Late rains dampen northern farmers� hopes
Friday, December 18, 2015
FRANCISTOWN: The Department of Meteorological Services’ (DMS) warnings are coming horribly true for farmers here, as poor rains frustrate hopes for a robust start to the cropping season.
On October 1, the department announced that it expected the country to suffer the worst drought it has experienced in 34 years, this year, due to the effects of El-Nino weather phenomenon.
Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...