01 Apr 2026

Legislators have called for a shift in the nation’s agricultural strategy to transition from simple food security to total food sovereignty. 

Contributing to the debate on the National Agricultural Policy recently, they argued that true economic independence relied on local control of food systems, climate-smart technology and the urgent reduction of the country’s high food import bill.

 Kgatleng East MP, Mr Mabuse Pule, argued that transitioning from a status of food security to food sovereignty would promote the right of local people to control their own food systems, including markets, ecological resources, food cultures and production modes. Mr Pule said he was pleased to see that the previous government had done the groundwork in laying a solid foundation toward food sovereignty.

 “The previous government had programmes in place such as Temo Letlotlo and others, that went beyond traditional farming paradigms. 

These were destined to improve food security by championing crop diversification and the use of climate-smart technologies to ensure resilience against climate uncertainties,” he said.

 He explained that the programme was a productivity-output-based agro-ecological reward system designed to improve food security in Botswana.  Consequently, he argued, the onus was now on the current government to ensure that policies were in place to safeguard the country’s agricultural products. 

He also urged government to remain steadfast in promoting sustainable food sovereignty to reduce the high food import bill. 

“The bulk of the import bill comes from commodities, indicating an urgent need for value addition through the establishment of processing centers.

 Many of these commodities are ‘low-hanging fruit’ whose production can be increased within a short period,” he added. Supporting the policy, Shoshong MP, Mr Moneedi Bagaisamang highlighted that agricultural productivity was envisaged to diversify Botswana’s economy.  He noted that the sector had the potential to contribute to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through creation of quality employment, building a middle-class economy, wealth creation and value chain development as well as building resilient rural economies.

 He added that the grain production subsector required a transformation strategy involving technology adoption, improved production systems, enhanced infrastructure and creation of commercial industries along the value chain.  Maun West MP, Mr Caterpillar Hikuama decried the rising cases of human-wildlife conflict in the Ngamiland area, which he attributed to the poor maintenance of the veterinary cordon fence.

 To address this, Mr Hikuama suggested that the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture should consult with the Ministry of Environment and Tourism to include problematic wild animals in community trust hunting quotas. 

Furthermore, he pleaded with government to empower the youth in his constituency by creating opportunities in agribusiness enterprises and fostering linkages with the private sector and development agencies.

 Specially Elected MP, Major General Pius Mokgware emphasised the importance of including the establishment of water banks along the country’s major rivers. He noted that such banks would help manage scarcity by storing surplus water and act as a savings account to ensure a reliable supply during dry years. ENDS