12 Oct 2026

Farmers have been urged to move beyond subsistence production and treat agriculture as a business capable of contributing positively to Botswana’s economy and food security. 

 Speaking at a recent media briefing on the upcoming Farmers Conference and Farmers Market, conference director, Mr Mpho Mutaurirwa said the initiative was established to address challenges facing farmers, particularly profitability.  

Mr Mutaurirwa said agriculture’s contribution to Botswana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) had declined over the years, despite the sector continuing to provide employment and the country remaining heavily dependent on food imports. 

He said the conference would provide a platform for farmers to learn, share experiences and explore ways of making their businesses more profitable.

“Commercialise it. Make farming the commanding right of our economy,” he said. He said Botswana’s population of just over 2.5 million presented an opportunity for local farmers to increase production for the domestic market while exploring export opportunities.

The first farmers conference, held in April 2024, attracted 78 farmers and four speakers, while the second edition in December that year drew 123 farmers. Last year’s edition attracted 307 farmers.

Organisers are targeting 500 farmers for this year’s conference.

Mr Mutaurirwa said the initiative was part of a broader effort to improve food security and increase local production, calling for greater collaboration among farmers and other stakeholders.

“This is not a farmer’s conference thing or a farmer’s market thing. It is a Botswana thing,” he said.

Meanwhile, Baisago events and marketing director, Ms Meisie Mohwasa said the partnership between the Farmers Conference and Farmers Market would create opportunities for farmers to showcase and sell their produce.

The three-day event will run from October 15 to 17 at Baisago, with the farmers conference taking place during the first two days and the farmers market on the final day.

Ms Mohwasa said the market would allow farmers to display their products, connect with potential customers and establish business contacts. She said the initiative would also support efforts to diversify the economy by promoting agriculture as a viable business.

The organisers said they hoped the initiative would continue growing and create more opportunities for farmers while contributing to the development of the country’s agricultural sector. 

Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Tiroyaone Ntsima (third left) and other dignitaries touring stalls during the inaugural Made in BW – Sold to the World Expo 2026 at Botswana International University of Science and Technology in Palapye recently. He challenged local businesses to utilise the domestic market as a testing ground to refine their products before venturing into the highly competitive global arena. ENDS