What are farmers to do? :: Mmegi Online

Despite their tag as the first-borns of Botswana, farmers seem to be getting the short end of the stick, in terms of accurate, timely and relevant advice from research and policy developers. Before the mining miracle, triggered by the find in Orapa, farmers were this country’s economic backbone and even today, agriculture is the country’s largest employer and potentially a principal avenue for diversification.

However, as the worst rainy season in 34 years settles across the country, research and policy developers are conspicuously quiet in terms of preparing farmers, particularly the struggling subsistence folk who make up the majority and bear the responsibility for supporting most families in Botswana.

Even as November starts – a period when tillage activities should be gathering momentum – it is unclear whether authorities in the agriculture ministry have adequately prepared and informed farmers in systematic manner, about the challenges expected this rainy season.

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