18 Aug 2024

Government continues to champion agriculture as a sector that can uplift livelihoods, create sustainable employment and alleviate poverty.

In line with this vision, government has introduced various agricultural schemes and opportunities aimed at encouraging Batswana to engage in agribusiness.

The strategic focus on agriculture is increasingly resonating with the youth, many of whom are beginning to recognise the sector’s potential as a source of job creation and economic empowerment.

Instead of pursuing the scarce white-collar jobs, the young entrepreneurs are tapping into abundant opportunities within the agricultural industry.

One such entrepreneur is 39-year-old Kemo Begani from Shakawe, who has carved a niche in horticulture and agro-processing.

Driven by a desire to combat unemployment and enhance food security, Ms Begani views agriculture as a sector brimming with untapped potential for Botswana’s unemployed youth.

She recognises government’s efforts to make the farming industry more dynamic and attractive by promoting the use of modern technologies, climate-smart practices and sustainable farming methods.

She calls upon her peers to capitalise on government schemes to establish their agricultural enterprises and achieve self-employment.

Ms Begani also highlights the impact of the recent import ban on certain horticultural products, noting that the policy had spurred a surge in commercial farming activities, particularly among young people.

She commends government for its proactive efforts in building resilience in food supply chains and fostering a reliable domestic production system, which is key to improving food security and self-sufficiency.

However, Ms Begani believes that success in today’s agribusiness landscape requires a shift in mindset among the youth.

She notes that many young people are still entrenched in the traditional pursuit of white-collar jobs instead of embracing the entrepreneurial spirit, risk-taking and innovation that agriculture demands.

Reflecting on her journey into farming, Ms Begani admits that the decision to leave her full-time job as a senior administrator at Botho University in Francistown was not easy.

However, she was inspired by her husband’s passion for farming and his belief in its profitability and sustainability. Together, they relocated to Shakawe in 2020 to fully immerse themselves in horticulture and agro-processing.

“I chose to leave a job that I loved dearly because I believe in taking risks and being open to new ideas and opportunities. Our moving to Shakawe was not just a transition, but a heartfelt transformation that I continue to pursue with great determination,” she emphasisess.

Initially, Ms Begani leased a one-hectare plot in Shakawe, but in January 2024, she relocated to Kauxwi, where she secured more than two hectares of land.

She expresses appreciation for the proximity of her new plot to the Okavango River, which provides a reliable water source for her crops.

As the director of Spring Blossom Company, Ms Begani specialises in cultivating tomatoes, green pepper and cabbage, supplying major retailers such as Sefalana, Fours and Choppies in Shakawe, Gumare, Maun and Ghanzi.

Although her business is currently self-funded, she plans to approach financial institutions such as the Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA) to secure funding for expansion.

Looking ahead, Ms Begani has already invested in an eight-hectare plot in Xhaoga along the Shakawe-Gumare road.

She acknowledges the challenge of the plot’s distance from the river, but is determined to overcome it.

“Once I secure funding, I intend to drill a borehole on my new plot. I also plan to diversify by adding poultry production and planting watermelons next year,” she states.

Ms Begani’s venture has already created employment for four young people and during peak seasons such as weeding and harvesting, she engages more than 15 casual labourers.

While she acknowledges that farming is labour-intensive, she credits her success to networking with other women in the industry and her involvement with organisations such as the Botswana Horticulture Council, African Farmers Women Alliance and Botswana Farmers Association.

Her dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed. Ms Begani was selected as one of the four young women to benefit from the Greening Women Enterprises project, funded by a grant from the United States.

The initiative, implemented by the Botswana Climate Change Network (BCCN), supports women entrepreneurs in adopting green technologies and services to enhance their businesses and reduce their carbon footprint.

Ms Begani expresses her gratitude for the renewable energy equipment she received through the project, noting that its significant impact on reducing environmental emissions.

She has also opened her farm to schoolchildren and aspiring entrepreneurs, providing demonstrations on the benefits of solar energy products.

Ms Begani urges the youth to embrace agribusiness, highlighting the vast opportunities it presents for economic growth and self-reliance.

As she continues to expand her enterprise, she remains a shining example of how determination, innovation and a shift in mindset can unlock the potential of Botswana’s agricultural sector. Ends