Africa-Press – Botswana. An urgent motion requesting government to permit the establishment of diverse business ventures in agricultural land without formal change of land use, was unanimously backed by Members of Parliament on Friday.
Tabled by Kanye North MP, Mr Thapelo Letsholo last week, the motion called for the adoption of ‘a more flexible land use for agricultural land by permitting the establishment of business ventures in agricultural land (masimo, meraka, ranches, integrated farms among others) without necessitating a formal change of land use’.
Mr Letsholo asked for such business ventures to include restaurants, spas, craft shops, recreational facilities, filling stations, meat processing facilities, dairy processing facilities, guest cottages, camping sites, and others. He stated that the motion was aimed at fostering inclusive economic growth in Botswana.
Minister of Lands and Water Affairs, Dr Kefentse Mzwinila expressed support of the motion, pointing that it would encourage maximal use of agricultural land in the country. Dr Mzwinila pointed out that the move would benefit the economy and result in creation of more jobs.
He said government in 2018 embarked on a land reform exercise aimed at addressing restrictions in planning instruments.
He said the land reform exercise was a response to a call by Batswana to be allowed to optimally use their land, in particular ploughing fields that remained idle for a considerable length time after the harvest period.
“To that end auxiliary land use activities in agricultural land are operated without change of land use of the plot and are maintained substantially for the benefit or convenience of the owners, occupants, employees and customers,” he said.
He said 50 per cent of plots were permitted for auxiliary land use activities, stating that it was important to maintain compatibility between principal land use activities and auxiliary land use activities. He said each application would be considered on its own merit and subject to approval by relevant authorities.
“We have no problem allowing restaurants to operate, but we are not a licensing body and a trade license would be required from the relevant body. We will allow but there are other government departments, which would give permission,” he said.
Dr Mzwinila said the motion was continuation of pronouncements made since 2018 by President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi regarding unlocking the economic potential of the land.
Debating in support of the motion, MP for Ngami, Mr Caterpillar Hikuama, pointed out that adoption of the motion would result in more productive use of agricultural land.
He said farmers would carry out more business activities in their farms without having to look for business plots in towns and villages. He urged government to implement the motion speedily if it was adopted by Parliament.
Good Hope/ Mabule MP, Mr Eric Molale also supported the motion, saying operating business activities in the farming lands would help to set the base for a more progressive agrarian economy. He said adoption of the motion would help to broaden the base for agrarian economy.
He further said it would encourage value chain development in agriculture. However, he said food, health and environmental safety should be strictly adhered to when implementing the motion.
Tonota MP Mr Pono Moatlhodi threw his weight behind the motion, saying agricultural land held a lot of potential for wealth creation.
The motion was also supported by Maun East MP, Mr Goretetse Kekgonegile, who pointed out that adopting the motion would result in economic inclusion for agricultural land owners.
For More News And Analysis About Botswana Follow Africa-Press
