08 Oct 2018

Ngamiland community has been urged to support Nhabe Agricultural Management Association (NAMA) towards the construction of a multi-species community abattoir in Sehithwa.

The association has embarked on a campaign dubbed ‘Motho le Motho Kgomo,’ where the farmers and the community pledge livestock to raise seed funding for the project.

In addition, the association also organised a fund-raising dinner.

Speaking during the dinner, Assistant Minister of Basic Education, Mr Thato Kwerepe pleaded with residents to continue making donations to ensure the visionary undertaking was realised, noting that, “If all of us contribute the little we have, it shall surely become something noticeable”.

He said rearing of cattle was the economic backbone of the district and urged the farmers to come forth for the success of the project.

The abattoir, he said would fulfill the aspirations of Ngamiland farmers, especially those who did not take their cattle to other existing abattoirs.

“I am particularly thrilled by the aspect of multi-species abattoir, which means that small stock that is owned largely by lower income families and female-headed households, will ultimately find a market,” he added.
Mr Kwerepe, who is also the MP for Ngami pledged a cow and revealed that the overall positive impacts of the community abattoir should go far beyond employment creation, but should build a bedrock of economic activity that leaves no one behind.
He said livestock rearing had been part of Ngamiland people and served as the main economic activity.
As such, the assistant minister pointed out that skills associated with livestock production have been abundant over several generations within the district, hence it was understandable to promote the culturally engraved skills, which had been spread foundation.
Mr Kwerepe also appreciated efforts by NAMA for coming up with the project.
The association established a partnership with UNDP and Ngamiland Sustainable Land Management (SLM) Project which extended support in making the association to realise its dream.

UNDP through SLM project had fully sponsored the feasibility study of the abattoir and also organised some bench marking trips for some members of the association.

Mr Kwerepe commended UNDP for coming up with smart and strategic partnerships that contributed towards Botswana realising the global sustainable development goals citing that there was another partnership between the Ngamiland SLM Project and the Lake Ngami Conservation Trust.

He said government and UNDP go a long way adding that their strategic partnership that has resulted in mobilization of substantial resources and pooling of technical expertise for sustainable development.

UNDP and the government partnership has, among others, generated nine Global Environmental Finance (GE)F funded projects over the years totaling over P300 million.

The project, he said, supported and contributed to the National Development Plans as well as the National Vision 2036.

The SLM coordinator, Mr Innocent Magole said NAMA’s dream would be achieved,  saying the bench-marking trips locally and internationally has confirmed that the association could successfully operate the abattoir.

In addition, he observed that livestock was a serious industry, which could be an economic driver just like tourism industry.

He said if cattle were managed well, the industry could bring a lot of benefits to the community, adding that ‘this district is well placed to change the economic landscape and uplift farmers’ livelihoods’.

The chairperson of the association, Mr John Benn pleaded with the community members to change their mindset, do something of their own and reduce dependency syndrome on government.

He said the community had a lot, hence there was  no reason to look up to the government, adding that it was time to benefit from their cattle. Ends