Africa-Press – Botswana. Shorobe Basketry Multipurpose Cooperative Society has secured over P1 million from the National Environment Fund (NEF) to undertake a climate smart agro-forestry project on the sustainable usage and conservation of the Mokolwane tree.
The two-year project would be implemented at the cooperative farm on the outskirts of Shorobe.
The aim of the project is to ensure the sustainable conservation of the Mokolwane tree which is a source of income for the community.
The funds would be used to fence the land, install a solar electric fence, establish a nursery and a garden, shelter for weaving, drilling and equipping of a borehole for irrigation, construction of a warehouse and a cold room among others.
Speaking during the launch of the project last Friday, the director of Cooperative Development, Ms Moipedi Nkoane commended Shorobe cooperative for undertaking the project, noting that it would improve the livelihood of communities.
The project, she said, would not only benefit cooperative members, but the entire country.
She said cooperatives had been identified as one of the sectors that had the potential to diversify the economy.
Government, she said, was encouraging the revival of cooperatives in order to give communities an opportunity to participate in the growth of the economy as well as to embrace the Reset Agenda.
“I am happy that Shorobe cooperative has responded well and turned challenges into opportunities. Cooperatives are partners for accelerating sustainable development,” she added.
She said cooperatives had the potential to reduce poverty and promote self-reliance hence she urged members of the community to join cooperatives.
She also challenged cooperative members to work as a unit in order to overcome challenges, adding that some cooperatives collapsed because of poor governance, divisions and mismanagement of funds.
“I encourage you to unite and do things in a transparent manner in order to take your cooperative to greater heights,” she added.
Principal natural resource officer, from the Department of Environmental Affairs Ms Gloriah Keipeile said the project was important as it was in line with their mandate of protecting the environment and the conservation of resources.
“We consider it a step in the right direction towards achieving environmental sustainability,” she said, adding that if properly executed the project had the potential to bring in a lot of other socio-economic benefits for the whole community of Shorobe.
She said the project would go a long way in ensuring the sustainability of the Mokolwane tree which was one of the protected trees in the country.
Ms Keipeile said the tree would continue to be available for future generations to enjoy the same ecological, social and economic benefits.
She said the tree had the ability to absorb greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.
She encouraged cooperative members to be prudent in financial management and to ensure adherence to budget and procurement processes.
She said any negligence and misuse of funds could result in the NEF board terminating the contract and withdrawing funding.
Shorobe cooperative chairperson, Ms Boipuso Nyoke thanked stakeholders who assisted in securing the funding and promised to put the money to good use. The project, she said, was aimed at promoting co-existence with animals and improving their lives.
Through the project, she said they would start weaving classes to impart knowledge to those interested, targeting the younger generation.
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