and skin, food-processing, usage of dry and plant cattle feed.

Courses offered at these centre range from one to six weeks.

Mr Sebolao noted that despite the engagement of security guards and patrols, their efforts were being thwarted by the consistent and daring attitude of the thieves.  He suspected the involvement of public servants and the community in conniving with the thieves, something that he said exacerbated the situation and significantly negated their efforts.

He said several cuts of electricity also exacerbate the situation as thieves take advantage adding that every day electricity cuts for three hours. Mr Sebolao said that also poses a danger to the lives of the employees residing at the Centre as there are a lot of dangerous animals such as elephants, snakes in the village. “I wish the electricity cuts could be done during the day because it is dangerous at night,” he added.

Besides, incidents of theft, Mr Sebolao observed that the school is doing well to achieve its mandate as every year they have farmers for training.

To obtain the service at the school, farmers have to contact the agricultural extension officer at an Extension Area or district level and get registered with their local extension officer for the course of their choice and make agreements as to when the training will commence.

The training is offered free.

He urged farmers to take advantage of the facility and reciprocate by improving their productivity and efficiency in food production so Botswana could eventually become self-sufficient in her food requirements.

Mr Sebolao also decried shortage of water in the village noting that the villagers drink from their borehole resulting in shortage of water for horticulture project.

Meanwhile some residents of Nxaraga where the school is situated welcomed the construction of the centre in the village noting that agriculture remained the backbone of the country's economy as it was an import source of food, employment and income generation for rural areas.

They indicated that an opportunity has been made available for them and the surrounding villages to gain some essential skills and venture into sustainable projects to uplift their living standards. Residents pointed out that there are many opportunities in their area due to proximity to the river.

One of the residents said they can group themselves and venture into irrigation farming which he said was economically viable and suitable for the Ngamiland environment. ENDS