12 Dec 2016

Botswana is covered with sandy soil, has a hot climate and such environmental conditions contribute to the country having the largest wild ostrich population in the world.

Government upon realising this nature’s gift established an ostrich farm, the Dibete Ostrich Multiplication Unit (DOMU) in 2006 and started its operation in 2008.

In an interview recently, department of animal production scientific officer, Mr Tapologo Ditshupo, said objective of the farm was to produce ostrich chicks and sell to farmers to establish their own farms.

However, he said the idea was not fully utilised by Batswana as they occassionaly bought birds and eggs for their consumption but the initiative could be a lucrative business investment.

He said another objective of the establishment of the farm was to diversify the economy of the country to shift from the over dependence on diamonds and beef exportation.

“The initiative could help the country as it has proven to be a viable business idea and help to diversify the economy and loosen the claws of overdependence on diamonds and beef revenues,” he said.

He said the farm created permanent jobs for a number of individuals and also the local community benefit from the temporary employment from the farm.

Mr Ditshupo said that DOMU farm was having growers and young adult birds ready to be sold to farmers at a subsidised price and the farm also served as a demonstration farm.

He said they are facing a challenge of having many birds in a farm as farmers do not satisfactorily buy chicks from the farm.

 Mr Ditshupo added that the birds at the farm have been tamed well as DOMU employees have went through a course on ostrich management so they do not pose any threat to people.

He added that ostrich meat has  nutritional benefits as it contains less cholestrol as compared to beef and both eggs and meat contains carbohydrates,minerals and vitamins among other nutritional benefits neccessary for good health.

The seriousness of the government economic diversification  transpired as it managed to secure a deal with the European Union market to export ostrich meat and the agreement still stands, all it needs is for farmers to take the initiative.

Mr Ditshupo further said that establishment of an ostrich farm needs nothing but passion also considering the fact that the climate drastically changes hence new ideas and investments to suit the change.

He said ostriches can withstand harsh weather conditions so it is advisable for Batswana to venture into domestication of ostriches and also to maintain them is not that expensive.

He encouraged Batswana to take advantage of the initiative saying they can start small and expand as time goes on and assured those interested that the Department of Animal Production will be there every step of the way.

Mr Ditshupo highlighted that among other structures they have devised to insure the success of the initiative in training of individuals who have interest in ostrich farming and monitoring once the farm has been established. ENDS