19 Oct 2016

Joshua Sentime has never looked back since he started his poultry project in Lehututu.
He ventured into poultry production last year to put food on the table.
His decision to venture into poultry production was influenced by the fact that agriculture is doing well in Kgalagadi and it can be a stepping ladder for other opportunities. Unlike other youth who run to department of youth for funding he started his business from his own savings to avoid repaying the loan.
His business which is located in Lehututu is not only enjoying the customers from residents of Lehututu, it has won a tender to supply Matsheng Brigade with chickens.
He is still hopeful that he will win other tenders in future because the market for chickens is still not saturated in Kgalagadi North.
“I started my business with only P7000 and I used that capital to purchase poultry equipment and first stock of day old chicks” he says.
He said the demand for chickens in Lehututu is high and per day he can sell 200 chickens but still not meeting the demand. He credit his customers for their loyalty because it boosts his sales and he is now planning to expand his business.
Mr Setima said he works alone but sometimes the business is demanding and employs temporary assistants when the need arises.He commends his business for changing his life, as he can put food on the table. Like any entrepreneur, he wishes to see his business grow and that could be possible once in possession of all the necessary amenities such as electricity connection and transport.
The 25 year-old farmer graduated from New Era College with Diploma in Electrical and Electronics Engineering in 2013 but rather opted for agriculture as he believed it has great and easy returns in rural areas where agrarian economy dominates.
Another challenge that he faces is long distance to the suppliers of day old chicks which is only in Gaborone. He adds that it cost him high transportation fee since Gaborone is far from Lehututu.
As a word of encouragement to other youth in Botswana, he says they should not give up because there are many opportunities to make a living from. He says they should shelve their academic certificates and search for opportunities which can change their lives for better since the labour market is saturated.ENDS