23 Oct 2024

There are approximately 37 000 people in Botswana experiencing food and nutrition insecurity, primarily due to prolonged drought conditions. 

This was revealed by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) representative, Ms Carla Mucavi during the 2024 World Food Day Commemoration, themed: The right to food for a better life and a better future, in Gaborone on Tuesday. Ms Mucavi said this year’s global theme was timely, as the current global dynamics continue to disrupt and negatively affect agri-food systems. 

She, therefore, said FAO remained resolute in its commitment to support government’s fight against food and nutrition insecurity and land degradation, all of which posed challenges in government’s efforts in alleviating hunger. 

In Botswana, she said, food and nutrition insecurity remained a pressing issue, as per the 2024 Botswana Vulnerability Assessment Report, which highlighted critical areas of concern regarding food insecurity and the drought impact across the country. 

“The report also highlights critical conditions in regions, such as Ngamiland and Kweneng East where livestock are severely affected by reduced water availability and the spread of diseases. Rural communities, in these regions, experience higher levels of food insecurities, compared to urban areas,” she said. 

She said this, underscored the need for enhanced interventions to address drought to reduce food and nutrition insecurity, as well as food shortages. 

To mitigate the challenges and ensure food security for all different communities, the FAO representative called upon all the stakeholders to work together collectively and collaborate in implementing sustainable solutions. 

With only five years left to achieve the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG0) number two under Agenda 2030, both globally and here in Botswana, we find ourselves fairly short, which clearly shows that there is still much to do in our efforts to free the world from hunger and malnutrition, she said.

She said it was in this context that the report stressed the need for increased financing and improved innovative solutions, like finance and concessional laws to close the farming gaps and build resilience against challenges such as climate change and economic instability. 

She, therefore, commended government’s efforts, over the years, and its continued commitment in developing the agriculture sector through the introduction of various programmes, such as Temo Letlotlo and Thuo Letlotlo, encouraging all stakeholders to ensure their sustainability and impact in achieving food security. 

Ms Mucavi said when fully explored, the agriculture sector offered a great opportunity to diversify the economy and create job opportunities, particularly for the youth. 

She further noted that by integrating technologies and innovation, the youth could play a critical  role in increasing the agricultural production and harness opportunities in the entire value chain,that agriculture could offer. 

Ms Mucavi called upon all stakeholders to actively contribute to building an inclusive environment that enabled youth participation in the agriculture sector. ENDs