05 May 2024

Batswana have been advised to adapt to changing climate conditions in order to maximise resource utilisation to guarantee food security.

The words of encouragement were given by Selebi Phikwe Economic Diversification Unit (SPEDU) Chief Executive Officer, Ms Lesedi Kgotlele during the fourth commemoration of Mmabothubela Farmers Day at Gouse Farm, near Maunatlala on Saturday.

She said it was important for farmers to embrace smart farming methods given the rate at which climate change was taking place, adding that agriculture was becoming more and more significant as it provided creative ways to adopt and lessen the effects of climate change.

While selecting agricultural technologies, she said consideration must be given to unique agro-ecological characteristics of the country having semi-arid to dry temperatures, scarce water resources and diverse soil types.

Ms Kgotlele said smart technologies which farmers could easily adopt and use to sustain crops in the emerging climatic conditions could include drip irrigation system.

Given the scarcity of water in many parts of Botswana, drip irrigation can be highly efficient in delivering water directly to plant roots because the technology helps conserve water and is particularly effective for crops like vegetables and fruits, said Ms Kgotlele.

She said Botswana experienced seasonal rainfall therefore, rainwater harvesting system should be used to collect and store rainwater for agricultural use during dry period hence spoke of the need to promote and plant drought resistant crop varieties as they were tolerant to higher temperatures and also used less water.

Given Botswana’s abundant sunlight, Ms Kgotlele said solar power technologies should be adopted for irrigation systems and livestock watering.

She said it was important to deploy methods as contour ploughing and terracing, to preserve soil moisture, lesson soil erosion and also construct dams to preserve water.

Communities engaged in agriculture in Botswana can also gain a great deal by networking among themselves, for cooperation and information exchange, Ms Kgotlele said.

She also encouraged farmers to form savings and credit groups or cooperatives where they could collectively save, borrow and invest in joint ventures and make use of digital financial tools and mobile banking solutions which could help them manage finances more efficiently and access financial services remotely.

Mmabothubela Farmers Day chairperson, Mr Gosego Letsatsi said seasons were changing so farmers needed to come up with coping mechanisms.

He also encouraged them to take advantage of farmers day events, network with other farmers and exchange ideas.

Member of Parliament for Lerala/Maunatlala constituency, Mr Setlhabelo Modukanele commended organisers of Mmabothubela Farmers Day for their efforts.

He said government introduced agricultural programmes and Batswana should respond to them in large numbers to advance their lives. ENDS