The concerns were voiced at the inaugural Local Enterprise Authority (LEA) Pitso recently convened at Boipuso Hall themed 'Paving the way for growth for SMMEs' where Trade and Industry Minister, Dorcas Makgato-Malesu, officiated. The convention was told that institutions like the Citizen Development Entrepreneurship Agency (CEDA) - that is mandated with financing businesses - and LEA- whose main function is to provide business development services like screening, training and identify business opportunities for existing and future SMMEs - do not work together for growing the sector. Mavis Nkwane, a horticultural entrepreneur from the Pandamatenga Farms said it is of utmost significance for the relevant departments to work as one in order to bring self-sufficiency especially in food production. She said the economic diversification drive is a good initiative but their products continue to under perform due to cheaper ones coming from neighbouring Zambia.
"There is no market at all for horticultural produce in Kasane because it is difficult to reach the place and competition from Zambia beat us, but they do not sell fresh produce," she said.Nkwane said lack of market is a serious threat to growth of the horticulture sector and called for an establishment of a branch of the Botswana Horticulture Council in the area. Lack of decentralisation of institutions like soil testing facilities and others is yet another business hiccups because farmers spend a lot of money travelling to the capital to access such services.
