11 Dec 2025

The Government is steadfast in creating inclusive agricultural systems that ensure equal access to opportunities and resources for all citizens, particularly women and young people. 

This commitment was highlighted during the official opening of the 6th Steering Committee meeting for the Improving Agricultural Resilience to Salinity through Development and Promotion of Pro-Poor Technologies (RESADE) at the Gaborone International Convention Centre (GICC) on Tuesday.

Acting Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Dr Edwin Dikoloti, emphasised that President Advocate Duma Boko had unequivocally stated the need for modernisation in the agricultural sector to ensure the nation produced sufficient food. “Our agricultural vision aims to foster a climate-resilient, technology-driven and inclusive agricultural sector that empowers our farmers and secures our nation’s food future,” Dr Dikoloti said.

He expressed gratitude to development partners, including the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), for the support and investments that bolster Botswana’s commitment to a sustainable agricultural economy. 

The primary objective of the RESADE initiative is to enhance food security and alleviate poverty among smallholder farmers, with a focus on women and youth. Dr Dikoloti highlighted that the project, implemented by the National Agricultural Research and Development Institute (NARDI) in collaboration with the International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), leverages science, innovation, and community collaboration to achieve its goals.

The RESADE initiative aligns with the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP), which emphasises productive agriculture, value chains and rural industrialisation. Dr Dikoloti said collaboration between RESADE teams and NARDI was vital for enhancing Botswana’s competitiveness and positioning the nation as a leader in climate-smart agriculture.

He reaffirmed government’s commitment to skill development, technological advancement, innovation, and research aimed at increasing productivity and fostering sustainable livelihoods.

Dr Viviane Filippe, a representative of IFAD, discussed key interventions of the RESADE project in Botswana and other participating countries, highlighting efforts to manage and adapt to salinity. 

“The project aims to improve food security, agricultural productivity, and the incomes of smallholder farmers affected by salinity,” she stated, adding that the introduction of salt-tolerant crops and improved water management practices is part of IFAD’s broader strategy to enhance climate resilience. ENDS