01 Apr 2026

Residents of Phuduhudu in North West District have been implored to embrace the newly launched herding for health programme and realise its full benefits. 

Supported by Conservation International and the Green Climate Fund to the tune of P600 000, the programme directly supports household incomes through herding for health. 

It develops enterprise plans for the beef value chain, new market opportunities and a wildlife-friendly grass fed beef brand. 

Speaking at the programme launch in Phuduhudu recently, Conservation International (CI) senior vice president-Africa Field Division, Mr Jimmiel Mandima said communities in Botswana were facing the direct effects of climate change such as drought, bush encroachment, water scarcity and veld fires, threatening livestock and the livelihoods that depend on them.

As such, he said the programme offered  a solution as it restored rangelands, improved livestock management and strengthened communities to cope with climate stress. 

“It is not just a conservation programme; it is a livelihood and resilience programme and Phuduhudu will become a learning centre where other communities can see how restoration and improved livestock management can work in practice. Its success depends on your leadership, your knowledge and your commitment to restoring the land that sustains you,” he added. 

He also emphasised that strengthening local institutions as a key feature of the programme was a sign of strong governance. 

Furthermore, he noted that CI in partnership with the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) were developing a national curriculum for eco rangers, restoration workers and graduate monitors creating lifelong opportunities for young people and farmers alike. 

“Conservation International role is to strengthen these institutions with training and tools to support climate resilient grazing and rangeland rehabilitation to ensure the programme continues long after project funding ends,”he said. 

Vice president, Conservation International-Green Climate Fund Agency (GCF), Mr Steve Panfill said the programme brought resources from the Green Climate Fund to compliment the government’s efforts in building climate resilience of its people. 

He said the fund was mandated to support countries to raise ambitions and realise their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) toward low-emissions and climate-resilient development pathways. 

“All GCF projects must set mitigation or adaptation targets, measured as tons of reduced greenhouse gas emissions or by the number of people whose resilience to climate change has increased. The project that we launched is a special one, in that it is cross-cutting, seeking to both reduce emissions and to directly build the resilience of farmers whose livelihoods depend on healthy, drought resistant herds,” he said.

Mr Panfill said the model that was being applied builds on the idea that if ecosystems were well cared for, they will in turn care for those who depend on them. 

Kgosi Johane Ngwengare of Phuduhudu expressed gratitude that the programme has the potential to curb stock theft and predation, improve livestock and rangeland management, and control animal movement in the event of disease outbreaks. 

He said the programme was also ideal since it encourages conservation efforts something which he said resonates well with his community as traditionally, they were conservationists as they managed the wilderness through sustainable hunting and gatherer lifestyle. 

However, he called on implementers to secure more funding to support the initiatives implemented through the model to ensure sustainability. 

“This model has the potential to improve livelihoods and address challenges faced by local farmers and I plead with you to secure more funding to ensure continuity and roll it out across the country,” said Kgosi Ngwengare. ENDS