Building a bridge from agriculture to African prosperity

Mohohlo
Mohohlo

At Kazungula, on the Zambezi River, four countries almost meet: Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia and my country, Botswana. I say “almost” because there is a tiny stretch where two ferries ply the river directly between Botswana and Zambia.

But the ferries’ capacity is no match for the trucks queuing to cross. Ferries often break down, and trucks can wait up to two weeks to cross the river. Much of their cargo is agricultural produce, which will spoil.

Kazungula is a potent symbol of a much greater disconnection. The majority of Africa’s poor live in rural areas, but agriculture has been neglected, along with many of the support networks it needs to thrive.

Editor's Comment
Gov’t must rectify recognition of Khama as Kgosi

While it is widely acknowledged that Khama holds the title of Kgosi, the government’s failure to properly gazette his recognition has raised serious concerns about adherence to legal procedures and the credibility of traditional leadership. (See a story elsewhere in this newspaper.) Recent court documents by the Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Kgotla Autlwetse, shed light on the intricacies of Khama’s recognition process....

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