Agric production on downward trajectory
Thursday, July 30, 2015
Low agriculture output is expected again this season as President Ian Khama has declared another drought year
The declining performance of the sector is largely attributed to the unfavourable climatic conditions and endemic animal diseases, in particular the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).
The results of the 2013 survey, produced by Statistics Botswana (SB) indicate that livestock population generally has decreased between 2012 and 2013 agricultural seasons.
Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...