05 Jun 2025

Once hailed as the breadbasket of Kweneng District, Mmamoagi farming community is taking bold steps toward reclaiming its former glory.

On Tuesday, Kweneng District crop production office, hosted a field day at Mmamoagi lands in the Kotolaname extension area to highlight successful farming practices amidst climate change challenges.

Themed: Empowering Small-Scale Farmers on Sustainable Crop Production in the Midst of Climate Change, the event brought together farmers, agricultural officers and stakeholders to share knowledge and experiences, while also celebrating local success stories.

The event focused on three farms belonging to Baikakedi family, whose young children are determined farmers who defied odds to achieve commendable yields this ploughing season. 

Each sibling cultivated approximately 12 hectares of land loaned by their parents, displaying resilience and innovation in a season marred by unpredictable and irregular weather patterns.

Speaking at the event, Ms Bokina Gontse, chairperson of the Farmers’ Committee said one of the primary goals was to revive the spirit of farming in the area. 

“We have observed a steady decline in the number of small-scale farmers, mainly due to unpredictable rainfall patterns and the aging population of active farmers. But today is about celebrating those who are still committed and have succeeded this season,” she said.

Among the host farmers was 24-year-old Bradley Baikakedi, who cultivated four hectares of maize (506 variety) and one hectare of black-eyed beans. 

His sister, Ms Gorata Baikakedi, planted three hectares of green maize, lablab, and sunflower, earning approximately P35 000 from supplying green maize mealies to local primary schools.

Their elder sister, Ms Malebogo Kwalizani, also shared her achievements. 

She planted maize, sweet reed, millet, and sorghum.

From her sweet reed harvest alone, she earned P15 000 and was yet to harvest her promising millet and sorghum fields.

While pests were not a major concern this season to them, the Baikakedi family noted that excessive rainfall contributed to a surge in weeds, an issue they hope to manage more effectively in the future.

Following the farm visits, technical officer Mr Thutoetsile Thutoetsile conducted a session on plant health, covering pathogen control, integrated pest management, proper fertilizer use and the importance of soil testing.

Mr Topoyame Ebineng from Botswana Agricultural Marketing Board (BAMB) assured farmers of continued support. 

“We are not just buyers. We are committing to walking with you throughout the entire farming process,” he said. 

“We will soon offer training on weed management and agrochemical use from soil preparation through to crop maturity,” he said.

Ms Nomalanga Silawe, crop production technical officer for the Kotolaname area, said only 600 small-scale farmers managed to plant this season, collectively working 635 hectares. 

She attributed the low turnout and poor legume yields to excessive rainfall.

Several farmers appealed to older generations to lend out their land to younger family members to revitalise production. Their plea was echoed by Lesilakgokong–Kotolaname Councillor, Mr Benson Rauwe.

“We must return to our indigenous foods. They are healthier, cost-effective, and culturally significant,” he said. “Farming remains the backbone of any economy, and we must encourage youth participation to ensure food security,” he added. ENDS