14 Feb 2024

The envisaged Climate Smart Agro-Forestry Project on sustainable usage and conservation of Mokolwane Tree will soon commence and benefit communities, Shorobe Basketry Multipurpose Cooperative Society chairperson, Ms Boipuso Nyoke, has said.

The cooperative secured over P1 million from the National Environment Fund (NEF) last year to undertake the project primarily aimed to ensure sustainable conservation of Mokolwane tree which is a source of survival for the community but the project had delayed to take shape.

Ms Nyoke confirmed in an interview that they experienced delay because their bank account was inactive resulting in the delay to receive funding from NEF.

However, she said they had been doing all in their power to open a new account and hoped the money would be deposited so that they start implementation of the project. “By now we could have de-bushed the area and fenced it but our hands are tied because we could not access funding and I am hopeful that since we managed to fix the hiccup, NEF will now deposit the money so that we start the project,” she added.

The funding is expected to be injected in activities such as fencing of the 2.7 hectare land, installation of solar electric fence, establishment of a nursery and a garden, shelter for weaving, digging and equipping of a borehole for irrigation system, construction of a warehouse, cold room among others.

Ms Nyoke said the project would not only benefit the cooperative members but would also improve the livelihood of communities. Mokolwane tree is one of the protected species in the country. Ms Nyoke appreciated that the project was very important as it would protect the environment.

However, perfectly situated along the road to the prestigious Okavango Delta, the cooperative displays quality products made from natural resources found in the area and sell to tourists in transit to appreciate the delta and Moremi Game Reserve. Through the project, members wanted to explore other ways to diversify products offered.

Ms Nyoke revealed that the basket business was currently low because numbers of tourists visiting the delta has declined because of the low peak season adding that currently, they were offering basket weaving classes and thanked Impact Fund Company for the support. ENDS