30 Mar 2017

Despite unemployment challenges that have shuttered most youth’s dreams in Botswana, a 25 year old farmer of Kumakwane  did not want to be part of the statistics as he dwelled on his passion of becoming a farmer and making it a dream come true.
In an interview with BOPA, Mr Mosupi said he started his commercial farming business in 2012 with only four cows and two ducks.
“My father was a successful farmer in Kopong, back in the days and we used to help him feed the cattle. I believe my passion for farming developed from there,” he said.
Mr Mosupi explained that his father’s skills helped him realise his dream, adding that he even taught him how to hunt and rear livestock for productivity.
“Life becomes more interesting when one follows their dreams and it gets even better when one commits himself in his business,” he said.
 He noted that he associated with other farmers to benchmark, emphasising that it is important as they exchange ideas to improve their businesses.
The self-driven farmer highlighted that some people are not academically gifted, therefore they can use farming as a way to overcome life challenges and earn a living.
Mr Mosupi said so far he has employed one young man to assist him with daily duties at the farm, which includes feeding, bathing the ducks, cleaning kraals as well as checking the wellbeing of the livestock.
Despite his growth, Mr Mosupi explained that his business is experiencing some challenges citing  the main challenge as baboons which are terrorising and eating his livestock at an alarming rate.
Another challenge he is facing is lack of electricity at his farm which delays his interest in expanding his business.  He said the connection charges are high and he could not afford them.
 “My business has helped me to be self-reliant and I am happy that I do not depend on government for my daily bread,” he said.
Mosupi advised other youths to exercise patience in order to achieve their dreams.
He explained that vigilance, commitment, patience and perseverance kept him going to realise his dream of becoming a farmer. ENDS