23 Oct 2026

The Assistant Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Mr Motsamai Motsamai, has urged farmers in Hukuntsi to prepare to take advantage of the anticipated government export dispensation for live cattle and meat products, saying it could help them recover financially from the Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak.

Speaking at a stakeholder meeting in Hukuntsi, to update on the disease situation, Mr Motsamai said the planned initiative would create an opportunity for farmers to sell accumulated livestock, generate income and sustain their farming operations after months of movement restrictions.

He explained that reducing livestock numbers could ease the financial burden on farmers while supporting disease-control efforts by reducing the number of animals requiring extensive testing and surveillance to establish their disease status.

Mr Motsamai said proceeds from livestock sales could help farmers meet essential expenses, including veterinary services, farm maintenance and workers’ wages.

“Government was working to create opportunities for farmers to export cattle and access markets beyond Botswana. 

Individual allocations and export quotas would be regulated to promote fair participation and prevent market monopolisation,” he added. Mr Motsamai stated that expanded market access could improve their prospects of securing better returns from their livestock.

Mr Motsamai said livestock movement restrictions had been lifted in areas where conditions permitted, while restrictions remained in Zones 11 and 13.

He noted that the easing of restrictions would provide some relief, particularly by allowing livestock to be moved for slaughter under specified conditions. However, farmers would still be required to comply with applicable veterinary requirements and movement controls.

Mr Motsamai acknowledged that the outbreak had disrupted international trade, threatened household livelihoods and affected agricultural productivity.

He said the response had also placed significant pressure on the ministry budget, as funds, personnel, vehicles and machinery had been redirected towards disease-control operations, limiting resources available for other agricultural programmes.

Despite these challenges, he urged farmers not to lose hope but to remain committed to livestock production and explore available opportunities to sustain their businesses. 

He stressed that cooperation between Government, farmers and veterinary authorities remained essential to containing the outbreak, restoring trade and protecting livelihoods. 

Mr Motsamai urged farmers to continue working closely with veterinary officers, adhere to biosecurity requirements and present their animals for vaccination and surveillance. He said sustained progress in controlling FMD depended on collective responsibility and compliance with veterinary guidance.

Mr Motsamai also highlighted the appointment of a meat regulator tasked with advocating for smallholder farmers, consolidating producers’ voices and overseeing the grading, marketing, sale, importation and exportation of livestock and meat products.

He said the regulator was expected to strengthen coordination within the livestock and meat industry and help improve farmers’ access to markets.

“Farmers are tired of rearing cattle without reaping any reward. Time has come for them to benefit from their livestock,” he said.

He added that facilitating cattle sales through auctions, where animals could be sold to the highest bidder, could help farmers secure competitive prices and encourage continued investment in livestock production.

Among the concerns raised by the community was the increase in the  incidences of stock theft and delays in prosecuting cases, calling for more effective measures to address the problem and ensure timely administration of justice. ENDS