10 May 2013

With the cattle population estimated at 2.5m million and the fact that every Motswana directly or indirectly depends on cattle for their livelihoods, it is almost impossible for a business that supports such an industry to collapse.

Consequently, a Serowe youth, Mr Montwedi Martins did not have second thoughts when he exhausted all his personal savings to start a small business that was destined to help the livestock grow.

Started in November 2012, Trade Farmer sought to address the needs of livestock farmers by providing supplementary feeds, medicine and other equipment that livestock farmers could do without.  "As a farmer and having encountered difficulties in the past to source such products from afar, I had seen it fit to open a business that will bring such services closer to livestock farmers in Serowe and villages in its vicinity," he said.

Mr Martins, however, said even though faced with stiff competition, he remained positive that his business would sustain the challenge as the industry that consumed his products had potential of diversifying the economy.

At 34, Mr Martins said even though his business was thin on the ground in terms of financial support, he was positive that with proper marketing and dedication, the business would persevere and even grow into a recognisable enterprise. In an effort to grow the business, Mr Martins said he had applied for funding through the Youth Development Fund.

"My plan is to open another branch in Letlhakane. The village has potential market for any business that supports livestock industry," he said.

Mr Martins, a 2001 graduate of Tswapong Bokone Brigades with a Certificate in Accounting and Business Studies appealed to the youth to take charge of their future and take advantage of government funding schemes to start businesses. ENDS