03 Dec 2025

Botswana’s Water for Agriculture Strategy is a cornerstone of national agricultural transformation agenda under NDP 12, says Acting Minister of Lands Agriculture, Dr Edwin Dikoloti.

Responding to a parliamentary question recently, Dr Dikoloti said the strategy focused on efficient irrigation systems, sustainable water harvesting technologies, and precision agriculture to optimise resource use and maximise productivity.

The minister told Parliament that the commitment reflected government’s determination to secure food sovereignty, reduce reliance on imports, and build climate-resilient agricultural systems.

“In implementing the strategy, my ministry will over the next four years, drive a comprehensive water development agenda to strengthen livestock production nationwide through the revised Livestock Development Programme. 

“This will include borehole drilling and acquisition, equipping and reticulation, desalination as well as the rehabilitation of boreholes, wells, and dams across agricultural production areas,” said Dr Dikoloti.

The programme, he said, had been budgeted for under NDP 12, to integrate water, infrastructure and other input subsidy components to ensure sustainable farmer support.

Furthermore, Dr Dikoloti said the ministry had forged multi strategic partnerships with international development institutions, such as Green Climate Fund, GIZ, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to advance water development as well as the restoration and sustainable management of Botswana’s rangelands.

He indicated that these collaborations constituted a vital component of broader water development agenda, aimed at strengthening food security and ensuring sustainable livestock production through building climate resilience.

“We are expanding land consolidation in agricultural areas to achieve economies of scale, enabling advanced irrigation systems and coordinated water management,” he said.

Additionally, Dr Dikoloti said the ministry was also promoting subsidy strategies for smart technologies, such as sensors and real-time monitoring systems, to enhance precision irrigation, reduce water loss, and strengthen farm-level water management.

As for funding and implementation, he said it would be anchored on a Public-Private Partnership model, targeting high groundwater potential areas and consolidated land schemes.

This approach, Dr Dikoloti explained, would ensure that investment was mobilised sustainably, infrastructure modernised, and farmers empowered to adopt innovative practices.

Through these deliberate measures, he said Botswana’s Water for Agriculture Strategy would deliver a resilient, efficient and inclusive agricultural sector that secured food security.

Bobirwa MP, Mr Taolo Lucas wanted the minister to appraise the Parliament on the Water for Agriculture Strategy. ENDS