According to officials, the agricultural sub sector currently produces 112,000 tonnes of horticultural produce annually, signaling substantial progress towards self-sufficiency. However, challenges such as stagnant cultivated land, slow irrigation expansion, and limited access to markets continue to hinder growth. Speaking recently, acting Lands and Agriculture minister, Edwin Dikoloti, revealed this development emphasizing that the country’s agriculture economy must adapt urgently to climate change, which he described as no longer a looming threat, but a daily reality. "From rising temperatures to unpredictable rainfall and prolonged droughts, the very foundation of agriculture is being shaken. Rivers that once sustained life are disappearing, water reserves are declining, and traditional farming methods are buckling under new pressures," he said.
To secure the future of farming, the minister called for immediate investment in the development of climate-resilient seed varieties that can endure extreme weather conditions. He urged stakeholders, research institutions, and policymakers to collaborate in strengthening Botswana’s national seed systems, with a focus on empowering farmers to survive and thrive amid environmental instability. The minister outlined a forward-looking vision that goes beyond just producing crops. At the heart of this strategy is regenerative agriculture — an approach focused on restoring soil health, enhancing biodiversity, and conserving water. He stressed that, for Botswana, a semi-arid country, water for production must be a top priority. This requires the adoption of efficient irrigation systems, water harvesting technologies, and precision agriculture methods driven by data and innovation. “Innovative approaches like hydroponics and urban agriculture offer efficient solutions for producing food with minimal land and water,” Dikoloti added. These modern techniques enable farmers to grow high-yield crops in water-scarce environments and represent a vital component of climate-smart agriculture.
