06 Aug 2025

 In a bid to improve the agricultural sector, government must prioritise provision of water infrastructure to support livestock production, says Semboyo/ Tsau/ Makakung Farmers Association chairperson, Mr Elliot Moenga.

He made the remarks when submitting views during a stakeholder meeting on Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP) aimed at accelerating efforts of the country’s transition toward a more inclusive diversified and sustainable economy. Many farmers in North West District, he said, lost cattle due to inconsistent rainfall and extreme droughts, which drove people who had long been productive into poverty. Therefore, he said provision of water could motivate farmers to resuscitate the livestock industry. 

Mr Moenga also noted that provision of water could help improve livestock watering and overall farm management citing that some farmers were willing to relocate to fertile land, as some mainly relied on rearing of livestock and losing their animals was a setback.

He said improved livestock production would boost local economy by providing better profits and employment opportunities for locals.  Furthermore, he highlighted that the country’s land system needed major reform to address issues on the ground such as unequal access.

Another stakeholder, Mr Onkatametse Meti said existing land polices were a hindrance for many to venture into income generating projects. Some people, he said were eager to start enterprises, but access to operational land was a significant challenge and called on government to change such policies as they would drive away potential investors.

“Currently, the process of change of land use is a challenge and yet land is key in business or any development as such I call on the government to develop policies that consider the needs of various stakeholders,” he added.

Other participants shared Mr Meti’s sentiments saying the change of some policies could contribute to improving the economy.  They said that people or businesses with access to land ownership, may venture into sustainable projects that may increase productivity and boost economic growth. Chief physical planner, Mr Allen Monnaamasole said government called on all to bring forth ideas under BETP that could unlock economic opportunities and would support inclusive and sustainable development.

 “The government wants us to change the way we have been doing things hence it is seeking the public to bring new ideas, fresh thinking in all the sectors of the economy so that they can be adopted to shape the future of the country,” he added.

He further said BETP was a time bound, execution focused national reform agenda designed to be delivered within 12 weeks and to embed a new culture of fast, fearless and delivery. ENDS