Botswana Pushes for Collaborative Farming to Drive Economic Growth and Food Sovereignty
In a bid to revolutionize Botswana’s agricultural sector, Assistant Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship, Baratiwa Mathoothe, emphasized the transformative power of collaborative initiatives during his keynote address at the Masama Farmers’ Market on Saturday. Under the theme “Smart Farming for Inclusive Economic Growth and Food Sovereignty,” Mathoothe highlighted agriculture as a cornerstone for unlocking lucrative markets and propelling the nation’s economic development.
The assistant minister stressed that Botswana’s agricultural potential remains largely untapped, with many farmers operating at subsistence levels despite owning land capable of large-scale cultivation. He urged a paradigm shift, encouraging producers to embrace farming as a commercial enterprise rather than a subsistence activity. According to Mathoothe, leveraging technology, cooperative land leasing, and collective farming ventures could significantly boost productivity and reduce the country’s reliance on imports.
“Horticulture, livestock farming, agro-processing, and agri-business services offer diversified opportunities across the entire value chain,” Mathoothe stated. “By effectively harnessing these, we can reduce the import bill, create jobs, attract investment, and drive comprehensive economic growth.”
Mathoothe also emphasized the importance of collaboration with technology-driven enterprises to address challenges such as limited access to advanced farming tools and techniques. He cited traditional Setswana proverbs, ‘Moroto wa esi ga o ele’ (a single hand cannot build a village) and ‘Setshwarwa ke ntsa pedi ga se thata’ (two dogs can catch a hare easily), to underscore the value of collective effort in achieving agricultural success.
Echoing Mathoothe’s sentiments, Lembie Tlhalerwa, Director of Kwenantle Farmers and Temontle PTY Ltd, called for unity among producers. Tlhalerwa lamented the tendency of farmers to operate in isolation, often driven by competition rather than cooperation. She warned that hoarding resources, expertise, and knowledge would only stagnate the sector.
“All too often, we forget that no man is an island,” Tlhalerwa remarked. “By working together, we can turn the wheels of Botswana’s economy and create a thriving agricultural sector.”
Tlhalerwa urged the government to develop tailored support programs for subsistence farmers seeking to transition to commercial operations. She highlighted the need for financial assistance and alternative mechanisms to help producers scale their operations. Additionally, she challenged farmers to cultivate innovation and market acumen, noting that such skills could reduce national dependence on imports and boost employment.
The Masama Farmers’ Market, organized by Tsone Setlalekgosi, was conceived to bridge the gap in existing agricultural exhibitions, which often focus on livestock farming at the expense of crop and horticultural producers. Setlalekgosi aimed to empower overlooked farmers and provide them with a platform to showcase their products.
“The success of this event is a testament to the power of collaboration,” Setlalekgosi said. “Without unity and cooperation, this would not have been possible.” She urged producers to form functional advocacy groups and work closely with the government to design programs that better meet their needs.
Kenneth Mabote, District Agricultural Coordinator, echoed these sentiments, encouraging farmers to seize collaborative opportunities and engage both governmental and private sector entities. He assured producers that the government’s doors remain open for consultations aimed at advancing the agricultural sector.
As Botswana seeks to position agriculture as a leading contributor to its GDP, the call for unity, innovation, and smart farming practices has never been more urgent. With concerted efforts, the country’s farmers could not only achieve food sovereignty but also drive inclusive economic growth for generations to come.
— Reported by Nexio News
