29 Oct 2013

The planned expansion of Orapa Mine is likely to relocate some farmers currently occupying the earmarked area, says an official from Orapa, Letlhakane and Damtshaa Mines, Mr Mbakiso Sebina.

Speaking at the launch of Boteti Beef Farmers Association in Letlhakane on October 28, Mr Sebina said farmers who would be affected by the projected developments would be consulted accordingly as the aim of the expansion was not in any way planned to directly and negatively impact on their traditional way of life.

He also highlighted that the process of diamond mining involved the use of water and that Debswana was also working on the expansion of their well-field which would also affect some of the farmers in the vicinity of Orapa.

Having formed an association, Mr Sebina said farmers had identified what would act as their mouth piece and help address their issues amicably as working as individual would always be costly. He said as Debswana, they supported such a development as it would help coordinate livestock production and grow the meat industry.

He said associations generally encounter challenges emanating from poor management and lack of involvement from individual members. Mr Sebina said some members would never be active and only surface when aggrieved personally.

“As individual members, you must fully understand the constitution of the association including policy and procedures.” Mr Sebina advised the association to be active and organise activities such as market days that would help sell the association and raise funds. He added that they must come up with solutions to problems hampering growth of the beef industry.

“Always engage farmers through workshops and other forums that will help grow the sector,’ he said. Furthermore, he said employees at cattle posts and ranches must also be involved as they require some form of education as caretakers of livestock.

Mr Sebina said Debswana fully appreciated the birth of such an association and as such donated P10 000 to help in their growth adding that they must also approach the company in future for possible partnerships in developing projects that would benefit the livestock industry.

The chairperson of the association, Mr Daniel Ngubo said even though farmers were fully consulted prior to the day of the launch it was unfortunate as the turn up was disappointing.

However, Mr Ngubo remains optimistic that the association would help address challenges of beef producers mainly the market. He said through team work and commitment from individual members, the association would be successful. ENDS