24 Feb 2026

Community engagement has become a vital strategy in addressing the recent Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak. 

The Serule West Farmers Association has taken the lead in rallying local farmers to protect their livestock by undertaking maintenance of the disease control fence along the Sese and Thalamabele veterinary gates. 

At a time when disease outbreaks threaten both rural incomes and the national economy, the association’s coordinated response demonstrates how collective action can help prevent the spread of animal diseases, particularly in resource-constrained environments.

Farmers have volunteered labour, tools and transport to repair and maintain the disease-control fence stretching from the Sese veterinary gate to the Thalamabele gate near Masenyane cattle post.

The maintenance work, divided among four teams, covers about 160 kilometres and is expected to significantly strengthen disease containment.

Speaking during the maintenance exercise, the association’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Thapelo Olopeng stressed that community participation was essential during national crises.

“Community engagement in serious challenges like the FMD outbreak in a country such as Botswana, facing financial constraints and limited overtime resources, is very crucial,” he said.

He noted that members also contributed P50 each to provide meals during the two-day operation, illustrating the revival of self-reliance within the farming community.

Mr Olopeng said the association also intended  to approach donors to assist in purchasing a patrol vehicle that would help monitor the fence daily and address challenges posed by wildlife, particularly elephants, which often damage the barrier.

He explained that uncontrolled livestock movement between zones around Tonota and Serowe threatens cattle supplies destined for the Botswana Meat Commission, making fence integrity a national economic priority.

Meanwhile, Acting District Agricultural Coordinator, Mr Kenneth Mabote warned that vandalising the disease-control fence was a serious offence punishable by law, adding that offenders may be required to repair damaged sections at their own cost.

Despite the warning, he commended the community for taking responsibility for maintaining the fence using their own resources.

The maintenance follows the outbreak whose epicentre was identified near Jackalas No.1. Local authorities, Tonota and Serowe District Council chairpersons, Messrs Neo Sefhume and Atamelang Thaga said additional measures were underway, with district leadership planning to engage Ipelegeng workers for bush clearing along the fence line.

Government has also committed P97 million towards vaccination and logistics to contain the outbreak in Zone 6b.

The initiative stands as a reminder that when communities unite around a common threat, their shared knowledge, labour and commitment can play a decisive role in protecting both livelihoods and the national cattle industry. BOPA