National Fodder Strategy aims to cut feed imports
Pauline Dikuelo | Tuesday June 23, 2026 12:08
One such intervention is the recently launched National Fodder Strategy, which was developed by the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), an United Nations agency. Officials said the plan seeks to transform the country's livestock industry, reduce dependence on imported animal feed, and significantly lower the national dairy import bill. Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Dr Edwin Dikoloti, noted the initiative comes at a critical time as Botswana seeks to increase agriculture's contribution to the economy and accelerate growth within the livestock industry. 'We have set ourselves a target of increasing agriculture's contribution to GDP to between six and 10% over the next five years and growing the national cattle population to five million,' he said at the launch last week.
According to Dikoloti, Botswana has historically relied on imported feed and natural grazing systems, leaving farmers vulnerable to drought, erratic rainfall patterns, and global supply chain disruptions. As a result, the strategy seeks to reverse this trend by promoting the local production of climate-resilient fodder crops and developing sustainable feed supply systems. It will establish resilient local supply chains for fodder crops such as lablab and lucerne while strengthening feed security across the livestock sector. Government’s projections show that demand for livestock feed is expected to increase by approximately 103% by 2030. Authorities believe the strategy will help meet this growing demand while supporting a 60% expansion of the dairy industry and reducing Botswana's dairy import bill by nearly 75%. Dikoloti explained that previous interventions, including the government's Lemang Dijo programme, have already laid the foundation for increased fodder production.
Of the 74,855 hectares subsidised under the programme to date, 200 hectares have been dedicated to fodder production, with lablab accounting for 96% of the total fodder area. Despite this progress, the Minister acknowledged that the sector continues to face significant challenges, including climate variability, recurring droughts, inconsistent fodder quality, and rising feed costs. To address these challenges, the strategy will promote targeted investment in drought-resistant fodder crops, improved water infrastructure, and climate-smart agricultural practices. It also encourages farmers to form production clusters to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase access to shared infrastructure. Beyond enhancing livestock productivity, government expects the strategy to create new economic opportunities in fodder production, feed processing, storage, packaging, and logistics. The initiative is also expected to support import substitution efforts while strengthening Botswana's beef and dairy value chains.
FAO Representative in Botswana, Carla Mucavi, described the strategy as a major step towards building a more productive, competitive, and resilient livestock sector. She stated that improved fodder availability and stronger feed systems would not only enhance livestock productivity but also create opportunities for private sector investment and innovation throughout the agricultural value chain. Mucavi said strengthening local fodder production and establishing strategic feed reserves would help farmers maintain healthy livestock during disease outbreaks and movement restrictions, thereby reducing losses associated with external shocks. She also highlighted the importance of sustainable land management, noting that increased fodder production could help reduce overgrazing and land degradation. 'Through initiatives such as the Miombo-Mopane Project in the Tutume-Chobe landscape, FAO and government are working together to restore degraded land and promote climate-smart farming practices,' she said.
The FAO official further stressed that Botswana's semi-arid climate and increasingly unpredictable rainfall patterns make investment in fodder security essential for the long-term sustainability of the livestock sector. Government and the United Nations agency agreed that the success of the National Fodder Strategy will depend on strong partnerships, supportive policies, and sustained investment in farmers, particularly smallholder and medium-scale producers who remain the backbone of Botswana's livestock industry. The strategy is being implemented against the backdrop of ongoing challenges posed by Foot-and-Mouth Disease, which continues to disrupt livestock movement and affect farmers' livelihoods.