Similar measures should have long been introduced in other agricultural sectors. The decision is even more relevant if taken against the backdrop of the raging food crisis which threatens the very existence of economies that are, like Botswana, overly dependent on food imports. Food security has never been the issue it has now become for all self-respecting nations. The benefits associated with this development far outweigh any perceived disadvantages. The move will not only go a long way in reducing our high food import bill which is obviously eating away at the country's foreign reserves, but it will also assist in securing food self-sufficiency. The protection of local producers is a worldwide phenomenon, though in Botswana it has been treated as an anathema. Our local prophets of 'market forces' economics tend to beat us into submission with suspect bogus statistical arguments. Yet even in the hallowed European Union temple of 'market forces', import tariffs and quotas on 'sensitive products' are in place. This is meant to protect the EU producers. Ironically, beef falls within their bracket of sensitive products!
It is therefore amazing that European firms, or any other ones for that matter, should cry foul when we try to protect our own producers. For instance, the local branch of the Italian food giant, Parmalat, reportedly complained about the negative impact the introduction of the import duty is likely to have on their local operations. Yet Parmalat found nothing amiss in driving dairy companies in the Western Cape (South Africa) to the ground when they moved there a few years ago. Parmalat allegedly terminated those companies' supply contracts and opted to import powdered milk from Europe.
