09 Jul 2024

Residents of Makalamabedi and Xheredumo settlement have been urged to take advantage of the newly launched Thuo Letlotlo programme, which targets the livestock sub-sector. 

Maun East MP, Mr Goretetse Kekgonegile, said the programme has potential to revive livestock farming and help farmers to realise returns from their animals.

 “Currently, most farmers have lost interest in pastoral farming because of the impact of continuous extreme droughts experienced in the district and I believe Thuo Letlotlo will motivate you to trace your roots and take back cattle farming to its former glory days,” he said during different kgotla meetings on July 8. 

While he appreciated that the programme was aimed at developing sustainable, inclusive and diversified livestock sub sector, Mr Kekgonegile said residents could benefit more especially in cattle farming, which is the backbone of the region. 

He said traditionally, the Ngamiland community was known for cattle farming and Thuo Letlotlo could help boost their production and improve the beef industry. 

He also encouraged members of the community to tap into Temo Letlotlo programme, that is intended to improve productivity and promote commercialised arable farming but stated that the government has to address the issue of human-wildlife conflict. 

He noted that farmers’ efforts, would be in vain because of the marauding elephants that cause destruction to their crops in the fields. 

However, he appreciated both programmes saying they could benefit the community and attain food security. 

Residents were also urged to take advantage of other government empowerment programmes such as Chema Chema, which offers the informal sector an opportunity to either start businesses or expand existing businesses by offering loans of up to P50 000. 

On other issues, residents were informed that Samedupi-Makalamabedi road would be improved as funding has been secured from the Community Constituency Programme (CCP) to undertake dry grading and spot improvement. 

With regards to rampant stock theft in the area, Mr Kekgonegile said the establishment of a fully-fledged stock theft unit could be a solution to the problem at hand appreciating that the Kgomo-Khumo programme was making strides but needed to be strengthened to arrest the situation. 

He pointed out that stock theft in the area was a threat to the beef industry hence the need to have a department that would solely focus on curbing cattle rustling. 

“The cattle population has declined in the area because of the thieves who terrorise farmers day and night. The primary source of livelihood in our region has always been cattle therefore it is important to protect them at all costs,” he added. 

The residents welcomed the government empowerment schemes but decried that they had abandoned farming because of elephants, which continue to give them sleepless nights. 

They said the elephant population has increased and is intruding in their homesteads because of the drying of water sources and called on the government to consider culling some of the animals. 

The Village Development Committee chairperson, Mr Lebogang Kelebang, said they had long called on the government to cull elephants to reduce their population noting that residents were no longer ploughing nor herding their livestock because of fear of elephants. 

He said some farmers were keeping their livestock in the village and thus resulted in causing conflicts as they destroy people’s property. 

Kgosi Keneilwe Mokgweetsi of Makalamabedi, said stock theft incidents were rising in his jurisdiction and urged the police to intensify their patrols. Ends