A long-term outcome of these tribulations was an expansion in the flow of migrant labour out of the Protectorate. As bad became worse the Protectorate’s Annual report for 1897/98 noted that the territory “flooded by both white and coloured persons calling themselves Labour Agents.” While no complete set of numbers exists for calculating the total size of the exodus of migrant labour, official statements as well as missionary impressions, support the contention that it was of considerable magnitude. The 1897/98 report observed that: “So many men have gone that most villages present a quite deserted appearance.”
Throughout the ecological crisis Batswana looked for ways to survive besides labour migration. The traditional option of dispersing into smaller bands to rely on hunting and gathering was compromised by the devastation caused by rinderpest on wildlife populations. The epizootic afflicted all hoofed mammals. Initially most dikgosi tried to fulfil popular expectations by catering for the needy with their communal grain stores. As a result Bathoen, Khama and Sebele initially rejected aid offered through a Bechuanaland Relief Committee, which was sponsored by official and missionary elements. Sebele:
