Agricultural Pitso drives sector revitalization
Mpho Mokwape | Monday October 6, 2025 06:00
The Pitso held under the theme “Revitalising Agriculture for Resilience: Policy Reform, Programme Review and Private Sector Synergy,” was designed to provide a national platform for dialogue, reflection, and strategic planning for the future of agriculture in the country.
The Agricultural Pitso is a government-led initiative aimed at bringing together policymakers, farmers, researchers, investors, and other stakeholders within the agricultural value chain.
Its goal is reportedly to create a unified space where all participants can assess the current state of the sector, share experiences, discuss challenges, and propose practical solutions.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, it is also an opportunity to align agricultural initiatives with Botswana’s broader national development goals, particularly in the areas of food security, employment creation, rural development, and economic diversification.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture, Kabelo Ebineng, outlined the government’s long-term vision for agriculture.
“The Agricultural Pitso is not just a one-time conference, but the beginning of a broader, more inclusive approach to agricultural planning and policy implementation, he explained.
According to Ebineng, the Ministry recognises that sustainable agricultural development requires strong collaboration among government agencies, the private sector, civil society, academic institutions, and the farming community.
Ebineng emphasized that the theme of the Pitso revitalization for resilience was chosen deliberately to reflect the urgent need for reform in the sector.
He noted that agriculture in Botswana has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including erratic rainfall, climate change, land degradation, limited access to finance, and outdated farming practices.
“These issues have affected productivity and reduced the contribution of agriculture to the national economy,” Ebineng said.
Despite the challenges, Ebineng said he remains optimistic that through coordinated efforts, the sector can be transformed into a more productive and resilient industry.
He stated that the Pitso has offered a unique opportunity for stakeholders to review existing policies and programmes to determine what is working and what needs to be improved or replaced.
In particular, the government said it is keen to explore how policy reform can stimulate innovation, improve resource allocation, and attract investment into agriculture.
One of the key pillars of the Agricultural Pitso was private sector synergy, as the PS highlighted the importance of engaging private companies and investors to strengthen the agricultural value chain.
He explained that the government cannot work in isolation if it hopes to achieve large-scale transformation.
“Private sector involvement is crucial for providing inputs, processing agricultural products, opening new markets, and supporting farmers with modern technologies and services,” he said.
The Pitso also featured presentations and panel discussions by local and international experts who shared successful models and case studies, and there were also exhibitions showcasing agricultural innovations, products, and services. Participants included representatives from farming cooperatives, agribusinesses, banks, non-governmental organizations, and development partners.
Another focus of the Pitso was youth and women empowerment in agriculture. Ebineng explained that for the sector to grow and remain sustainable, it must attract young people and support women farmers, pointing out that the Ministry is developing targeted programmes that provide training, mentorship, access to land, and financial support to these groups.
In addition to stakeholder engagement, the Agricultural Pitso also served as a platform for aligning national agricultural strategies with international commitments.
Ebineng noted that Botswana is a signatory to several regional and global frameworks that promote sustainable agriculture, food security, and climate resilience.
These include the African Union’s Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He explained that the Ministry aims to use the Pitso to reinforce its commitment to these frameworks while ensuring that Botswana’s policies are locally relevant and responsive to the needs of its people.
Looking beyond the event itself, Ebineng confirmed that the Ministry will compile the outcomes of the Pitso into a comprehensive report. This report will guide future policy decisions and form the basis for continued engagement with stakeholders.
“The government plans to institutionalize the Agricultural Pitso to allow for regular review of progress, sharing of best practices, and updating of strategies as needed,” he said.
Ebineng concluded by encouraging all stakeholders to actively participate in the Pitso, stating that agriculture is the backbone of many communities in Botswana and has the potential to drive inclusive economic growth if managed well.
He expressed hope that the Pitso would mark the beginning of a new era in Botswana’s agricultural journey, one characterized by resilience, innovation, and shared prosperity.