26 Jun 2021

The implementation of community-based natural resources management and community conservancy approach in Ngamiland should work towards addressing challenges of diminished natural resources, livestock and regional beef production.

The Minister of Agricultural Development and Food Security, Mr Karabo Gare, said this at a recent launch of  sustainable wildlife management community conservancy project in Habu.

The minister, therefore, urged the community to work towards a model that would improve agriculture and range management to garner greater returns.

“I also urge Habu farmers to support this project as it contributes to the regional efforts to foster co-existence between people and wildlife within the KAZA region,” he said.

Mr Gare further noted that the sustainable wildlife management approach could reconcile issues of food security, community wellbeing and biodiversity conservation.

This project, he said, would take one step further to support community-led efforts to integrate wildlife, livestock and rangeland management.

He also urged the Okavango Sub-district to continue supporting the endeavours of the Habu community because livestock and wildlife had potential to improve livelihoods.

Mr Gare highlighted that the overall objective of the sustainable wildlife management project was to reconcile the challenges of wildlife conservation with those of food security in a set of key socio-ecosystems.

The project, he said, reflected more on Food and Agriculture Organisation’s mandate and its commitment towards food security.

“Through this project, the Habu community will contribute to developing sustainable and planned grazing, consistent with wildlife co-existence and wildlife tourism enterprises that will provide additional jobs for income generation. It will further ensure that wild meat consumed is sourced from sustainable and legal sources,” he said.

He therefore commended all project partners and donors for the project, a first of its kind in Botswana and being piloted in Habu. ends