19 Feb 2026

 A small backyard garden in Gapanyane Ward in Kang has grown into a dependable source of income for 52-year-old Ms Keloetetse Bothang, whose determination and passion for plants have helped her rebuild her life after years of ill health and financial hardship.

What began in 2022 as a modest project to produce vegetables for home consumption has since evolved into a thriving horticultural enterprise supplying the local community and contributing to the school feeding programme.

The rapid growth of the project has outstripped the capacity of her residential yard, prompting plans to relocate to a larger space to meet the rising demand for fresh produce.

For Ms Bothang, backyard farming was born out of necessity but sustained by her deep love for nature.

“I started with only a few beds of spinach, green pepper, onions and beetroot to feed my family. I had no capital, so I used the little money from my first sales to buy more seeds and gradually expanded,” she narrates to BOPA in an interview.

Her turning point came at a time when she was struggling to make ends meet due to a prolonged illness that forced her to close her sewing business, which had been supported through the former Kgalagadi District Council’s poverty eradication initiative.

An eye condition later made it impossible for her to continue with the business, leaving her without a stable source of income.

After years of hardship, she turned to gardening, something she had always loved, as a way of rebuilding her life and providing for her children.

“As production increased, neighbours began buying from me and the demand kept growing,” she said.

Ms Bothang noted that, people are now more conscious about their health and wellness and many have reduced their consumption of meat, which has created a ready market for fresh vegetables,” she explained.

She added that restrictions on the slaughter of cloven-hoofed animals following the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease further boosted demand for her produce.

Currently, Ms Bothang supplies about 90 bundles of vegetables to Mahutsane Primary School once a month under the school feeding programme. She hopes to increase production and eventually supply Kang Primary School with at least 155 bundles per month.

“My plan is to expand production and reach more markets. Backyard farming has great potential and can change lives if taken seriously,” she said.

She noted that, the income from the garden has significantly improved her family’s welfare, adding that, she is now able to pay her water bills, buy groceries, contribute to church activities and meet transport costs for her regular hospital visits, expenses which she previously struggled to afford.

“I am thankful that I am now able to stand on my own and support my family again. This garden has given me a second chance in life,” she said.

Her efforts have also attracted support from development partners. In recognition of her contribution to household food security and community nutrition, the Botswana Red Cross Society recently donated a JoJo water tank, treated poles and shade net, which have greatly enhanced her production capacity.

Despite the progress, Ms Bothang admitted that the journey had not been without challenges and that she once considered giving up.

“It has never been easy, but passion kept me going. Support from the community and non-governmental organisations also gave me the strength to continue,” she said.

She encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to venture into projects they are passionate about rather than following trends, emphasising that dedication and perseverance were key to success.

“It is important to do what you love because passion will help you overcome difficulties. Every business has its challenges,” she advised.

Ms Bothang also highlighted the growing role of small-scale horticulture in improving rural livelihoods, strengthening household food security and creating sustainable income-generating opportunities, particularly for women.

She expressed concern that fewer people in her village were maintaining backyard gardens and called on community members to make use of available space to grow their own food and sustain their families.

As she looks to the future, she hopes to secure a larger piece of land where she can scale up production, supply more institutions and create employment for others in her community.

“This project has restored my dignity and given me hope for the future. I am grateful that I have found a way to stand on my own again,” she said with a smile. ENDS