Africa-Press – Botswana. Botswana needs to be intentional about building resilient farmers who will adapt to the effects of climate change and propel the sector as an engine for economic growth. This commitment would contribute towards economic diversification in the wake of declining diamond sales.
Officially opening Mabutsane District Show on Friday, the Member of Parliament for Jwaneng/Mabutsane, Mr Omphemetse Kwapa noted that resuscitating the agricultural sector would not only create more employment opportunities, but would also reclaim its position as the leading contributor to the country’s GDP.
“Before the advent of diamond mining in this beautiful republic, agriculture was the leading sector in the national GDP, accounting to 80 per cent of the national income. This industry has a great potential not only of hamper harvest but also of creating employment to multitudes of youth currently struggling with unemployment and roaming the streets. We can also develop industries as there are value chain industries to be developed in this sector and these will widen the employment threshold hence less unemployment to be realised,” he said.
Mr Kwapa implored farmers to be innovative and adopt new technologies that align with international standards for them to reach bigger markets.
He noted that deploying the highest standards of herd handling and management would promote their chances of being internationally competitive and subsequently enhancing the economy of the country. The MP said climatic conditions such as prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall patterns, extreme heat and degradation have been hindering traditional farming in Botswana, which was the cornerstone of the local economy.
However, he underscored the need for farmers to remain dedicated to realising the country’s aspirations of food security through innovative and adaptive strategies. “To build resilience is not only to survive, it is to adapt, innovate and thrive under pressure. Climate resilience in agriculture means using climate-smart farming techniques such as drought-resistant crop varieties, water harvesting, conservation agriculture, diversifying income streams, integrating livestock with crops and exploring agri-business opportunities beyond traditional practices,” he said.
Additionally, he urged them to enhance their practices through obtaining accurate weather information and early warning systems that could inform their decision making to reduce risks. Mr Kwapa also underscored the need to strengthen farmers’ cooperatives and other knowledge-sharing platforms which promoted collaboration.
He noted that climate resilience was a collective responsibility for all stakeholders, hence called on the private sector, non-governmental organisations and research organizations to partner with government on tailor-made research intended for Botswana’s agricultural sector.
“We must invest in climate research tailored to Botswana’s ecosystems, access to affordable climate insurance products, subsidies and incentives for adopting climate-smart technologies, training and extension services focused on resilience and sustainability,” he noted.
The chairperson of Mabutsane District Show, Mr Johnson Ntsanyana appealed to the communities to play a role in the growth of the initiative, which he said was intended to improve the economy of the district and the country. He lamented that they were failing to experience significant growth as initially envisioned due to lack of support from both the district communities and the private sector.
“We are appealing to all stakeholders, including the communities in Mabutsane district, to support this good initiative. Let us share ideas and strategies on how we can grow because our plan is to either double or triple in growth in the next two years,” he said.
The second edition of Mabutsane District Show, which was characterised by farmers’ exhibitions, soccer tournament, beauty pageant, horse race and music festival, was held under the theme: Building Resilient Farmers Amidst Harsh Climatic Conditions.
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