Africa-Press – Botswana. Ministries of Labour and Home Affairs and Lands and Agriculture are consulting on strategies to enhance the performance and productivity of the agricultural sector.
The initiative aims to address pressing challenges within the agriculture sector including declining productivity and sustainability concerns.
Addressing a consultative meeting in Tsabong on Monday, Mr Bonnie Jim, director of Productivity and Competitiveness from the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs, said the initiative sought to assess the current state of agricultural productivity and service quality in relation to critical productivity indicators of capital, labour, and total factor productivity, as well as employment.
It also aims to examine employee productivity and engagement within the sector, explore the influence of cultural dynamics and government interventions, and evaluate the effectiveness of extension services as well as sustainability practices, he said.
Mr Jim further explained that the consultative sessions were designed to gather valuable insights from a diverse range of stakeholders, including farmers, agricultural workers, cooperatives, extension officers, policymakers, and private sector actors.
“Their experiences, challenges, and suggestions would contribute to the formulation of evidence-based, actionable strategies for the sector’s long-term sustainability,” he said.
He stressed that the nationwide consultation underscored government’s proactive approach to tackling the challenges facing Botswana’s agricultural sector and its dedication to fostering a more productive and sustainable future for the industry.
He also said this emphasised government’s commitment to revitalising the agricultural sector as a cornerstone for economic growth, food security, and rural development.
Further consultations are expected to take place across the country as part of this crucial initiative.
Tsabong’s Acting District Agricultural Coordinator, Dr Tshephang Moeng said the consultation was timely and much needed by the farming community.
Dr Moeng expressed optimism that the project would, among other benefits, improve service delivery, increase the availability of both material and human resources, ultimately leading to increased agricultural production and improved livelihoods for farmers in the region.
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