This, we understand, should lead to a P4.5 billion-food production project that will cover Kasane, Pandamatenga, Lesoma and Kazungula. The government intends to provide requisite infrastructure for this massive agro-commercial project. We are tempted to share Wotho's optimism that the envisaged project "will take us somewhere as a nation".
This sounds more plausible than the sacrificing of good land for a sugar plantation.
Ensuring the nation's food security has never been a top priority. Yet run-away food shortages and skyrocketing food and fuel prices are a cause for concern globally. It is for this reason that countries like Botswana, which are dangerously dependent on food imports, estimated at 80 percent, must be taking remedial measurers to stem the crisis.
As a matter of fact, most food exporting countries have started instituting export curbs to the detriment of consumer nations. Therefore, the Chobe project could be the first right step in addressing food shortages. In fact, the whole approach to food security should be holistic. It should consider our comparative advantages that also include provision of the necessary infrastructure in sectors such as livestock production. This country has proved its mettle in this sector, and all that is needed is the creation of an environment conducive for its commercialisation.
